Book picks similar to
Sacrifice of the Pawn by Lydia Michaels


contemporary-romance
romance
contemporary
heroine-is-mid-20-s-early-40-s

X Marks the Spot


Kimmie Easley - 2016
    After having her heart broken by Ronin, the MC’s Sargent at Arms, she tried to navigate a normal life as an up and coming criminal defense attorney. When the only family she’s ever known comes under fire, Jolene rushes home to Jericho, California to step in - only to find it’s not just the club who needs her. Ronin is wanted for murder. Can Jolene let go of their tortured past in order to save their future?

Beneath the Lies


Riann C. Miller - 2016
    When the unthinkable happens and Kate is left all alone in the world, and set to inherit her parents’ fortune, she discovers the evils that truly exist.Gavin Loman has a tumultuous past: losing his father at a young age, a mother with a destructive personality, and buried secrets even he does not truly understand the depths of. Striking out on his own, he is finally making a name for himself . . . until a green-eyed girl who haunts his dreams comes crashing into his life.When hidden truths are unveiled and pasts collide, Gavin must protect those he loves from becoming victims to the terrors of his childhood. However, not everything is as it seems . . .What would you do if everything you held dear was threatened? When the truth you believed is weaved with lies?Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Carved in Ink


Marissa Farrar - 2018
    Meet the men of London tattoo studio, Carved in Ink. Art Fletcher has made his London tattoo studio his life, so when he learns the building he rents has changed hands, he’s immediately wary.When petite, curvy Tess turns up at his door, and announces she’s flown over from her home country of America because she’s the one who’s inherited the building, Art’s emotions and sex drive are thrown into turmoil. Even worse, she moves into the flat above the shop, hikes up the rent, and gives him attitude at every encounter.Tess isn’t going to be won over by his muscles, tats, and sexy British accent. As things get heated and sparks fly, the pair can’t decide if they hate or love each other. But maybe Art will be the one to heal Tess’s scars for good... if she’ll let him. *Please note, each of the ‘London Inked Boys’ stories follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but they’re probably best read in order.

All She Ever Wanted


Christina Butrum - 2016
    She wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice. Twenty-eight-year-old Leah Adams is content with her life. Living with her best friend in the big city and working as a receptionist at the doctor’s office, she doesn’t allow herself much time to think about falling in love and starting a family. Until the night her ten-year high school reunion not only brings her to Levy’s, but face-to-face with Jake. Leah is faced with feelings she cannot ignore. She has to make a decision that is in her best interest – no matter who gets hurt. She’ll have to decide if risking another heartbreak is worth it for all she’s ever wanted.

Perfume Therapy


Kirsty McManus - 2016
    Sure, she’s leaving behind an office that doesn’t seem to be able to run without her, and Mia has invited a bunch of her narcissistic friends along to join them, but a holiday is a holiday, right? Wrong. Pickpocketed on her first night and separated from everyone, Chloe soon finds herself stranded in the back streets of Bangkok. Fortunately, her saviour arrives in the form of charismatic perfumer Daniel Richards, whose Scottish accent and amiable nature immediately put her at ease. With Daniel’s help, Chloe is soon back on the metaphorical horse. But with several more unfortunate events befalling her over the following days, she is forced to rely on Daniel again and again to help bail her out. Throw in a jealous absentee boyfriend, a wild neighbour with the propensity to meddle, and a strangely aggressive staff member at Daniel’s perfumery, and Chloe finds herself on the trip of a lifetime. It’s not quite the one she was expecting, but it might just be the shake-up she needs.

Savage


S.L. Scott - 2017
    Sara Jane Grayson is the woman he wants as his queen. When it seems the world is against them, they will fight for their happily ever after. She was my destiny. I was her downfall. We were a match made in hell. When we were together, that hell was pure heaven. This isn't your typical storybook fairy tale. This is emotional warfare.Is love enough for these star-crossed lovers to survive their twisted fate? Find out NOW in this epic modern day romance that will have you on the edge of your seat.

The Lady is a Thief


Aimee Nicole Walker - 2017
    He quickly learns that small towns harbor deadly secrets, and the biggest threat to Elijah may prove to be the sexy lady who lives next door. Guarding his turbulent heart could be his biggest challenge if he falls captive to her irresistible charms. Maegan Miracle seemingly has the perfect life. She has a successful career, amazing friends, and a family that adores her, but it’s not enough to erase the loneliness she hides behind a brilliant smile. Maegan’s world is turned upside down when she becomes a potential target in a twisted killer’s cat and mouse games. The only man who can save her is the same one that threatens her peaceful existence. Passion and lust override doubt and suspicion, igniting a flame that’s hot enough to consume them and torch the town. Something that burns so hot and fast won’t last…or will it? If they want a chance to find out, they’ll need to stop a killer before it’s too late. The Lady is a Thief is the first book in The Lady is Mine Trilogy. It’s a scorching-hot story filled with humor, mystery, and lovable characters that will make you want to pack your bags and move to Blissville.

Chopped (Taboo Tales Book 1)


Colleen Charles - 2019
    I mean... woods.This is my forest and everything in it belongs to me.Especially things with hypnotic eyes, cascades of raven hair and killer curves that make my long, hard ax roar to life.My people have owned this land for generations.She's trespassing, so I'll claim her.Make her mine.She may try to escape... return to her boring city slicker life.But I'll make her think twice.If my perfect little Dove thinks she can just gallivant into my forest and keep her innocence...She's barking up the wrong tree.*****Chopped is a steamy long novella by USA Today Bestselling Author, Colleen Charles, about a huge ax-wielding lumberjack in the depths of the forest and the woman he claims as his own. It's the first book in the Taboo Tales series and is a standalone with all the steam and feels you're looking for, along with an emotional HEA.

Macyn's Letter


S.L. Stacker - 2013
    Falling into the lap of a sexy stranger may persuade her to change her mind, but before Macyn realizes what's happening, a second potential love interest is vying for her affections. When a threatening letter turns up in her mailbox, Macyn realizes choosing between two guys is the least of her worries. Abduction, violence, and rescue by an elite squad change the course of her life forever. When she seeks revenge on those who hurt her, she has to decide if she can trust the ones who vow they love her. Will Macyn be able to overcome her past and use their aid in her vendetta, or will she take matters into her own hands?

Destined


C.J. Fallowfield - 2014
    Blaming himself for his part in a tragic accident and abandoned by his father when he needed him most, he uses his charm, good looks and ripped physique to find temporary solace in an abundance of one night stands. Dominating, distant, unwilling to commit, sex becomes his outlet for his pain. Until he sees her. One glance was all it took to turn his world upside down, to make him want to possess her completely. Gabe just knew that she was the girl to heal his shattered heart, she was his destiny.Destined is a standalone humorous erotic romance prequel novella, told from Gabe Austin's point of view, to whet the appetite for Amazon #1 bestselling author C.J. Fallowfield's "The Austin Series."

A Little Harmless Sex


Melissa Schroeder - 2007
    But Max has always seen her as a charming, and very sexy, little sister.Until Max's cold fiance dumps him, Anna unloads another of her many conquests and she invites him over for margaritas and Mexican food. Too much tequila, too much flirting, and too many years of fighting the attraction — Max loses control and has mind-blowing sex with Anna on her couch. And in her shower. And in her bed.When the sun rises the next morning, both of them must face that their night together is just the first of many. For Max, he knows he wants Anna forever, but convincing a commitment-phobe like Anna is no easy task. For Anna, she can't believe she has finally slipped beneath Max's steely self-control. He is every woman's dark, wet fantasy come true. But what happens when Max pushes Anna for more than just A Little Harmless Sex?This book was previously published, but has been substantially revised and expanded for Samhain Publishing.Warning: this title contains the following, explicit sex, graphic terms for body parts, torture via silk stockings, a little spanking, and shower and office sex.

Seeing White


Charlotte E. Hart - 2014
    Just like the other colours you’d think.......but no.He came from a very different place and made some of his money a very different way.And he keeps it well hidden because the truth would destroy everything he has. All that he’s worked for would be gone in an instant if they ever found out what he’s capable of, or what he really did and who he did it for. So he keeps people far away with metaphorical games and walls to deceive and confuse.He doesn’t do relationships, he doesn’t do emotions and he certainly doesn’t do love..... whatever the hell that might be.He does money. Making it, manipulating it and spending it whist he plays with women who know what they’re signing up for when they walk in the room. Three people shaped who he is today. One damaged him beyond repair, another taught him to control the rage, and a decent one helps him to consider his options more appropriately than his own head might allow.But be under no illusions ladies, Mr White has not been a nice man, and he will probably never be a decent man but as long as he keeps up his image, and nothing gets through his barriers, no one will ever see the truth.Life’s good for Elizabeth Scott, successful business, happy kitchen and a great sister who deals with all the expensive people so she doesn’t have to. She just cooks, bakes and smiles her way through each day......well most of the time anyway, that is when her great sister isn’t pushing her to, “get out there a bit more,” or “sort her shit out.” Then the biggest contract of their lives comes up..... And the ever useless London tube, with her sister in it, catastrophically breaks down. Unfortunately that means only one thing, she’ll have to deal with some of that wealth herself and that means the devastating Mr Alexander White in all his glory.Life suddenly couldn’t get worse, regardless of his unfairly gorgeous backside.She has no idea what the hell she’s doing.

Venus in Blue Jeans


Meg Benjamin - 2009
    A girl. A Chihuahua. Two of them will find the love of their lives. Coming off a broken engagement to a lying charmer, all bookstore owner Docia Kent wants is a fling, not a long-term romance. And for her fabulously wealthy and fabulously nosy parents to butt out of her life for a while. The Texas Hill Country town of Konigsburg looks like the perfect place to get both. Especially when she gets a look at long, tall country vet Cal Toleffson. Cal has other plans for Docia. One glance at the six-foot version of Botticelli's Venus, and he knows he's looking at the woman of his dreams. Now if he can just fend off the eccentric characters of Konigsburg long enough to convince her romance isn't such a bad idea. One night of mind-blowing sex isn't the only thing that leaves them both stunned. With Docia's bookstore under attack, Konigsburg suddenly doesn't seem so welcoming. Once again she finds her trust tested and is left wondering if she was ever meant to have a happily ever, after all. Warning: Contains explicit sex, hot Texas nights, cool sarcastic friends, the world's sweetest hero and the world's saddest Chihuahua.

Offbeat


S. Moose - 2015
    That’s not true. There are two types of love; the forever kind and the always kind. Forever love means you can’t live without that person. When you close your eyes the image you see is the two of you holding hands, sitting on the porch, and watching your grandchildren playing in the yard. You look over, smile, and whisper “we’ve lived a good life.”Always love means you keep that person in your heart. They’ve done something for you to make you realize who you are. This person means so much to you and lives in your heart.One night of truth.One night of passion.But all of that was taken in one night and I’m left alone.I’m fighting to breathe and holding onto the tiniest shred of hope I have. It’s a losing battle and I’m not sure how much more I can take. Every day is a struggle. That night still haunts me and I see his face. It’s been two years and slowly I’m piecing my life back together. Until one secret throws my life offbeat again.I'm Bayleigh Murphy, and this is my story, my journey of forever and always.

Sanctum (Black Dogs MC Book 1)


Sienna Valentine - 2017
    It was the only real family I’ve ever known. Her asking me to leave was bullshit, but then disappearing without even saying goodbye was so much worse. I was done with Maggie then. I never wanted to see her face again. Five years. Five years of anger, pain and regret. Five years to move on and forget. And five seconds to get sucked back in. MAGGIE I have no right coming back here. No right asking for help. Not after the way I left everything - the way I left Jase. But what choice do I have? I’m dead if I don’t. I’ve made so many bad choices in my life. Caused so much pain. Maybe I deserve what’s coming to me. What right do I have putting Jase, my father, and the whole MC in danger just to help me? The MC is Jase’s sanctum, and I may not deserve it, but I’m praying that it can now become mine. Note: This is a stand-alone romance novel with an HEA ending. It contains sex and violence and is intended for adults only.