Book picks similar to
For the Love of Ash by Taylor Lavati


contemporary-romance
new-adult
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Dissident


Cecilia London - 2015
    After losing her husband, she is raising two small children alone while trying to navigate the tricky and sometimes shallow halls on Capitol Hill. A string of nasty speeches has her scrambling to apologize to any number of candidates, including newly elected Republican Jack McIntyre. Falling in love again is the last thing on her mind.Jack McIntyre might have a reputation as a playboy, but he has his sights set solely on his new colleague. Can he break through Caroline’s grief and capture her heart? Told mostly in flashback and set against a chilling fascist backdrop, Dissident is a rollercoaster ride of political intrigue, passionate contemporary romance, and undying love. For readers 18+. Ends in a cliffhanger. The first part in a six book saga.

penance.


Sarah Buhl - 2014
    Mistakes of past demons haunt him.Strangers cross paths every day. Moments are shared with a smile — the opening of a door, a nod of hello, or help with directions. Most don’t listen to that quiet intuition telling them that something different can be found in this stranger. There is connection and understanding in their eyes. There is truth in their smile. There is an entire life waiting to live. What happens if that intuition isn’t ignored and strangers begin to listen?It happens every day, someone, somewhere, chooses to listen, and love begins.This is the story of two strangers who made that choice.Haunted by the passing of her sister and believing she was the catalyst to cause it, Hannah Anderson lives a walking death. Afraid to embrace life and burdened by guilt, she refuses to accept more than just getting through every day. She believes she doesn't deserve happiness.Consumed by anxieties and self-depreciation from childhood, Wynn Hawthorne shelters himself from the world. Content to live behind his camera and within the quotes that comfort him, he avoids people. He holds himself back from experiences because people always disappoint.Together they learn that their pasts do not define them and that forgiveness is the hardest thing in the world to accept.

Blossoming Flower


Vivian Winslow - 2015
    Flor decides that none of it—the private jets, the vacation homes and the luxury cars—were real. Or at least they really didn’t matter. The only thing that’s real for Flor is her love of horses and her desire to go to veterinary school. Heading into her final year of college, Flor seeks out the help of an unlikely benefactor to secure a summer internship working with horses. Arriving at the secluded Belo Horizonte ranch, Flor is awed not only by the majestic beauty of the place, but also by handsome cowboy and skilled horse trainer, Collin Taylor. Yet nothing is quite as it appears on the surface. When the hidden past is revealed, will love end up blossoming for Flor?

Bittersweet


Noelle Adams - 2013
    Widowed at only twenty-six, she’s just trying to get through one lonely day at a time as she grieves her late husband, and finds the energy to take care of her infant son.As Zoe bravely tries to hold herself together, her husband’s cousin and business partner, Adam, offers his support and friendship. Shattered by her loss, Zoe is distant and resentful at first, but Adam gently persists, and Zoe’s reserve soon begins to crumble . . .Adam knows that Zoe needs time to heal but finds himself more and more attracted to her. He knows he must not act on these forbidden feelings, but they just won’t go away . . .Noelle Adams’s Bittersweet is a poignant, fearless exploration of friendship, loss, new beginnings, and the healing power of love.

Let it be Me


Barbara Speak - 2015
    Once a Prada shoe wearing, Michael Kors bag carrying, on top of the world seventeen-year-old girl, Arianna knew that her life would never be the same when she got out of the car in middle-of-nowhere Montana. Canyon Michaels is the keeper of his own dark secrets. Plagued by his family name, he's forced to prove the town wrong and make it on his own. The last thing Arianna needs is a reason to stay, but with every passing day the decision to leave becomes harder. Once their paths cross nothing can tear them apart, other than the secrets that start to surface and the nightmares that soon become their reality.

My Despicable Ex


Sierra Rose - 2013
    He wants her back…with a vengeance.Ashly Roberts and Jake Connors are barely twenty when they decide to take the proverbial plunge and walk down the aisle to exchange vows in front of the dearly beloved. Basking in bridal bliss, Ashly feels she is living the perfect fairytale, until she’s faced with a runaway groom, dumped at the altar by bad-boy fiancé, Jake Connors.Five years later, Jake steps back into her life, realizing that being a no-show for their nuptials was the worst mistake of his life. A little older and slightly more mature, he is ready to fight for Ashly’s love once again. When Ashly sees him, she can’t deny the attraction she feels, but her hormones are overruled by the horror of what he did to her in the past. Nevertheless, Jake’s most potent weapon, those dazzling baby blues, ignites a spark in Ashly, no matter how angry she wants to be. She cannot deny the spark, and she only hopes the inferno it ignites will not consume her heart again.*This is NOT erotica* This is a love story and a romance. Ashly is a photographer and took this hot, shirtless picture of Jake before they broke up. He hopes they can rekindle the magic and re-take this picture.*This is a two book series* (All of your answers won't be answered in book 1)

Clear Skies


Suzanne Cass - 2021
    Secrets may tear them apart.Daisy’s in trouble. Her car is stalled in the middle of a flooded creek, with the water rising quickly.Dale is in no mood to rescue the woman about to be swept away by a raging tropical storm, who’s clearly a city girl, unfamiliar with the country roads, and driving a completely unsuitable car. He has half a mind to leave her right where she is.Stranded on the wrong side of the creek, Daisy has no other option than to accept Dale’s offer to spend the night at the luxury resort, Stormcloud Station.All of Daisy’s plans to leave the station as soon as she can are thrown into chaos when a girl is discovered drowned in the creek and everyone become suspects in a murder investigation.Daisy has discovered that far north Queensland is a wholly inhospitable country, but it also has a man with mesmerizing dimples, whose kiss has captured her soul. But she hides a secret that would tear them apart.On a night full of chaos, Dale and Daisy uncover the truth about the killer. But how can Dale safeguard this willful, determined woman who owns his heart, when Daisy puts herself squarely in harm’s way?

Breathe for Me


Natalie Anderson - 2013
    Turns out her ‘hero’ is a former lifeguard who has no hesitation in offering the kiss of life. So not happening, right? But for emotionally chastened Chelsea, one touch changes everything. She discovers a desire to satisfy this arrogant, demanding tease. Unable to express her own fantasies, she finds unspeakable pleasure in serving his.Xander Lawson exudes easy charm. He likes a woman unafraid to match his appetite for unfettered fun. He doesn’t do complicated or emotional. But the raw need emanating from fragile Chelsea compels him closer. He can’t resist spinning a sensual fantasy world around them. As passion spills outside their carefully selected boundaries, Xander learns Chelsea’s stronger than he first thought. But is she strong enough to handle the intensity he’s always kept hidden?

My romantic comedy - Once upon a time (Book 1)


Mary Kelly - 2012
    Whether it be When Harry Met Sally, Two Weeks Notice or Roman Holiday, they all make me dream and believe that everything is possible in life. In order to convince my friends that they are wrong to be cynical, it is decided: I am going to test the scenarios of my favorite romantic comedies in real life. What better way to prove that I’m right? Whether your favorite romantic comedy happens to be Serendipity, You’ve Got Mail, or Down with Love, it’s highly likely that I’ve tried them out, and that I can inform you about their effectiveness. To begin with, I choose Clueless, the most timeless of romantic comedies. After all, I could use some good karma, and to find love for my sister or my best friend seems like a good start to me. Follow me, and who knows—maybe you too, will be inspired to find your own happy ending. EXCERPT 1 Matt takes us to a nice bistro and he recommends that we taste the grilled chicken. The truth is, I’m not very hungry, but I’m not going to show that I’m disturbed in front of his girlfriend, so I eat with a hearty appetite. “It’s great to see that rumors didn’t affect your appetite.” “Matt,” protests Elina, but I don’t give her the chance to defend me. I can manage by myself. “Let him talk. I’m used to it. It would be good, however, if you’d tell me what you’re scheming.” “You said you needed someone to sort out your reputation. What better way than being seen with my fiancée and me?” “Unless they now think that I’m after a rich man with a fiancée.” Elina bursts out with laughter. “I didn’t consider that,” chuckles Matt. “Do you think I should change my plans?” “I don’t think you should help me at all,” I whistle, although deep down I’m happy he took the time to defend me. On the other hand, there are two sides to every coin, and I’m not very happy about being forced to have lunch with his girlfriend. If only she were a bit unfriendly, then I’d feel less guilty about disliking her. EXCERPT 2 When we enter the room and I see Lisa, who has arrived despite my prayers, I feel immediately threatened. How is it possible that photos don’t do justice to someone? I always look prettier in photos because I try to take my picture when I’m at my best. But this girl, if in photos she’s beautiful, in real life she is … stunning. I feel Matt’s hand tighten on my shoulder. “Matt!” She pounces on him and kisses him on the lips. I didn’t know that an ex-fiancée had the right to do that. “Lisa, nice to see you again.” Matt puts his hand on her arm, which I don’t think is necessary either. “Erin.” I’m not sure that the way he says my name indicates any particular attachment between us. “This is Lisa. Lisa, this is Erin.” Not my girlfriend, nothing, just Erin. I take her hand and I am of course delighted to meet her. “Matt told me all about you.” “Everything? Really?” She turns towards Matt to play the couple who has secrets to share. Maybe I don’t go out with men often, but I’ve seen so many romantic movies that I know all the ruses an ex-girlfriend can use. “Oh, I’m certain that even if he didn’t already tell me everything, he will sooner or later. Matt can’t resist my interrogation methods.” If she wants to play this game, I can, too. Matt tightens his grip on my hand; I bet that it isn’t to show that he’s proud of me. I remind you that you have no right to be possessive, you aren’t really dating Matt, whispers my voice of reason.

Falling for a Bentley


Adriana Law - 2013
    She plays the good girl well doing whatever it takes to pacify those around her, including her scumbag boyfriend who doesn't necessarily deserve her loyalty. When tragedy strikes bringing her boyfriend's extended family into town Tori is offered a way to escape in a dangerous package. Multiple tattoos and piercings should warn Tori to stay away but something about Sterling Bentley draws her in: into his life, into his bed, into his soul, his heart and his pain. What do you do when you find the love of your life and they are the opposite of what you thought you wanted? Do you run? Or do you stay? Sometimes we don't get to choose. Sometimes life brings us the unexpected, challenges us, and pushes us out of our comfort zone for a reason. Sterling Bentley just might be Tori's reason. FALLING FOR A BENTLEY is a story about addiction, forgiveness, heartbreak and hope. Recommended for ages 18 and up due to sexual situations, drug use and language.

The Trouble with Flying


Rochelle Morgan - 2014
    Aiden won’t shut up. When they find themselves next to each other on a plane, unexpected sparks begin to fly …- - -Sarah doesn’t talk to strangers. It’s awkward, stressful, and there’s the uncontrollable blushing to worry about. When she boards a plane to fly home after an overseas holiday, she plans to stick her nose in a book and ignore everyone around her.Aiden’s terrified of flying, and it’s his first time on a plane. If he can distract himself by talking non-stop for the entire flight, he will. Too bad for Sarah he’s sitting right next to her.Against all Sarah’s expectations, she ends up enjoying Aiden’s company. They laugh, argue, concoct stories about other passengers, and accidentally hold hands during the turbulence. When the time comes to say goodbye, Sarah can’t help the crazy thought that she shouldn’t let Aiden go. Then he kisses her.And then he’s gone.With her world turning upside down in more ways than one, Sarah has to make a decision: stick with the safe, predictable life that’s been mapped out for her, or find the courage to go after what she truly wants.- - -Nominated as an InD’tale RONE Award Finalist in 2015, The Trouble with Flying is a sweet, clean contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone novel.

Gone


Anna Bloom - 2014
    Not after what happened on that night six months ago... a night which she can't remember and yet managed to change her life forever. When Rebecca comes across Joshua Adams, a man equally haunted by past tragedies, on a moonlit beach, both of their lives are destined to change, and when the girl made out of the sun meets the boy made out of the moon and sea, anything can happen... but will the knowledge of their murky pasts bring them together or drive them apart? Will Rebecca finally be able to claim her freedom? Will she stay and fight to be the girl she found on the sandy beaches of Cornwall or is she destined to keep running and hiding from a past that won't stay Gone? One thing's for certain: either way, nothing will ever be the same again GONE is a mature Young Adult Novel and is only suitable for readers over the age of 16

A Masterpiece Of Our Love


Nikki Lynn Barrett - 2014
     Eight-year-old Becca and twelve-year-old Hunter cling to each other and life after surviving a plane crash which stole their families. Two Souls Seeking Love. Each year, from the time she was old enough to travel on her own, Becca met up with Hunter on the island that altered their lives forever. Until he stopped showing. Her constant. Her link to the past. Gone in the blink of an eye. Two Lives Bound by Secret. Suffering more heartbreak, Hunter returns to the one place he’s always sought comfort, the island where he and Becca met. It was the place that stole from him, and in the same instance gave to him. He hasn't been back or spoken to Becca in four years. Though he’s sure she must hate him for disappearing, Hunter discovers the girl gone, now a woman in her place. Hunter is determined to prove to Becca he isn’t the same twelve-year-old boy of yesteryear. But someone isn't happy about their reunion... Strange things begin happening. Letters start showing up in their hotel rooms and at home with cryptic messages. Two Broken Hearts Heal as One. With the mystery unsolved, Hunter convinces Becca to spend the remainder of the summer back home with him, both for safety and to give them a chance to discover the adults they’ve now become. Will love get a chance to blossom, or will the past come back and tear the masterpiece of their love apart once and for all?

Finding Ever After


Stephanie Hoffman McManus - 2014
    The one thing she definitely wasn't expecting was Kyden McCabe, the hot, tattooed and pierced musician she meets her first night back.All she ever wanted as a little girl was to be swept off her feet by a prince, but Ky is nothing like the heroes from the stories her mom used to read to her. He's arrogant, frustrating and completely wrong for her. He lives his life one night stand at a time and she knows he's nothing but trouble.Still haunted by her past and afraid to let anyone see the scars she hides, she fights the attraction she feels for Kyden and wonders if she'll ever find her storybook ending. Then a monster from her past threatens to rip away her chances before she realizes that maybe she already found it.Content Advisory 17+ recommendedContent updated May, 2015

The Hitman's Mistake


Sally Brandle - 2018
    But can she find him in time?The last person Grant Morley expects to discover on his annual supply run to a Montana mountain hermit is alluring Miranda Whitley, nearly dead from a bullet wound in her side. An accidental witness or the cold-blooded accomplice to would-be assassins?Miranda must convince Grant of her innocence, evade the killers intent on preventing her testimony, and fight her unwanted attraction for the agent…an attraction which seems to be mutual. Fortunately, love thrives in Emma Springs. If you love sizzling chemistry, Montana’s mountain landscape, and fast-paced action, then you’ll love Sally Brandle’s galloping thriller, The Hitman’s Mistake.