Book picks similar to
Before Him by Portia Moore


new-adult
romance
contemporary
novella

Lost and Found


Elle Casey - 2014
    Sometimes engagement rings can get lost and then found. Sometimes people can too. All it takes is a heavy-duty dose of karma and the magic of Manhattan to make it all come together.Leah is a financially destitute new age hippy. James is a wealthy surgeon with a trust fund. She's awkward, he's poised. She's completely crazy, he's way too sane. People might say they have nothing in common, but they'd be wrong. They both live in Manhattan, they both have no idea how to change a baby diaper, and they're both lost … until they find one another. LOVE IN NEW YORK SERIES READING ORDER Love in New York: Book 1 (Lost and Found)Love in New York: Book 2 (Cabin Fever)Love in New York: Book 3 (Mister Fixit)About this series: I’d never been to New York City before, but I knew I would love it and wanted to write a story that was set in the most exciting city in the world. So I hopped on a plane with my friend Susan and spent 5 whirlwind days there, soaking up the culture, seeing the sights and nailing down the scenes that would eventually end up in this series. Those of you familiar with New York City know what I’m talking about when I say you just can’t beat Russ and Daughters’ bagels, Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn, and Yonnah Schimmels’ knishes.

Seeing Stars


Vanessa Grant - 2000
    She knows her home on an isolated mountaintop observatory makes marriage to most men impossible, but that doesn’t mean she can’t have a little romantic fun. The last thing she expects when she comes home to Port Townsend, Washington, for her high school reunion is to be swept off her feet by blake McKenzie.Once the town bad boy, Blake is now a prominent shipbuilder dedicated to helping local teens. When he asks Claire to talk to one of his boys about astronomy, he’s only thinking she might give direction to a troubled kid. He certainly never dreamed she’d inspire him - to fall in love. Now Blake is determined to show Claire that their future together is in the stars…if she’ll only open her eyes.

L.o.v.e.


Kate Vine - 2015
    I need you to promise me just this one thing and I believe you’re one of those people that keeps their promises.Okay, now it’s done.You, my dear reader, just promise me not to hate him.See, he really didn’t have a choice. Well, maybe he did in eyes of some people, but in his, he didn’t, and I’m sure he considered every other way, every other angle. But in the end, it all came to this. And I’m glad, I’m so fucking glad that he chose that direction. That he chose to go down that route. Why?Because he saved me.He saved me from pain.He saved me from misery.He saved me from becoming something I always despised.But first…He gave me love.He gave me happiness. He gave me freedom.He helped me to become the best of me.And for that I’m grateful. Mia Stone doesn’t look for attachments, in fact, she doesn’t look for anything serious at all. Serious means losing something. She’s already lost enough and she doesn’t want to lose…again. Living her life as free and simple as she can, she’s following her own rules. But everything changes when the mysterious and sexy Dylan Heart comes crashing into her life. And just like that, he tears down the walls that she’s built up solidly for so long. Brick by brick he’s getting closer and closer to her heart, but he’s not the only one, and he’s aware of his competition. Jason, Mia’s friend, hopes for more even though he’s trying to just be a friend. Will they break through? Will they be able to crush and break the walls of her stubborn heart? Which ONE is going to break through? Will they save her from her fear to commit or is the commitment going to end them all? *WARNING IYou are about to dive into a non-convectional love story. One that doesn’t hold a fairytale ending, so if you are on the softer side move on to your next read and save yourself a box of tissues. *WARNING IIThis book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be inappropriate or offensive to some readers. It is intended for readers over 18+*WARNING IIIThis book contains a trigger that might be offensive to some, please consider that before reading.

Vanished


Autumn Avery - 2016
    I couldn't have been more wrong. Joey Mason Once upon a time we were supposed to be together. He was the mysterious outsider, and I fell in love with him. He wasn't a jock, he wasn't the most popular guy in school, but he saw me for who I really was -- for who I really am. But we never got a chance to explore our love. He ran away from home, and didn't even say goodbye. And he was gone for six years. Six years I spent wondering where he was, whether I'd ever see him again. There was nothing left to do but move on, move on, but not forget. I got a boyfriend, Ian, and he's ready to propose, but I'm not sure I want him to... I have a job at a local bar, but I put my dreams of painting and travel aside... I did my best to put Joey out of my mind... I was about to get my perfect life. Then Joey showed up, older, hot as hell, and hiding a dark secret. And I realized I didn't want perfect. I wanted him. Vanished is a full-length, standalone bad boy/second chance romance with a MYSTERIOUS ALPHA-MALE, heart melting romance, and a HEA!

Strong & Wilde Part 1


L.G. Castillo - 2014
    Growing up in a rural Texas town and being bullied by the sheriff’s son made it nearly impossible to control the notorious Wilde temper. Only having his good friend, Cassie, and her family for support made the task bearable. Cassie Strong never understood why people picked on Cody. He was sweet, sexy, and had a silly side that he showed only to her. When tragedy strikes her family, it’s Cody who is by her side and their friendship blossoms into something more. But when Cody’s lifelong enemy threatens the one thing that could make him break his promise, will he risk losing Cassie or will he be strong enough to hold on to his father’s last wish?NOTE: This is the first of 3 parts of the Strong & Wilde novel and is written as a serial with cliffhangers. The full novel is now available for readers who prefer the complete novel format or you can continue reading the book in serial format.

Meant to Be


Melody Grace - 2017
    Now discover the romance, laughter, and happily-ever-afters waiting for you in her new series, Sweetbriar Cove!Poppy Somerville believes in happily-ever-after. It’s the reason her romance novels have won devoted readers all over the world—and why she’s broken off her engagement just weeks before the wedding instead of settling for less than true love. Escaping to her aunt’s beach cottage in Sweetbriar Cove, Poppy is looking for inspiration to end her writer’s block and finish her new book. She just wasn’t counting on the handsome, gruff contractor making such a racket next door…Cooper Nicholson doesn’t believe in soul-mates. He thought he’d found his forever once, and the world proved him wrong, so when the cute brunette comes storming over and demands he keep the noise down, romance is the last thing on his mind. But his new neighbor is full of surprises, and soon, their chemistry is too hot to ignore. As they grow closer, they discover fiction has nothing on the plot twists life has in store. But will Cooper find a way to let go of the past and risk his heart again? And can Poppy find her happy ending — on and off the page? Find out in the new sweet and sexy small-town romance from New York Times bestselling author, Melody Grace!

Wanted by You


Steph Nuss - 2014
    Carter was captivated by Ellyson Evans the moment he laid eyes on her, but she was the one girl who didn't beg for his attention.He wanted her.Ellyson vowed to never fall in love, because love can destroy you, but then she met Carter Jennings.She wanted him.Unwilling to risk their comfortable friendship, neither confessed their desires.Losing touch after college, a chance meeting reconnects them.They want each other.But love in the city is never quite that easy.

Last Resort


Jill Sanders - 2015
    He has been trying to run her business into the ground so his family can snatch up the land for cheap. But, how can she turn him away when just the sight of the man makes her heart jump out of her chest?Luke was sent by his father, owner of the swankiest and longest-operating resort along the Florida's Gulf coast, to gain one of the best properties at any cost. But when he sees the owner of the bar and grill, he’s torn between his duty to his family and his desire for the silver-eyed beauty.

The Boys of Summer


C.J. Duggan - 2012
    She wants nothing more than to forget the past haunts of high school and have fun with her best friends before the dreaded Year Twelve begins.To Tess, summer is when everything happens: riding bikes down to the lake, watching the fireworks at the Onslow Show and water bomb fights at the sweltering Sunday markets.How did she let her friends talk her into working?After first-shift disasters, rude, wealthy tourists and a taunting ex-boyfriend, Tess is convinced nothing good can come of working her summer away. However, Tess finds unlikely allies in a group of locals dubbed ‘The Onslow Boys’, who are old enough to drive cars, drink beer and not worry about curfews. Tess’s summer of working expands her world with a series of first times with new friends, forbidden love and heartbreaking chaos.All with the one boy she has never been able to forget.It will be a summer she will always remember.

Stripped Raw


Prescott Lane - 2016
    Get your mind out of the gutter; I’m not talking about sex. I’m talking about saying yes to whatever comes my way in life. So when I had the chance to move to Europe after college, I said, yes. When I had the chance to open my own lingerie line, I said, yes. And when my stepsister got diagnosed with cancer and needed me to come home and help her raise her daughter, I said, yes. That’s me, Kenzie — the yes girl! In every area of my life but one —Love. Always the first to leave a relationship. Will I be able to say yes to love — to Kane — to being happy? Or will I simply come undone and be stripped raw? Kane Don’t let Kenzie fool you! She’s a master at hiding behind a laugh and a smile. Being an attorney, I prefer the facts. This story isn’t as light and happy as my yes girl would have you believe. No laugh can sugarcoat what we are facing: I’ve lost everything. I know what it’s like to be left raw. But sometimes that’s the only way to find love. To strip yourself down, let the other person see all your sh*t, and hope they love you anyway.

Coming Home


Laurie Breton - 2012
    Eighteen-year-old aspiring songwriter Casey Bradley is four weeks away from marrying her childhood sweetheart when Danny blows into her life and turns it upside down.Three days after they meet, Casey leaves behind everything and everyone she’s ever known to marry this charismatic man and follow his dreams. Together with laid-back guitarist Rob MacKenzie, Casey writes the songs that catapult her husband to a fame beyond their wildest imaginings. But it's not all glitz and glamour. The road to success is loaded with land mines, and every time Danny breaks her heart, it’s Rob who picks her up, dusts her off, and sets her back on her feet.It's not until an unimaginable tragedy occurs that Casey begins to question who she is and what she really wants from life. In the process, she discovers that the choices you make at thirty may differ vastly from those you made at eighteen.Fall into the book that readers have called "heartfelt," "poignant," and "brilliant."

The Harder I Fall


Jessica Gibson - 2014
    For most of her life, she’s had to take care of herself, her younger brother Chad, and her drunk mother. She’s lived under the shadow of what her father did when she was ten years old. Forever branded by his actions.College was her escape, she could get away and finally live. Her dream was to make it in the New York Ballet Company one day. That for her meant a long road full of hard work and dedication. She didn't have time for distractions, and Levi Klein was definitely a distraction.Will Levi be able to crack through her tough exterior and really see the wounded soul underneath? Becca needs to be loved, but the question is, will she let Levi love her?

Meant for More


Liza James - 2021
    Best friends, really.Instead, I watch you with your arms around another. Your sweet words and that usual charm directed towards someone else.It’s okay—I was never meant to be yours to begin with.CarterCountless memories and lingering moments have shifted into a startling perspective.I’ve spent my years chasing my dreams, my ideal girls, my career in football.But then it happened, over the course of one night, my entire vision centered around someone I didn’t anticipate.A girl who has been here all along.

His Princess


Abigail Graham - 2016
    The Crown Prince took me prisoner. You read that right. Crown Prince. Castle, throne, the whole nine yards. The monarch of a totalitarian regime has locked me up in his fortress, and he demands that I marry him... and provide him with an heir!Me. The girl from Jersey. Trust me, I'm no princess. He's the last man I'd choose for my prince.He's an arrogant jerk and has a stick up his...you know where. But that dark hair, those deep blue eyes, those strong arms, those perfect abs, that humongous... sword. I can't stand him, but I can't take my eyes off him.I'm not marrying him and I'm definitely not his subject. If he wants me to be his princess, he better treat me like one or he can take his crown and shove it.

Double Dare


Rhonda Nelson - 2000
    Sheltered by her overbearing father, Louisa has years of catching up to do and can think of no better person than gorgeous Sam Rawlins to show her. Is she ready for the time of her life? Hell, yes.Ordinarily unflappable adventure guide Sam Rawlins makes his living showing the wealthy how to have fun, but nothing in his experience could have prepared him for the "adventure" Louisa Honeycut asks for. He might be showing Louisa the time of her life, but the quirky little snack-cake heiress is soon turning Sam's own life upside down...and perversely, he likes the new vantage point.