Book picks similar to
Before We Say Goodbye by Michelle Pennington


contemporary
romance
young-adult
best-friends-brother

How to Kiss a Guy in Ten Days


Liwen Y. Ho - 2020
    Even my boyfriend wanted to take a break. But I've got a brilliant plan to show him what he’s been missing since he broke my heart.Enter the cute new guy—Seth Spark.SethWhen Hannah Mitchell, a girl completely out of my league, asks me to be her fake boyfriend on my first day at Edenvale, I almost lose it. A guy like me, whose only moves are on the dance floor, would never get any girl’s attention— especially a pretty one.Never say never.Now, I only have ten days to convince her to forget about her ex… and to give us a real chance.The Edenvale Arts Academy series brings you the sweetness and newness of young love amidst a backdrop of the performing arts. Combining creativity and romance, this YA series is perfect for fans of swoony kisses and sigh-worthy happy ever afters.

One Perfect Day


Jennifer Youngblood - 2019
     Aspiring photographer Piper Kell has zero time for love. She’s determined to become a success by working long hours and putting up with the unreasonable demands of her diva boss. When a spontaneous meeting with knock-your-socks-off handsome and charismatic Noah Romeo morphs into the perfect day, Piper soon realizes that her career is not enough. She wants more …

If the Summer Lasted Forever


Shari L. Tapscott - 2018
    Seventeen-year-old local native Lacey has one rule: never fall for the summer boys. She’s been there, done that, regretted it for a solid year. No one is going to change her mind, not even tall, blond, and handsome Landon Tillman. Landon’s not looking for a summer fling. Still nursing a broken heart months after his girlfriend dumped him, he’s content to travel the country with his family and create videos for their wildly popular internet travel channel. When well-meaning family members try to push Lacey and Landon together, the duo decides to fake a romance so they can enjoy their summer in peace. After all, what could go wrong? True, they’ll have to spend a lot of time together to make the relationship look believable. They might even have to share a kiss or two for the sake of credibility. And sure, it’s possible lines will blur and fake feelings might morph into something real… But that’s just a chance they’re going to have to take.

Loving the Mountain Man


Jeanette Lewis - 2020
    Ledger Price spends his days doing what he loves–hiking, fishing, hunting, and exploring the mountains around his hometown of Tamarack Ridge, Montana, all while filming for his popular MyHeartChannel, Montana Mountain Man. The only downside is his daughter, Aubrey, who loves to come on his excursions, but also yearns for someone with a feminine touch. But Ledger is not relationship material; he tried with Aubrey’s mom discovered marriage is not worth giving up his freedom. Brynn Ramsey is building a successful career as a real estate agent to the wealthy in San Clemente, California. Sure, it’s stressful, but Brynn figures it’s all part of paying her dues. When she starts having debilitating panic attacks, her mentor sends her home to Tamarack Ridge for some R&R. It’s only supposed to be for six weeks and then she’ll be back to the sunny beaches of Southern California. But when she reconnects with Ledger, her dreams begin to shift from palm trees to pines. As their relationship grows more serious, Brynn and Ledger have to make a choice. Is love worth any sacrifice?

First Glance


Sarah Gay - 2017
    At first glance, Annie, the woman he agreed to watch and protect is the woman who could heal his broken heart. The only problem, his rich cousin, Kai, jumped in front of him to get the girl. Annie has a deadline to keep. Jilted in love—again—she decides to train Kai, an unsuspecting and adorable beau, to be her perfect mate utilizing standard doggy training techniques. What Annie doesn’t expect is the undeniable attraction she feels for Paxton, a retired Navy SEAL who pops up everywhere she goes. With the help of a professional trainer, Annie works to certify her own puppy, an undisciplined Yorkshire Terrier, to become a therapy dog. With the knowledge she gleans from his training, she hopes to succeed in training the perfect husband. Can Annie train the perfect mate? **This book was previously published as How to Train a Husband. This edition has added and edited content.**

The Songs We Sing


Kylie Key - 2019
    He's olderHe's takenHe's off limitsHe's my best friend's brotherBut when Damon asks me to help him with his songwriting I'm happy to give him a hand.It might just be what I need to find my passion for music again.I know he only sees me as his little sister's friend.But something happens...the music and lyrics connect usCould we share more than just a song?

The Runaway


Jordan Ford - 2020
    She’s trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape. Can love help them make a break for freedom?Michael:The money was supposed to save me...until it got me shot. You don’t steal from Marlo Sloan.But it led me to her.Annie’s kind. She’s fierce. She’s making me want to be the man my grandpa believed I could be. A Barrett - strong, dependable. A hero. Danger is coming. It’s inevitable. I should split before it catches up with me.But how can I leave Annie and her little brother with their psycho father?I want to steal her away from this nightmare. Take her to the ranch where I know she’d be safe. But I’m a runaway thief, and the ranch is no doubt a desolate wreck. She deserves better than that. I have to tell her the truth. Which means she’ll never look at me the same again. I could lose her over this, when all I want to do is keep her safe. Grandpa always said, “Barrett boys do the right thing. They don’t cut and run. They stand. They fight to protect the ones they love.”I was raised to be a Barrett boy.It’s time I start acting like one. The Runaway is the first book in a thrilling YA romance series. If you like fast-paced action, redeemable bad boys and romance that will steal your heart, then you’ll love Jordan Ford’s compelling novel.Buy The Runaway for a dramatic escape to freedom today!

Seeking Jake Ryan


M.F. Lorson - 2020
    However, all of that is about to change because on the first day of school she runs into none other than Mr. Sixteen Candles himself, Jake Ryan.Okay, he's not really Jake Ryan, but Gabe has the khakis, sports car and trademark charm to fit the role.Sloane hopes to pull a Molly Ringwald and win him over with her quirky sense of humor and even quirkier fashion sense, but what she doesn't know is that she and her seemingly untouchable celebrity crush have a lot more in common than they think.Seeking Jake Ryan is the first in a series of romantic comedies centering around everybody's favorite eighties movies.

Say Anything


Madeleine Labitan - 2019
     "I heart Lincoln Evans." Riley Ellison has been writing those words in her journal for months, pouring her teenage daydreams within its pages. Because the cutest boy in school isn't aware of her feelings for him and it's going to stay that way. She wouldn't be able to live it down if he ever finds out and rejects her. That would be downright mortifying. So when Noah Pritchett—Lincoln's best friend and Riley's next-door neighbor—finds out the truth, Riley's world turns upside down. What will she do? Will he say anything? But instead of outing her, Noah is suddenly offering to help her get Lincoln. It seems to be working...until Noah starts acting like he doesn't want to play cupid anymore. Did he lose interest or is there something more going on?

Summer Unplugged


Amy Sparling - 2013
    After catching her sending a less than lady-like photo to a boy who barely knows her, Bayleigh's mom sends her away to her grandparent's house for the summer--sans cell phone, laptop and Ipod. Bayleigh thinks the summer will be torture without social media...that is until she meets the boy next door.

The Cure


Parker J. Cole - 2017
    Yet, when Savannah’s niece is injured in a serious accident, the one man she can’t trust is the one she needs. Micah can barely contain his satisfaction when he sees Savannah’s message pleading for him to come to her side. Her disloyalty nearly cost his career and he’ll never forgive her for leaving him at the lowest point in his life. Despite her efforts to remain aloof, Savannah keeps seeing glimpses of the Micah she once loved behind his cool exterior. Micah fights an ongoing battle to not succumb to the sweetness of the woman he once cared for beyond anything else. But Savannah and Micah’s hearts remain sick with the pangs of betrayal. What, if anything, is the cure?

A Painted Summer


Amy Matayo - 2015
    As a homeschool graduate, a small town resident, and the only child of two over-protective parents, she’s dreamed of chasing big dreams. But big dreams take big courage. So in a moment of uncharacteristic boldness, Darby leaves the only life she’s ever known and sets off for California to test her skills in Hollywood. It works...until she runs out of money. That wasn’t part of her spur-of-the-moment plan, and she finds herself stuck in an unfamiliar city with too much pride to call home for help.With limited options, Darby finds herself working for dangerously hot Lennon Dixon, the owner of a downtown Los Angeles tattoo parlor. Lennon needs help and finds it in Darby. What he doesn’t expect is her odd aversion to his place of business...or his attraction to her. As for Darby, to call her new job unfamiliar is the world's biggest understatement. But to call her mutual attraction to Lennon unexpected is a very close second.Previously published as part of the Just One Summer collection.

Crossing the Line


Katie McGarry - 2013
    In this gripping novella, she tells the story of Lila and Lincoln, who discover that sometimes it’s worth crossing the line for love…Lila McCormick, Echo's best friend from Pushing the Limits, first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of exchanging letters—or that she’d fall for the boy she’s only seen once. Their relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else. Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him for the most.Hurting Lila is the last thing Lincoln wanted. For two years, her letters have been the only thing getting him through the day. Admitting his feelings would cross a line he’s never dared breach before. But Lincoln will do whatever it takes to fix his mistakes, earn Lila’s forgiveness—and finally win a chance to be with the girl he loves.

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.

Bookishly Ever After


Sarah Monzon - 2018
     Emory Blake is the ultimate bibliophile. She’d take curling up with a good novel over a night on the town any day of the week. But then best friend Tate Woodby accuses her of living between the pages of her paperbacks instead of the real world, and make a bet that will force her to experience the adventures of her fictional friends…instead of just reading about them. With her face no longer buried in books, Emory must confront the pain of the past. But is it also her perfect opportunity to discover the hunky hero who could be the happily-ever-after of her own story?