Book picks similar to
The Reluctant Bid by Sheryl Lister


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You're the One


Endiya Carter - 2020
    When more details surrounding her husband’s death come out, Martese is left wondering if she ever knew her husband at all. With her life in shambles, Martese throws herself into work, taking care of displaced kids as a social worker. On the night where Martese’s problems were about to get the best of her, a little girl by the name of Amaya, is thrusted into her life, until she has to take her to her real guardian, the big-shot lawyer, Preston Miles, Jr. Preston Miles, Jr, Junior Partner of Miles and Langston, was as arrogant as he was a functioning alcoholic. When he wasn’t in the court room, he was throwing back beers and partying. The only thing on his mind was making senior partner and proving that he can take over his dad’s law firm. His life abruptly changes when Martese shows up at his door with a little girl that he had never seen in his life. Not until he was forced into his guardian role, Preston realized what he was truly missing; a family.

His Sexy Bad Habit


Cheris Hodges - 2011
    . .He's hot and he's single, but Antonio Billups has been out of the dating game for three years. Since his wife died, his focus has been on his business--and their son A.J. Enter new-in-town sultry, sexy Serena Jacobs, a woman who just might inspire Antonio to change his mind about being alone. . .That His Body Can't Resist. . .Serena's new restaurant is about to take off, and so is her heart--to Antonio. But events from her past are about to hit the fan--with a little help from Antonio's scheming sister-in-law. Soon, Hollywood catfights and long-ago love affairs threaten the steamy relationship between Antonio and Serena, and when their secret histories collide, they must choose between a future with--or without--love. . ."Hodges delivers a sizzling romance. . ." --Publishers Weekly on More Than He Can Handle

Love for Lease


Danielle Burton - 2020
    Falling is not a part of the plan. She's sure if she keeps her distance the bothersome feelings will go away. That task may prove impossible since he's her landlord.Keith has tried his hand too many times at love and it always seems to fail him. As his life begins to intertwine itself with Sasha's he can't help but to consider giving it one more try. However, winning her heart may be harder than he'd hoped.Sasha's spent her life longing for a place that feels like home. She wants to believe she's finally found it in Keith, but things never work out that easily for her.What Keith wants more than anything is a family. Things are finally falling into place, but it could all slip through his fingers.

Play and Go: A BWWM Romance (Love Over 40 Book 1)


Avery Grey - 2021
    

Play to Win


Ja'Nese Dixon - 2020
    Jayda’s a single mother uninterested in another relationship until she sees Kamal with her daughter.Every rejection will only make his victory sweeter. He plans to lick, taste, and devour her like the delicacy she is until the world, her ex, and Jayda recognizes his name tatted on every inch of her curvy body.Kamal never plays by halves, and Jayda has a thing or two to show this deviously handsome player. But when the past runs an interference, they’ll learn in matters of the heart there are no rules.

Candidly Yours


Reese Ryan - 2020
    She doesn't do flings. But neither of them can deny the sizzling attraction between them. Layla St. John has the talent, creativity, and drive to start her own clothing line. What the big-hearted entrepreneur lacks is the capital. So when a celebrity photographer offers to connect her with investors if she’ll let him feature her in his photography series about Caribbean carnival culture, it’s a deal she can’t refuse. But Layla can’t help being attracted to the brilliant artist. Too bad he’s her little brother’s former best friend and way too young for her. Quincy Johnston has spent the past ten years making a name for himself as a photographer and avoiding complicated relationships. But when an impromptu trip to his small hometown, Pleasure Cove, leads to a chance encounter with the woman he's been crushing on since he was a kid, Quincy gets a taste of the deep connections he's been missing. Can Layla and Quincy move past their relationship fears and take a chance on turning their short-term, secret fling into a shot at forever?

Ain't None of Your Friends Business


DeeAnn - 2020
    

Love Under Contract


Sharon C. Cooper - 2017
     Sumeera Robinson refuses to settle for less than she desires, even if what she craves is the sexy, smart, and charming Nicolas Jenkins-Moore. At her age, she wants marriage and a family, not the empty promises Nick offers. Yet, there is just something about the man that makes moving on nearly impossible. As the new senior manager of Jenkins & Sons Construction, Nick’s five-year plan is on track with marriage and starting a family at the bottom of the list. Sumeera is as beautiful inside as she is on the outside, but not even she can entice him to abandon his carefully plotted road to success. That is until she walks away without looking back, leaving him yearning for her presence in his life. Nick is determined to convince Sumeera that he wants the same things she wants. But will an unexpected development keep them from the life they desire? Or will fate bring them closer than they’ve ever been before? Love Under Contract is book 1 in the Jenkins & Sons Construction series.

Lucky In Love


Melanie Schuster - 2002
    It's the first in a series of compelling contemporary romances about the Cochran family from Detroit and the Deveraux family from Atlanta. Benita Cochran of Cochran Communications and Clayton Deveraux of The Deveraux Group met for business only, but it was clear that they were destined for more. Clay tried to resist the powerful attraction he felt to Benita, but in a very short time, they went from the boardroom to the bedroom and right to the altar. They were so well-matched in so many ways that even her domineering father's opposition to their union couldn't stand in their way. After their romantic wedding and passionate honeymoon Benita eagerly embraces her new life in Atlanta. She loves everything about being Mrs. Clay Deveraux, especially the baby she was carrying. Everything is golden until a tragedy rips them apart. Only the love they have for each other enables them to fight through their grief and pain to recapture the passion and joy that brought them together. Lucky in Love is an award-winning national best-seller that began the series of passionate, intelligent and warmhearted romances that have won fans worldwide.

Just Wanna Be Loved Too


Shay Davis - 2021
    

A Ghetto Tale From Ebony: Ladies Night Chronicles


Antoinette Sherell - 2021
    

Heart's Desire (Unparalleled Love Series)


Delaney Diamond - 2019
    Since then Janice has tried to move on. Unfortunately, they have to work together, and unfortunately, she’s still very attracted to Nathan. Nathan can’t forget his connection with Janice—a connection he hasn’t experienced with any other woman. After an earth-shattering kiss rekindles their flame, will these two finally get it right—or will an outside force get in the way? Read the other books in the series! Soul's Desire by Sharon C. Cooper Everlasting Desire by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Noble Love


Té Russ - 2016
    When he walks in to Tessa Everett's bakery, he finds more than her desserts irresistible. Wanting to help her family's bakery continue to grow and thrive has been Tessa's main focus. But when Isaiah enters her life, his charm instantly sweeps her off her feet. The passion they share builds quickly, but will they be able to fight for love when difficulties in their lives arise?

Gift Me You: A Holiday Short Story


B.M. Hardin - 2019
    Not only does she find herself swept off her feet by the handsome and successful, Andre, but there’s another man after her heart. Her Ex. The only problem is, she doesn’t know which ex it is. For 12 days, December receives gifts that remind her of what love is supposed to be, but the sender of the gifts remain a mystery. Who are they from? Who wants her back? And which man will she choose? True Love sometimes comes by surprise. And sometimes it’s the person right in front of your eyes. But on rare occasions, true love could be your ex. Take this holiday journey with December to see what happens next!