Book picks similar to
Down, Then Up by Beth Labonte


romance
contemporary-romance
beth-labonte
short-stories

Operation Valentine


Loretta Hill - 2014
    . .”Thanks to food poisoning, broken dates, airport malfunctions and even death, Sarah Dubert has never had a boyfriend on Valentine's Day. However this year she's determined to break the curse and snare herself a man before Big V. Signing herself up to the online dating site soulmates.com, she begins eliminating possible candidates through dates at her favourite bar, The Blue Saloon . . .Owen Black, the handsome new owner of The Blue Saloon, likes his women fast, experienced and temporary. A woman on a mission to find love – particularly one with a six-week deadline – would normally have him running for the hills. So why is he so uncharacteristically interested in Sarah's search? And, more importantly, the success of her dates…?

The Sugar Cube (A Warm Touch)


Rebecca Howard - 2019
     He's a detective determined to prove his affection. Will this be a perfect recipe for romance or heartbreak? Acclaimed baker, Charlotte, owns one of the most famous bakeries in Manhattan, the Sugar Cube. Her baking talents leave both men and women in awe, but secretly, Charlotte struggles with her curvy body, which she believes no man could love.That is until she meets the delectable detective, Adam, who sees past the façade she presents to the world. Adam admires her talent, her drive, and her love for her bakery; and best of all, Adam thinks Charlotte is beautiful because of her curves, not despite them.Soon, both Charlotte and Adam embark on a relationship that threatens to grow to more, but when Charlotte’s insecurities drown out the love she’s beginning to feel, will Adam be able to prove to her that he wants her, curves and all?

Joyfully Yours


Amy Lamont - 2013
    When Father Michael first steps in to bail Faith out of her financial jam, Faith thinks she’s being picked up at the grocery store. Right up until she catches sight of the black shirt and tab collar. Since not much in her life is going her way lately, it doesn’t come as much of a shock when Michael turns up at her mother’s Thanksgiving dinner. What does come as a surprise is the attraction that springs up between them. If only he weren’t a priest, he would be perfect for her. Faith’s sister finds Father Michael attractive, too, and she’s making no bones about it. Scenes from the Thorn Birds flitting through her head, it comes as a relief to Faith to find out Michael is not exactly what he seems. It’s good news until she realizes her sister is a far better match for him than her screw-up self could ever be. But if that’s true, why does Michael insist on seeing only the good in Faith, no matter how often she falls short of her too perfect sister?

Once Upon a Night at Sea


Barbara Longley - 2015
    A broken nose. Marin and Jason are bracing themselves for anything—except finding love on the high seas. Things don’t start off on the right foot between Marin and Jason. After all, spilling caramel latte all over the hottest guy she’s ever laid eyes on isn’t the best way to make a good first impression. And, based on his brusque reaction, Jason isn’t quite Marin’s type, anyway. But when Marin wins the trip of a lifetime—a weeklong Caribbean cruise aboard the spectacular Emerald Princess—she’s shocked to find the sinfully handsome guy she’d doused in coffee back home occupying the stateroom next door. Even more shocking? Cruising on the high seas just might turn the tide of romance their way.

Tapping Her


Max Monroe - 2016
    Can you ever get enough Billionaire Bad Boys? Blissful in Bora Bora… Kline and Georgia Brooks are fresh off their wedding and ready to indulge in the honeymoon of a lifetime. Luxurious and private, their overwater bungalow in the South Pacific is the perfect backdrop for fun, sun, and enough sexiness to necessitate a dip in the clear water to cool down. But marriage means more, and Kline and Georgia may have to find a different way to handle the heat. Nowhere near normal in New York… Thatcher Kelly loves wild women, and Cassie Phillips is about as wild as they come. Put them together and they are a match made in chaos.  Bound by cat-sitting responsibilities, Cass and Thatch have to find a way to right their mistakes—and wade through the dense cloud of sexual tension that seems to suffocate the room whenever they’re together.  Will they be able to resist? And more importantly, will Walter be okay?

His to Take


Katee Robert - 2015
    Her blossoming career on Broadway tanked, forcing her to crawl back to home to Wellington. The icing on her failure cake? Her former on-again, off-again fling is in town, and the sexy Marine is taking up way too much space.Warren Davis always knew Erin was special, which is exactly why he can't have her. A girl like her deserves something permanent--something neither of them wants. But now that they're both back in town and she's right there in front of him, a challenge in her eyes he's never been able to resist, he's questioning everything.That challenge quickly escalates into an epic game of Truth or Dare. Erin's sure she's got him on lock, but as the night progresses, Warren's dares intensify, drowning her in lust. But with the past still breathing down their necks, there's no way either of them can win…

Unexpected Mistletoe Kisses


Milan Watson - 2017
    How much longer can she deny the feelings she has secretly harbored for her brother’s best friend?After he saved her kitten, Megan Price knew that Prince Charming didn’t always ride a white horse. Sometimes he was your brother’s best friend. As the years moved on Kingston became more and more handsome and so did the long line of broken hearts he left in his wake. The first time Kingston Halloway noticed that little Megan had grown up, was the evening of her prom. He had paid for it with a bloody nose and a promise to Alex to never look her way again. For years he has ignored her chestnut hair and amber eyes and the way her smile lit up a room.When Megan unwittingly buys the house next to Kingston and hires him to help her renovate, can they both keep denying the attraction between them?

Home for the Holidays: Short Story


Eden Summers - 2019
     Now he's back for the holidays and thinks he can pick up where they left off. Not if she can help it. He broke her heart once. She can't let his cocky smirk weaken her defenses again. That is, until he tempts her with a Christmas gift she has no ability to deny. AUTHOR NOTE: This book was previously released as Down and Dusty - Brooke via Harlequin Escape. It has since been rewritten and revised.

Prior Engagements


Sarah Goodwin - 2013
    She’s been jilted at the altar by Stephen-the-indecisive, is paying off a mountain of wedding debt by holding down two jobs, and her flat is mostly made of cardboard and spackle. Then at work she meets a man in need of a date to his ex-fiancée’s wedding. Annie goes, and one wedding and four bottles of wine later, she finds herself getting married in Vegas to Dorian, an erotic illustrator.Of course, it’s all great and romantic, until someone loses an eye, which here means, ‘until Annie gets home, and realizes that her best friend (and boss) Will, has kind of been working up to popping the question himself. Will is not happy to see Annie married, in fact he’s willing to trade his Mohawk and every Ke$ha CD he owns to get Dorian out of the way.As if that wasn’t enough to make things tense at work, Annie’s best-work-friend Yvonne (who knows something really fun you can do with a rugby player, some roller skates and chocolate spread) can’t resist getting involved in Annie’s love life. Neither can Dorian’s kleptomaniac sister Fifi, Dorian’s ex-bride and Annie’s mother.In between breaking into cafés, having her door kicked down by the police and trying not to kill each and every one of her friends and relatives, Annie tries to work out how the hell her life got so complicated.

One Little Kiss


Robin Covington - 2015
    Always described as the fragile one, she is ready to test her strength and the first step is a whirlwind trip to Ireland and a post-graduation job with her dream orchestra.Jonas Sutton has received devastating news about his future and he’s determined to take life by the horns while he still can. Quitting college two months before graduation, traveling the world and indulging in his passion for his art is the only thing on his agenda.Trapped in an airport by a snowstorm, Leighton and Jonas are forced to face the connection between them that began four years ago and erupted in one night of sexy fun between the sheets. Was their one night the conclusion to years of unrequited lust or did they start the clock on forever with one little kiss?To read prior reviews for ONE LITTLE KISS and the rest of the anthology, go here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Stark Naked


Desiree Holt - 2011
    But Stark naked is definitely more fun "Reenie Davenport learned the hard way that men are cheating, promotion-thieving poison. A month after making a fresh start in Texas, she looks forward to taking a breather at her old college friend Amy s family ranch. Instead, she s left breathless when Amy s very drunk, very sexy, very "naked" brother lands at her feet. Even as she hardens her heart, a small part of her wishes that quickly tossed towel would shift just a little.When Matt Stark shows up at Reenie s door to apologize, he can barely squeeze a word past her emotional barriers. Suddenly nothing else matters except convincing her not all men are clones of her ex. Sweet-talking her into lunch is only the beginning.One touch, and "boom! " Much to Reenie s dismay, lunch ends in a hot, flaming dessert in her bed. Shutting Matt out isn t as easy as simply blowing out a match. Especially since this cowboy is equally determined to unlock her heart.Warning: Contains graphic and explicit, hot nekkid cowboy lovin . "

His Every Whim


Liliana Rhodes - 2012
    Easier said than done for Ashley who finds herself inexplicably drawn to the gorgeous stranger. When she decides to spend the evening doing things she normally wouldn't--like letting herself be seduced by this enigmatic man she only knows as Xander--she unknowing opens her world up to the lavish lifestyle of beautiful mansions, fast cars, and expensive clothes, because when billionaire Xander Boone wants something, he gets it. Part of his worldAs Ashley enters Xander's world of champagne and lavish gifts, they find themselves unable to deny the attraction they feel for each other. But when Xander's past comes back to haunt him, will he follow his heart or run from the feelings he has for her.

Mistletoe Magic


Sydney Logan - 2012
    Something expensive.Something that will save her marriage.Can a chance encounter on an elevator make her Christmas wish come true?

Midnight in Legend, TN: Small Town Romance in the Great Smoky Mountains


Magdalena Scott - 2011
    Each title in the series, The McClains of Legend, Tennessee features a member of that big, bull-headed McClain family as either the hero or heroine. Each story is sweet romance (also known as wholesome romance). Readers enjoy being able to share the stories with daughter, mothers, and granddaughters. So pop some corn, pour some sweet tea, and settle into your comfy chair for a relaxing read. Midnight in Legend, TN Midnight Shelby is starting over. A real estate agent's virtual tour of a large two-story brick building on the main street of the small town of Legend, Tennessee caught her eye and she's leaving her smarmy ex-husband, the big city, and corporate life behind. The town is struggling but Midnight has ideas that will give it new life as well. Martin McClain was born and raised in the Legend area. His family has lived there for generations, and he feels a duty to preserve the past. The website his son Daniel created has been good for business, but although Martin is a real estate agent by trade, he’s wary of newcomers’ motivations. Especially Midnight Shelby, who seems bent on changing everything...even him. **This title was previously published by Turquoise Morning Press.**

Win Me


Joan Kilby - 2015
     Feisty, fearless Ellie McFarlane has tried forever to get cattle station manager, Rick Drummond, to notice she’s not another cowhand. So when her gal pals talk her into glamming up for an Outback Bachelor and Spinster ball she’s eager to prove she’s all woman, all the time, and leave her boneheaded cowboy eating dust. Sexy wrangler Rick is crazy about Ellie just as she is but her father – his boss – told him long ago that his daughter was off limits. Even though she’s all grown up now, Rick still feels it’s his job is to protect her, not seduce her. Plus, he’s finally got an opportunity to buy back his family farm, which means moving far away. Ellie’s transformation from Cinder-Ellie to belle of the ball has Rick’s jaw dropping – and all the other cowboys falling at her feet. Ellie tries to revel in her new-found sex-pot status but without Rick it’s a hollow victory. Has Rick left it too late to claim the only woman he’ll ever truly love...? Don't miss the rest of The Outback Bachelor series, Woo Me by Karina Bliss (Book 2) and Wait For Me by Sarah Mayberry (Book 3)