Book picks similar to
Play the Man by Ketley Allison


new-adult
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contemporary-romance
romance

Sleeping with the Beast


B.B. Hamel - 2021
    A little twisted. A little broken.Ren’s the kind of man I’ve spent my life running away from: big, gorgeous, arrogant. He thinks the world revolves around his biceps.When I’m nearly killed in a drive-by shooting gone wrong, my father packs me up and ships me off to Philly, “for my protection,” whatever that means.Enter Ren, my new bodyguard. He wants to be the last man I ever need. I think he’s so full of it, he’s about to burst.But when a new war breaks out, I’m right back in dangerAnd Ren says he’ll do anything for me.I say, I want him to prove it.Welcome back, Leone Crime Family!!! Another story in the steamy mafia saga, and this one is as sizzling as all the rest. It was a blast to write and I hope you all love it! As always, this standalone has no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Enjoy! XO BB

Precarious Warning: Part One


A.D. Justice - 2018
    She was an innocent, blinded to our ways and seduced by the charm of the mafia. I was a capo in the Marchetti Family, groomed to take control one day, and my father was the Boss, the Don. Damon Marchetti was a well-known name in the mafiosi. We never would’ve crossed paths if not for a fender bender with the wrong truck on the expressway. After escorting her to the emergency room as a precaution, I discovered she had business ties to a rival family. Simply being seen with me put her in jeopardy, so I kept her close for her own safety. But one thing led to another, and she became more than my charge. I gave her one warning about my life. One chance to decide to stay or leave. She chose to stay. Until all hell broke loose. Then I pushed too hard, and my ever-present alter ego took control. If she thought I gave up easily when the chips were down, she had another warning coming.

Gravedigger


J.C. Jaye - 2021
    Tilling the earth by hand, he’s King of Oaklawn and likes it that way. No annoying folks in his face, and plenty of solitude to muffle the PTSD noise upstairs. But once he spies a sexy, tousle-haired angel kneeling in the grass every Saturday, it’s time to rejoin the land of the living, stat. Here’s hoping his Sunshine doesn’t mind a little mud…She’s been lost, but now she’s found. The death of her twin has gutted Casey Rae Kent. Turning hermit, weekly plein-air grieving sessions are the sum of her social life. But a thwarted attack and subsequent rescue by a hot Viking lookalike have her shaking off the stupor. Is this spade-wielding hero a gift from the heavens? Can Mr. Badass and Brawny be her sweet salvation? Hmm, best get this dirty boy’s take on clueless virgin unicorns…Two troubled souls, zapped by the lightning bolt to the heart. All’s fantastic until fate lobs more mega-grade grenades in their path. Hell, who said love was easy?

The Rancher Takes a Family


Paula Altenburg - 2018
    His sister's kids shouldn't pay for her error in judgment in naming him guardian. Problem is, he doesn't have a clue what he's doing. And the woman who attempts to help with his every fumble is the one woman he wants to steer clear of... Lacey Anderson loves a challenge, but Jake's already broken her heart once. When his tall shadow darkens the doorway of her classroom, she's ready to shut him out - until she meets her new students, and sees the desperation in Jake's eyes. Emotional intelligence is so not his forte. But she's done banging her head against that wall. Jake, however, is finally ready to learn how to love and Lacey’s the teacher he wants. Is she willing to risk her own heart again to teach him?

Kiss of a Stranger


Lily Danes - 2016
    Now he’s returned, determined to expose the men who set him up. His best chance at redemption is seducing the straight-laced woman working for the enemy…until he realizes he’s the one being seduced.A woman who's sworn off bad boys…Maddie Palmer lost everything when her ex-husband betrayed her. Years later, she’s rebuilt her life. It’s safe and stable—everything she thought she wanted. Until a dangerously sexy ex-con appears in Lost Coast Harbor...As passion ignites, Gabe and Maddie find themselves drawn deeper into the corruption behind the town’s richest family, even as they face the greatest danger of all—losing their hearts.

The Boys down South


Abbi Glines - 2021
    Worn, faded blue jeans, slow southern drawls, and those naughty moments in the back of pickup trucks a girl never forgets. Welcome to the world of the Sutton boys. Five brothers who fight, party, drink a little too much, but more importantly, they love their momma. Nothing can tear them apart… except lies, jealousy, and women.*This is NOT a new book. This was formerly Boys South of the Mason Dixon and Brothers South of the Mason Dixon. Both books have been edited properly and put together in one book.*

Detour


A. Marie - 2020
    Angela Head down, eyes peeled for any opportunity to get off the dead-end course my mother carelessly paved for me years ago.My plan takes a sharp turn landing me directly across the hall from Creekwood’s resident bad boys. The three streetbike riding misfits are as stubborn as they are sexy. And they. Are. Sexy. Especially the one with the mocha swirl eyes watching my every move.But even the six-foot hallway separating us can’t keep the overbearing trio from constantly getting in my way.When my past threatens to catch up with me, I quickly learn not every detour promises an easier route, no matter how tempting my new neighbors might make it look. Coty Head up, eyes locked on anything threatening to throw me off the carefully constructed path I have mapped out.I live my life the same way I ride my bike, never once regretting the roads I’ve chosen.Lately though, after years of the same scenery, everything’s starting to blur together. It’s only when our elusive neighbor girl comes out of nowhere that I realize what’s been missing.And now that I have, I don’t think I can let her pass by so quickly. At least not without proving the lengths I’ll go for her first.

Lussuria


S.J. Molloy - 2013
    Lexi Robertson's carefully constructed life is about to be turned upside down.Recently hired as Club di Energia's physiotherapist, the stunning yet insecure twenty-six year old finally thinks she has a handle on her physically and mentally damaging past. The only way Lexi can cope is by compartmentalizing her feelings with a unique, internal filing system. To maintain order, Lexi has a firm set of boundaries in place, and she never lets anyone too close.File N for not happening. Lexi has no intention of giving in to the charming Lucca Caruso when he comes into her clinic for an emergency physiotherapy session. Despite his painstakingly handsome face and Italian that renders her speechless, Lexi is able to resist.A Tuscany vacation with her best friend is just what Lexi needs to stop worrying about life and start enjoying it. A cooking course at a villa near the Chianti hills, just outside of Florence, will take her mind off a certain set of mesmerising azure blue eyes.File F for fate. Lexi never expected to see the Italian god again, but they're staying at the same villa.For someone that purposely refuses to feel, Lexi finds herself on a journey of self-discovery, helplessly folding, melting, and crumbling under the temptation of her heart's desire.An emotional, erotic, heart-wrenching story of lust, love, and light.Lexi struggles to confide in Lucca, slowly learning how to love and trust. Lucca is a gentle, patient lover with a heart of gold, but his need for Lexi is insatiable. He's the man we all want and can't get enough of. Through the passion of lust and the sweetness of love, Lexi spreads her wings towards the light … until her past comes back to haunt her.A hot and sexy story of survival, acceptance, learning to trust, and believing. One woman's destiny to find her light, and the one man who can take here there. Welcome to the Luminara series.

Her Cowboy King


Madeline Ash - 2019
    . . Mark Jaroka is content with his life on the ranch, his brothers by his side. Until he becomes the cowboy king. Hauled halfway across the world after a royal family tragedy, Mark resolves to be worthy of the title. He’ll learn the ways of a monarch, but between him and his untamed brothers, the marble floors better get used to worn leather boots. Then he falters at an unexpected duty—forming a strategic alliance with the whip-tongued and supercilious Princess Ava Veisi. Ava’s only chance at happiness is to escape royal life and leave her poisonous secrets behind. The problem? Her parents have demanded she marry the new King Markus. She stoops treacherously low to try to make him refuse her, but as her escape plans start to take form, she finds herself falling for the sexy, kind-natured cowboy. On the brink of fleeing, Ava is torn between claiming her freedom and the love of a king. No matter her choice, it’s going to break her heart. Her Cowboy King is the first book in the Cowboy Princes contemporary romance series. If you enjoy heartfelt emotion, real and compelling characters, and sweeping settings, then you’ll love this trope-blending romance by award-winning author Madeline Ash.

Promise Me Tomorrow (Leave Me Breathless World)


Lyssa Cole - 2020
    As teens, our love grew stronger into one that lasts a lifetime. But one car accident left everything destroyed, my memories stolen from me, even the ones of him. Despite the difficulties, he waits for me to return. Patiently, he shows me our life, one memory at a time. He’s determined to make me fall in love with him all over again.Yet, when truths spills, and doubts grow, can I trust this man I don’t remember?Will my memories ever return or will I continue to pretend this is the life I know and love?“Juliet, if you promise me all your tomorrows, I’ll show you all our yesterdays.” ~WillPromise Me Tomorrow by Lyssa Cole is part of the Leave Me Breathless World. It’s a novella in the Moonflower Collection and guarantees a happily ever after! For a complete list of Leave Me Breathless books and authors, please visit leavemebreathlessbooks.com.

Billionaire Hotshot—Levi: A Modern Cinderella Retelling


Scarlett Avery - 2021
    No names.I’ve never regretted anything more in my life because God knows I’d sell my soul to know his name...It all started with a ball…I never believed you could fall for someone at first sight until I locked eyes with him… a stranger who quickly becomes an addiction––a man I don’t want to walk away from.Just like Cinderella, my time with my prince is measured in breaths.Forced to return to the shipwreck that is my life, I escape in the shadows of the night, my heart bleeding, leaving behind the one man who ignited my body and my soul…Life is unfair. I should know.I don’t even know his name…

Dirty Blue


N.E. Henderson - 2018
    A badge. A life. A promise to walk the thin blue line clean. Nowhere in the academy was I prepared for the consequences of falling for the enemy. DRAGO ACERBI I've known his name a long time. You'd have to live under a rock not to know of the heartless and cruel reputation the Acerbi family has established. They are monsters cloaked in suits and ties, or so my colleagues in blue have said. Being on the job, you quickly learn to watch your back, trust no one, and as much as I hate to admit this, sometimes that includes a fellow badge. But to want to kill your own child for being born? Now that's monstrous. Unjust. And something I will not stand for. I'll take him down before I allow an innocent to be harmed. Even if that means not only taking on the most dangerous family in Southern California but bringing down the drug lord they're in bed with too. From author N. E. Henderson comes a contemporary, emotionally captivating and thrilling, romantic suspense trilogy. Start Bri and Drago's intense story today! ♥♥♥ This is not a standalone and the saga does not conclude until the third book. ♥♥♥

For One Night (Redemption Hwy 10) (The Daly's Book 3)


Leaona Luxx - 2019
     That’s all this was supposed to be. I came to Sin City with my best friend to celebrate my much-needed divorce. For once, I want to be the one with no care about tomorrow. That’s when he catches my eye. I watch as he works the room, and the women in it. He’s everything I hate in a man, but the epitome of what we all want. Sexy. Confident to a fault, and a smirk that will melt your panties. He’s everything my ex-husband is. As our eyes meet, I decide to give him a dose of his own medicine, show him how it feels to be used. Tonight, I’ll be the woman everyone stares at when she enters the room. The one I am in the boardroom, who takes no prisoners. I’ll be the one to bring him to his knees and leave him just as fast. I’ll be that woman. For One Night

Just Love Me 1


C.C. Cartwright - 2016
    What can I say?When I’m out and about, I catch the ladies checking out the goods.I’m at the beach today, and my sister has her posse of friends with her. One, in particular, is beyond beautiful, with a killer body to match. "Justin, don’t you remember me,” she asks in the most sensual voice I’ve heard in a long, long time."Sloane Hart, is that you?” I utter in disbelief. It’s my little sister’s best friend, all grown up and filled out in all the right places.Needless to say, I don’t waste a minute getting her alone.After I take her out to dinner, I get her back to my place for a little slap and tickle session.Things get hot and heavy and we’re just about to do the dirty deed when I sense something isn’t right. She’s tense.“Can you go slow and easy?” she asks timidly.WTF, she’s a virgin?I don’t mess with virgins anymore, not since high school.Next. I’m moving on. I don’t want Sloane, dear Sloane, getting stuck on me.After a couple of months, I’m usually done and over it. I tell her I’m doing her a favor.The problem is that I can’t stop thinking about her. When I see other guys hitting on her, it makes my blood boil.This can’t continue. Sloane Hart is getting under my skin. Sloane I was invisible to him.Justin Harlow is my best friend's older brother, and I’ve been in love with him for as long as I can remember.Fast forward ten years later, and I’m at the Harlow family's beach party.Justin has one killer set of abs and is devilishly handsome.Mr. God’s gift to women notices me today.The way his eyes rake over my body from head to toe tells me he wants me.He says I’ve grown up and filled out in all the right places.He’s dangerous for my heart and my body.I know I’m in trouble.Just Love Me 1, a captivating best friend's older brother novel you won't be able to put down!~Readers of Winter Renshaw, Joanna Blake and Claire Adams will enjoy the Just Love Me Series.~

Cowboy Up


Michelle Beattie - 2019
    But when a medical emergency calls him home and a legal matter affects his business, suddenly his family isn't the only thing in need of a re-build. Unfortunately his new project involves building a house for a woman who not only awakens his desires, but also his fears. But if he wants to claim her as his own, he'll have to tear down the walls he's built around his heart.Single mom Ashley Anderson knows all about juggling. Between an assortment of part-time jobs and raising her sixteen-year old daughter, she doesn't need a hunky construction worker with an attitude as a distraction. Even one who steps in to help her when she needs it most. But life has taught Ashley that when the going gets tough, she's on her own. It's going to take a man with a Texas-sized heart to show her that this cowboy isn't going anywhere.