Book picks similar to
Amara's Calling by C.L. Donley


contemporary-romance
interracial
romance
interracial-romance

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.

Cowboy Creed


Rhonda Lee Carver - 2020
    For Mindy and Creed the flame remains.Newly divorced and empty nester, Mindy Sage, decided that her hometown might be the perfect place to reinvent herself, or at least find the wild and carefree girl she used to be before she moved away.She’s craving small town comfort, but the problem is, in Cooper’s Hawk, everyone knows everyone. Secrets can feel as tall and wide as the Montana mountains that backdrop the friendly, picturesque town where she’d left her heart in the hands of a handsome cowboy nineteen years ago.Search and Rescue team member, Creed Hawke, understood more than anyone what saving a life meant, but who would save him from the one woman he’d never gotten over? He’d moved on—or at least he thought he had until those old emotions come tumbling back with the vengeance of a forest fire. He’s reminded of how much he’d loved Mindy, wanted her, swore to marry her. Why couldn’t he forget her? Resist her? Deny her his heart?Because he’d fallen for her at ten and never came back up for air.How can he forgive her for stealing his daughter from him? Is love stronger than the mistakes they’ve made? Or are they doomed before they find forever?

Miles & Mistletoe


Tiffany Patterson - 2018
    And he definitely isn’t a man who takes no for an answer. It’s that drive, learned from childhood, that aided in his ability to turn around his company, Zerlinger Beer and Spirits, into the success it is today. That’s why’s it’s especially imperative that Zerlinger Beers’ holiday season goes well with its many holiday brand extensions. The last thing on Ian’s mind is women, more specifically, dating, unless it’s his need for a date for one of the many holiday events he’ll be attending over the season. Naturally, in walks Stacia Langton, a flight attendant for the private airline Ian readily uses. Upon their first encounter, Ian is as dismissive of Stacia as he is of just about everyone else he encounters. However, on the night of Thanksgiving, while both are volunteering at a shelter, Ian’s callous comments rankle Stacia’s nerves one too many times. Unable to stop herself, Stacia let’s Ian know exactly what she thinks of him. Now Ian can’t keep the seemingly perfectly quaffed woman, with a sometimes sharp tongue, off his mind. That’s when he makes her a proposition she can’t refuse: Be my date over the holiday season or else … What started out as merely a means to acquire someone to have on his arm at the holiday events he has to attend, quickly turns into something deeper. After thousands of miles traveled together, and a few kisses (and more) shared under the mistletoe will Ian and Stacia decide to remain dating once the holiday season is over? Or will one of Ian’s meddling employees destroy what the couple have come value as a genuine friendship leading to something more?

Apart From Love


Uvi Poznansky - 2012
    It is then that he discovers a family secret. My Own Voice (volume I of Still Life with Memories):Ten years ago, when she was seventeen, Anita started an affair with Lenny, in spite of knowing that he was a married man. Now married to him and carrying his child, she finds herself condemned to compete with Natasha’s shadow, the memory of her brilliance back in her prime, before she succumbed to early-onset Alzheimer’s. Despite Anita’s lack of education, her rough slang, and what happened to her in the past, Lenny tries to transform her. He wants her to become Natasha. Faced with his compelling wish, and the way he writes her as a character in his book, how can Anita find a voice of her own? And when his estranged son, Ben, comes back and lives in the same small apartment, can she keep the balance between the two men, whose desire for her is marred by guilt and blame?The White Piano (volume II of Still Life with Memories):Coming back to his childhood home after years of absence, Ben is unprepared for the secret, which is now revealed to him: his mother, Natasha, who used to be a brilliant pianist, is losing herself to early-onset Alzheimer’s, which turns the way her mind works into a riddle. His father has remarried, and his new wife, Anita, looks remarkably similar to Natasha—only much younger. In this state of being isolated, being apart from love, how will Ben react when it is so tempting to resort to blame and guilt? “In our family, forgiveness is something you pray for, something you yearn to receive—but so seldom do you give it to others.” Behind his father's back, Ben and Anita find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. They take turns using an old tape recorder to express their most intimate thoughts, not realizing at first that their voices are being captured by him. These tapes, with his eloquent speech and her slang, reveal the story from two opposite viewpoints. What emerges in this family is a struggle, a desperate, daring struggle to find a path out of conflicts, out of isolation, from guilt to forgiveness.What’s in a name:The title Apart From Love comes from a phrase used in the story:After a while I whispered, like, “Just say something to me. Anything.” And I thought, Any other word apart from Love, ‘cause that word is diluted, and no one knows what it really means, anyway.Anita to Lenny, in Apart From LoveWhy, why can’t you say nothing? Say any word—but that one, ‘cause you don’t really mean it. Nobody does. Say anything, apart from Love.Anita to Ben, in The EntertainerFor my own sake I should have been much more careful. Now—even in her absence—I find myself in her hands, which feels strange to me. I am surrounded—and at the same time, isolated. I am alone. I am apart from Love.Ben, in Nothing Surrendered

Styling Wellywood


Kate O'Keeffe - 2014
    Goodbye exciting London, hello old-fashioned boredom. And she’s got a lot to deal with. There’s her overbearing mother, her new fashion career, not to mention the sudden disappearance of her best friend. Thank goodness for Ben, her reliable, cute friend who always has a broad shoulder to cry on—at least when his gorgeous girlfriend isn’t around. Then sexy tennis pro, Scott bursts into her life, serving up a hot and steamy love match. But off the court Scott is running a different racket—one that might just open Jessica’s eyes and heart. With everything she ever wanted and feared in front of her, will Jessica finally find her way home?

That Unforgettable Kiss


Tamara Ferguson - 2014
    So men have always been merely a distraction for Kate; she just doesn’t have time for love.Until fate steps in by way of a prophecy foretold, years ago, by a friend who’d been blessed with a remarkable gift. Kate has been warned that, one day, she’ll be kissed by fate. And love will happen with that unforgettable kiss.Michael Murphy already has his life mapped out. After graduating with his degree in Architecture, he’ll be working at a prestigious firm in Chicago. When he arrives in the town of Crystal Rock to serve as an intern at Callahan Construction, the last thing he expects is his instant attraction to lovely crew boss, Kate Callahan.Kate’s immediately drawn to Murphy, too. And sparks fly when they unite in an attempt to discover the identity of the thief who’s been stealing construction materials from her family’s company.But how could a long-term relationship between them ever survive? They’re both young, with different dreams and goals. So even after their unforgettable kiss, Kate lets Murphy go.Six years later, Kate’s finally admitted her mistake; she’s just never been able to forget that kiss. Devastated when she learns that Michael Murphy’s become engaged, Kate comes up with a plan to try to win him back. But will she be too late?

Smolder


Carina Alyce - 2021
    Kissable as he may be, he’s not in play and is treating her with kid gloves, lest they succumb to temptation and take their mutual attraction further . . . even if it's spontaneous combustion hot.But after one kiss, the gloves and the clothes come OFF . . .WARNING: This steamy romance may lead to actual smoldering when you get hot and bothered after it ends in a HFA since the sexiness continues to a second book. You should only read if you wish Grey's Anatomy and Chicago Fire featured a shirtless fire chief who can paralyze you with the power of his eyes . . . and abs.***Author note: A section of Part 1 was published as Ignition but has since been re-edited and more than doubled in size.

Elliot


Jenni M. Rose - 2018
    A hardworking contractor, his needs are fairly simple and when his grandmother’s house comes up for sale, everything seems to fall into place. Until his offer on the place goes up in flames when some out-of-towner drops a number he can’t even fathom, let alone match.Julia Hawkins is your average socially-inept, tech wizard on the verge of selling her multi-billion dollar website. Tired of the city grind and unable to handle the intricacies of being in the public eye, Julia retreats to a place no one will think to look for her: The Suburbs. But the place she's chosen as her own isn't quite up to par and she wants to make some changes. Big changes. If only she could get the local construction company to return her phone calls.What follows isn’t enemies to lovers. It isn’t insta-love. It’s two complicated people, with complicated problems, finding their forever in the most unlikely place. Right at home.***This series is a spin-off from The Freehope Series. We initially met The Williams Brothers in Book 3 of the Freehope Series, Confessing History. As Logan's cousins, they'll be attending Beth and Logan's beach wedding, and if you read this book, you will too!***

Charm School Christmas Karma


Lynn Garcia Carmer - 2019
    One bad decision, years ago, and fate has made her pay ever since.Sebastian Jacobs never believed in destiny--until he met Ai.She's talented and guarded, with a soft streak a mile wide. He plans to wear down her defenses using wicked words and a little holiday magic.If she agrees to a date, his plans go beyond one night--his plans last a lifetime.

Accidental Love


T.M. Pigatt - 2018
    To help me cheer up, my friends decided I needed a trip to Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? At least that’s what I thought until I woke up married. Morgan Bridgewater I’m having the day from hell. I broke up with my long-term girlfriend Mia. I thought she would go quietly but boy was a wrong. She brings down a hell storm like no other. My brothers decide that I need an escape. Vegas has always been fun for us. However, this time it took on a new meaning when I met a beautiful brown skin woman. From the moment I climbed between her legs I forgot all about Mia. My brown lover was my savior until she woke up in the morning with my ring on her finger. Now I must figure out how to keep my wife and deal with the hell my ex is trying to put us through.

The Doctor's Secret Bride


Ana E. Ross - 2012
    Can love and forgiveness reunite them?Michelle Carter has been down on her luck since the day she was born. So it comes as no surprise when through a series of unfortunate events, she finds herself jobless, penniless, and practically homeless. In a desperate attempt to get back on her feet, Michelle accepts a job as a nanny and finds it absolutely impossible to resist her handsome, sexy billionaire boss—but resist she must for as long as she could, especially since she’s keeping secrets from him. Believing that his late wife betrayed him with another man, falling in love again is the last thing Dr. Erik LaCrosse wants to do. But fall, he does, and so hard, he secretly marries the alluring nanny from the wrong side of the tracks. However, when he unearths a disturbing secret from Michelle’s past, Erik must choose between his loyalty to a dead woman and the love burning in his heart for one who is very much alive.

Lusted


Pia Sparks - 2014
    She's brilliant, but naive. All she knows is her sheltered life studying the viola. She longs for excitement or happiness, but would settle for a clue as to what she should do with her life. After losing her job with the symphony, Kylie finds herself on an interview at Lust Media-an adult publishing company. Her curiosity is captured not only by the job, but her boss, Benjamin Price.But after 14 years of hard work, can she quit playing viola to work in porn? And if she stays, even for a little while, can she handle all the kinky demands of her new employer, or will being with Benjamin shatter what little self-esteem she has left?MILLIONS aren't enough for Benjamin Price. He wants to be a billionaire, and he's all set for expansion, but he has one major problem. It's hard to attract the top talent when you're still growing as a company, and you make pornography.When his shy, new hire shows promise, Benjamin wonders what it will take to make her stay. He knows how to get women to do what he wants, but will he get snagged in his own trap to ensnare Kylie?* * *HOT SEXY ALERT: Not for people who blush at strong language and not for anyone under voting ageThis book puts a realistic, quirky twist on the alpha romance, office romance, billionaire erotic romance novel. If you like unusual characters, enjoy romance as well as literary women's fiction, or are in the mood for something different, then this book is for you. Readers looking for a more traditional, BDSM billionaire, first-person novel may find the alternating third-person POV and off-center heroine not to their liking.Lusted is Book One of a genre-expanding, new adult contemporary romance series, but there is NO CLIFFHANGER. There is a REAL ENDING. There are, however, unresolved questions that will be answered in subsequent books.

The Boss's Fiance : The Complete 5-Books Romance Series


Amanda Horton - 2019
     Book 5: The Boss’s Fiance Maxwell I’m used to getting what I want. But now, the board of my company is threatening to throw me out. I have to convince them I’m a good-hearted, responsible guy. And fast. She came into my life at the perfect time. A nurse with a heart of gold – who desperately wants something I just happen to have. I’ve sworn off long-term relationships. But this isn’t a relationship: it’s a business deal. All we have to do is live together for a few months. Killian Until last week, I’d never seen Maxwell Saint. He spent more time in tabloids than in the hospital he runs. But now, he’s offering me my dream come true – if I’ll pose as his fiancee for the hospital board. Maxwell Saint is spoiled. He’s my boss. He’s the last man on earth I’d consider dating. But he’s also incredibly hot. And how hard can a few months of fake fiancee-ship be? Book 4 : The Gypsy Dancers Anna There aren’t a lot of gypsy dancer jobs. That’s why I need this one – desperately. But the head of the dance company is just so...infuriating. Lance is hot. He’s rich. And we had that night together – one night, where I felt a connection I’ve never felt with anyone else. But I care about our culture and I won’t let him ruin it. And I’m not going back, no matter what he says. Lash I’ve got no time for love. After all, I’ve got a dance company to run. And I’ve found the perfect lead – a woman who eats, sleeps, and breathes in gypsy culture. Anna is beautiful. She’s graceful. She’s passionate. We had one great night and I’ve never felt like that before. But she can be so...infuriating. Nothing Anna says will change my mind, but I can't let go of her either. I won't.   Book 3: The Long Shot Every time he looks at me, I struggle for breath, my knees go soft, my heart races. Leon Alvaro is Spain's football captain, and my competitor. He wants to fu*k me....on the biggest deal of my life. He thinks just because of his strong arms, his chiselled body, his salty scent of the ocean… that he will beat me. I will let him touch me, kiss me, run his tongue over my body. I will let him believe that he has me like his other girls for one night, and I'll be done with him - once and for all. But this game is tougher than I thought and this playboy plays dirty. Book 2: High Rise Love Miranda asks America’s toughest CEO for help. Wolfe Hawkins drives a hard bargain. And he wants only one thing in return: Miranda's hand in marriage. Say yes and this might ruin her. So no and she will loose her dream. But this is just a business deal - nothing personal. Or so she thought. Book 1: Conquered The immigration department comes knocking on my door and gives me one week to leave the country. I have seven days to find a husband, or I will lose my son Nikko to my degenerate ex-husband. Then New York's richest billionaires finds me, and promises me U.S. citizenship. I would never even date a spoiled brat billionaire like Hunter – but now, I have to marry him.

Don't Do Me Wrong


Bijou Hunter - 2019
    Though her violent father nearly ran her into the ground, she's finally free.Nathan "Butch" Davies doesn't like people. Bailey Johansson and Nick Davies' quiet middle son is better at busting heads than making conversation. The Reapers enforcer will need to leave his comfort zone if he hopes to show Sissy that he's the man she doesn't know she needs.Unfortunately, claiming the woman he loves means pissing off his older brother and stirring up trouble between the Reapers' local chapter and Conroe's former overlords.Don't Do Me Wrong contains graphic sexual content, violent situations, and harsh language. The book is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+.

Scottish Billionaire's Pretend Wife


Destiny Davis - 2016
     Known as one of the most dangerous men in the country, Scottish billionaire Alistair McHale’s monetary underground activities are legendary. A notorious loan shark, he is known to be ruthless underneath the devilishly handsome exterior. With a turbulent childhood, he never believed in love and limited his affairs to casual one-night stands. And then, one feisty woman crashed into his life to turn his entire world upside down. Melinda McHale is determined to save her brother from the country’s most dangerous loan shark. Braving her fears, she sets out to meet Alistair. The last thing she expected, however, was for him to impose a shocking condition in exchange for her brother’s financial freedom. Will Melinda accept to enter a marriage of convenience with the seemingly heartless billionaire? And what happens when Alistair ends up falling for the beautiful black woman, in spite of the terrible secrets he’s keeping from her? **** This is a standalone full length BWWM romance novel with an HEA ****