Book picks similar to
Dipped In Holly by Dana Isaly
age-gap
romance
novella
christmas
The Sweetest Oblivion
Danielle Lori - 2018
. . Nicknamed Sweet Abelli for her docile nature, Elena smiles on cue and has a charming response for everything. She’s the favored daughter, the perfect mafia principessa . . . or was.Now, all she can see in the mirror’s reflection is blood staining her hands like crimson paint. They say first impressions are everything . . . In the murky waters of New York’s underworld, Elena’s sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo. A Made Man, a boss, a cheat—even measured against mafia standards. His reputation stretches far and wide and is darker than his black suits and ties. After his and Elena’s first encounter ends with an accidental glare on her part, she realizes he’s just as rude as he is handsome. She doesn’t like the man or anything he stands for, though that doesn’t stop her heart from pattering like rain against glass when he’s near, nor the shiver that ghosts down her spine at the sound of his voice.And he’s always near. Telling her what to do. Making her feel hotter than any future brother-in-law should. Elena may be the Sweet Abelli on the outside, but she’s beginning to learn she has a taste for the darkness, for rough hands, cigarettes, and whiskey-colored eyes. Having already escaped one scandal, however, she can hardly afford to be swept up in another.Besides, even if he were hers, everyone knows you don’t fall in love with a Made Man . . . right?This is a standalone forbidden romance.
Medicine Man
Saffron A. Kent - 2018
But this is no ordinary castle. It’s called Heartstone Psychiatric hospital and it houses forty other patients. It has nurses with mean faces and techs with permanent frowns.It has a man, as well. A man who is cold and distant. Whose voice drips with authority. And whose piercing gray eyes hide secrets, and maybe linger on her face a second too long. Willow isn’t supposed to look deep into those eyes. She isn’t supposed to try to read his tightly leashed emotions. And neither is she supposed to touch herself at night, imagining his powerful voice and that cold but beautiful face.No, Willow Taylor shouldn’t be attracted to Simon Blackwood, at all. Because she’s a patient and he’s her doctor. Her psychiatrist. The medicine man. WARNING: This book discusses sensitive issues including but not limited to, depression and suicide.
The Plight Before Christmas
Kate Stewart - 2021
And since the last three weeks of my life have been riddled with humbug—another breakup, a broken toe, an office promotion I deserved and didn’t get—I’m not at all in the mood to celebrate nor have the happ, happ, happiest Christmas EVER.When Mom insisted that we all gather at my Grandparent’s ancient cabin for an old school family Christmas, I fully intended to get into the holiday spirit with the help of the three wise men, Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels, and Jim Beam. But those boys did absolutely nothing to offset the shock or temper the sting of seeing my EX on our doorstep the first day of our holiday soiree.Apparently, Santa missed the memo, and this elf is pissed.Stuck for a week with the man who obliterated my heart nearly two decades ago, I did the only thing I could do and put on my game face, thankful for the home advantage.I knew better than to drink that last cup of eggnog.I knew better than to get tongue tangled beneath the mistletoe with the only man to ever break my heart.I knew better than to sleep with Satan’s wingman on the eve of the Lord’s birthday.I could blame the nog. I could blame the deceitful light blue eyes, thick, angelic hair, and panty evaporating smirk…but mostly, I blame Eli because he always knew exactly which of my buttons to push.I foolishly thought a family Christmas filled with nostalgia was going to turn my inner Scrooge around, but this year’s festivities went up in flames. Leave it to the ghost of my Christmas past to be the one to light the match.Fa la la la la, la FML.
Devious Lies
Parker S. Huntington - 2019
Huntington comes an enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance full of revenge and a dash of fate. “She could enjoy her pretty, perfect world a little longer. Soon enough, everything she owned would be mine.” I had a plan to escape the friend zone. Step one: sneak into Reed’s room. Step two: sleep with him. But when the lights turned on, it wasn’t familiar blue eyes I saw. These were dark, angry, and full of demons. And they belonged to Reed’s much older brother. Four years later, Nash Prescott is no longer the help’s angry son. I’m no longer the town’s prized princess. At twenty-two, I’m broke, in need of a job. At thirty-two, he’s a billionaire, in need of revenge. Who cares if my family ruined his? Who cares if he looks at me with pure loathing? Who cares if every task he assigns me is designed to torture? I need the money. Simple as that. I’ll suffer his cruelty in silence, knowing there’s one thing he wants more than revenge… Me. Note: Devious Lies is a 145,000-word standalone in the Cruel Crown series. If you love banter and angst, this book is for you! Welcome to Eastridge. Enter if you dare.
The Mistletoe Motive
Chloe Liese - 2021
She loves them. She’s full of festive cheer. He’s brimming with Bah, Humbugs. Besides unreasonably seasonable names, the only thing Jonathan Frost and Gabriella Di Natale have in common is a healthy dose of mutual contempt. Well, that and the same place of employment at the city’s most beloved independent bookstore, Bailey’s Bookshop. But when the store’s owners confess its dire financial state, Jonathan and Gabby discover another unfortunate commonality: the imminent threat of unemployment.With the Baileys’ requests to minimize expenses, win new customers, and make record sales dancing in their heads, Jonathan and Gabby conclude—barring a financial Christmas miracle—one of them will soon be cut from the payroll. Neither are willing to step down from their position, so they strike a bargain: whoever has more sales in December gets to stay on in the new year; the loser will resign. With a lifetime's worth of festive tricks up her sleeve, Gabby should easily outsell her nemesis, except the unreadable Mr. Frost’s every move seems purely designed to throw her off her game.As if that wasn’t bad enough, Gabby's deceptive ex won't quit pursuing her, and her anonymous online friend suggests they take a break. Worst of all, as the pressure mounts to save the bookshop and her job, Gabby meets a new, tender side of Jonathan. Is this the same man she's called her cold-hearted enemy?Maybe he’s got a motive she just can’t figure out—or maybe Jonathan Frost isn’t as chilly as she once thought. Maybe Jonathan and Gabby already know—and love—each other in ways they never thought possible.This is an #OwnVoices story for its portrayal of autism by an autistic author.
Go Deep
Rilzy Adams - 2020
Her readers are fed up of her stale plots and Navaya can’t blame them. She’s been celibate for over a year and a half since finding her now ex-boyfriend’s side chick’s positive pregnancy test on her bathroom counter. How can she write steamy romances if she can barely remember which body parts go into the other? Navaya enlists the help of her best friend, Xander, to revive the inspiration that used to have her sitting comfortably at the top of her game. What happens when the sex hits deeper than either of them expected and the tender emotions can no longer be denied? Navaya and Xander’s arrangement has gone far deeper than intended. Will their friendship and their hearts survive the fall?
Bought and Paid For
Jordan Marie - 2017
He wanted to own me. I just wanted to be his. JACKSON I wanted Megan from the moment I first saw her, and nothing would keep me from her. I could have been called a bastard for knowing her father would fail in paying me for a mutual business agreement, for knowing I would take Megan as payment. But she was mine and in my world, when I wanted something, I took it. And I wanted her. She was bought and paid for, collateral damage when her father failed to uphold his end of the deal. They all think it’s only for a week. They’re wrong. I’m keeping her. MEGAN My father couldn't fulfill a debt to Jackson King, but Jackson didn't seem to mind, not when he got me as his payment. Having been attracted to the brutal businessman for years, I couldn't help but feel arousal and trepidation at what he had planned. He wanted me for a week, to do with as he pleased. He wanted my virginity. But I knew this was more than just repaying a debt. This was about Jackson wanting to own me, not just my body, but every part of who I was. And the depraved part about it all was the fact that I wanted to give everything to him. I wanted to be his. WARNING: This is a fast and hard ride, featuring an over-the-top Alpha who fights dirty and plays dirtier. It’s a safe read, but it’s short, filthy and so hot you might need a nice, big, long, cool… drink to get you through to the happy ending.
Filthy Gods
R. Scarlett - 2018
Wealthy. Elite. Attractive. The gentlemen’s secret society at Yale was filled with them.And Nathaniel Radcliffe, the bane of my existence, was one of them.As the right hand of the American Gods, he was conceited and arrogant. A dangerously handsome man in a tailored custom suit and shiny black oxford loafers.The classroom was our battlefield. We made a sport out of arguing and debating, ready to do anything in order to win over the other.Deadly opponents, deadlier minds.I'd sworn I'd never give him the upper hand, until...The secret I’ve been hiding for the last three years?He just discovered it… and now he has all the power.Prelude in the American Gods series.
Blackstone
J.D. Hollyfield - 2018
Hollyfield – Contemporary RomanceI am meticulous. Structured. A single father.I obsess over things and crave control.And when a hot, feisty little woman throws a wrench in my carefully laid out plans, I lose my mind. My every thought revolves around making her bend to my will—until they become less about her doing things my way and more about just her. My name is Trevor Blackstone. I am an obsessive, complicated, demanding man.People may not understand me, but it doesn't stop them from wanting me.***Four Fathers Series by bestselling authorsJ.D. Hollyfield, Dani René, K Webster, and Ker Dukey Four genres. Four bestselling authors. Four different stories. Four weeks in April.One intense, sexy, thrilling ride from beginning to end! ***These books were designed so you can read them out of order. However, they all interconnect and would be best enjoyed by reading them all!***1 – Blackstone by J.D. Hollyfield – GR: http://bit.ly/2GXCzS1 2 – Kingston by Dani René – GR: http://bit.ly/2FMjzX1 3 – Pearson by K Webster – GR: http://bit.ly/2FKvjcE 4 – Wheeler by Ker Dukey – GR: http://bit.ly/2oIY1T6
Bought
Lauren Landish - 2016
I trust no one. I thrive with control and I’ve learned to be ruthless and coldhearted. A love life? I’m not interested.But I still have desires.That’s where Dahlia came in; my treasure. She had never been a submissive before and I was eager to train her.The dusting of sparkles on her dress barely hid her tempting curves. I wanted to see all of her. My d*ck was already hard at the thought of my hand leaving a bright red print across her lush ass.When I saw her on stage at the auction, dressed in gold, I knew I had to have her.She’s mine for an entire month. I own her. But one lie changed everything.She’s going to be punished for it. But I’m doing this for her own good. She needs this.I’m going to make this right. I’m going to heal her.If it’s the last thing I do.
*Bought is a full-length standalone romance with an HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
Enjoying the Show
Marie Harte - 2007
Everywhere.Hailey Jennison is smart, funny and, unfortunately, stacked like a blonde brick house. She’s well aware the impact her looks have on the male gender, and she hates it. Socially awkward, she keeps to a safe, boring routine, meeting friends once a week for dinner, some laughs, and entertainment.Entertainment comes in the form of a little harmless voyeurism, watching the living, breathing sex god across the quad parade around his apartment half-naked. Hailey watches and yearns, indulging in this weekly fantasy that almost—but not quite—satisfies her every desire.When Gage catches Hailey in the act of ogling him, he gives her a choice—go out with him, or he’ll call the cops. But he has no intention of calling the law down on every man’s wet dream. For he’s been watching her, as well. And he has plans to fulfill her naughty fantasies.
Sweet Girl
Jack Whitney - 2022
He’s ditched the wings and silly bow and arrows in exchange for something more powerful: a dating app he designed called Cupid’s Arrow.Valentine’s is Gavin’s favorite night of the year, and Cupid’s Arrow is hosting a singles event at the hottest club in town. Gavin is ready to sit back and watch the fun—until she walks in.Chloe has given her friend an hour at this singles party before she walks out. The naughty candy hearts and gimmicky drinks amuse her, as does each person's attempt at charming their way into her bed, but Chloe isn’t swayed—until a man who calls himself Cupid joins her at the bar.Sweet Girl is an adult, short one-night smutty Valentine’s Day novella. Please check inside for Content Warnings.
Reign of a King
Rina Kent - 2020
Jonathan King is every bit his last name.Powerful.Untouchable.Corrupted.He’s also my dead sister’s husband and way older than me.When I first met him as a clueless child, I thought he was a god.Now, I have to confront that god to protect my business from his ruthless grip.Little did I know that declaring a war on the king will cost me everything.When Jonathan covets something, he doesn’t only win, he conquers.Now, he has his sights on me.He wants to consume not only my body, but also my heart and my soul.I fight, but there’s no escaping the king in his kingdom...Reign of a King is the first part of a duet and is not standalone.
Heavy Equipment
Skye Warren - 2018
Cold. Rough. Merciless. The foreman of the construction crew is going to make me pay every last cent.Author's Note: The hero is Asher Cook, the construction foreman from Survival of the Richest, though this is not part of the series and can be heard as a standalone.
Penalty Clause
Fiona Davenport - 2016
He'll do whatever it takes to make her his... even if it means forcing her to spend time with him. He didn’t become a billionaire without learning how to leverage a contract to his advantage. Now that he’s gotten her to sign on the dotted line, he almost has Madeleine Connelly right where he wants her—in his bed and pregnant with his baby.Madeleine seriously underestimated Caleb’s desire for her. She thought the notorious playboy would move onto his next conquest after he’d gotten what he wanted from her. When she accepted a business deal with his company, she didn’t realize it meant spending so much time with him. Now she has to decide if she wants to trigger the penalty clause in their contract so she can get away from him or succumb to the temptation that is Caleb Sterling.**This is the first novella in the Risque Contracts series, but each story can be read as a standalone and features a different couple.