Book picks similar to
After the Fire by Cora Seton


contemporary
cora-seton
novella
romance

Eightball Two-Three


Tracy Tappan - 2015
    He has only one flight left to complete at training squadron HT-8, home of the “Eighballers,” before he earns himself his wings of gold. The day of his final solo, Eric’s copilot, Ensign Kyle Hammond, is to act as no more than a warm body…Until everything goes horribly wrong.Fresh from the cockpit of his near-death solo flight, Eric makes it to graduation, only to find that he is a lone man in a sea of his buddies’ celebrating relatives. He finds solace in the arms of a most unlikely woman the night before shipping out to San Diego…and learns more about himself than he ever planned.**Lieutenant Albert Bobcheck, Eric O’Dwyer’s former roommate in flight school, stars in an uplifting novella of second chances in CLEARED HOT.**High school sweethearts Albert Bobcheck and Jessica Larsen parted ways one heartbreaking prom night. Now ten years later, Jessica has a fulfilling career—except she is anything but fulfilled—and Albert is a Navy helicopter pilot for the HSM-48 Vipers out of Mayport, Florida. Currently deployed off the coast of Iran, Albert is thrown unexpectedly into a SEAL mission gone wrong…so wrong he faces his final moments on earth. Will tragedy separate Albert forever from the only woman he ever loved? Or will it offer him the second chance he always wanted?

Unwrapped


Donna Kauffman - 2011
    The road might be closed for dangerous conditions, but the couple navigates their own Kentucky Christmas curves. Nice and oh-so-naughty, Blue and her man open up to each other as they keep the Yule log burning.Santa in a KiltDONNA KAUFFMAN, USA Today bestselling authorThe wind-whipped December sands of the isle of Kinloch invigorate Kira McLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan, a Scottish bachelor as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun. It’ll take all the wiles of the canny islanders to weave a perfect Celtic Christmas for all...Snow AngelKATE ANGELL, National bestselling authorSnowed under in Chicago, free spirit Allie is trapped in Dutton’s department store on Christmas Eve when the lights go off and the holiday romance heats up. Our snow angel finds herself face to face with the dashing Aiden, the heir to the retail riches and her host for a night of winter wonder...

And then He Kissed Her


Melinda Curtis - 2015
    Chef Sean O’Malley could use Nicole’s dessert skills at his restaurant in New York City. In fact, he’s banking on a joint venture with Nicole, although he hasn’t yet approached her about it. When he learns during a pre-wedding event they’re both working that she’s moving to L.A. because she’s giving up on Jake, he decides to give her a crash course on how to be noticed. Sean has, after all, three younger sisters. He knows how a woman’s mind works. But he doesn’t factor in how his heart works or how easily it could be broken. CHARMER by Brinda Berry, Reese McClain has a solid plan in place: finish raising her teenage niece, run her pie bakery, and avoid entanglements with a tempting man. After all, her sister deserted her own child for a freewheeling lifestyle. Life is much less complicated without dating. Especially dating a man like Cord Barton—a rock star who’s too gorgeous, too young, and too carefree.Cord knows his life needs change, but he doesn’t expect it in the form of a beautiful pie maker named Reese. She’s a much needed star in his burnt out life. Because when it comes to plans, he wants her for more than dessert. RIVERBEND by Ciara Knight, Amazon Bestselling AuthorFive years after the death of his wife, Dr. Mitchem Taylor is ready to share his life with someone. Only one thing stands in the way of giving love a second chance--the strictly enforced "no dating" rule. A rule that pierces his heart every time he thinks about his university assistant, Cynthia. When a handsome man shows interest in her, Mitchem must choose between love for his career or love for his beautiful assistant.Since the day she saw her boss, Mitchem, care for his son’s knee at a little league game, Cynthia Gold has been in love with him. Pining away over a love she can never have forces her to make a drastic change—a new job thousands of miles away. But can she walk away from her life she enjoys and a boy who’s like a son, or keep her heart bound to a man who may never love her.ALONG CAME YOU by Hildie McQueen, Amazon Bestselling AuthorOff to an awkward start, Gina Mills and Jake Weston attempt to ignore the attraction between them and stick to the business of selling his house. Unfortunately circumstances keep cropping up that make it difficult. When the past collides with the present, a surprising turn of events makes them rethink if they were meant to be after all.UPTOWN HEIRESS by Lindi Peterson:At an after-party for the reality series, Love Atlanta Style, hotel empire heiress Grace Adams has an epiphany. Love isn’t a game and neither is life. It’s time to find a job and prove she doesn’t need Daddy’s money.Waiter, Justin Walker, is biding his time working for the rich crowd who thinks they’re owed everything. But his service pays off when he meets the beautiful Grace Adams. He asks her out, oblivious to the fact that she’s a hotel heiress.When they find out they are competing for the same job, Grace and Justin try to maintain their budding friendship and romance, until Justin discovers the truth. Grace represents all he tries to avoid.

Happy Is the Bride


Lori Wilde - 2017
    . . Opposites attract when a wealthy cattleman and a penniless artist decide to get hitched at a Texas dude ranch in tornado country--and the whirlwind festivities are as filled with surprises as their love . . . especially when the guest list includes: one pretty party crasher on a mission, a sheriff known as the One Night Stand King, and a workaholic event planner who definitely did not plan to fall for a laid back cowboy. Toss in a shocking behind-the-scenes bet, a fateful power outage, and a Man of Honor and a Best Woman determined to see the worst in each other (between hot kisses), plus thrilling lessons in love at first--and second--sight, and the celebrations are going to go all night long!Man of Honor by Lori Wilde (Shane and Meg)Getting Saddled by Cat Johnson (Tanner and Erin)Taming the Sheriff by Kate Pearce (Nate and Della)The Wedding Bet by Janet Dailey (LInc and Tracy)

Spark


Brooke Cumberland - 2013
    Weak, powerless, and fearing the one person who has hurt her the most…can she overcome the barriers to move forward?Being saved by a muscled Godsend was never on her agenda, but when firefighter, Eric Reilley comes into her life unexpectedly, everything changes. Velaney has never felt loved or cared for, and her past prevents her from letting anyone in. Eric manages to break down her walls—despite the repercussions that come for them afterwards.They have an undeniable spark—something she has never felt before, but will it be enough? Can love overcome all obstacles? Can they save each other to protect their love or will her past shatter everything she never knew she needed…?**Spark is for mature audiences only – strong language, explicit sexual content, and sexual abuse are apparent.**

Royal Catch


Kylie Gilmore - 2019
    I expected a quiet arrangement through royal channels, instead I got a palace full of women vying for my hand. And how do they “win” this barbaric game set up by my crafty mother? By figuring out how to save the kingdom’s faltering economy through a series of challenges. This undignified circus is beneath a man of my stature! Proof being that a saucy, ill-mannered woman wearing body-hugging clothes is in the lead. I could never love someone like that, let alone marry her. Anna The plan sounded simple. I pose as my friend, pick up her inheritance, and return with the cash to keep her out of jail. (Apparently, being a princess in hiding is no excuse for identity theft.) So, yeah, I’m not exactly royal. I’m an orphan, a self-made woman, and proud of it. Suddenly I’m in a battle royale with a bunch of crazy competitive women for “riches beyond our dreams.” I’m in a time crunch, which means I need to win this competition fast. Only, that means winning over the judge; the smoldering hot grim-faced Gabriel. And now I find myself wanting to compete for more than just the money. But could a royal prince ever fall for a commoner like me? The Rourkes Series Royal Catch (Book 1) Royal Hottie (Book 2) Royal Darling (Book 3) Royal Charmer (Book 4) Royal Player (Book 5) Royal Shark (Book 6)

The Gull Motel (A Barefoot Book)


Amie Denman - 2014
    Finally finished with college, she heads to her favorite shabby motel on Florida’s Gulf Coast where her aunt and uncle always save her room twenty-four. She quickly finds out, though, that The Gull Motel is not just her home away from home. It’s hers to manage while her aunt and uncle take an extended trip. Skip McComber, The Gull’s former maintenance man, has been working on Savvy’s nuts and bolts for years. Now the new owner of the bar next door, his mission is to renovate a pirate bar while being a walking temptation for the girl he can’t get off his mind.For Savvy, keeping her cool running a motel in Florida heat is one thing, but navigating the steamy waters of a former fling takes a whole other kind of savvy. In addition to the motel and the man next door, Savvy stumbles on a plot to swindle land from the residents of Barefoot Key. Devalued properties tumble like dominoes until Savvy musters her colorful crew from The Gull Motel to make the pillagers walk the plank.

Saddle Up


Jodi Vaughn - 2014
    Moving to Somewhere, Texas, she hoped to have a fresh start in the small county hospital, far away from all the accusing rumors and pitying looks. It was a good plan, until she found out her ex took out a business loan in her name. It seems he stole more than a prescription pad. Now Emily has to repay the huge loan or face legal action. All ranch owner, Derrek Diaz, wanted was a Saturday night of fun. A few beers, a long ride in the fresh air…he hadn’t planned on a trip to the ER. The last thing he needs is to be unable to work. No, scratch that. The last thing he needs is a woman underfoot at the ranch. But when he overhears Emily begging for extra work shifts to pay an overdue bill, he speaks before he thinks. Now he has a gorgeous nurse staying with him, taking care of him and trying to be a ranch hand. Things are about to get a whole hotter in Texas.

A Little Bit Cupid: A Collection of Short Stories


Melissa BelleStacey Lewis - 2020
    There’s something here for everyone! This collection includes: Wild Valentine by Melissa Belle I’ve Just Seen a Face by Melissa Brown Swept Away by Lea Coll Crash Into You by JH Croix Easy Prom by Anna Edwards Their First Chance by Bailie Hantam The Perfect Proposal by Tracey Jerald Three Hearts by Leigh Lennon Wrong for Me by Stacey Lewis Date Night by Jodi Linton Cupcakes & Macarons by Bethany Lopez Vitamin D by Kayti McGee Falling Fast with You by S. Moose Breaking the Rules by Dani René Cocktail by Lauren Smith It’s Always Been You by Jen Talty

Her Cowboy Prince


Trish Milburn - 2018
    Formerly CEO of her family's pharmaceutical company, she's now living incognito as a housekeeper at a cozy resort in rural Montana. New career, new apartment, new name. She knows she needs to keep a low profile. The last thing she needs is a romance with the handsome, hardworking owner of the Peak View Hot Springs Resort. When rancher and resort owner Justin McQueen impulsively asks Melody for some ideas to increase bookings for the resort, he’s impressed with her creativity and quick thinking. He persuades the reluctant Melody to jump in as the temporary events coordinator, helping him plan a week of Christmas festivities. As they work together, both of them struggle to fight their growing attraction. Justin is still recovering from a bad break-up and is very aware that as her employer, he needs to tread carefully. He also senses Melody has a secret, which he is determined to uncover. As their event planning comes to fruition, Justin knows he needs to put common sense on hold and take a chance on a love he wants to last forever.

O'Connor Family Series Collection


Katie Reus - 2018
    A good thing for the O’Connor family—four local siblings, four sexy stories, four unique journeys to happily ever after. Merry Christmas, Baby: Legal guardian for her sister, Nora broke her no-romance rule for Jackson, but when he does something she can’t easily forgive, he’ll have to prove a second chance, and her heart, are worth the risk. Tease Me, Baby: Reluctantly leaving town to fulfill an obligation, Fallon can’t let her desire for Brad derail her plans. But the sexy sheriff is determined to prove she’s already right where she belongs…in his arms. It’s Me Again, Baby: When his new realtor turns out to be “the one who got away,” Maguire knows a second chance with Samantha is within reach…if he can save her from the menace who followed her home. Mistletoe Me, Baby: Nolan already wants Miranda, so playing her fake fiancé is no hardship. Convincing her family—and the whole town—is easy. Convincing Miranda, especially after tragedy strikes, proves far harder. Length: 111,000 words Author Note: each title can be purchased individually or as a complete series collection.

SEALs of Winter


Cora SetonZoe York - 2014
    Brand new Christmas military romances from Cora Seton, Elle Kennedy, Jennifer Lowery, Elle James, Anne Marsh, S. M. Butler, Delilah Devlin, Kimberley Troutte, and Zoe York!Sequel to the NYT and USA bestselling SEALs of Summer boxed set.THE NAVY SEAL'S CHRISTMAS BRIDE (a Chance Creek novella) by CORA SETON. Navy SEAL Dan Hemmins goes head to head with soldier Sarah Metlin to prove once and for all that women can't possibly qualify for an elite branch of the military, but when Sarah proves she's not just one of the most qualified warriors he's ever met, she's also one of the smartest and sexiest, too, he'll do whatever it takes to get closer to her, even if he has to challenge her to another contest...or three...or five!FLASH FIRE (an Out of Uniform novella) by ELLE KENNEDY. Navy SEAL Cash McCoy knows all about danger-he lives and breathes it on a daily basis. When it comes to the love of his life, though, this alpha soldier does everything in his power to keep Jen Scott happy and safe. But when the tables are turned and Jen places herself in harm's way for her job, their relationship is put to the test. Now Cash must learn to trust the woman he loves...or lose her forever.A SEAL FOR CHRISTMAS (a SEAL Team Alpha novella) by JENNIFER LOWERY. Navy SEAL Donovan Demarco is looking to spend a quiet family Christmas, but an accident puts Cloe Carter's life in danger and he is honor-bound to protect her. Will the threat against them tear them apart or will this holiday season mend their broken hearts?SEAL'S PROPOSAL (a Take No Prisoners story) by ELLE JAMES. On a mission to create the perfect setting for a Christmas proposal, Navy SEAL Remy 'Gator' LaDue finds himself running interference for his beautiful, independent-minded FBI Agent Mitchell Sanders when she becomes the target of an escaped criminal she helped convictYOURS FOR CHRISTMAS (When SEALs Come Home) by ANNE MARSH. When Navy SEAL Zack Medina comes home to Strong, California for Christmas, he's got more than a firefight on his hands. He needs to convince his estranged wife that 'tis the season to forgive...and that will take a Christmas miracle. Bree lost her heart three years ago to the sexy SEAL and letting him back into her heart-and her bed-would be a mistake. A really hot, impossibly sweet mistakeSEALED UNTIL CHRISTMAS (a Lucky Thirteen story) by S.M. BUTLER. Jesse Richter is a Navy SEAL with a hero complex, but he's met his match in Charlie Morgan, the girl who refuses to be the damsel in distress. A battle of wills and a little mistletoe bring them together, but secrets may tear them apart.RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (Lone Star Lovers) by DELILAH DEVLIN. Callie Murphy's never been one to moon over a man. Fairytale romances don't exist outside of books. She's seen first-hand how transitory love can be after watching her mother fall in and out of marriage. Derek Tilden hammered home that truth when he joined the Navy to become a SEAL-he was the boy who couldn't wait to see the world and she was the girl ready to plant deep roots. Now he's back and asking her to marry him one last time...UNDER THE RADAR (SEAL EXtreme Team III) by KIMBERLEY TROUTTE. SEAL pilot, Ty Whitehorse, is shot down in the Arctic and must escape through hostile territory. But when the mother of all blizzards attacks, he holes up in a hunter's cabin with Holly Colton, a sexy lady musher with a deady secret. Ty isn't the only one laying low under the radar. They're both in enemy crosshairs. Staying together is dangerous. Separating? Impossible.FALL HARD (a SEALs Undone novella) by ZOE YORK. Jared Sutter has a simple rule when it comes to women: keep 'em happy and keep 'em at a distance. He's got his reasons, and they all make sense until he falls for his neighbor and Cassie Bronson makes him want things he's always kept off-limits.

Loose Ends: Volume One


Kristen Ashley - 2018
    Introduced in Heaven and Hell, readers learned, after a heartbreaking journey through grief, Luci was ready to take another chance at love. But Hap was adhering to “the code” between brothers, unwilling to betray his dead friend Travis by falling for Travis’s widow. Further, Hap can’t quite believe a beauty like Luci could fall for a normal guy like Hap. But for Luci and Hap the heart can’t be denied. Especially when the stars align.The Favor, a short story – Deacon and Cassidy from Deacon of the Unfinished Heroes series go back to their favorite cabin at Glacier Lily, and there, Cassie asks her husband a favor. He’ll give her anything she wants. Including this.More Than Everything, a novella – Readers left Diesel, Maddox and Molly at a crossroads at the end of The Greatest Risk of the Honey series. Maddox and Molly were all in with their commitment to their unconventional love triangle. But Diesel was letting the pressures and prejudice of family and society sink under his skin, making him hold himself distant from the man he loved. Can Maddox and Molly lead Diesel fully into their lives and give him more than everything?Rock Chick Renewal, a short story – Tod has been planning Rock Chick weddings for years. He’s got a new one on his hands. And it’s not what he expected.

The Billionaire Husband Test


Elle James - 2012
    Skeptical billionaire takes a risk on a friend's online dating service and finds the cowgirl of his dreams, now he only has to convince her that he's her perfect match Billionaire Online Dating. It's new, it's exclusive. Let's test it! How did Billionaire Cooper Johnson allow himself to get roped into testing a brand new online dating system? After making a fortune day-trading stocks, he's on track to accomplish all his life goals, except marriage and a family. As a billionaire, meeting the right woman is a minefield of gold-diggers, false eyelashes and surgically enhanced women. The Billionaire Online Dating Service matches hand-picked, screened clientele with the mates of their dreams. Or so the package was sold. As a favor for a friend, Cooper finds himself on the Rockin' J Ranch confronting his "date's" four tough looking cowboy brothers. When their girl-next-door, long, tall, gorgeous sister steps out on the porch, Cooper doesn't know whether to run to her or away. One date, that's all he's signed up for and he can be out of there. Or will one date be enough? She had everything—a fiancé, a great future, love...until she lost it all Still mourning the loss of her fiancé who died two years ago, Emma Jacobs can't imagine loving anyone else. But her four brothers won't quit pushing men her way. In a desperate attempt to throw her brothers off her back, she engages her friend's dating service to find a pasty-faced businessman sure to fail her brothers' husband criteria. Maybe then her brothers will finally back off and leave her alone. Best laid plans tend to blow up in Emma's face. When her date turns out to be everything her brothers are looking for in a husband for Emma, she's got a bigger problem than she started out with. She lets Cooper in on her plan to have him date and dump her. Surprisingly he goes along with it. But Cooper has plans of his own. And they don't involve dumping the determined, sexy, independent cowgirl. Note: Make a stop at Myla Jackson's Ugly Stick Saloon in this story and say hi to old friends.

Code of Silence


Marliss Melton - 2014
    If Vinny knew she was pregnant, he might hinder her efforts to expose the corrupt lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, a man intent on keeping his criminal actions hidden and buried in the past. Sniffing out corruption is what Ophelia does best. Becoming a mother?—That’s a job she feels unfit to fill. But when her target catches wind of her intent and Ophelia becomes his prey, she realizes too late what she values most. It’s not until his wife goes missing that Vinny discovers she’s kept him intentionally in the dark. He never would have imagined she’d betray his trust so deeply, jeopardizing everything he holds dear. Can he forgive her, or will Ophelia pay the ultimate price for deceiving her soul mate?