Book picks similar to
Staying Grounded by Marianne Rice
romance
contemporary
ll-read
free
Walk With Me, One Hundred Days of Crazy
Ernesto H. Lee - 2019
As a successful commodities trader with one of the leading London trading houses, he was happy, healthy and, engaged to be married to the woman he loved. Then came the devastating news that would change his life forever. Less than two years later, his health is in tatters, his fiancée is gone, and his life is reduced to nothing more than a series of difficult choices and harsh realities. In search of answers and, in search of a drink, he walks an unfamiliar part of London. He doesn’t find the answers he is looking for, but he does find Karen. With Karen, he finds hope. With Karen, he finds love. With Karen, nothing is ever going to be the same again.Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite- 5 StarsWalk With Me: One Hundred Days of Crazy is a romantic and bitter sweet work of fiction penned by author Ernesto H Lee. Written for mature audiences, but not overly graphic in its romantic content, this tale focuses on love later in life. Our central hero Mark Rennie is a man who once thought he had a perfect life all figured out, but then his life and health fall apart aged forty-one. In a world of difficult choices, Mark chooses to drift the streets of London in search of some kind of answer. When he finds Karen, however, he gets a lot more than he was looking for.This is an emotional and unusual love story in the realm of tragic romances, but it has so many beautiful and uplifting qualities in spite of the situation that Mark finds himself in. The back drop of London is well drawn to bring out the atmosphere of each moment in Mark and Karen's relationship, and author Ernesto H Lee has a cinematic sense of how to construct scenes and move the plot along without any unnecessary details derailing it. The narration is personal, close to the characters, and sensitive in matters of health, the future and the notion of hope. What results is an emotionally intelligent and realistic romance that will grip its readers from start to finish. Overall, Walk With Me: One Hundred Days of Crazy is a rollercoaster ride with stylish narration, compelling dialogue and a plot you'll cry over again and again.Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite- 5 StarsWalk With Me: One Hundred Days of Crazy by Ernesto H Lee is a novel about love, acceptance, and learning to live in the moment. We are all guilty of it and we all take our present for granted while we push for the future. This is something that happened to Mark Rennie in this novel. He kept looking forward and worked hard, only to have his life slip away from him. His story is heartbreaking as well as encouraging.The author did a great job of creating an atmosphere that is sensitive yet hopeful. There were emotional ups and downs in the story, but the author kept the momentum going and ensured that the reader enjoyed the journey with Mark and Karen. While the topic of cancer is very bleak,the author added as much hope and happiness to the story as possible. To say that I got emotional reading this novel would be an understatement. I was so involved and invested in Mark and Karen that I just didn't want their story to end. Absolutely beautiful! “Walk With Me, One Hundred Days of Crazy is a novel with a powerful tale of romance and one that explores the deep longings of the human heart.” Ruffina Oserio for Readers Favorite. “Walk With Me, One Hundred Days of Crazy by Ernesto H Lee is a fascinating book packed with craziness, emotions, family, and love (lots of love).” Ankita Shukla for Readers Favorite.
Cowboy Undone: The first sassy contemporary western romance in the Wild Creek Cowboys series: (Wild Creek Cowboys Book 1)
Mary Leo - 2018
Learning he’s the biological son of the wealthy rancher he’s grown up hating, Reese Cooper’s entire world comes crumbling down around him. To add salt to the wound the woman who has haunted his dreams, Avery Templeton, the rancher’s lawyer, delivers the disturbing news. Avery has returned to Wild Creek, to the Circle Starr Ranch, under difficult circumstances. Her law firm has put her on leave pending an investigation. All she wants to do is lick her wounds and wait it out. When Chuck Starr, the man who is like a second father, puts her in the middle of a family crisis, she has no choice but to get involved. Problem is, the cowboy she finds herself getting involved with is Reese Cooper, Chuck Starr’s greatest enemy . . . and only child. “Leo writes wonderful, relatable characters in small-town settings with stories that are fun and entertaining to read . . . laugh-out-loud funny moments.” —RT Book Reviews What Amazon readers say about Mary Leo's books: ★★★★★ "Heartwarming and entertaining and romantic!!" ★★★★★ "A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY. YOU CAN'T LAY IT DOWN!" ★★★★★ "Such a great read. The storyline just flowed perfectly." ★★★★★ "Mary Leo brings you wonder when you read her books." ★★★★★ "I love the way this woman writes western romance, and I'm so glad I got to read this story!" ★★★★★ "Mary Leo is a fantastic author and each book leaves you happy, yet wanting even more!" ★★★★★ "Love this author's books. I think you will too. Would read again."
Fall for Me
Heather Slade - 2017
When his plane was shot down months later, right before the birth of their daughter, Liv’s world shattered. She returned to her parents’ isolated ranch in Colorado to raise her daughter alone. One year led into the next, and before she knew it, her daughter was grown and gone—leaving Liv bored and cranky. She finds herself spending too much time on social media feeds, cyber-stalking the hot guitar player she met at a concert over the summer.Ben Rice recognized her as soon as he saw her sitting at the bar. Liv, that was her name, and fate kept bringing them together. The first time he saw her, after his band CB Rice opened at Red Rocks, he watched her. She loved music—and she felt it. Not everyone did. She danced, she laughed, she smiled, she lived. That was why he remembered her name when he introduced himself at the end of the show. “I’m Liv,” she’d said. And he was ready to. He’d endured too many struggles in the last few years. He’d worked hard to keep the band going, and he wasn’t going to give up. With a new record about to be released, this was their year—he could feel it. Used to getting what he wants, Ben pursued the reluctant Liv. But knowing he wanted more from her than she was willing to give, she told him following a man around the globe wasn’t in the stars for her. Been there, done that, retired the t-shirt. She had her own stars to chase this time.When those stars fall around her feet, and Ben refuses to let her sweep them up alone, how could a girl not love him? And when she does, how can she let him go? A better question is how can she ask him to stay when she sees how bright his future could be without her?This is book can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger.
Mac
Donna Michaels - 2019
Awarded a medal for a mission that almost turned disastrous by betrayal, Levi “Mac” McCall leaves Delta Force and his poor judgement behind. Determined to move on, he gives 110% to his new investigation company…except whenever his brother’s sexy sister-in-law is near. The sassy woman followed him from central Texas and is a distraction Mac doesn’t want. So why the hell can’t he get the hot kiss they shared out of his head? Stefanie Davis did NOT follow that stubborn wall of muscles to Harland County. She relocated because of work, and thanks to endorsements from his father and his cousin, she has enough clientele to open her own graphic arts business. Too bad it’s near the sexy as hell security expert whose kiss is as amazing as it is dangerous…to her own good. Before long, their off-the-charts chemistry leads to more embraces than arguments and has Mac considering a new mission: Prove to Stefanie that sass and alpha are a perfect match.
Loving Callie: A Lucky Strike Lovers Novel
Julia Jarrett - 2020
But when she sees him again at the Lucky Strike pub, sparks fly a second time, igniting a powerful chemistry between them. This new relationship could be a love greater than she has ever dreamed of. Her family is a roadblock, though, and it's harder than Callie expected to have to negotiate her parents' expectations. They will never approve of Jake. A pub owner does not fit into their political ambitions, and if Callie keeps seeing him, she risks losing her only family.Her entire life has been about trying to earn her parents' respect and approval. Now she has a chance to have the love she has waited a lifetime for, and Callie faces an impossible choice.Read the debut novel reviewers say is “Everything I Want In A Contemporary Romance” and “An Insta-Love Story Done Right.”
Fierce-Devin
Natalie Ann - 2021
Secretly...of course. Devin Andrews loves his job at Fierce-The Brewery and working for his cousin Mason. What he doesn’t love is that his Aunt Jolene has set her sights on making him the next target of her matchmaking scheme. But he’s onto her and has no plans on falling prey like her unsuspecting children did. Besides, he’s not sure he has what it takes to fall in love since he never has before, even being the oldest of the family. Hope Hall picked up her life and moved to Charlotte for a man. She should have listened to her family when they cautioned her against it, reminding her that she was too spontaneous with everything in life...even men. After being blind, stupid, and naive once again, she doesn’t want to go home and listen to them say they were right. Instead she is trying to make a life for herself—one without a man in it—and prove she can do it on her own.
Touch Me Again
C. Morgan - 2021
But that was years ago. And we’re both all grown up now. He’s hotter than sin and has a smile that leaves me and my friends panting for his attention. It’s spring break and I need time with the girls on the beach. Florida should do the trick. Never in a million years did I expect Hudson Philips to be there. Memories of him bullying and teasing me mercilessly roll through me in waves, but we’re not kids anymore, and those aren’t the only waves he’s making. He’s damned determined to get back into my good graces, and he’s working every angle possible to make sure it happens. As hard as I try to deny him, he quickly becomes the only thing I can think about. But the minute I let down my guard, he puts his up again. He’s not looking for a long-term love affair. I wish he were, but for now, I simply want him to touch me again.
Wild Love
Melissa Schroeder - 2021
In fact, I prefer my partners don't get too clingy. Don't get me wrong. I like a good night of loving, but beyond that, I’m happy to see them leave inthe morning, without my number.Then I met him. Quinn is a big bear of a man, with massive hands and amazing...staying power. Like all night long and the next morning kind of staying power. So when he asks me to spend the next day with him, I do. The only reason I give him my number is because he makes me laugh. And, okay, so I might have met up with him once or twice.That doesn't mean I need him. Because I am Everly Freaking Spencer, and I don't need anyone (other than my bestie), and definitely not a man.Only...He shows up by chance at my store, which totally freaks me out. Finding out he's my favorite author doesn't help either.And the surprise that's dropped in our laps later that day?Major. Freak. Out.But, like I said, I don't need anyone.Right?If I keep repeating that, I might just believe it.Author warning: Get ready for a trip into the hippiest little town in Texas. There's gossipy little old ladies (LOLs), an app that every teenager hates, trips to Denver and Cali, a woman who is convinced true love doesn't exist, and man who aims to prove her wrong by doing things to her that should embarrass the author. And she was. (Not really). Along the way readers get to spend time with the gorgeous Hawthorne brothers and gay ducks. SERIOUSLY. GAY. DUCKS. Just get the book already because you know you want to know about them. Also, there's a happily ever after fit for a woman with commitment issues and man who just doesn't know when to give up.
Let Me In
Jordan Bates - 2020
Something that I longed to have in my life every day, and when I found it at a young age, I clung to it. I snatched up the boy as fast as I could, intending to make him mine forever. Commitment I never expected my marriage to turn out the way it did. I never expected for my husband to let me go. For that love that I had invested in to come crumbling down around me. Something that once gave me such great joy. Him After the pieces of myself broke, I was surprised to find a man who was willing to pick them up, to catch me as I fell. What he wanted from me though, I didn’t know if I could give him. All he wanted was for me to let him in.
Down & Dirty
J.H. Croix - 2018
It can also expose every secret you have.I’ve spent almost my entire life in Cypress Creek. My family was once a pillar of the community, but times have changed – for the worse.One look at Marie Nix, and I’m determined to have her. She’s everything I want and then some. She may be too pure for me, but I can’t help myself.Unfortunately, like me and our small town, she has skeletons in her closet. Her past isn’t staying in the shadows.Regardless of the things she’s done, once I have a taste of life with her, all I want is more.Even if it puts me face to face with the threats surrounding her, I’ll do whatever I have to in order to make her mine.
Hellion
Shannon McKenna - 2020
He and his brothers were raised at GodsAcre, a mysterious doomsday cult deep in the mountains, and are the only survivors of the deadly fire that destroyed it. The townspeople see them as time bombs just waiting to blow, but Eric’s going to prove those bastards wrong. He’s an ex-Marine, fresh off a tour in Afghanistan, working three jobs and barely sleeping. Utterly unprepared for Demi Vaughan’s dazzling green eyes, lush pink lips and sexy curves. She’s the town princess…he’s a dangerous outcast. It was a sure recipe for disaster. But the closer he gets to Demi, the more impossible it is to resist… Forbidden fruit is the sweetest… Demi Vaughan has big plans for life post- college, and Eric Trask, notorious bad boy with a complicated past, is not part of them. So when he saunters into the sandwich shop where she works she tells herself he’s just tall, ripped, smoldering eye candy, nothing more. Eric was damaged. Marked by violence and tragedy. He’d be the ultimate bad boyfriend, and right now she was too busy even to shop for a good one. But his hot eyes and hard body, his sensual smile and that rough, sexy voice of his shook her resolve. After all, she was leaving this place forever. A little taste of heaven…what could it hurt? But Shaw’s Crossing has deeper, darker secrets than Eric or Demi could guess. The evil that destroyed GodsAcre is lying in wait...and it will stop at nothing to keep Eric and Demi apart… AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hellion, Book One, ends on a cliffhanger, but it leads right into HEADLONG, Book Two, Demi and Eric’s continuing story, dated seven years later and available for preorder now! The other titles in The Hellbound Brotherhood are a connected series, but each book features its own couple and has its own HEA.
All Ones
Aleatha Romig - 2020
Enjoy PLUS ONE, ONE NIGHT, A SECRET ONE, and ANOTHER ONE as you laugh and swoon through each story. PLUS ONE: What will happen when Kimbra blackmails her oh so sexy boss, Duncan, into being her pretend date for her cousin’s wedding? “I've fallen IN LOVE with your funny, romantic and sexy as hell PLUS ONE!” ~ Ilsa Madden Mills, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. ONE NIGHT: Watch the oh so sexy, sweet, and funny consequences as Amanda, a single mom, decides to spend one night remembering what it is like to be a woman, and Malcolm, a retired hockey star takes a chance. Will one night be enough? “A swoon-worthy hero and a broken heroine makes for the perfect chemistry in this sexy romantic standalone." ~ Corinne Michaels - New York Times Bestselling Author.A SECRET ONE: When Trevor and Shana cross paths only to find that they’re both attending the same wedding, hilarity and sparks ensue. “A SECRET ONE is enchantingly clever during every single scene.” ~ 5 star Amazon reader.ANOTHER ONE: Trevor and Shana’s forbidden romance began in A SECRET ONE. While their attraction was off the charts, their lives got in the way. Learn what happens when Shana makes her way back to New York and their romance is given a second chance. “Get ready to laugh out loud and swoon from the sweetness in this must read romantic comedy! I loved it!" ~ AL Jackson, New York Times Bestselling Author
Covenant
Michelle St. James - 2016
Passion. Obsession.Heir to a worthless title, Christophe Marchand knows the only way to build an empire in the twenty-first century is with single-minded focus and cold, hard pragmatism.Which means no distractions.But that’s before he lays eyes on Charlotte Duval.Charlotte Duval is no man’s arm candy.An expert in antique furniture, Charlotte is in Paris to close up her recently deceased father’s antique store. Her plan? Finish the job as quickly as possible, preferably without touching the still-tender wound of their estranged relationship, and return to L.A...And even the enigmatic Christophe Marchand can’t tempt her to stay.Then the discovery of an elaborate ring hidden inside a 16th century writing desk sets off a chain of events that sends her to Christophe for protection. Soon the pair are traveling to Vienna in search of answers to an unsolved theft that once rocked the art world. But when their hunt intersects with an ominous takeover of Christophe’s business, it becomes clear that their common cause will either destroy them — or force them to come to terms with the true price of love.
Burning Through Gravity: Box Set
Addison Moore - 2016
*The complete BURNING THROUGH GRAVITY Series! BURNING THROUGH GRAVITY—they soared so high so fast they never expected the fall. Two beautiful souls. Two seemingly innocent deceptions. Once they meet, Stevie and Ford explode into one another in a ball of lust, hotter than a July moon. Ford is assertive, dominate and in control, that is until Stevie brings him to his knees. He thinks she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever met both inside and out. Stevie thinks he’s sweet, and sort of goofy—of course it doesn’t hurt that he drips sex like honey. Stevie is starting to fall hard for Ford. And Ford is all in with Stevie. She wonders if he could ever forgive her for what she’s about to do. She wonders if she wants him to. They say love conquers all. But love never met two liars like Stevie and Ford. His lie cost her a few sleepless nights. Her lie will cost him everything. A THOUSAND STARRY NIGHTS (Burning Through Gravity 2) For as long as I can remember I have wanted Aspen as my wife. The day I lost her, I could hardly stand to breathe. I want her back in the worst way. I don’t take losing very well. Aspen will be mine again. I need to have her. And I will. Aspen… Carter is back in my life. Long ago, we flew so close to the sun we were scorched by the twisted labyrinth of our own making. And now, here he is again, front and center, as if nothing ever happened. I doubt Carter and I stand a chance. In fact, I believe we were doomed right from the start. Carter is driven to Aspen. Aspen is determined to stay away from Carter. When their hearts collide once again, their love burns brighter than A Thousand Starry Nights. FIRE IN AN AMBER SKY (Burning Through Gravity 3) I don’t do redheads, I don’t do virgins, and I don’t do anyone related to the Cannons. Period. Lincoln’s story… When Macy O’Conner shows up in my office with those long legs, and wild crimson hair, I can’t look away. Usually when I use the service, and ask for a girl, they know what kind of woman to send me, and Macy is on the no-fly list. I crossed redheads off a long time ago, and I don’t plan on going down that path again. But Macy isn’t letting up. She’s eager to learn and has me pegged as her teacher. No commitment. No strings. But now she wants more. She’s curious about what’s lurking beneath these walls of mine. She’s asking questions I’m not ready to answer. Macy might think she’s toying with me, but she’s playing with fire. I should never have fallen for her. Now I’m willing to burn everything down around us just to get her back. Macy is his worst nightmare. She has one hell of a surprise. Lincoln will never see it coming. From the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Addison Moore! Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
Different With You
E.H. Lyon - 2022
I’m slowly putting the mess of my soon-to-be divorce behind me. Not to mention figuring out how to juggle being a single dad. But when I accidentally nearly kill my parents’ dog, the dog isn’t the only one with a whole new dilemma, because I come face to face with the woman I once kissed during my hormonal teenage years.It just so happens that veterinarian Dr. Abby Call is also riding the post-divorce train. What started off years ago, as a teenage crush, could easily become something much less innocent between two newly single adults. Now we just need to find out if we’re nothing more than each other’s rebounds or if this is our second chance at love.Throw in my four-year-old son, my meddling mother, and an overprotective Labrador, and our budding romance is only about to get more complicated.
Different With You is the first sweet and sexy standalone novel from the Matchbox series. Readers who love small town, single parent, and friends to lovers romance may just fall for Lucas! This story is low on angst and a feel-good romance ideal for your beach read list.