Book picks similar to
Summer Girl by Linda Watkins


romance
literary-fiction
abuse
coming-of-age

Second Chances


Diana Xarissa - 2020
    Some are looking for love, some most definitely are not. Sooner or later, everyone finds his or her happily ever after. Camille Quinn has had her heart broken twice and she isn’t interested in finding love again. She’s busy raising her two children, Brandon and Molly. When Maxwell Steward, the first man who broke her heart, thirty years earlier, comes back to Ramsey, all she wants to do is avoid him. When Brandon manages to crash into Maxwell’s expensive sports car during a driving lesson, avoiding the man becomes impossible. The Ramsey Summer Fair throws Camille and Maxwell together and brings back memories for Camille. Maxwell seems more than happy to rekindle their friendship, seemingly not realizing how badly he hurt her in the past. Camille isn’t interested in being friends with her former boyfriend. She’s much more concerned with guarding her heart.

Chancing Hope


Lisa Slater - 2018
    If only Kerwyn could apply those same qualities to his relationship with the vibrant Mable Conner, who just happens to be his long-time childhood best friend. Haunted by the pain his father endures at the loss of his mother, Kerwyn feels determined to not make the same mistakes. He decided to set her free a long time ago, but can he? Should he? Mable Conner has big dreams, but growing up is hard, and life is demanding big changes. Desperately in love with her best friend, Kerwyn, how does she get him to sees her as the woman she is becoming, and not the little girl he grew up with? Also, wants to be a singer more than anything, and she’s got the voice and spirit to make it happen. With the right opportunity, anything could happen. But would leaving to sing mean leaving Kerwyn? Does he even care if she stays or goes? When mysterious, loner Devin Hill, begins interfering, the changes quickly become an eerily, unstoppable force. To Kerwyn, Devin could be a dangerous threat. To Mable, Devin could be an opportunity. The changes they encounter may not be what either of them had expected. They both may just be left to Chancing Hope. Max Van Zile, editor with Editing for Authors, writes about Chancing Hope, “Chancing Hope is one of my favorite books I’ve done working for this company.” Regarding a miscreant character, Mr. Van Zile writes, “He ends up becoming the single best and most memorable villain in any Editing for Authors book I’ve worked on.” Chancing Hope is a very coming of age, heart felt novel with emotional twists.

Mercy


K.C. Decker - 2020
    And it has nothing to do with his label of transference.I've worn all types of labels over the years--non-believer, pariah, deranged, orphan... it's all in my file if you care to understand me better.But the label that seems to have implanted the deepest and garnered the most attention is the one I wear like a Scarlet Letter. It precedes me when I enter a room and is whispered about like a schoolyard crush.Paranoid Schizophrenic. MERCY is a sexy new standalone that explores the taboo relationship between doctor and patient. It's deliciously naughty, while still delivering all the feels readers have come to expect from National Award-Winning Author KC Decker.

This Side of Midnight (Tildas Islands #4)


Tamsen Schultz - 2021
    But when tourists start dying under suspicious circumstances, she never imagines that the biggest battle she’d have to fight is within her own department. That is, until her friend, Dominic Burel, and the FBI Task Force he’s a part of, prove she’s right to be concerned.As an FBI agent and former PJ with the elite Air Force Pararescue Unit, Dominic Burel has been happy to move through life solely focused on work. But when a family visit leaves him shaken, he realizes his friendship with Anika could, and should, be so much more. Now he has to change her mind about them and he’s not above using his investigative skills to finagle his way into her case—and life—to do it.As Anika and Dominic hunt a killer, they quickly realize they’ve uncovered something much more sinister. The simple murders aren’t so simple and there’s a much grander plan at play. And when they find they aren’t the only ones hunting, it will take everything they have to stay out of the true killer’s crosshairs.If you revel in escaping into a story, this friends-to-lovers romantic suspense will keep you turning the pages.

Lucky Break


Lexy Timms - 2019
    Even salt looks like sugar." Addie Fowles is a brilliant sales representative. She does anything to sign a contract. Even if it means weaving a small white lie. After all, her biggest client is in Paris and will never know her engagement is a sham, right? Until Addie is put in the tough position of traveling to Paris to meet face-to-face with her client. Who also expects her to bring this 'fiancé' he's heard so much about. What's a girl to do? Fake sick? Drop the client? Admit the truth and hope she doesn't lose her job? How hard can it be to find a last-minute fake fiancé? Lucky Billionaire Series: Lucky Break Streak of Luck Lucky in Love

The Billionaire Bull


Romi Hart - 2018
    Like a wild bull. Women treat me like a God. I do what I want, when I want, and who I want. Women. Wine. Wealth. I've got it all. Life could not be better. But then, a sexy virgin Maya, shows up in my life. She ruins my reputation and now she has my attention. There's something about Maya that makes me want her. More than any other girl I've been with. Those inviting eyes, those juicy lips, her smooth curves. She's irresistible. She's playing hard to get but fu@k that. I can't wait anymore. No more playing games. I’m a completely different animal she’s never met before. I’m not letting her go. I will put everything on the line to make her mine! The Billionaire Bull is a steamy 60,000+ words full length novel with no cliffhangers, no cheating and a guaranteed HEA! Free bad boy romance books included inside for a limited time as bonus. Grab your copy.

The Midwife's Playlist


Piper Lennox - 2019
    The day he left, he ruined every single song.My name is Easton, and I catch babies. When I’m called to a teen mom’s birth in the middle of a thunderstorm, the last person I expect to see is Caroline. No, scratch that: the last person I expect to see—the last person I want to see—is her brother. Six years, and the sight of Ford still wrings my heart dry. His voice still melts me. His smirk still pisses me off in ways he can’t even imagine. Our small, Southern town broadcasts rumors 24/7, yet no one thought to tell me Ford was back. And now I’m stuck living near him all over again—stuck replaying the hell he put me through the last summer I saw him. I swore I wouldn’t give him the time of day. I failed. But I sure as hell won’t give him a second chance.* * *Once upon a time, I thought Easton Lawrence would be the girl who saved me. I didn’t return to sleepy little Hillford for redemption; I don’t deserve it. I didn’t even return for her. I came back because my family needs me. As soon as this is over, I’m out of here. Gone. A ghost.At least, that was my plan. I didn’t count on seeing Easton again—much less confessing I’m still in love with her. The day we met, she hated me: eight years old and sworn enemies. But as the years passed, I changed her mind. So maybe there’s hope. Maybe I can change it again.

Cowboys & Starlight


Jacqueline Winters - 2018
    She doesn't plan to stay. Ronnie Ross has spent the past three years working unthinkable hours as an interior design assistant. With a promotion one important project away, an ill-timed mistake costs her everything. Hoping to lay low for a couple of weeks, she takes her brother up on his invitation to visit him in Starlight, Wyoming. This could be the break she needs -- until an irritatingly handsome cowboy gets in the way. Colten Livingston swore he'd never fall for another city girl who'd leave his broken heart in her dust trail. Not after returning home two years ago when his dad fell ill cost him the wife who couldn’t handle country living. Now that his dad’s gone and his mom plans to sell the family home, there's nothing holding him back from returning to his dream job at Glacier National Park. Except the alluring city girl his mom's hired to complete the renovations. Best friend’s little sister or not, she’s definitely hiding something. Colten's determined to uncover her secret before she returns to Chicago. Which would be easier to do if a single touch from Ronnie didn’t make his pulse race. The last thing he thought he wanted might be the very thing he needs the most. Heat Level: Sweet/Mild Other Sweet Romances By Jacqueline Winters Starlight Cowboys Series 1. Cowboys & Starlight 2. Cowboys & Firelight 3. Cowboys & Sunrises 4. Cowboys & Moonlight 5. Cowboys & Mistletoe 6. Cowboys & Shooting Stars (Coming Soon) Sunset Ridge Series 1. Moose Be Love (releasing Feb 25th) 2. My Favorite Moosetake (coming soon) 3. Annoymoosely Yours (coming soon) Standalones 1. Hooked on You

All That Stands Between Us: A Clean Enemies-to-Lovers Romance


Annette K. Larsen - 2019
     Julie has lived next door to the Martins her entire life, but the days of backyard barbecues and lake vacations ended six years ago. That’s when the feud began. Now, returning to her hometown for the holidays, she has to face not only her parents’ exhausting bitterness, but the agonizing realization that the irresistible guy who just asked her out is in fact a Martin, and therefore off limits. Left to choose between family loyalty and a man who just might be perfect for her, Julie decides she can date Drew as long as they keep things under wraps. But secrets have a way of coming out and love for her family may require the sacrifice of what her heart wants most. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet (but without all the death), the sweet, romantic story of Julie and Drew’s relationship will make you laugh out loud on one page and make your heart ache on the next. It’s a story about loving family, loving yourself, and loving your soulmate—and choosing which one to put first. All That Stands Between Us is a clean and wholesome contemporary romance novel for both teenagers and adults. If you’re looking for an inspirational read about a new adult returning from college for the holidays, this romantic comedy is a great read and promises to be a favorite best seller. Annette K. Larsen is one of the most popular sweet romance authors of recent years. Writing for teen and tween girls, young adults, and women alike, her books can be shared from mother to daughter to grandmother. Any book of hers would be a great gift idea for the book-loving women in your life. Whether she’s writing a historical fantasy series about princesses, or a romantic suspense thriller full of action and adventure, all of her novels have a guaranteed happy ending and plenty of swoon-worthy kisses.

The Trouble with Goodbye


Sarra Cannon - 2013
    She’s always been the girl who does what she’s told. Except that time two years ago when she shocked everyone in the small town of Fairhope by breaking up with the richest guy in town and heading off to Boston to follow her dreams.It was the single most exciting thing she’s ever done for herself, and it felt like the start of something big…Until one terrifying night ripped it all away.With no place else to go, Leigh Anne heads home to reclaim what’s left of her old life. On the outside, she seems like the same reliable girl everyone knows and loves. But deep inside, she’s hiding a terrible secret.That’s when she meets Knox Warner, a troubled newcomer to Fairhope. His eyes have the same haunted look she sees every day in the mirror, and when she’s near him, the rest of the world fades away. But being with Knox would mean disappointing everyone all over again.If she wants to step back into that old life, she has no choice but to say goodbye to him forever.Only, the Trouble with Goodbye is that sometimes it’s about courage and sometimes it’s about fear. And sometimes you’re too broken to know the difference until it’s too late.

The Billionaire Needs a Wife


Rachael Eliker - 2021
    He’s convinced Luke is wasting his life and wants him to hurry up and marry before the end of the year, or he’s firing Luke and cutting off his inheritance.It’s not that Lauren’s life is awful, but things aren’t as perfect as she’d hoped. She’s floundering in a dead-end job, she hasn’t had a date in months, and as a Southern girl, she doesn’t mix well with upper Michigan winters. Applying for a new position across the country at the prompting of her friend, Lauren’s excited about the promise of a new start.Only there’s a surprise that comes with the job—her ex is her new boss.There’s a thorny history between Luke and Lauren, but their attraction for each other is alive and well. If they want to give love a second chance, their challenges have only begun.

The Grange Complex Collection: Books 1-3


Josie Marks - 2019
     A womaniser Dexter has his eye on a new tenant Sasha and with the talent, of melting women’s panties off at a glance, he thinks he can have her too. Well, he couldn’t be more wrong. Sasha would rather eat dirt than sleep with him. Edinburgh socialite Ellie attends a mixer party, hoping that a one-night stand with a stranger might help her forget the past. And then a chance encounter with her new neighbours reveals that the man that she spent the night with lives two doors away from her… with another woman. When a hardworking pole dancer Gina Martinez is introduced to Harry Erskine sparks starts flying. The man is pure sex-on-a-stick; a professional boxer, a hot blooded Scott and ex-military. Harry also carries a few secrets of his own.

All Ones


Aleatha Romig - 2020
    Enjoy PLUS ONE, ONE NIGHT, A SECRET ONE, and ANOTHER ONE as you laugh and swoon through each story. PLUS ONE: What will happen when Kimbra blackmails her oh so sexy boss, Duncan, into being her pretend date for her cousin’s wedding? “I've fallen IN LOVE with your funny, romantic and sexy as hell PLUS ONE!” ~ Ilsa Madden Mills, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. ONE NIGHT: Watch the oh so sexy, sweet, and funny consequences as Amanda, a single mom, decides to spend one night remembering what it is like to be a woman, and Malcolm, a retired hockey star takes a chance. Will one night be enough? “A swoon-worthy hero and a broken heroine makes for the perfect chemistry in this sexy romantic standalone." ~ Corinne Michaels - New York Times Bestselling Author.A SECRET ONE: When Trevor and Shana cross paths only to find that they’re both attending the same wedding, hilarity and sparks ensue. “A SECRET ONE is enchantingly clever during every single scene.” ~ 5 star Amazon reader.ANOTHER ONE: Trevor and Shana’s forbidden romance began in A SECRET ONE. While their attraction was off the charts, their lives got in the way. Learn what happens when Shana makes her way back to New York and their romance is given a second chance. “Get ready to laugh out loud and swoon from the sweetness in this must read romantic comedy! I loved it!" ~ AL Jackson, New York Times Bestselling Author

The Depths


Kirk Kjeldsen - 2018
    And it does, as they enjoy trading thebustle of their Shanghai life behind for the idyllic tropical paradise.But while on a diving excursion, they're taken hostage by a group ofterrorists, who take them to a remote island and hold them there forransom. The longer that time drags on, though, the more doubts Marahbegins to have about their captors' true motivations.

Grill Me, Baby


Sophia Knightly - 2012
    The tastiest tidbit on the island, though, is cool, elegant Michaela Willoughby. The redhead's slender curves are as enticing as her rabbit-food menus are maddening. And she's his main competition for the chance of a lifetime.Michaela overcame her own weight issues to become Flamingo Island's premiere spa chef. Now she has a chance to share her innovative recipes for healthy living on a new cooking show--if she can somehow outshine Paolo. His sizzling Latin-lover looks are more heart stopping than his decadent cooking. And she'd love nothing more than to stick a fork in his outsized ego.When the stage lights ignite, so does the sexual chemistry no one--least of all Paolo and Michaela--saw coming. Suddenly, separating business from pleasure is as impossible as separating a scrambled egg. And the big question isn't whose knife cuts fastest...it's whose heart can take the most heat.Warning: Contains two hot chefs duking it out in a lively showdown of sexy rivalry. Mix in family drama, luscious recipes and spicy mischief, and there's more than just steam rising out of the kitchen. May cause lusty cravings for midnight indulgences.