Book picks similar to
Recipe for Love by Ruth Cardello


romance
ruth-cardello
contemporary
christmas

Before That Promise


Violet Duke - 2016
    Hell, she's the very definition of the girl-next-door do-gooder. And while he is officially classified as a white hat hacker by the suit-wearing folks who keep track of that sort of thing, no one would ever say that hat of his is exactly pristine.So when Skylar's arrival at his doorstep--on the roughest night of the year for him every year--leads to a downright memorable hotel mishap, an impromptu winter road trip, and the discovery of a secret that could change how she sees him forever, Drew is convinced the universe is on some kind of convoluted mission to thaw his cold, jaded heart....Because, lordy, they've certainly sent in a ringer to get the job done right.AUTHOR NOTE: Before That Promise is a quick & emotional, short & sweet crossover novella starring two of my favorite secondary characters -- Skylar Sullivan from my Can't Resist series, all grown up, and Drew Lawson from my Cactus Creek series, as swoonworthy as ever (no worries, you don't have to have read either of those series).There's a HFN (happily-for-now) ending, with the second book in this duet (Every Promise Unspoken) picking up a few years down the line for this utterly meant to be couple. **Note that Book Two will be released after Violet's medical prognosis improves (she's undergoing aggressive new treatments to combat the worsening condition of her two failing organs). We're hopeful that these treatments take and she'll be able to return to work at least partially by the summer. Updates will be available on her website and social media pages.The UNFINISHED LOVE SeriesFour brothers. Each fighting for their second first chance at love. Years be damned.

Valentine


Samantha Young - 2015
    Ellie & Adam. Jo & Cam. Olivia & Nate. Hannah & Marco. Shanon & Cole. And one Valentine’s Day they’ll never forget.It’s Valentine’s Day! How do Joss & Braden, Ellie & Adam, Jo & Cam, Olivia & Nate, Hannah & Marco and Shannon & Cole keep the fire burning in their relationships while trying to juggle busy careers and the joyful chaos of parenthood? Find out in Valentine, six sexy and emotional short stories, one for each couple in the On Dublin Street series so far, making up a short novella about one very special day.Valentine is a special gift to fans of the series in thanks for supporting Hero, her first standalone contemporary romance.The digital edition is free.Also part of the paperback edition, On Dublin Street: The Novellas.

A Holiday of Flowers


Kathia - 2021
    Bring in the season with hope, laughter, and love. Including special introductions by both authors on their friendships, life, and champagne. THE HOLIDAY SERENADE by Ava MilesA second chance at love... They had a fling straight-laced Abby's never forgotten, and now professional gambler Rhett Butler Blaylock has followed her to Dare Valley, Colorado, with the intention of winning back her heart. This time, Rhett's determined to show Abbie he can be the man of her dreams. This time, it's forever. MAKE MY WISH COME TRUE by KathiaAt almost thirty, Chloe’s back home living with her parents—jobless, aimless, and hopeless. (Insert a whimper here.) It was supposed to be HER year, topped off with the perfect wedding to the perfect guy. Instead, this year’s been total hell. And how does one end the year from hell? Sequestered with the entire Summerhill family in an estate in Ireland for the holidays, of course.

The Billionaire's Christmas Baby


Victoria James - 2012
    Not even the cute brunette who links him to the baby in her arms can crack his icy heart.A baby on the doorstep is the least of Hannah Woods’s problems—she has to find the baby’s uncle, or the child will end up in foster care. She sleuths her way to the reclusive CEO’s doorstep only to find six feet of holiday sexy—and a door slammed in her face. But when Jackson comes around and urges they marry for little Emily’s sake, Hannah finds herself falling for the jaded billionaire and wishing for a holiday miracle of their own…

Blissed


Jamie Farrell - 2014
    But it’s redemption time, and she’s putting on her big girl panties to make sure this year’s bridal festival goes off without a hitch. Even if it means she has to play nice with the man who broke her fairy tale.She’s definitely not the one for him. Or is she...World adventurer and reluctant local hero CJ Blue doesn’t want to be in Bliss anymore than Natalie wants him here. But family obligations have brought him back, and now he’s somehow been roped into saving the town tradition he’d rather forget with the woman whose kiss he can’t forget. She frustrates him and drives him nuts but he's had more fun giving her a hard time about the bridal festival than he has in years.And their fun is just starting...Despite their rocky past, these two wounded souls have more in common than they expect. They’ve both loved and lost, they’ve both tried to move on, and now they’ve both been been banned from the local church confessional after...well, they’re not supposed to talk about it. But by joining forces for the sake of Bliss, they might find the courage and the sparks to risk love one more time.Note: BLISSED was previously published for like 5 minutes many years ago as THE HUSBAND GAMES. Publishers Weekly called it a "Marvelous romantic comedy" in a starred review and named it as a "Self-Published Star" of 2014.

Wild Heart


Tiffinie Helmer - 2018
    In what they’ve termed, ‘Operation Offspring,’ they conspire to bring their son and daughter together. After spending ten years traveling the world, Ashworth Bleu is suddenly called home by his father, who is suspiciously sick, knowing he’ll finally have to face her. The woman he’s spent a decade trying to forget. The woman who broke his heart. When her mother died leaving Sorene Wilde to step in and help her heartbroken father raise her six younger siblings, Sorene sacrificed her happiness by cutting her high school sweetheart loose so he could chase his dreams. Now Ash is back, bringing with him desires she’d long thought buried and a demand for them to marry. But does he really want her, or want to fulfill his father’s dying wish?

Why Love Matters


Jay Northcote - 2016
    His mother runs cuddle workshops, which could help Alastair overcome his fears--if he's brave enough to try. Alastair is nervous not only about the workshop, but also because he will be sharing a room with Martin, who's starred in his fantasies more often than an assistant should.Alastair reluctantly decides to give it a try, so they head to a commune in Wales where Martin grew up. The weekend at the commune with Martin proves to be transformative in more ways than one. NB: All royalties from sales of this story will be split equally between two LGBT charities: The Human Rights Campaign in the USA and Stonewall in the UK.

Snow-Kissed


Laura Florand - 2013
    After the utter destruction of her marriage and her happiness, Kai knew it was better to shut herself away from the world than to hurt and be hurt. Holed up in her mountain cabin, she planned to spend her Christmas alone. Until her not-quite-ex-husband shows up as the first flakes start to fall. Now should she send him back out into the cold? Or can she be brave enough to let this winter snow bind them back together?(A novella of 34,000 words. Approx. 130 pages.)

A Holiday Lift


Corinne Michaels - 2018
    is to pretend the holidays do not exist.That should be my tagline for life.Another year with no one to kiss under the mistletoe.Of course, it doesn’t help that after my last epic breakup, I hopped into the sack with the one man I should’ve avoided.My arch-rival, Dean Pritchard.Despite the fact that he didn't bother calling after our night together, I can't get him out of my head.I am so on the naughty list.But when a snowstorm traps us in an elevator, I can't avoid my work crush any longer.Will Dean be the lift I’ve needed for the holidays, or will Santa skip me yet again?

Gambling on Love


Kimberley Reeves - 2012
    Until she meets Sam Travis. One kiss from Sam and suddenly her whole world is turned upside down as she finds herself falling madly in love with him. But when death threats are sent to Beth and an old scandal involving Sam conspire against them, she is forced to make some of the toughest decisions of her life.

Must Love Highlanders


Grace Burrowes - 2015
    He doesn't expect that his guest will challenge and charm him, until all he can see is the possibility of a shared future with Louise. She's at a professional crossroad, between the courtroom and the creative career she was robbed of as a younger woman. Liam is the perfect partner for exploring all of the wonders of Scotland, and he also inspires Louise to renew her artistic ambitions. When Liam realizes his actions were responsible for cheating Louise out of her dream years ago, he knows that whether he keeps silent about the past or reveals the truth, he could lose Louise forever.The Laird and I by Patience Griffin Sophie Munro agrees to spend a week at Kilheath Castle learning kiltmaking because she’s been assured Hugh McGillivray, owner of the castle and the associated sheep-to-shawl wool operation, won’t be in residence. The taciturn Hugh caught Sophie’s eye once upon a time, but did nothing to indicate a reciprocal interest, so when he turns up very much at home at the castle, awkwardness nearly sends Sophie scampering home to Gandiegow. Hugh was much taken with Sophie when their paths crossed, but he’s a man beset by griefs old and new, and unwilling to risk his heart. He challenges himself to observe the proprieties during a week in close quarters with Sophie, while Sophie has decided that she’ll not return to Gandiegow without at least sampling Hugh’s charms. Stubbornness, sweetness and steam weave a pattern of tenderness and humor around Laird and lass both, but will they tie the knot when the week is over?

A Family for Christmas


Mona Ingram - 2012
    With a new gift wrapping business in the lobby of the Drummond Building, the last thing on her mind is falling for Chase, the heir to the Drummond fortune. But it isn't Chase who captures her heart. Annie, only ten years old and recently orphaned, needs more than gifts for Christmas, and Maddie might just have enough love left in her heart to help.Mona Ingram is the author of over forty sweet, clean romances full of hope, inspiration, and happily ever afters. For a complete list of Mona's books, visit her website: monaingram.com

Suddenly Love


Carly Phillips - 2011
    Ten years have passed but neither has really moved on from their passionate teenage affair or the heartbreak that followed. What starts out as business quickly moves into the bedroom and they discover the sparks between them burn brighter than ever. This reunion can be their second chance, if Trevor can accept everything about Lissa, including her daughter. *This title has been previously published as Kismet**]Dear Readers:Welcome to Carly Classics, books I wrote earlier in my career that have been modernized for your reading enjoyment. These stories hold a very special place in my heart and I'm thrilled to be able to share them with you now.All the best,Carly

Texas Two Step: The Prequel


Cynthia D'Alba - 2012
    Texas Two Step:The Prequel is a short story. It serves as an introduction to Olivia Montgomery and Mitch Landry, the primary characters in the novel, Texas Two Step. The Prequel covers their college dating years up to their break-up. Texas Two Step, the novel, continues the story six years later.

Boring is the New Black


Megan Bryce - 2016
    Famous face? Double check. A life locked up tight? Lock and key. The daughter of a famed supermodel, Nicole Bissette has unwillingly lived her entire life in the spotlight. And she's learned that to keep unwanted attention from herself, it's best if she never smiles, never laughs. Never lets anyone close. Especially her employees. Especially that one employee who lives to make her laugh, who loves to see her smile, and who doesn't seem to realize that he works for a fashion designer. Does he not know? Can he not see? Is that really what he's wearing? This fashionista is about to discover that love really is blind...