Book picks similar to
Lights Out by Jodie Beau


romance
second-chances
single-parent
novella

Always Be My Maybe


Malay Reneé - 2022
    

That Boy


Remy Blake - 2021
    I had a successful business to run and didn’t need any distractions.Then I met Cord Renner. Younger, sexy, and confident, he set his green eyes on me and I couldn’t escape even if I wanted to.Cord Being sent to live with my uncle for the summer leading up to my senior year of college, wasn’t in my plans. But neither was falling for Penelope Schwartz. The moment I saw her I knew she was meant to be mine. I don’t care about our age difference, or that she’s temporarily sworn off men. In secrecy we fall hard and fast, stealing private moments whenever we can. But when our relationship is exposed can we keep the rest of the world from destroying what we have together?The All-American Boy Series gives you a taste of 15 of your favorite bestselling authors’ brand new stories in this shared world experience. All books are standalone but may include cross-over in characters or scenes.

Tricky Bond (The Holly Woods Files Mysteries Short Story)


Emma Hart - 2019
     (This is a short story of 6,000 words, previously published in the Cocktales anthology.)

The Boy I Shouldn't Want: The All American Boy Series


Stephanie Rose - 2021
    No big deal, right? Wrong. That lanky boy I remember from our college graduation is nowhere to be found. When I meet him at his sister’s apartment, I’m facing a sexy, broad-shouldered, absolutely gorgeous man. And we’re supposed to spend the evening together. Maybe have a drink. And then go home. Separately. Instead, I take Mason home. And although he’s moved halfway across the country, we’ve spoken every day since. He’s never let me forget the amazing night we shared—the night that never should have happened. As if I ever could. Fast forward a few months to a trip out west to a music festival—my surprise gift for my bestie’s birthday. But apparently, this trip isn’t the only surprise this weekend. Mason is here. He still wants more—he still wants me. His sister has no idea that her little brother and I have become…something. Something I’ve spent months running from. Something I can’t deny. I’ve fallen for my best friend’s little brother.But how do I make my head and my heart stop feeling like he’s the boy I shouldn’t want?

Secret Santa Baby


Robin Covington - 2012
    Even when she dated Nicholas’s best friend. Now that she’s giving up her position at GameNerdz to strike out on her own—and now that she’s single—maybe it’s the right time to see if there’s still something between them.Nicholas knows once Tessa leaves the company she helped found, they might drift apart. Before she starts her own company in the new year, he wants to woo the woman he fell in love with during college. So he poses as her Secret Santa, gifts her with items from the song “Santa Baby,” and plans a big reveal at the company holiday party. But when his best friend wants to rekindle his romance with Tessa, will Nicholas lose his last chance?

Tangled In Tinsel


Elyse Kelly - 2021
    Trying to kick my bah-humbug mood, I ventured out in search of festivities.What I found was Mason Reed.The ten years since we last saw each other has been good to him, turning the awkward teen I once knew into a man who oozes sex and charm. The idea of being snowed in with Mason has visions of his sugar plums dancing through my head…But Mason is keeping a secret that is sure to land him on the naughty list, and it involves the locked chest at the foot of his bed. That’s one gift I don’t want to wait until Christmas morning to open.Stoke the fire, and hang the mistletoe, I have plans for Mason sure to make Santa blush. Yet when that box of goodies is finally cracked open, will it be more than I bargained for? Or leave me tangled up in desire?​Tangled In Tinsel is a Christmas quickie that will fill your stocking with lots of steamy goodness! This friends-to-lovers, second chance, holiday romance is sure to get you on Santa’s naughty list!

Temporary Dad


Dev Bentham - 2019
    Nick Compton owns a small but mighty fashion magazine. He already has enough on his plate, between work and, well, work. There’s no room for a kid in his life but when his sister drops her seven-year-old daughter for an extended stay, he has to figure it out. Just before his niece arrives, Nick meets a blazing hot firefighter. They get on like a house a fire and the sex—scorching. Too bad the he disappeared in the morning. Like smoke. Now Nick’s stuck with a kid he doesn’t know how to manage and without the man he’d love to get his hands on again. Dylan Gil wishes like hell he hadn’t taken his roommates advice and lied about who he was. He’s finally met someone he really likes and can’t stop thinking about. But now he’s too embarrassed to confess that he’s just a second-grade teacher, not a manly firefighter. Good thing that work gets distracting, particularly when one of his brightest students goes to stay with her uncle and all hell breaks loose. Some people shouldn’t be allowed to have kids. If the term “dad pants” means anything it’s that taking care of children and fashion aren’t compatible. Does that mean these two doomed? Or is this the beginning of forever? A contemporary gay romantic comedy by Dev Bentham, Temporary Dad features mistaken identity, opposites attracting, a one night stand and some steamy mm romance. Temporary Dad is part of the Bad Valentine collection, along with Hidden Hearts by Clare London, Quill Me Now by Jordan Castillo Price and Love Magic by Jesi Lea Ryan

A Christmas Tart


Lola West - 2021
    It’s palpable. The whole town knows it. They have been at each other’s throats since their sand castle building days. But what everyone doesn’t know is that there was a winter, a long time ago, when Max had a secret and Patrick was there for her. They forgot to be hateful and thought maybe, just maybe they were in love….But you know, then it all fell apart. Until now...Get ready to watch tension fly and the three french biddies meddle when Max and Patrick reconnect at the Laurent Bakery in Martha's vineyard.A Christmas Tart is a standalone novella with an HEA, but it features characters from the Universe of all of Lola West's books.Pine-ing for the perfect holiday romance? It’s love at frost sight with The 12 Days of Kissmas! A dozen standalone holiday novellas so steamy they’re sure to melt that winter chill. From dashing doctors to dirty-talking mountain men, staying off the naughty list just got a whole lot harder.

Tangled in Tinsel


Mariah Dietz - 2015
    Working a handful of miscellaneous jobs has kept her busy and away from home, but the holidays are bringing her back home to Minnesota where her family, best friend, and spiked eggnog await. But, a snowstorm works to keep her in the city, stuck at the airport with an unexpected ghost from her past—Carter O'Brien—her older brother's best friend and her childhood crush who broke her heart years ago. Piper doesn't have time for the details that come with the holiday season or for Carter and his excuses. But, Carter pulls all the stops to prove there's more to this time of year than obligations and cold weather. But will it be enough for Piper to forgive him?

Boomerangers


Heather M. Orgeron - 2017
     Spencer I love sex. I love the power, the intimacy, the euphoria it brings. Too bad I’m not having any . . . You’d think as New Orleans’ most renowned sex therapist that I’d be swimming in single men. In a way, I am . . . except for the fact that one is in diapers and the other two are drowning in preteen hormones. As a single mother of three, my days are devoted to my clients and my kids, and my nights are spent with Fabio, my trusty vibrator. When my world begins to unravel, I have no choice but to move back home. And when my high school sweetheart comes waltzing back into my life, comedy and chaos ensue. What can I say? I never said I could pick ’em, but you can bet your ass I know how to fix ’em. Cooper As soon as the ink dried on my divorce papers, I made myself a solemn vow: I was done with relationships. Moving home to take over my father’s firm was the plan, until Spencer decided to return, along with three souvenirs from the life she’s lived without me. I’ve been in love with the girl next door for nearly all of my life; the rest was spent trying to forget her. I’d give almost anything for a second chance with her, but I have no time for distractions—especially the kind that involve diapers, bottles, and eighteen-year commitments. The problem is, she’s already got me by the balls . . . and I’m beginning to feel the noose tightening around my heart. *Intended for readers 18+

Sweet As Candy: Trick or Treat Collaboration


Tory Baker - 2019
    But, Dylan doesn’t come alone. He adopted his nephew Johnny and they’re definitely a package deal. Not many women want a man who comes with a ready-made family. Still, the attraction between Candy and Dylan is instant and so hot that it just might consume both of them. Candy’s heart melts for little Johnny as much as it starts beating faster for Dylan. Trick or Treat! Tory definitely has a treat for you in this book, which is guaranteed sweet as any candy you might score this holiday season. It’s guaranteed safe, an over the top single-dad Alpha, hot enough to keep you warm on those cool fall nights and won’t cause cavities. What more could you want?

Only You


Melanie Harlow - 2018
    When it comes to romance, I’m looking for something real, something that will last: the happily ever after. As a divorce attorney, he loves to tell me there’s no such thing. As a wedding planner, I choose to disagree. We disagree on almost everything, in fact. Everything except James Bond. The only time we really get along is when we’re watching 007 flicks together, and I’ll admit—he has rescued me from a disaster or five. So when one of the baton twirlers from his parade leaves a baby girl at his door with a note that says “I’ll come back for her” and he begs me for help, I can’t turn him down. But it’s a mistake. Because watching him with his daughter, I start to see another side of Nate, a side that has my breath coming faster, my body craving his, my heart longing for him to change his mind about love and tell me there’s a chance for us. I don’t want to be just another girl leaving his apartment in the morning. I want to be the one he asks to stay.

Exes & Ho Ho Hos


Pippa Grant - 2018
    And it was the worst mistake of my life.So when she shows up to play Santa for my daughter’s preschool Christmas party, you’re damn right I’m going to try to get her back.Except Kaitlyn Holly’s lost all of her Christmas cheer. Which means it’s my job to help her get it back. No matter what it takes.Exes and Ho Ho Hos is a short, sexy, standalone Christmas romance told in alternating first person, complete with reindeer, a Santa brawl, and a little mishap on the most iconic skating rink in New York City. It stands alone and has a merrily ever after.

Destiny Laughs


Leslie Pike - 2017
    Nash Santini and Farrah Knight. St. Helena's new Veterinarian, is six feet of handsome with a big side of sexy. But the widower isn't using his gifts. His focus is young son, Max. Moving back to his hometown has provided the boy with stability and a big extended family.Farrah cared for her ailing parents for a hard six years. With a friend's offer of a job in a more affordable location, she's about to sell her inherited home. She wants to have an adventure, and maybe she'll find it in a fresh start.St. Helena is a town filled with lovers, and soon there may be two more, because fate loves a challenge.*While this is part of The Santini Series each can be as a standalone about a different Santini sibling but for the best reader experience read them in order* Destiny Laughs- Nash Destiny Plays - Christos Destiny Shines - Nikos

Pumpkin Everything


Beth Labonte - 2018
     After calling off her fall wedding, horror novelist Amy Fox is left with a broken heart, a mega case of writer’s block, and a serious aversion to all things pumpkin spice. When she receives news that her grandfather has broken his wrist driving through a Dunkin Donuts—literally straight through the front windows—five hundred miles away, in her hometown of Autumnboro, New Hampshire, Amy has no choice but to return to check on him. If she doesn’t make sure that he’s back on his feet, Grandpa may be moved into assisted living, and Amy’s beloved childhood home will be put on the market. Knowing she must return, Amy worries about the only thing worse than pumpkin spice—a reunion with Kit Parker—her childhood best friend, first love, and entire reason for skipping town in the first place. As the two reconnect, a second chance seems possible...if only Kit weren’t holding on to a secret that just might unravel everything. Set against the scenic backdrop of the White Mountains, New Hampshire, Pumpkin Everything is a small town, sweet romance, and the perfect way to kick off the fall season! A pumpkin spice latte wouldn’t hurt, either.