Book picks similar to
The One that Got Away by Leila Lacey


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His Flower Queen


Lena Hart - 2013
    He’s smart, sexy and lights a fire in her she never knew she had. Unbeknownst to her, however, he arranges to have her work as the new publicist for his young, upscale resort and casino, Royal Courts. Yet when Nina heads out to the City of Sin, she discovers her Gabe has been keeping secrets—and another kind of fire in her ignites…Gabe is a shrewd businessman who knows what he wants and he wants Nina. There’s only one person keeping him from the woman he’s determined to have—his soon-to-be ex-wife. Caught in a bitter divorce, Gabe finds it hard to put his trust in anyone. Until Nina. Except their relationship is ensnared by lies, which he must quickly untangle them from or risk losing the woman he loves…As Gabe works to restore her trust in him, Nina suddenly finds herself at the mercy of his manipulative wife. Caught in a dangerous web of jealousy and obsession, Nina soon learns that loving Gabe may just cost them more than they bargained for.Story has been revamped from the short, previously published title, THE FLOWER QUEEN.

Fragile


Shara Azod - 2009
    A quiet waitress, she was brutally gunned down coming out of the neighborhood corner store. There was nothing taken, there was no motive, just a fragile, broken woman lying on the cold, broken sidewalk.Kale was not the easiest cop to get along with. Biting and sarcastic, he worked alone caring for little but the job. There was something about this case that Kale just couldn’t let go. There was something about this victim that called him unlike any other.Can they heal each other or will it just be a banage on their wounds and they still fester?

Jax's Holiday: An Interracial Romance


Renee Lindemann - 2017
    As the creator of the program, she wears multiple hats to provide her patients with top notch care at the end of life. There is zero time for love or dating. Jax Pierce is the devastatingly handsome son of terminally ill Emma Pierce. He visits his, Me-Me everyday, much to the delight of the female facility staff members. He is polite, gentle, and brooding. His dark blue eyes conceal a painful past but that pales in comparison to losing his beloved Me-Me. Emma Pierce is dying. The cancer is robbing her body but her brain remains sharp. She can see the attraction between her nurse, Holiday and her son, Jax. She wants nothing more than to have the unlikely duo confront their fledgling feelings before she takes her last breath. Jax arrived late into her life but he is a most treasured son. She won’t be around to help him fight the demons. However, Holiday’s strength and love could help her son process his grief while keeping the demons at bay. Can Holiday remain professional in spite of her growing need and desire for Jax? Can Jax grieve for his mother and allow his feelings for Holiday to blossom into something wonderful? Will the demons allow him the love of a good woman? Or will moral obligations and a haunted past ruin their chances at love?

Gumbo


Tiana Laveen - 2019
    It is intended for mature audiences. BLURB: Tony Romano’s life was torn apart at age fifteen when his father died. His mother moved him and his brother from New Jersey to Belle Glade, Florida, a place rife with crime and bleakness. With his widowed mother working two jobs to support them, she was rarely home and the streets were soon raising Tony. Cassidy Macklin was raised by her grandmother for most of her life. Smart, creative, and kind-hearted, she does her utmost to prevent her circumstances to bring her down. Reading helps her escape to a different life and place, even if only in her imagination. And Grandmama’s soulful food is the balm that heals her heart and keeps her world afloat. Tony and Cassidy form a connection, which deepens as the days pass. But soon, darkness rears its head and things fall apart, bringing havoc and turmoil. Years later, the two cross paths again and both must come to terms with the monsters of their past. Their discoveries trigger emotions they’ve never faced before. Secrets, pain, and old habits—some of those die hard. Will Tony and Cassidy be able to finally have the life together that they so deserve, or will they be forced to part again, this time forever? Read ‘Gumbo’ to find out!

Sweet Obsession


D.A. Young - 2015
    He is consumed by the young beauty, but his dark past prevents him from pursuing her. When an opportunity presents itself for him to finally have what he desires above all else he takes it, consequences be damned. Noelle Kramer has been in love with Jack Sullivan from their first meeting four years ago. Only problem is, he doesn't seem to know she's alive. When a troubled ex resurfaces in her life, she turns to Jack to prevent her family's good name and reputation from being tarnished. The solution he presents is wildly outrageous...absolutely ludicrous...and everything she's ever yearned for. So she takes him up on his offer, after all she has nothing to lose...except her heart and soul. From the concrete jungle of New York City to the lush Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, join them as they take you on an unforgettable journey of life, love, laughter and forgiveness. This book is the first in the Men of Whiskey Row Series and the women who have captured their hearts. WARNING: This book has STEAMY love scenes. It is not recommended for those easily offended by them.

A Chance At Love


Ava Thorn - 2014
    On a stormy night he save Bailey Henderson after her car runs off the road. The first thing Austin notice about Bailey when he saved her that A) She is very pregnant and B) Bailey has a eerie resemblance to his dead wife. Bailey is so confused and lonely her life hasn't exactly panned out the way she wanted. Pregnant and all alone, she doesn't have the resources to keep her baby. Her parents practically disown her and the baby father wants nothing to do with her or the baby. Giving her baby up seem like the only option until Lucas present an solution to all of Bailey's problems.

Deacon


Paige Notaro - 2015
     But my plane was grounded, and this guy...he looked like he could take me places. He had gorgeous grey eyes, a tongue that cracked like a whip and a body stacked with purpose. One sleepless night should have been enough. But he won't leave my mind. After everything I've been through, that's the surest sign I need to walk away. Problem is, he's not just some businessman. He's rich. The sort of rich that makes the Kennedys look middle-class. And he's not done with me. A sexy, wealthy playboy trying to make you his? It's every girl's dream. And it's the last thing I want. Now someone tell my body that. DEACON: My family's been trying to cram a silver spoon in my mouth since the day I was born. I just keep spitting it out and do things my way. When business goes really well, I allow myself a treat. And this girl, she was a feast: curvy hips, tender lips, sultry brown hair. Plus, a brain backing it all up. She's the most perfect creature I've ever met. She thinks I'm gonna let her slip away after one taste? Not a chance in hell, sweetheart. Nothing's going to keep her from me. Not work, not family. Not even her. Deacon is a sexy-sweet standalone novel with a well-earned HEA. It features sizzling banter, steamy sexual situations and intense drama. Mature audiences only! Please note, this title was previously published under a different name.

Doctor's Unwanted Miracle Twins


Shawna Washington - 2016
    With her biological clock ticking, and fearing it's too late to have children, she decides fertility treatments are her best option.Nick Carradigne is a fertility specialist and one of the best doctors in the industry. When Oksana comes in for fertility treatments, he can't help but be a bit attracted to this ebony beauty, but fights his attraction to her as she is engaged, and a patient after all.But then the unthinkable happens, the fertility treatments are unresponsive and Oksana's engagement is broken off. Left in tears, through sheer chance she meets Nick again and can't help notice his tall, lean physique, salt and pepper blonde hair and piercing green eyes.No longer a patient of his, and Oksana being newly single, Nick pursues her aggressively and they start a relationship together, despite the wishes of Nick's grandmother, who is almost like a mother to him. Months go by and things go great at first, but Oksana soon realizes Nick wants a family and wonders if she'll ever be able to have kids.But with two miracles just around the corner for her, will Oksana be able to hold on?And will Nick's hateful grandmother stuck in her own ways keep these two destined to be together apart?

I'm Holding On


Scarlet Wolfe - 2014
    Brynlee Townsend, a pastry chef, rents space from Clark’s to run her business. Drew and Brynlee instantly connect and become best friends. Two years pass, and both have fallen hard for the other but could never get the nerve to express their true feelings for fear of damaging their friendship.Ian Williams returns to Portland after graduating from Columbia law school in New York. He crosses paths with Brynlee, and they have an immediate attraction to each other. Since Brynlee’s tired of waiting around on Drew to show a romantic interest in her, she agrees to go out with Ian. Sparks fly and an intense relationship forms quickly. When Drew discovers that Brynlee is dating, he becomes jealous and finally gets the nerve to express to her his strong feelings. The news from Drew and a big twist leave Brynlee shocked and unsure if she can trust that his feelings are genuine. She’s falling for Ian fast, but he’s never been in love and is honest with her that he’s been a player in the past. She’s torn, unable to choose, so she begins seeing both of them. Drew’s determined to show Brynlee they have chemistry while Ian fights to show her that along with their intense physical connection, he can be a good friend. Hot dates occur, passion builds and tempers flare as both men become possessive and desperate to win her over. The more time Brynlee spends with them, the harder it becomes for her to make a decision. Ultimately, who will she give her heart to? Will the man Brynlee chooses want it after all they’ve been through?For mature audiences due to explicit sexual scenes and language.

Blind Heat


Delta Dupree - 2010
    She's open to uncomplicated companionship, except attorney Sylvester James is nagging her toward the altar. He's packing serious baggage—an unusual divorce, teenaged hellions, and widowhood by a car accident—much more than Joni thinks she's able to handle. Needing time to consider her answer, she travels to her new stomping grounds in Phoenix. While there, fresh temptation comes in the form of a successful artist, a man Joni believes is simply a painter. A man whose impatient touch will leave her craving him more.Semi-retired, Colonel Fletcher Maguire leads a secret, double life. The Army is his first love. Painting a woman's portrait usually adds a notch to his oil brush. But the two great professions come with one catch; Fletcher is going blind. Haunted by a deadly mission, old war wounds equally threaten his careers. Somehow, an unflappable, fearless potter will manage to wage war on his psyche and soothe his soul at the same time.Seduced by two talented men, Joni wants both tenderness and impatience wrapped into one delicious package—until she discovers each lover hides a devastating secret. Both insults guarantee emotional chaos. Both men deserve her stinging rejection. Satisfaction will take more than an apology for Joni to listen to her heart, but only skilled courage will stop one man's unpredicted reaction.

Lost Summer


M.T. Stone - 2016
    Now I've Been Given Chance To Save Her... Hopefully It's Not Too Late! DylanWe had the time of our lives and I finally stole her innocence. Then someone stole her. Now I’m stuck in the hot seat, being grilled under the bright lights. Sitting here, all I can think about is going out there and finding her. At this point, however, it’s going to take a miracle just to stay out of jail. Unfortunately, I’m not the type who attracts miracles or even luck for that matter.CarsonOlivia Bennett is the only woman I’ve ever loved, but I lost her after choosing the Marines instead of college. Now her daughter is missing and the blame has been pinned on my only nephew. With twenty years of military and DEA experience, I know I can hunt down the bastard who took her and bring her back alive. If I succeed, it will heal some old wounds with my family and give me another shot at winning back the woman of my dreams.SummerI return to consciousness being face down on a stinky piece of cheap, prickly carpet. My head is pounding. I can’t open my eyes. I try to move my arms, then my legs, but both are tightly bound. All I hear is the sound of tires humming against the pavement. I try to scream, but my lips are pressed so tightly together that I can barely muster a moan. My mind goes blank as I scramble to think of any way of improving my odds. I have no idea where I am, where I’m headed, who has taken me or why? My heart races out of control as tears soak the blindfold that relentlessly keeps me in the dark. I find myself spiraling into utter despair.**Lost Summer is a full-length (92,000 words) stand alone Romantic Suspense with No Rape Scenes, No Cheating and No Cliffhanger. If you like a fast-paced book that you can’t put down, you will love this one!

Guarding Light: Book 1 of the Dark Series trilogy


Cate McKoy - 2013
     Jack Gard and Catlyn Lyte’s budding romance begins in high school. Although Jack cares for Catlyn, he refuses to get into a relationship with Catlyn because of her age. Then Catlyn is assaulted, and her world is torn apart when Jack sides with his best friend, giving him an alibi. Devastated, Catlyn flees Newburgh, NY. Twenty-five years later, someone is assaulting and killing young, African-American women in Chief of Detectives Jack Gard’s hometown. Working against an escalating killer, Jack requests help from a special division of the FBI. Enter Supervisory Special Agent Catlyn Lyte. She has always done her job well but is wary of working with someone she doesn't trust. Nevertheless, Sparks fly between the two officials as Catlyn puts herself in the path of their quarry. Can two ex-friends try to bury their differences to solve, not only the mystery of the Newburgh Slasher, but also the mystery that ruined their budding romance twenty-five years ago?

One of the Guys


Jessica Goodwin - 2012
    Everyone is questioning when it’ll finally be Kate’s turn to walk down the aisle, but she can’t even manage to hang on to a boyfriend! She does have several options, though. There’s Chris, the smooth, sexy photographer. And then there’s Max, the boy next door “friend with benefits…” Kate can't help but wonder - is it possible to date one of your guy friends? How about two? At the same time? Which one of the guys will she choose?

Miss Behave (The Anderson Family Series Book 1)


Traci Highland - 2018
    Instead, she’s stuck at the Pendleton Falls Herald, where her massive investigative skills are wasted penning the paper’s advice column, Miss Behave. Her shot at a meaty story comes when she’s assigned to write up a profile of a local business, Brookes Jewelers. She is determined to write the piece so she can use the article to impress a real paper. Unfortunately Hunter Brookes, co-owner of Brookes Jewelers and the Pendleton Falls Herald, is rather persistent, in his own hot little way, that the piece should be nothing more than a glorified sales pitch. But when diamonds disappear, Piper may get the chance to do a real investigation, leading her to confront family secrets and worst of all, turn to her mother for help. Piper soon realizes that there is more to Mr. Brookes than a tight ass and a ridiculous fascination with name tags. Together they deal with roasted pigs, crazy cat ladies, and gun-toting fashionistas. In all the chaos, they just might find the one thing that neither one was looking for: true love. Perfect for fans of romantic comedy, funny women's fiction, humor, and contemporary romance..

Unexpected Mr. Right


Kelley Nyrae - 2008
    Instead, she keeps ending up with a broken heart. When she meets the handsome and available Nico Valenti, she doesn't want to waste her time on another broken heart. Tabby's a new woman and the wrong man is no longer for her.Nico can't get Tabby out of his mind. He's loved and left a lot of women, but Tabby is different. He wants to spend time with her even if her rules say their relationship will be a 'no sex' one.How does a one-night-stand kind of man fall in love with a woman determined to change herself? Nico and Tabby search for a way to meet in the middle and give their new found love a chance.