Book picks similar to
Holding Back by Helen Pollard


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Her Double Punishment


Daniella Wright - 2019
    18+ only!

Cowboy Billionaires At Brookside Ranch


Hanna Hart - 2020
    The Brookside Ranch brothers get their HEAs against all odds. Second chances, fake marriages, secret babies, country stars, blind dates, next-door neighbors... This series has got it all!A Cowboy Billionaire Best Friend’s SecretA secret could tear apart a cowboy billionaire from his old best friend.Rachel Piers is a complete wreck after being cheated on by her ex, so she seeks the comfort at her best friend’s ranch in Wyoming.The only problem? Her best friend is also her ex-fiancée’s brother.Family secrets, past traumas, and their complicated friendship might come in the way of them getting their happily ever after.A Blind Date With Her Cowboy Billionaire BossThe last thing this cowboy billionaire and his nanny wanted… was love.Shelby Peters took the job so she could cope with the loss of her own child. Falling in love with a single dad while taking care of his two children was not part of the plan. Sparks fly when a mutual friend sets them up on a blind date and they realize just how good they might be together. But will secrets come in the way of them building something together?A Cowboy Billionaire Country Star Fake MarriageCountry superstar Phoenix Brooks is a bad boy with a billion dollars. He moved his entire life to a ranch once a scandal erupted, and he knew that a girl like Miranda could help him fix things. Miranda’s life was in shambles and she desperately needed the money that Phoenix could pay her. It was a match made in heaven… or not..A Cowboy Billionaire Secret BabyCowboy billionaire Bennett Brooks finds his ex-girlfriend and a secret when he returns home to Texas. He was only visiting to attend his best friend’s wedding. Nothing more, nothing less. But his heart skipped a beat when he saw the girl he hadn’t met in years – June Harman. She was a single mom and the timing was bad. But her secret was way worse than the timing. What would happen once Bennett found out that June’s little girl was, in fact, his daughter.A Nanny For The Cowboy BillionairePaige Ramsay shouldn’t have accepted the job as a live-in nanny. She’s ready to get married and start a family but her heart is now set on her new boss. It’s impossible for her to not fall for Jett Brooks, a cowboy billionaire with an adorable little son. The only problem is that he lost his wife in a tragic accident and isn’t ready to open up his heart yet. Should Paige keep her feelings to herself or risk having her heart broken?A Next Door Neighbor For The Cowboy BillionaireCowboy billionaire, Jaxson Brooks, never expected his next door neighbor to be his adopted son’s mother. Madelyn Woodward gave him up after she was diagnosed with a serious illness. Jaxson struggles with running his billion-dollar ranch while raising his son, and he never expected his drop-dead gorgeous neighbor to be a perfect babysitter. He started falling for her hard and fast but the mountain of secrets might just destroy everything first.

Holly Bough Cottage (Holiday Cottage #2)


Cindy Gunderson - 2021
    Facing the possibility of spending Christmas alone—or even worse, at her over-eager parent’s—she booked a two-week stay at the first affordable, well-rated winter retreat she could find: Holly Bough Cottage in the Colorado Rockies. With her interior design business slowing down over the holidays, Liv can practically smell the pine trees and warm apple cider, but most importantly? She won’t have to face anyone for at least fourteen days. Jonah wasn’t planning on being anywhere but home for Christmas, but when the owners of the Cottages posted on a community board that their handyman injured himself, he decided to pull them a solid. It didn’t hurt that they were offering a free stay and double the daily rate he usually made as a middle-school science teacher. When Liv discovers that the man who came to replace her thermostat is staying in the next cottage over, she finds herself looking for opportunities to sit on the porch while answering emails. Even if it is thirty below. Jonah, battling ghosts of his own, can’t help but walk the long way to the office in the hopes of catching a moment with her. With Liv's heart still raw from past wounds and Jonah hiding a past life that could ruin any budding relationship, their initial attraction doesn't seem to stand a chance. Will their unexpected meeting during the most magical of times be enough to open their hearts to loving and trusting again? If you adore cozy Christmas memories, down-to-earth characters, and sweet romance, you'll love Gunderson's heartwarming holiday tale.

Girl, Conflicted


Sasha Lane - 2014
    If I don’t then there’s every chance that keeping my secret will cause my world to implode anyway.Can I buck the trend of my relationships’ past, or am I destined to be doomed in love forever more?Either way, I know I’m in trouble.A funny, feel good romcom that will have you laughing out loud as you follow unlucky in love Emma and her quest for the perfect romance...Hilarious, heart-warming and romantic! Will Emma find her happy ever after? An addictive read that is perfect for fans of Bridget Jones and for lovers of romantic comedy novels by Sophie Kinsella, Paige Toon, Cathy Bramley, and Lindsey Kelk.A perfect heart warming beach read for your holiday!What are readers saying about the book:‘It’s a fun and gripping read from start to finish’ 5 Star Review - Amazon reader‘I wasn't expecting the twist which just added to the fab ending’ 5 Star Review - Amazon reader‘Brilliant read fabulous book couldnt put it down' 5 Stars - Amazon reader‘I would definitely recommend this book to everyone if you love Chick lit then this book is definitely for you’ 5 Stars -Amazon reader

The Winter Promise


Rosie Goodwin - 2020
    Unable to afford a doctor, he knows the younger children will not survive. So, unbeknownst to Opal, Charlie takes their younger siblings to the workhouse, where he knows they will at least be fed and have a roof over their heads.Opal is heartbroken and struggles to forgive him. Charlie, in turn, takes bigger and bigger risks to try to support what's left of the Sharp family and earn Opal's forgiveness - but he takes it too far and finds himself in trouble with the law. Soon, he is sent on a convict ship to Australia.As poor Opal is forced to say goodbye to the final member of her family, she makes a promise to reunite them all one day.Will Opal ever see her family again?

Secrets in Stone


Rebecca A. Engel - 2014
    An unrequited crush. A break-in and near assault.Life wasn't going too well for Joyce Manning. Given her circumstances, it wasn't surprising that she was willing to accept the strange condition in the will of a heretofore-unknown relative. Joyce would inherit a house, and an income, if she lives in the property for two years. Joyce doesn't hesitate to leave Chicago for upstate New York. It's not until she's almost there that she begins to worry that the house might be a rickety shack with no lights or running water, and filled with feral cats.It's not. In some ways, it's worse. The house is like something out of a nightmare, crawling with gargoyles and grotesques. The nearest neighbor to the isolated house, depending on who you talk to, is a spa -- or a mental asylum.But it's not all bad. The interior of the house, thankfully, doesn't match the outside. Not one but two local men actively pursue Joyce -- more attention than she garnered in Chicago. And not having to work for a living is a dream come true.Things would be great, if it weren't for the odd occurrences in the house, and the changes on its outside that make Joyce wonder whether her imagination is too vivid or if she's losing her mind. Will Joyce realize that when something seems too good to be true, it usually is? Because the house has a horrifying secret, and there was a special -- and sinister -- reason Joyce was lured there.

Tiaras & Teacups (Berry Lake Cupcake Posse Book 2)


Melissa McClone - 2021
    She’s struggling to leave her trophy wife identity behind and make ends meet as a full-time event planner. When her handsome new neighbor needs to throw the perfect birthday party for his niece, Juliet offers her services. If she pulls this off, maybe she can get her life back on track. But to do so, she’ll need the help of the Cupcake Posse. Too bad her friends are grappling with problems of their own:Missy’s recovering from injuries; Nell’s trying to thwart her mother’s matchmaking efforts; Selena’s husband wants her to work less when she needs to do more; and Bria’s facing obstacles she never anticipated trying to save her late aunt’s bakery.Join the Cupcake Posse as they work together to navigate the difficulties of life, loss, and love. They continue to rely on each other, never losing sight of the importance of friendship and family, but will that be enough to save the Berry Lake Cupcake Shop?

The Long Walk (The Bridge #2)


Jill Cox - 2018
    And when a childhood dream bubbles up through the cracks in her life, Meredith can’t help but wonder if this new path was her true destiny all along.From Ireland to Oregon, from Paris to Shanghai, follow Meredith into a future she never imagined. Because sometimes, the story is more important than the ending.This sequel to THE BRIDGE is a sweet contemporary romance, perfect for fans of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION or L. M. Montgomery’s ANNE OF THE ISLAND.CONTENT WARNING: THE LONG WALK contains multiple scenes addressing death, grief, and mental health issues (depression, PTSD, and accident-related trauma).

A Marquess' Miraculous Transformation


Abigail Agar - 2020
    When her friend, Melora, informs her of a work opportunity at the estate of a nobleman, Lavender sees this as a chance to finally move forward. She might be hired as a simple servant, but her father's legacy of medical knowledge is still within her. Therefore, when the Marquess needs her, she is willing to offer her help and ends up nursing his broken heart too... As their special connection starts growing, Lavender realises he might be her one true soulmate. With her heart beating faster whenever they are together, could this be the beginning of a powerful love?The Marquess Ronan Beckman has found himself injured in the midst of a robbery. He is therefore in desperate need of a maid who can offer medical support as well. When he meets the charming Miss Philips, he sees that there is something so unique about her, that it makes him abandon his usual arrogance and selfishness. However, when Lady Foster, a woman that had always been after Ronan's title, sees that he is recovering, she places herself back in his life. Unfortunately, Lady Foster also soon realises that Lavender is somewhat of a threat to the future she wants for herself and Ronan. Will Ronan manage to make the right choice and realise that Lavender is everything he's been looking for his entire life?As Ronan and Lavender grow significantly closer, it is Lady Foster who continues to come between them. As if this wasn't enough, when a sudden illness strikes, they must decide just how much they trust and love each other. Determined to win this battle, they will fiercely fight for their love until the end. Will the power of their feelings manage to conquer the threat of death and romantic antagonists? Or will the wounds of the past tear their blooming love apart?

His Christmas Surprise


Deborah Garland - 2018
    Time to smooth things over and stop…fighting. They can’t seem to agree about anything. Faith's job as a producer is on the line and his long hours at the FBI are tearing them apart. Thank goodness, they have thirty days until their twin sons are born.Or so they thought...Three days before Christmas they get a surprise. The babies can’t wait. Nothing is ready. Including them. And...Faith won’t wake up after the delivery.Now Greg's re-writing his letter to Santa. He’ll make any sacrifice to keep his family together. He won’t lose his Faith again…His Christmas Surprise is the follow-up to All for Me, but can be read as a standalone...Previously titled A Must for Christmas (less)

Accidentally Yours


Samantha Bayarr - 2017
     Mia Fletcher is a mousy, nerdy, school teacher who is once again dateless for Valentine's Day. At the prompting from her co-worker, she agrees to ditch her cliché life, put on a party dress, and head for the Valentine Blind-Date Ball at the country club. What she didn't agree to when she signed on was meeting the very infuriating Chad Belmont. Willing to do anything to get out of a family obligation, Chad tells his friend he plans to marry the next woman he meets, and his friend takes him up on that dare until a simply party-game glitch gives them both more than they bargained for.

Startup Fiancé


Shilpa Mudiganti - 2018
    The handsome, self-made billionaire topped the list of New York’s most eligible bachelors and sat at the helm of the city’s biggest tech empire. He also had a plan - buy out the brilliant upstart nipping at his heels, and dominate as the biggest and best tech company in New York.The strategy had worked for him in the past. He had the resources and skills to pull it off. And, he was determined to overcome his father’s dark legacy, and prove he had what it took to stay on top. Nothing would distract him from his goal. He’d buy out his biggest rival but the company’s owner, Nisha Jain wasn’t the pushover he believed.Nisha Jain had a plan, too. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, her early years had been a carefully scripted fairy tale. She was determined to make everyone sit up and notice when she achieved stupendous success - without her father's money or brand influence. She knew she was on the right path when her biggest competitor wanted to meet with her.But when they met, nothing went as planned.Neither expected the instant spark of attraction, nor the hurtful words tossed around like confetti. With meddling family members and an arranged marriage thrown into the mix, the fate of both companies - and Arav and Nisha’s undeniable attraction – hung precariously. What was supposed to be a cakewalk became more complicated than either ever imagined.Compromises needed to be made. But between a billionaire whose life work is on the line and an heiress out to prove her own worth, who would blink first?

Becoming Hank


Maggie M. Lily - 2021
    But, long before parenthood, they were in love.Take a step back in time to meet a young Henry "Trip" Trellis before he met Darla and changed the course of his destiny.Haven't read the Building the Circle series? No worries. This short read will introduce the family and leave you hungry for more!

Reflections


Christin Lovell - 2012
    It’s more than merely a trip though; it’s a chance for Kellan to reveal more of his past. It’s a renewal, a reawakening for them, as tender moments are shared, memories are rekindled and a name is chosen.This is a sweet short best read AFTER book 5, Darkness Falls, as it reveals and reviews plot details.

Trust Us (Rivers Edge)


Lacey Black - 2016
    Though the road, for either of them, wasn’t easily traveled, they wound up at this very place in life: together. Life can be spontaneous, chaotic, and downright messy at times, and with three young children, two full-time jobs, and an extended family that still gathers for Sunday dinners, Maddox and Avery are in desperate need of a break. A mini-Christmas getaway is just what the doctor ordered. Whisked away to the tropical island of Antigua, Maddox and Avery set out to soak up the sun and enjoy as much alone time as they can possibly squeeze into their short four-day stay. But what happens when their private mini-getaway turns into anything but private? Will Maddox and Avery remember the trust they found in each other when their perfect trip takes a turn for the worse? *Can be read as a standalone, but would be better to read with the series. **If you've read the series, this novella would fit right after Boss Me, book 5. *Disclaimer: This book contains graphic language and detailed sex and is recommended for those 18 and over.