Book picks similar to
Matchmakers: The Complete Series by G.R. Lyons
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The Enlightenment of Angeline (Enlightenment, #1)
Joshua Berkov - 2020
She’s tough, opinionated, bossy, and she’s got a bone to pick with nearly everyone in her life.Set in the fictitious Eastern North Carolina small town of Shelbington, Angeline has been given a terminal diagnosis, with mere months left to live. Upon learning of this news, her adult children and grandchildren come home for one last visit. There is no love lost between any of the family members, and they all have secrets that they voluntarily or involuntarily reveal throughout the course of the novel, culminating in an explosive family dinner at which the biggest bombshells are dropped.Told in first-person narratives by the main protagonist and other characters, the story uses humor to touch on a number of hot-button issues, from race relations and racial profiling to LGBTQ issues, to the #MeToo movement, and to the subjugation of religion for profit.As Bette Davis once said in the 1950 movie All About Eve, “Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night!”
Be Careful Who You Marry: How different would your life have been if you had married someone else?
Lizzy Mumfrey - 2019
But one warning rings out: be careful who you marry. It is Halloween and the girls all go to a disco,a seemingly innocent night out but it changes lives forever. That night, three different choices create three wildly diverging destinies. Lilli never expected that growing up would happen so suddenly, and so permanently – motherhood can have that effect. Quiet Mouse is happy to stay in the shadow of her brilliant scientist husband, until the shadow starts to fade and dissipate. Lizzy takes a different route. She desires nothing less than her perfect man, only to realise that it is never that simple. Through four decades, the school friends’ lives are shaped by the choices they make on that one night, encompassing friendship, marriage, motherhood, loss and the mistakes we all make along life’s pathway. Lives collide and coalesce,twist and turn. Love is found and lost. The unexpected catches them out. The thin line between joy and tragedy blurs. They each choose their partner and live their life - but they should have been very careful who they marry.
Clouds In The Wind
Ian MacKenzie - 2014
This powerful novel is set predominantly in the mid to late ‘70s when the Rhodesian bush war was at its height before the Lancaster House agreement and the end of white rule. Get on to the story of Andy Mason, first as a schoolboy discovering the beauty of Africa on a trip to Northern Rhodesia in the ‘60s, then as a sergeant in the Rhodesian SAS in 1974 and 1979. This is powerful and authentic story-telling. The author was there and it shows in the detail, the sights, the sounds, the smells and the fear. Sent out on a routine recce, the four-man team is ambushed, reinforcements are sent in and a full-on fire fight evolves. Step back in time and we discover what led the young South African schoolboy to blood and death in the African bush. The author shows he is equally at home in the concrete jungle of Johannesburg amid high-flying fraud and corruption. A farm murder in Rhodesia and a plea for help from a former girlfriend sends Andy to the battlefield and the winds of war. Torn by anger and grief he enrols in the SAS. One of 12 recruits out of 500 to complete the gruelling course, and finds himself among the close-knit camaraderie of the forces. But the writing is on the wall. The superbly trained Rhodesian army never lost a battle, but they are fighting a war they cannot win. The contrast is here – the stark reality of war, mutilation and death and the lavish lifestyle of the Salisbury elite; elegant dancing and dining with a rifle always at the ready; luxurious living on the prosperous farms that have been in families for generations and armed convoys anywhere outside the city. Andy falls for laughing, beautiful Alyson, spoilt and protected darling of her wealthy parents, but even there the war takes its toll. This is yet another gripping piece of story-telling and the author succeeds remarkably well in getting into the skin of this anguished young girl. Naturally politics of the period is entrenched, but the author lets his characters give their viewpoints – angry, paternalistic, stubborn or entitled. This is a book that will enthrall and enlighten. It's a passionately told story that will simply take your breath away.
The Not So Bad Boy
Raquel Belle - 2019
It seems like she’s always been attracted to the kind of man who’s bad for her. In fact, it’s been one textbook bad-boy after the next, and it’d left her feeling so defeated that she decided quit dating altogether…for a whole year!Until she met Eric. Good, stable, boring and dependable Eric. He loves her way more than she loves him and it feels good to be on the other side of the equation for once, even though the sex is not the best…but that’s not all relationships are about are they?She’s finally getting her life together and things are going great…but then the universe decides to throw her a curve ball when her teaching assistant quits and is replaced by James Sumner. He’s tall, dark and handsome…covered in tattoos, listens to punk rock and wears a leather jacket. He’s everything Hayley’s been avoiding…so why can’t she stop thinking about him? She wants to put him out of her mind because she knows that Eric is the right man for her…...or is he?The feeling is definitely mutual because James can’t seem to stop thinking about Hayley either. Their attraction is undeniable. When a friendship starts to blossom between them, Hayley begins to doubt everything she knows. Is James really the kind of bad-boy who’ll break Hayley’s heart? Is she meant to be with Eric? Is she meant to be alone?
Jack and Jill went downhill
R.J. Gould - 2021
Despite their backgrounds, personalities and interests being poles apart, the relationship flourishes during their university years. It’s not quite as comfortable when their studies are over and they start work, Jack in the City and Jill as a teacher. Way back when they first met, they’d shared the joke that their names were those of the nursery rhyme. Down the line, they fail to recognise that their lives are matching the plot – Jack falls down and Jill comes tumbling after. Their relationship is on the rocks. Can it survive? What reviewers say about R J Gould’s writing: ‘R J Gould is a sharp, perceptive observer of human relationships, demonstrating both their fragility and their absurdity.’ ‘I loved this book! Tender, witty, funny, with characters you can totally relate to.' ‘I laughed from the beginning and didn't stop until the end and I couldn't put it down in between.’ ‘A story about trust, resilience, forgiveness and fresh starts, narrated with humour and insight. It kept my interest hooked and made me smile all the way through. A great read!’
Off Limits Collection
Jane Anthony - 2020
USA Today bestselling author Jane Anthony brings you three filthy mechanics, three feisty ladies, three forbidden tales of love, lust, and betrayal. Meet the foul-mouthed mechanic who’ll stop at nothing to win a country girl’s heart, the broody co-worker who has his sights set on his best friend’s sister, and the bad boy rocker who intends to corrupt the innocent Catholic girl.This set contains two full-length novels, as well as brand new bonus novella, ONLY available in the Off-Limits Collection.
Top Shelf
Allison Temple - 2019
Well, not really, but he might as well be. Job gone, home gone, self-respect gone, and no one even seems to notice. The only person who really sees him is Seb, the artist who lives above the used bookstore.Seb haunts the edges of Seacroft in search of beauty. He knows how to excavate the hidden value in abandoned things--whether it's in the pages of forgotten books or in Martin's stuttering attempts to rebuild his life--and transform them into works of art.Two lost souls, Seb and Martin discover the strength they need to face eccentric townies and their dysfunctional families together. But as friendship sparks toward something more, neither man wants to risk what they've only just found. It takes two to fall in love, but it will take the whole community to bring their beauty to life.Top Shelf is an 81k slow burn friends-to-lovers MM romance. It features an anxious professor, a drama queen artist, a bookstore that might be haunted, and a full-blown heart-eyes HEA.
Dying by Numbers
Sam Kates - 2018
The heaviest burden. An old man has for many years borne a weight that runs deeper than survivor’s guilt. He is a survivor, of humanity’s darkest hour, but wouldn’t have lived through it if not for the actions of another. Now he has the opportunity for which he has long yearned: to meet his saviour’s daughter and tell her about her father’s supreme act of selflessness. And maybe, in the telling, one of them will find release.
The Suitors of their Dreams: A Historical Regency Romance Collection
Bridget Barton - 2021
Unfortunately, her father forces her to find a suitable match. A fortuitous meeting at a ball leads her to make an elaborate plan with Lord Cavendish to convince everyone that they are courting. Dejected and heartbroken, Anthony Cavendish agrees to be part of Elizabeth's scheme, as he views it as an opportunity to make his lost love crawl back to him. What happens though when their scheme paves the way for true feelings to start blossoming? Will they both realise that their goals, as well as their hearts, are perfectly aligned?A Beauty for the Scarred DukeWhen the Earl of Upperton sells off his daughter Isabella as a bride for the disfigured Elliot Covington, Isabella feels terrified. Due to marrying a man she never met and whom she believed to be a monster, she truly believes her life is over. What she has yet to discover though, is that beneath the scars, there is a caring and kind gentleman. The moment they both realise they are meant to be together, outside powers will try to tear them apart forever. Will the Duke be able to let go of the pain and guilt that has swallowed him whole?A Charming Lady for the Intriguing BaronetIf Selina had her way, she would marry a commoner and live in happiness. Her encounter with Alexander, reinforces her belief that the life she has dreamed of could be in front of her. The experience is similar for Alexander, Baronet of Chesterfield, as he is convinced that Selina will be the woman who will bring hope into his life. When the beautiful woman discovers his true identity, she will reject him for the very reason that makes him the most eligible bachelor. Can the charming Baronet compensate for a rocky start and earn Selina’s trust?A Governess for the Brooding DukeWhen Georgette is left penniless after her father's sudden death, she becomes the governess of the orphan nieces of the Duke of Draycott. Soon, she finds her heart entrapped by her employer's presence, and yet she knows that she should suppress her emotions and compromise with her lower status. Little did she know that the Duke would see the light her caring presence has brought to his shadowy estate. Spiteful persons will threaten to keep Georgette away from his life forever. Will they find the courage to claim their feelings for each other?For the Love of a DuchessEngaged to be married to the handsome Miles Gainsborough, Eliza Ashton, could never imagine how easily happiness can turn into disaster. When her father confesses that she is the only hope of saving them from financial ruin, she finds herself set to marry the unbearable Duke of Lytton and Miles is nowhere to be seen. Her life will take an unexpected turn though when she meets Daniel Winchester, an accomplished attorney who will manage to break through the wall of thorns Eliza has started to build around her heart. Will Daniel win Eliza’s wounded trust?Kind Ella and the Charming DukeAfter her father’s death, Ella is left devastated. Her mother marries the Earl of Dandridge, a cold hearted father of two spoiled young ladies in search of a suitor. When Rufus is reported to be searching for a suitable bride, the Earl will plot the most appalling schemes to hide Ella away. Ella’s rebellious heart makes her defy the orders to abstain from the Duke’s masquerade ball. A defiance that will act in her favour, as that is where she will meet charming Rufus. Little did he know though that claiming her heart will be the most difficult mission in his life.If you love clean Regency romances that feature dynamic and inspiring women of the era and determined, yet charming, male protagonists, then you will love this collection!
Nonverbal
Aria Grace - 2020
***Liam suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was only twelve years old. Although the doctors have hope he’ll make a full recovery some day, almost eight years later, he hasn’t spoken a word and is completely disengaged from the world around him.Wyatt accepts a job as a companion and daytime caretaker for Liam as a way to make some money and get back on his feet. It’s a short-term assignment, but with room and board included, Wyatt is happy to have a break from living with his mom.While a true friendship between Liam and Wyatt develops, Wyatt finds out the real reason he was hired. To teach Liam the things his parents and sister can’t help him with.It’s awkward and uncomfortable at first, but as Liam opens up to Wyatt, they both make tremendous strides in their physical and mental conditions.And it turns out the old adage that love is the best medicine might actually be true.For mature readers.
The Worst Best Man
M.J. O'Shea - 2017
but his worst nightmare. A rekindled romance wasn't part of the plan. Despite his American background, August O'Leary is the most sought-after wedding planner in London. Naturally, Libby and Edward come to him for a wedding the city will never forget. But Edward is an international businessman, so the details are left to Libby and her best friend--who happens to be the love of August's life and the one who broke his heart eight years ago: Christopher Burke. How's August supposed to pull off the event of the year with Christopher distracting him and old feelings crashing the party uninvited? Christopher has let money and status dictate his life, but no more. His failure to stand up to others' expectations cost him his future with August--one he hoped would include marriage. Now he has to face August's hurt and anger and prove he's still the best man to make August happy.
Bite Me
Beth Bolden - 2018
Working at the celebrated Napa Valley restaurant Terroir is supposed to be the cherry on top to a promising career, but instead it's a creative desert. So when he gets an offer to turn his online video series into a career, he leaves his three best friends in Napa and swaps Terroir for Los Angeles.With the resources now at his fingertips, turning his pastry series into a hit should be easy. Then Miles meets his producer, Evan Patterson, and realizes he’s screwed. And not even in the good way.
It's not a meet-cute . . .
Evan lives to work and loves every minute detail Miles loathes. Not only that, he seems hell bent on micromanaging every aspect of Miles' show despite the fact he knows nothing about the culinary arts. Evan doesn’t even like sweets—until Miles seduces him with a rainbow of delectable confections he can't resist.
. . . it's a collision.
With every confrontation, the intensity between them flares even hotter until they're not sure if it's hatred they feel . . .or something else. Is it possible for two people with nothing in common to discover common ground and romance?
Bite Me is a 80,000 word standalone m/m romance featuring enemies to lovers. Don't read hungry!
Hot Cop Boxed Set
Laurelin Paige - 2019
You have the right to remain sexy. Anything you say can and will be used to get you in my bed. You have the right to use my body to give yourself a delirious, life-changing orgasm. Livia Ward wants a baby before she’s thirty. And she wants it the old-fashioned way—by having as much sex as it takes with a man she’s hand-picked to make up the second part of the equation. What she doesn’t want is a boyfriend. Officer Chase Kelly is exactly the kind of cocky jerk this librarian has sworn off, but he is undeniably hot. And he’s better in bed than Livia ever expected her baby daddy to be. It’s trouble from the start, but her deadline is rapidly approaching. Both of them think they can give each other what they want--a few nights of fun for Officer Kelly, a no-strings baby for Livia--but this hot cop is about to learn that sex, babies, and love don’t always play by the rules. You know me. Come on, you know you do. Maybe you pretend you don’t. Maybe you clear your browser history religiously. Maybe you pretend to be aghast whenever someone even mentions the word porn in your presence. But the truth is that you do know me. Everybody knows Logan O’Toole, world famous porn star. Except then Devi Dare pops into my world, and pretty soon I’m doing things that aren’t like me—like texting her with flirty banter and creating an entire web porn series just so I can get to star in her bed. Again. And again. With Devi, my entire universe shifts, and the more time I spend with her, the more I realize that Logan O’Toole isn’t the guy I thought he was. So maybe I'm not the guy you thought I was either. *Includes Logan O’Toole’s Tools of the Trade as a bonus.
Bad Idea: The Complete Collection
Nicole French - 2020
She's a princess from a wealthy family. Binge what readers are calling the “realest romance” out there. Get the complete Bad Idea Series plus an exclusive novella, After Party!For Bad Idea: Repeat after me: stay away from the girl. The beautiful girl. The f**king ray of sunshine in the middle of your delivery route. Layla Barros is everything I never knew I wanted. Everything I’ll never have.She’s an innocent young student. I’m a convicted felon. She’s rich girl from a nice family. I’ve got nothing but a broken home.But if I’m an addict, she’s my drug. I can’t stay away, even though I know I’ll ruin her in the end. She might be the girl of my dreams, but I was always a bad idea.For Lost Ones:Six months ago, I gave my heart to a girl. Beautiful, kind, and sexy as sin, she’s the only person who saw past my record or the color of my skin. Who really saw me for me. She loved me enough to let me go, let me leave this city to find my own path. But without her, I drift, lost without direction. Without me, she spirals, desperate for connection. I gave my heart to a girl, and she gave hers to me. But love shouldn’t hurt this much.For True North:They said I was a bad idea. Poor. Violent. Criminal. They said I’d amount to nothing, and I believed them too. Until I met her. Layla Barros saved me from my worst, but to do that, she lost the best herself. Now it’s my turn to bring her back to life. If only I can figure out how to do it.I’ll do anything to protect the chance we finally have. I’ll follow her to the other side of the world: Brazil. Cuba. You name it.But how can I be her true north when I’m still finding my direction too?Because sometimes your worst demons are those closest to you. And sometimes getting rid of them isn’t a choice at all. Now includes the exclusive novella After Party only seen once in a limited-run anthology!
It Was Always You
L.A. Witt - 2018
Job? Gone. Marriage? Kaput. With nothing to keep him in Chicago, he’s headed home to Seattle to lick his wounds and start over. To his surprise, his high school best friend—the man he ghosted five years ago—swoops in to help him pick up the pieces.Justin Tucker still stings over Tyler vanishing, but when his old friend needs help, saying no is out of the question. Justin’s got a spare room, and he’ll do anything he can to help Tyler get back on his feet. As the guys find their way back to friendship, Justin’s old feelings find their way back to the surface. He long ago made peace with Tyler being straight, but that doesn’t make twenty years of longing any easier to bear. Now he’s wondering if he can really handle having the man of his dreams living under his roof and out of his reach.Except maybe Tyler isn’t as far out of reach as either man thinks…