Book picks similar to
America's Next Reality Star by Laura Heffernan
romance
contemporary
new-adult
fiction
Remember When
T. Torrest - 2012
Although, come to think of it, I am from New Jersey, which may serve as explanation enough. We were teenagers then, way back in a time before anyone could even dream he’d turn into the Hollywood commodity that he is today.In case you live under a rock and don't know who Trip Wiley is, just know that these days, he’s the actor found at the top of every casting director’s wish list. He’s incredibly talented and insanely gorgeous, the combination of which has made him very rich, very famous and very desirable.And not just to casting directors, either.I can’t confirm any of the gossip from his early years out in Tinseltown, but based on what I knew of his life before he was famous, I can tell you that the idea of Girls-Throwing-Themselves-At-Trip is not a new concept.I should know. I was one of them.And my life hasn’t been the same since.**Remember When is the first book in an NA romantic comedy trilogy, but there is NO CLIFFHANGER. It is intended for mature teen readers and immature adult ones due to some high school sex scenes, underage drinking, questionable language and 1980s flashbacks.**
Well...THAT Was Awkward
Megan Montgomery - 2020
Medallion!John and Em meet on the boardwalk as the moonlight dances off the Chesapeake Bay.She thinks he’s gorgeous and comes down with a case of instalove.He thinks she’s a panhandler and gives her five dollars.The embarrassment is enough to send Em running for a life makeover. The only problem is, she’s spent the last decade looking after everyone else in her little town and now she’s totally forgotten how to self-care.Adding to that garbage heap of a situation is tonight’s blind date.Of course it turns out to be the man who mistook her for homeless. And, of course, he’s a Navy test pilot stationed a stone’s throw away from her antiques shop. All the whiskey and chocolate in the café can’t help the awkwardness between Em and this cold and stoic modern-Mr. Darcy.Fortunately, their tiny, tight-knit community won’t let one (or two) bad nights come between what everyone knows might just be an uncannily perfect couple.When they both let down their guard, Em and John’s chemistry creates more sparks than a jet's afterburners, but there’s a lot to lose if she tries—and fails—at this relationship.Unless she decides to trust John to help her navigate, Em might be stuck circling the runway in a loveless holding pattern.
Runaway Summer
Ruth Saberton - 2015
It’s only when a volatile relationship threatens to destroy all she holds dear that Summer finds herself returning to the place she knows so well.Jake Tremaine has travelled the world but reluctantly finds himself drawn back to Polwenna Bay to run the family marina and take care of his unruly siblings. While Jake knows his attention should be on the rescuing the business, determined Ella, daughter of a wealthy hotelier, is set on working her way into his affections and beneath his sheets. The last thing Ella will tolerate is the reappearance of a rival…As the holiday season approaches and seaside life gathers pace, Jake suspects that Summer is keeping a huge secret from him. But Summer is not the only person in the village with something to hide. Is she just an echo of Jake’s past or are there far more important matters at stake?
Mr. Mistake: A Fake Marriage Romance (Mr. Mistake Series Book 1)
Karice Bolton - 2019
Wrong?Those were the words that shaped Tessa Berry's entire dating life the moment she vowed with her best friends in high school to never date a bad boy. Each of them took a pledge to never date a Mr. Wrong...and Morgan McKenzie was Tessa's wrong.But when her best friends bring up the pact and come up with a challenge to go after their Mr. Wrongs before they turn thirty, Tessa realizes they're all in over their heads and Tessa must teach her friends a lesson.But when Tessa's Mr. Wrong becomes her fake fiancé, she wonders if she made the biggest mistake of her life.After all, love isn't a fake emotion, even if the relationship is, right?
Most Eligible Billionaire
Annika Martin - 2017
The money doesn’t matter to him, but the company is his life. And then his eccentric mother wills it all to her tiny dog. I’m Vicky, the dog whisperer. (Not really, but that’s what my elderly neighbor always says.) When she dies, she surprises everybody by leaving a corporation worth billions to her dog, Smuckers. With me as his spokesperson. Suddenly I go from running my Etsy store to sitting in an elegant Wall Street boardroom with Smuckers in my lap. And my neighbor’s son, Henry Locke, aka New York’s most eligible bachelor, glaring across the table at me. Rumor has it Henry’s a business genius who’s as talented in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom. Sure, he’s gorgeous. Sex-in-a-seven-thousand dollar suit. But…He’s arrogant and infuriating. He refuses to listen to me when I insist I didn’t con his mother. He thinks he can bully me, buy me off, control me, even seduce me. Henry may have the women of Manhattan eating out of the palm of his hand, but I'm so over entitled rich guys who think they own the world. No way will his wicked smile be charming ME out of my panties. His wicked...devastating...impossible-to-resist smile. Oh well, who needs panties anyway? ****************A sexy enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy standalone!*Formerly entitled Most Eligible Bastard*
Welcome Home, Abby (Those Hawthorne Men, #1)
Jan Gallagher Dunn - 2019
He has a bad track record with romance. Abby fell in love with Jackson when she was 19, not realizing he was from the wealthy Hawthorne family. His father sent her away to protect the family money. She returns five years later, escaping a nasty fiancé – determined not to fall in love anytime soon. She needs protection and Jackson needs a mother for his daughter. Abby agrees to a one-year deal, touched by the idea of a motherless child. Jackson admits Abby is the only woman he’s ever loved, but he married the wrong woman after she left. His deceased wife’s family is trying to stake a claim to his daughter. He proposed a platonic marriage. He can handle the fact she’s more beautiful. Too late he discovers she smells just as sweet as he remembered. Abby is wonderful with his daughter. He’s a man who can run any business, why can’t he keep her arm’s length? What happens when both of them want a more permanent relationship, but both are afraid to admit it? Trigger Warning: Heroine discusses past miscarriage
Coming Home to Heritage Cove
Helen J. Rolfe - 2020
After an absence of five years, her return isn’t going to be easy, especially when she bumps into Harvey, the love of her life and the man she’s never been able to forget. For reasons he couldn't explain at the time, Harvey changed his mind about going with Melissa to start afresh as they'd planned, and life moved on for the both of them. But with Melissa back in the village and determined to stick around to help Barney, they can't avoid each other forever. Melissa knows she let so many people down by staying away for so long, but she and Harvey blame each other for what happened and neither of them is willing to admit to being in the wrong.When Barney insists on cancelling the Wedding Dress Ball, the charity fundraiser he holds every year in the stunning barn on his property, Melissa and Harvey realise they’re going to have to pull together. Otherwise the man they once knew might be gone forever. And when they unearth a secret Barney has never shared with anyone, they go in search of answers to not only ensure the ball runs this summer, but to bring back the Barney they know and love. Back in the cove after all this time, Melissa gets to see the life she left behind and it’s time to deal with what it was that drove her away in the first place.Beneath the summer sunshine in Heritage Cove, the sea sparkles, the heat rises and new love, reconciliations and the answers to an old love story could bring changes for everyone. Perfect summer reading for fans of Sarah Morgan, Holly Martin and Jill Mansell
A Work in Progress
Staci Stallings - 2010
With less than fashion-plate looks and an off-beat, quirky style to living life, she has been relegated to finding “alone” activities to fill her time throughout high school. Unfortunately, college hasn’t changed that. Then she meets Eric Barnett, a nice guy who seems a little quirky himself. The only problem is, he’s in love with her roommate—one of the truly beautiful people. When Rebecca finds herself falling for him, she must find a way to break out of her shell or risk losing him forever. Who will win out in this mixed up jumble of feelings and loyalties?
Lucky Charm
Carly Phillips - 2008
Now, divorced and broke, all he has left is his teenage daughter and a healthy respect for ancient sorcery. But then Gabrielle returns, determined to defeat the curse and rekindle their passion. But will her stubborn streak and her unwavering love be the lucky charm Derek so desperately needs?
Waltz Back to Texas
M.J. Fredrick - 2012
After growing up in a dying town, with only two restaurants, no movie theater, and no future, waitress Cassidy Simon wants out. For once, luck is on her side when the oil boom comes to South Texas. She’s determined to use it for her advantage, starting up an RV park for the oilfield workers to add to her escape fund. She’s never been out of Texas, and she’s itching for adventure. Grady McKenna couldn’t get away from his family’s ranch fast enough when he was a teenager, but a tour in the Air Force in the Middle East is enough to convince him there’s no place like home. He’s seen the world, had his adventure. Now he’s ready to contribute to his family’s legacy in Evansville. Naturally, the woman who draws his attention is the one intent on slipping through his fingers. How can he convince her life with him will be all the adventure she needs?
My romantic comedy - Once upon a time (Book 1)
Mary Kelly - 2012
Whether it be When Harry Met Sally, Two Weeks Notice or Roman Holiday, they all make me dream and believe that everything is possible in life. In order to convince my friends that they are wrong to be cynical, it is decided: I am going to test the scenarios of my favorite romantic comedies in real life. What better way to prove that I’m right? Whether your favorite romantic comedy happens to be Serendipity, You’ve Got Mail, or Down with Love, it’s highly likely that I’ve tried them out, and that I can inform you about their effectiveness. To begin with, I choose Clueless, the most timeless of romantic comedies. After all, I could use some good karma, and to find love for my sister or my best friend seems like a good start to me. Follow me, and who knows—maybe you too, will be inspired to find your own happy ending. EXCERPT 1 Matt takes us to a nice bistro and he recommends that we taste the grilled chicken. The truth is, I’m not very hungry, but I’m not going to show that I’m disturbed in front of his girlfriend, so I eat with a hearty appetite. “It’s great to see that rumors didn’t affect your appetite.” “Matt,” protests Elina, but I don’t give her the chance to defend me. I can manage by myself. “Let him talk. I’m used to it. It would be good, however, if you’d tell me what you’re scheming.” “You said you needed someone to sort out your reputation. What better way than being seen with my fiancée and me?” “Unless they now think that I’m after a rich man with a fiancée.” Elina bursts out with laughter. “I didn’t consider that,” chuckles Matt. “Do you think I should change my plans?” “I don’t think you should help me at all,” I whistle, although deep down I’m happy he took the time to defend me. On the other hand, there are two sides to every coin, and I’m not very happy about being forced to have lunch with his girlfriend. If only she were a bit unfriendly, then I’d feel less guilty about disliking her. EXCERPT 2 When we enter the room and I see Lisa, who has arrived despite my prayers, I feel immediately threatened. How is it possible that photos don’t do justice to someone? I always look prettier in photos because I try to take my picture when I’m at my best. But this girl, if in photos she’s beautiful, in real life she is … stunning. I feel Matt’s hand tighten on my shoulder. “Matt!” She pounces on him and kisses him on the lips. I didn’t know that an ex-fiancée had the right to do that. “Lisa, nice to see you again.” Matt puts his hand on her arm, which I don’t think is necessary either. “Erin.” I’m not sure that the way he says my name indicates any particular attachment between us. “This is Lisa. Lisa, this is Erin.” Not my girlfriend, nothing, just Erin. I take her hand and I am of course delighted to meet her. “Matt told me all about you.” “Everything? Really?” She turns towards Matt to play the couple who has secrets to share. Maybe I don’t go out with men often, but I’ve seen so many romantic movies that I know all the ruses an ex-girlfriend can use. “Oh, I’m certain that even if he didn’t already tell me everything, he will sooner or later. Matt can’t resist my interrogation methods.” If she wants to play this game, I can, too. Matt tightens his grip on my hand; I bet that it isn’t to show that he’s proud of me. I remind you that you have no right to be possessive, you aren’t really dating Matt, whispers my voice of reason.
Love & Other Chaos
Jackie Walker - 2020
Brody’s my friend - just a friend. He’s also my autistic son’s favorite teacher.He’s as off limits as they come, no matter how drop dead gorgeous he is. Falling for him would be wrong. Resisting him though, is becoming pure torture. After being burned by men who can’t handle dating a single-mom of a special-needs child, I refuse to date anymore. Not until my son is grown. My plan is working fine until my trouble-making bestie presents me with a dare that I can’t resist. I’m a sucker for a good dare - especially when margaritas have been consumed. And she’s just dared me to plant a surprise kiss on Brody’s sexy lips, while she records it for a trending TikTok challenge video. But if I do this, it could change everything. My life is already pure chaos and maybe now is not the best time to shake things up even more. Is it worth risking our friendship and his important role in my son’s life for one kiss? What if he wants more? What if I do? Love & Other Chaos is a hilarious, steamy, friends-to-lovers romantic comedy featuring a drop dead gorgeous and seriously buff teacher with the hots for a single-mom of an autistic pre-teen son... who happens to be one of his students. This story also includes wise-cracking grandparents with zero respect for personal boundaries, swoon-worthy beach scenes, a jerky boss with no concept of personal space, nosey siblings and a foul-mouthed best friend who loves to instigate trouble. If you don't like sarcasm, steam, sexy-times, heroines who drink copious amounts of margaritas and laugh-a-minute dialogue, then this might not be the book for you. It’s a stand-alone novel with a happy ending, because cliffhangers will kill your margarita buzz.
Practice Cake
Dalya Moon - 2011
All it takes is one of his sly winks or a playful hip-check by the cooler, and she’s incinerating the cookies. Her boyfriend would not approve.When a reality TV crew descends upon the bakery, her simple summer job gets even more complicated. Maddie could become the Bakery Network’s next breakout star, if she can handle the heat of being cast as a show villain. Drew has an alternate idea: run away from everything, with him and his sexy tousled hair. She decides to take the leap, but when she finds out Drew’s been hiding a shocking secret, Maddie looks down at her packed suitcase and takes a moment to think. Should she fly off to Australia with a guy she hardly knows, or should she pick up her suitcase and hit him with it?Chock full of imperfect people behaving badly, Practice Cake is for readers who enjoy a good laugh.
Broken Promises
Dawn Pendleton - 2013
She left Casper without looking back, leaving her small-town life and everyone in it, behind. Including her sexy high school sweetheart. Luke Bates was devastated when Mallory left him for the city life. He managed to pull himself together and move on, even if only just barely. When Mallory shows up in town, Luke vows to stay away from her at all costs. So why does he keep checking in on her and her father, showing up when he's clearly uninvited? Maybe Luke isn't as 'over her' as he thought.
Can't Buy Me Love
Maggie Marr - 2012
She's my assistant. I sent her far far away to a different division within my company for a very good reason--I want her. But while I can have most anything I want in the entire world I can't have Meg. Now Meg is back and she's brought me a deal that I simply can't refuse.