Book picks similar to
Beautiful Secret by Claire Raye
romance
ebook
contemporary-romance
contemporary
Dark McKenna
Shayne Ford
He doesn't believe in second chances.When Vivian Mason, a college freshman who has no family left and struggles to survive, runs into a broody, handsome man one November night while fighting a cold rain on the streets of Manhattan, she has no idea who he is.A man of a few words, a body made of steel and eyes brimming with fire, the mysterious stranger saves her life more than once.Soft and delicate and a moving target, she falls for the broad-shouldered man, although his identity remains a secret to her.Fate pulls him away from her before one morning, she finds herself and her best friend in the boardroom of a multi-billion corporation, waiting for the company's owner to commence his speech when the door opens, and a tall, dark-haired man wearing a high-end suit walks in.She stares at his back for a few moments before he slowly turns, and then her heart stops.NOTE:The enigmatic male lead makes an appearance in Golden Heir Series.Spoilers of Shade's story (the lead man in the Golden Heir Series) are present in the Shades of Love Series.This book ends in a CLIFFHANGER.Three books in this series. All available.
The Light We See
J. Lynn Bailey - 2019
From Carpinteria, California, we left.In Arizona, we barely spoke.In New Mexico, I gave him a promise that I knew I couldn’t keep.In Texas, we slept under the stars.In Oklahoma, he told me a story I wouldn’t soon forget.In Louisiana, he gave my soul a voice.Between Arkansas and Mississippi, we took full advantage of an opportunity.In Tennessee, I studied his face.In Kentucky, he introduced me to his parents.In Ohio, he found my heart.In West Virginia, we drank whiskey and told ourselves that truths are better left untold.In Maryland, we felt the weight of the night.In Pennsylvania, his wife called.And in New York, I asked myself one question:Would he be able to let me go when it was time?
Blowback
Lisa Hughey - 2011
Now she lives alone, works alone, survives alone. When a covert mission goes horribly wrong, suddenly she can trust no one. Not her boss, not her agency, not even herself. Lucas Goodman, former FBI agent turned PI, is on the trail of a missing teenager when his investigation leads him to Jamie. Despite her attempts to ditch him, Lucas tenaciously continues to shadow Jamie, realizing he doesn’t just want information...he wants her. When their investigations collide and her sister is in danger, Jamie is forced to team up with Lucas. Together they must expose the connection between agents’ murders, a missing teenager, and a sixty-year-old government conspiracy. But can she open her heart to find the truth within the lies? been odd man out in his family. Not the oldest, not the most charming, he'd had a lock on the youngest until another half-sibling came to live with them, so he raised hell in his youth. Con knows now the only way to redeem himself is with deeds, not words and sets out to prove once and for all he is worthy of the Stone family. When his older brother asks him to take care of business, Con finally will have redemption he craves. Except when Ava Sanchez, his brother's assistant, is threatened, he must choose between saving the girl and protecting his family. Will his choice bring him love or break his heart?
Ocean Wolves
Theresa Beachman - 2019
Becca Johnson has devoted herself to her work after personal tragedy taught her she’s better off alone. She finds solace in the isolation of oceanic research but as her six-month work rotation draws to a close, events rapidly escalate into life-threatening chaos. Struggling to hold her team together, she is forced to accept the help of the Ocean Wolves.Ethan Carter joined the Ocean Wolves after his troubled history ended his career in the elite Special Boat Services. Now, he’s a hired gun with the Wolves, paid to protect the interests of the world’s biggest oceanic multi-national, Triton Core. When his team is tasked to escort crucial research to the surface, he discovers events spiraling out of control and the woman from his past he’s tried desperately to forget—the woman who reignites emotions buried deep in his heart.Fighting increasing danger that threatens the lives of everyone in the deep-sea habitat, Ethan vows to protect Becca at all costs.But as their options dwindle, leaving them trapped 8000 feet below the surface, will it be enough to keep her alive?Hold your breath for deep-sea action, adventure, and romance!
Law #1: Never Bet on Love
Agnes Canestri - 2021
What everyone seems to doubt, however, is my ability to have a life outside of work that includes a loving relationship. So when my brother bets that I can’t connect deeply enough with a woman to win her heart—and my mother makes winning that bet a condition of my promotion—I accept the challenge. Too bad I never considered what would happen if I was the one to fall in love when all is said and done. EVA The walls around my heart have always been impenetrable. But the gorgeous billionaire who suddenly seems so interested in me doesn’t seem to mind. I’d like to say I’m not flattered. Or tempted by him. But…I am. And for the first time in my life, I’m wondering what it would be like to let my guard down and truly take a shot at happily ever after. If only I could shake this feeling that he’s keeping something from me …The bet was simple. The aftermath? Well, that could be the best—or worst—thing that ever happened to them…
Dealing with the Duchess
J.R. Salisbury - 2016
As a widow, she has certain freedoms other women do not. But she has neither the time nor inclination to look for dalliance. She’s much too busy overseeing the very special properties left to her by the late duke—including the elite gaming hell known as Dante’s Inferno. Until another nobleman returns to London and reminds her that she is still a young, passionate woman.The Duke of Evermont, has returned from his sugar plantations in the Caribbean. His life is full running his estates and seeing to his investments. The last thing he’s searching for is a wife. That is until he sees Eleanor again, and other society beauties fade in comparison. The last time he saw her, Eleanor was walking down the aisle to another man. This time, Evermont is determined not to let the beautiful and vibrant lady slip through his hands. Fortunately for him, the duchess turns to him for help—and he’s more than willing to sweep her under his ducal cloak of protection. Whether his assistance is required in shielding her from members of society foolish enough to gamble away their fortunes, or from the heartless schemes of her own father—Evermont will do what it takes to show her their future together is a sure thing.
Chase: The Secret Billionaire Society Book 1
Nancy Pennick - 2019
One unforgettable birthday bash. Now their livelihoods are in the hands of a stranger. Each is tasked a mission. If one fails, they all fail. Billionaires, no more.Serious Chase Young is chosen first by this ominous, never seen Smith and goes from billionaire to pilot for a small airline in a day. Unable to use money to fix the problem, he’s tasked to dig deeper into the airline’s problems. Chase never expects to meet Grace Edison, the owner’s daughter, and immediately wants her in his life. Undercover, Chase can’t tell Grace the truth. Never one to back down, he accepts the challenge ahead of him, win Grace and save her father’s company.This book can be read as a standalone.
Salt Bay Sunrise: A Brother's Best Friend, Wounded Veteran, Tropical Romantic Adventure
Juliet Brilee - 2020
He’s an embattled veteran determined to help. When she gets in over her head, will their love sink or swim?Ecotour captain Willow McBride enjoys introducing tourists to the many wonders of the sea. But with financial pressure mounting, she reluctantly takes on a group of mysterious “treasure hunters” with unclear intentions. And the salt really hits the fan when her hunky high school crush wanders back into her life out of nowhere.Grant Taylor needs a fresh start. After checking out of the VA hospital with a still-mangled arm, he agrees to look in on his friend’s sister back in his hometown. And though he remains haunted by the people he let die, he’s unprepared for the way her familiar face makes his wounded heart skip a beat.Despite falling for the handsome soldier from her past, Willow still can’t let him interfere with her clients’ increasingly illegal demands. But if Grant wants to fulfill his obligation and protect the lovely mariner, he’ll have to confront his terror of open water.Can the reunited pair dodge a bullet and sail off into the sunset?Salt Bay Sunrise is the charming first book in the Escape to Valencia Cove for Tropical Romance series. If you like fanning old flames, sizzling secrets, and a dash of suspense, then you’ll adore Juliet Brilee’s sweet story.
Gone Country
Katrina Marie - 2021
And, it’s not as easy as I thought it would be.My car? Ends up in a ditch.A hot shower? Interrupted by a snake.Not to mention the quiet. How do people fall asleep without background noise?The only good thing about Asheville is the mechanic that comes to my rescue and offers to fix my car. He’s playful, kind, and promises he’s not looking for a relationship, which is great since I won’t be here long. He can show me everything this town has to offer, including “other activities”…with no strings attached.But how can I keep my eye on the prize when he’s looking at me like I’m his?
Set Free
Kelly Collins - 2015
He’s running from his failed marriage. Can a ramshackle ranch inspire a second-chance romance?Mickey Mercer is determined to leave her past mistakes behind bars. Fixing up the rundown family ranch could be the perfect way to get back on the straight and narrow and make her late father proud. But when her vindictive ex sabotages her every move, she reluctantly accepts a stubborn cop’s offer of protection and finds herself falling head over spurs into his strong arms.Detective Kerrick McKinley may take his vow to serve and protect a little too seriously. While his blue-blooded passion put an end to his marriage, it also compels him to guard a newly freed ex-con from her dangerous stalker. But the more time he spends with the sexy and spontaneous horse rancher, the more he’s itching to get back in the saddle…In the face of old fears and new dangers, can Mickey and Kerrick find the courage to risk it all for a chance at true love?Set Free is the first installment in the compelling Second Chance Series of contemporary romance novels. If you like headstrong characters, fiery chemistry, and rustic ranch settings, then you’ll love Kelly Collins’ pulse-pounding romance.
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…
Rakes Always Kiss First
Catherine Mayfair - 2020
The man is boastful, rude and devilishly handsome. Worst of all, he has stolen a kiss that causes Mary to desire more.Lord Anthony Greyson knows the rumors concerning him and his rakish ways and cares not. He has spirited many women to his bed, and his eye is now on Mary. Wooing the innocent woman with a kiss, he has no doubt he will soon add her to his list of conquests, and he is certain she will not have the strength to resist.Upon learning of several unsavory rumors, Mary is tasked to spy on Anthony, and she readily agrees. Doing so will prove she is more than a pretty thing for others to admire. More importantly, she will be able to prove to herself she can resist the rake’s charms.Anthony soon becomes enchanted with the secretive woman and desires to know more about her and what she is hiding…And for Mary, she begins to wonder if Anthony is the cruel man about whom the ton whispers. Or is he the gentleman she secretly wishes him to be?
Shadows Landing, Books 1 & 2: Savings Shadows / Sunken Shadows
Kathleen Brooks - 2021
Romance, danger, and a bit of comedy fill each book set in the small town of Shadows Landing.
Saving Shadows
Gavin Faulkner was the only doctor in the small South Carolina inner coastal town of Shadows Landing. He was used to patching up everything from fishing lures stuck in skin to gator bites. Nothing could surprise him anymore—except when he found an unconscious woman partially submerged near his dock after a fierce thunderstorm.Ellery St. John’s last memory was of a bat swinging toward her head. The next thing she knew, she was cold, wet, and a sexy man was pressing his lips to hers. Too bad it turned out to be CPR instead of a passionate kiss.Gavin thought Ellery would be safe in the small town where BBQ wars were the biggest danger, but he was wrong. Now it was up to him to help Ellery put the pieces together in order to discover who had tried to kill her and why before they both ended up at the bottom of the ocean.
Sunken Shadows
As a rescue swimmer for the Coast Guard, Wade Faulkner was used to unpredictable situations. But an emergency call late one night turns his life upside down. After finding a boat on fire, he discovers a dead body and a visibly shaken woman in need of rescue. Now he finds himself entangled in a murder mystery between two teams of treasure hunters out for the discovery of a lifetime . . . and he’s falling for the main suspect.Darcy Delmar survived an explosion on her boat while racing to be the first to find a sunken treasure she believes to be worth more than most people can possibly imagine. Now she is the lead suspect in the murder of a fellow treasure hunter. Or is she simply the next victim?As Wade and Darcy lose themselves to the passion of the hunt and a new love, one thing becomes clear: this is a treasure worth killing for.
Heartthrob
Belinda Williams - 2020
She definitely wouldn’t be stupid enough to fall for a movie star. Particularly not a Hollywood heartthrob like Jacob Swan.It doesn’t help that there’s a lot more to Jacob than his on-screen good guy, all-American persona. But Ally is in LA with a job to do. She’s in town to pursue her dreams of fashion design and create some gowns for the awards season for her friend and actress, Lena Lyons—not get distracted by Lena’s co-star.Of course the media has other ideas. When Ally is spotted in public with Jacob, threats aimed at destroying her fashion career go too far. Someone obviously doesn’t like all the attention she’s getting, and Ally becomes convinced she’s living in crazy town.The sensible thing would be to retreat home before it all ends in spectacular fashion. But will Ally be leaving more than her dreams behind if she says goodbye to Hollywood?This glamorous, fast-paced contemporary romance that will make you smile, is perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Victoria Dahl, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and Liliana Hart.
Walk With Me, One Hundred Days of Crazy
Ernesto H. Lee - 2019
As a successful commodities trader with one of the leading London trading houses, he was happy, healthy and, engaged to be married to the woman he loved. Then came the devastating news that would change his life forever. Less than two years later, his health is in tatters, his fiancée is gone, and his life is reduced to nothing more than a series of difficult choices and harsh realities. In search of answers and, in search of a drink, he walks an unfamiliar part of London. He doesn’t find the answers he is looking for, but he does find Karen. With Karen, he finds hope. With Karen, he finds love. With Karen, nothing is ever going to be the same again.Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite- 5 StarsWalk With Me: One Hundred Days of Crazy is a romantic and bitter sweet work of fiction penned by author Ernesto H Lee. Written for mature audiences, but not overly graphic in its romantic content, this tale focuses on love later in life. Our central hero Mark Rennie is a man who once thought he had a perfect life all figured out, but then his life and health fall apart aged forty-one. In a world of difficult choices, Mark chooses to drift the streets of London in search of some kind of answer. When he finds Karen, however, he gets a lot more than he was looking for.This is an emotional and unusual love story in the realm of tragic romances, but it has so many beautiful and uplifting qualities in spite of the situation that Mark finds himself in. The back drop of London is well drawn to bring out the atmosphere of each moment in Mark and Karen's relationship, and author Ernesto H Lee has a cinematic sense of how to construct scenes and move the plot along without any unnecessary details derailing it. The narration is personal, close to the characters, and sensitive in matters of health, the future and the notion of hope. What results is an emotionally intelligent and realistic romance that will grip its readers from start to finish. Overall, Walk With Me: One Hundred Days of Crazy is a rollercoaster ride with stylish narration, compelling dialogue and a plot you'll cry over again and again.Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite- 5 StarsWalk With Me: One Hundred Days of Crazy by Ernesto H Lee is a novel about love, acceptance, and learning to live in the moment. We are all guilty of it and we all take our present for granted while we push for the future. This is something that happened to Mark Rennie in this novel. He kept looking forward and worked hard, only to have his life slip away from him. His story is heartbreaking as well as encouraging.The author did a great job of creating an atmosphere that is sensitive yet hopeful. There were emotional ups and downs in the story, but the author kept the momentum going and ensured that the reader enjoyed the journey with Mark and Karen. While the topic of cancer is very bleak,the author added as much hope and happiness to the story as possible. To say that I got emotional reading this novel would be an understatement. I was so involved and invested in Mark and Karen that I just didn't want their story to end. Absolutely beautiful! “Walk With Me, One Hundred Days of Crazy is a novel with a powerful tale of romance and one that explores the deep longings of the human heart.” Ruffina Oserio for Readers Favorite. “Walk With Me, One Hundred Days of Crazy by Ernesto H Lee is a fascinating book packed with craziness, emotions, family, and love (lots of love).” Ankita Shukla for Readers Favorite.