Book picks similar to
Forbidden by Faith by Negeen Papehn
romance
contemporary-romance
authors-of-color
contemporary
The Apple of My Eye
Mary Ellen Bramwell - 2014
When she finally emerges from the fog of her life, it dawns on her that something is amiss in the way her husband died. As Brea searches for answers, she discovers things she never knew... and things she's not sure she wants to know. Delving into unsolved mysteries brings several questions to the forefront of Brea's thoughts, and she must decide if moving forward can erase the heartache and mistakes.
The Gift
Kate Anslinger - 2017
When she looks into a criminal’s eyes she can see haunting images of victims who have been wronged. One of those visions is the face of Jenny Silva, high school art teacher who has gone missing from the small town of Bridgeton, Massachusetts, where Grace works. When she makes eye contact with the possible suspect, Jenny's tortured face flashes before Grace, leaving an unsettling imprint on her. Grace finds herself making tough decisions to solve a case on her own, where she stumbles across town secrets and gets mixed up in an unlikely love affair. Sometimes a wrong can find a way to be righted all on its own.
Manhattan Cinderella
Kate O'Keeffe - 2019
An heir to a music kingdom. A chance for a fairy tale ending.22-year-old New Yorker Gabriella Davis aspires to be pop music's next big thing. Desperate to protect her kid sister, she's got to succeed. But first, she needs to get away from her narcissistic stepmother who has her working her butt off as assistant to her band.Super-hot singer Cole Grant is a country boy at heart, so when he leaves his native Tennessee for New York, he's about as comfortable as a deer on ice. He's determined to make the most of this chance of a lifetime, but with the explosive family secret Cole needs to keep, this is one opportunity that might just blow up in his face.A taxi, a lost shoe, and a chance meeting bring Gabby and Cole together. Their attraction is instant. But with so much at stake, neither one is in the market for love.When City meets Country and fame and fortune beckon, can they open their hearts to one another? Or will the secrets they hold keep them from finding their happily ever after?Manhattan Cinderella is a sweet and sexy contemporary romance retelling of the Cinderella story for fans of Lauren Layne. This book is a little sexier than my other "chick lit" titles, such as the Cozy Cottage Café series, but with my same light-hearted, feel-good tone.
Kozart
J. Nathan - 2019
At twenty-five, he's got it all. Money. Fame. And the adoration of fans everywhere. He thought that was enough to make him forget his past. Enough to transform his distrusting heart. Turns out that's not how it works...Then he meets a bridesmaid hiding out in a hotel bar. Probably the only girl on the planet who doesn't know who he is. But she seems to be the one girl who can give him something no one else can.College senior, Aubrey Prescott, is trying to escape humiliation. While drowning her sorrows in a hotel bar, she meets a handsome stranger. One who quickly makes her forget why she's there. One who, after an unforgettable night, disappears without a second glance.But you know what they say about things that disappear...They have a way of reappearing when you least expect them to.STANDALONE #1 in the Savage Beasts rock star series.
Miss Apple Pants
Charlotte Roth - 2013
In her senior year of high school, her family moves across the country to Seattle, turning her already-small world upside down. She feels alone and lost… But then she finds a box of decades-old love letters between Martha and Frederick; she becomes best friends with her new midget neighbor, Miss T; and she meets Hans, a very symmetric German exchange student. But summer ends abruptly when she is forced to make a decision that will change her life. Forever. A warmhearted and humorous coming of age story, Lost in Seattle, is a celebration of family, love, friendship, motherhood, and that special bond between daughters, mothers, and women across generations. “If you love a fast-paced story, with snappy dialogue and lots of humor and heart, this is the book for you.”"Charlotte Roth caught my attention with the snappy chapter titles. She kept it with snappy dialogue, which I adore, unique characters, which I fell in love with, and a story filled with heartbreaking, humorous, and heartwarming moments. It hasn't been easy for Eleanor, living with her tree hugging, 'hippie-like' parents. She's not happy when they move her from the east coast all the way to Washington state. After an exhausting cross-country drive with her parents in a U-Haul truck, they finally reach their destination, only to find the truck is filled with another family's belongings. After five days of being stranded with nothing of their own and limited funds, they finally decide to get some use out of the unclaimed contents of the truck. When they find an iron mailbox full of letters from 30 years ago, the two women in the family decide to read them. The tales of a young couple's struggles three decades earlier weave a complex and interesting pattern into this already interesting web of entertaining story line. This first story of Ms. Roth reads like it's her tenth, with crisp, clean writing. I'm looking forward to reading more from her. I give it 5 stars and high recommendations!" Lori Leger, Author of Fictional Romance with a Cajun flair. Owner/Editor at Cajunflair Publishing
Come October
Patricia Kay - 2005
They believed their love could withstand anything. But life can change in an instant and Claire is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice and disappear. For years afterward Tucker mourns her loss. Can these two star-crossed lovers ever find each other again? Patricia Kay delivers the kind of complex, emotional, deeply satisfying story she is known for in this heartbreaking tale of love and loss. PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR PATRICIA KAY: "A stunning book from a master storyteller. Patricia Kay writes from the heart about matters that touch us all." -- Susan Wiggs, NY Times bestselling author "A beautifully written compelling story you won't be able to put down." --- Georgia Bockoven, USA Today bestselling author "If you love LaVyrle Spencer, you'll love Patricia Kay." --- Deborah Smith "Wonderful . . . (a) sparkling romance." --- Eileen Goudge "Kay's writing is solid, and her narrative swiftly reaches a satisfying finish." -- Publisher's Weekly "Patricia Kay writes from the heart about people we come to love." --- Christina Dodd, NY Times bestselling author "Heartrending and touching . . . Ms. Kay never fails to deliver this kind of story." -- Amanda Kilgore, Huntress Reviews "This marvelous story is full to bursting with winning characters, special moments, and most of all, hope, faith, and the rejuvenating power of love." --- Romantic Times Magazine "An intriguing story of love at first sight." --- Houston Tempo Magazine "There are deep questions about relationships and serious character growth evident in this story, which is also warm, sensuous, and excellent entertainment." --- Rendezvous magazine "A warm, tender, beautifully written love story with an emotional punch that only Patricia Kay can deliver." --- Amanda Stevens, USA Today bestselling author PATRICIA KAY is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 50 novels of romance and women's fiction. Her 2000 novel THE WRONG CHILD was nominated for a Rita, the most prestigious award given to authors of romance and women's fiction by the Romance Writers of America. She and her two cats make their home in Houston, Texas. To learn more about her and her books, visit her website at www.patriciakay.com.
Take Me Back
Summer Brooks - 2018
Now he’s back. After nine years, there are three reasons I should stay away. For one, Matt is my boss. On top of that, he is my older brother’s best friend and business partner at the most prestigious law firm in the country. And to make things worse, Matt doesn’t know about our son. Matt Dawson, with his cool blue eyes and dominating persona, can send shivers down my spine with a single touch. His forearms are stronger than my resolve to resist him. And I know that he won’t stop until he makes me gasp and tremble with pleasure again. Hiding our son’s existence complicates things, but it’s my brother who is the gravest concern. If he discovers that Matt is the father of my child—or even that Matt and I are together—he would be angry enough to kill. And murder is something he is more than capable of doing. But Matt would go to unimaginable lengths to protect his family.
Juliette
Anita Claire - 2014
Moving in with childhood friend turned blond bombshell she gets introduced to Cassie’s crazy over the top lifestyle. Taking a job at a Silicon Valley startup she learns that work is more than just hoodies and free gourmet food. Thankfully she has The Princesses, her close group of girlfriends from college who all went as princesses to a Halloween party their freshman year. They don’t call San Jose- Man Jose for nothing. Juliette’s heart is not lonely for long. Swimming before work she sees a guy with the most amazing six pack get out of the pool. Now she has a new quest – to meet him. While playing soccer she gets knocked out by an opposing player. The player’s hot doctor brother helps her to the sidelines then starts texting her. As things start heating up in Juliette’s personal life she now has two guys vying for her attention. Who will it be sexy swimmer Zach or hot Dr. Nate? Author Motivation:When I sat down to write my series I created characters I liked. I wanted the women to be smart, have their heads on straight, be part of a group of supportive friends, and have a positive relationship with their family. I wanted the guys to be the men you really want to meet -- good guys, who work hard, and treat women with respect.All the princess books are coming of age stories. Our protagonists have finished college and are now embarking on the adult world. Overcoming an embedded belief or coming to terms with adult issues is not always easy or pretty to watch. If I've done my job well as an author, there will be times when you yell at my protagonist to grow up, get their head out of their butt, or to stop worrying so much. Hopefully, by the end of each book, you will cheer the protagonist as they grow, change, and evolve into an adult.Of course these are all romance novels, so the center of each story is the protagonist as they grow, mature and get to embrace their wonderful partner.Please note, this single book, formally was the Juliette Trilogy - Meet Me in Silicon Valley, Kiss Me in Silicon Valley and Be with Me in Silicon Valley.
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Emma Louise - 2018
The all American couple.Until the big time came calling. Misunderstandings and miscommunications lead to broken hearts and broken trust.But fate throws me a second chance when our paths cross again. Now Poppy has to decide if she’s ready to take another try at forever with me, or if the past is better left behind us.I know this is my final down. My last opportunity to make it right, but Poppy's going to need a little more convincing.Throwing out a Hail Mary, I’ll give it all I’ve got.With a little luck, this time I may just be able to Score.* A sweet, sexy second chance, sports romance with a HEA. *
Beautiful Mine
Jordyn White - 2017
Will it be enough now? I met Connor Rivers in the most unlikely of places — on the Camino pilgrimage in Spain. For three days, we lost ourselves in an impassioned love affair. He made it clear it wouldn’t last, and I accepted it. I went home to California knowing Connor is a restless spirit who can’t be captured by anyone. Even me. I managed to save myself from falling in love with him the first time. But when we meet again almost a year later, in the wake of his family’s horrible tragedy, everything’s different. He’s living in California helping his siblings run their luxurious Rivers Paradise Resort. His wanderlust threatens to destroy his family’s fragile stability. And his power over me is a force I can no longer resist. I tried not to fall in love with Connor Rivers, but it’s too late. Now I can only wonder if love is enough. Or if we’re destined for another gut-wrenching goodbye. BEAUTIFUL MINE is a standalone that kicks off the Beautiful Rivers contemporary romance series. If you like Melanie Harlow, Lauren Blakely, and Staci Hart, you’ll love Jordyn White’s sexy, heartfelt new series.
Roping the Cowboy
Tori Kayson - 2015
She's worked hard to get where she is, and she refuses to allow a cowboy, as good looking as he is, or the cute boy that comes with him, to derail her climb up the corporate ladder. But a woman could dream about having it all, couldn't she? Rancher Fargo Kester doesn't appreciate Darby's repeated attempts to persuade his family to allow an oil drilling rig on their property, but that doesn't stop him from speculating on her other…qualities. Like how much his son adores her, or how well she blends into life on the ranch. He doesn't have time for romance, though, not since his dad died three months ago leaving him responsible for his family’s livelihood. Nor the inclination. Jayce’s mother destroyed all trace of hope for that. Can Fargo convince Darby that the ranch needs her more than a rusty old drill? That he needs her? Could she embrace a quiet life on the ranch and fuse her love for the cowboy with the career of her dreams? Sweet romance that sizzles!
All There Is
Violet Duke - 2017
Her next-door neighbor may have been the one to drag her out of the burning building that night, but it doesn’t exonerate him since he caused the fire. Not even when he shows up fourteen years later to help salvage her bakery.Jake Rowan may not have been able to save Emma’s brother from the fire, but at least he was able to save his own brother. By taking the fall and the punishment for him, Jake managed to protect his older brother’s future… but it cost him the girl of his dreams.Now Jake finds himself on Emma’s doorstep once again. Not to save her life this time, but to repair it. And more importantly, her heart, if she’ll let him.
He Who Is a Friend
Love Belvin - 2018
He held all the features: striking feline eyes, golden russet skin, incredible sex appeal, wealth exuding like the enticing scent of cologne, and mind-blowing determination. He was also trouble from the other side of the tracks, something I’d sensed. Sadik was an Ellis man with a solid education, his own thriving businesses, and self-obtained wealth. However, the Ellis family was known for their long underbelly ruling of the state of New Jersey. When Sadik assured his life was separate of his father’s, I believed him each time. I fell completely and dangerously head over heels for him. And, my God, all the red flags were there. Yet I ignored them all, throwing caution to the winds of naivety just to add a little spice to my mundane world. A world that will never be the same because I allowed it to be infiltrated by an Ellis. Publisher’s Note: “He Who Is a Friend” is book ONE of a THREE book series. It ends on a suspenseful CLIFFHANGER. This book contains angst, violence, profanity, sexual explicit content, and gory material. If any of these elements is not what you prefer between the pages of a novel, this is not the venture for you.
The Way the Light Bends
Cordelia Jensen - 2018
But while artistic, creative Linc is her parents' daughter biologically, it's smart, popular Holly, adopted from Ghana as a baby, who exemplifies the family's high-achieving model of academic success.Linc is desperate to pursue photography, to find a place of belonging, and for her family to accept her for who she is, despite her surgeon mother's constant disapproval and her growing distance from Holly. So when she comes up with a plan to use her photography interests and skills to do better in school--via a project based on Seneca Village, a long-gone village in the space that now holds Central Park, where all inhabitants, regardless of race, lived together harmoniously--Linc is excited and determined to prove that her differences are assets, that she has what it takes to make her mother proud. But when a long-buried family secret comes to light, Linc must decide whether her mother's love is worth obtaining.
Rise
Dylan Allen - 2017
I watched my mother waste her life dreaming of a man who left her without a second glance. As a woman, I don’t dream, I work. I don’t fall in love, I focus. I would never let anything as frivolous as love distract me. Until I meet Simon. A gorgeous, brilliant young architect with dark eyes, a sweet smile, and a dirty, dirty mouth. He sets me on fire, and suddenly all I can do is dream…of his hands, his lips, his body. Of a heart good enough and a love strong enough to make me believe in happily ever after. But Simon has secrets that are even deeper than mine. Will our pasts destroy everything we’ve worked for? Or will we find the courage to rise to the challenge and fight for the love we share?