Book picks similar to
Home Fires by Layle Giusto


contemporary-romance
housekeeper
single-father
single-mother

Crumbs to Caviar (The Beach and Beyond Series book 1)


Rochelle Carlton - 2015
    A beautiful wife and mother trapped in a wrecked car and scarred for life. Now Shona faces the future as a single parent, with a 'for sale' sign outside her home, a secretive best friend, controlling ex-husband and a man that wants more than she has to give. When Shona is offered the chance to launch her dream career, she begins a journey that brings handsome and ruthless businessman, Blake Coleman, into her life. He has a reputation as a womaniser and is about to tear Shona’s world apart, but someone else is watching her every move. Shona finds herself fighting to prove she is a fit mother, fighting to save her little piece of paradise and fighting to save her family's lives. They say you can never go back. That the things you have left behind are best not revisited. But they never told her to go back would be the biggest mistake of her life. Book one of the “Beach and Beyond” series can be read as a stand-alone novel. Or sign up to receive updates for the continuing story of Shona’s McGuire’s new life.

A Hood Affair 2


Shmel Carter - 2013
    Someone is still after Neicee and the they continue to race against the clock to find out who it could be.

Catching a Cowboy: Roped into Love


Melissa Keir - 2017
     Dreamed of roping your own sexy cowboy? How about Six stories by award winning and best-selling Western Romance authors? These tales delight with romance, Wranglers and Stetsons. The Heartsong Cowboy by Melissa Keir- Can two people, one horse and the power of love cure a little girl? Ride of his Life by Deb Julienne-Battling your own demons is easier than fighting family. Clayton and Andie learn this the hard way... Radio Rose by Stephanie Berget- Cowboys and aliens … on a dark, deserted highway, it can be hard to tell the difference. 119 Days by RaeAnne Hadley- Divorced for five years, Celeste Howard was happy with her life. The only thing she missed was a man's touch. Sean Mison fit her ideal of a perfect one-night stand, but what began as a simple stress reliever grew into more than what Celeste signed on for. Promise Me Eden by D’Ann Lindun- She’s buried in grief. He doesn’t know how to help. Can they find their way back together before it’s too late? Cowboy in Waiting by Leslie P. Garcia- She’d buried a hero. She wasn’t looking for another. But her cowboy in waiting was far from a hero… Climb on board for the ride of your life!

Late to the Wedding


Laura Briggs
    True, it was written four months ago, but could his heart have changed so drastically in so little time? Desperate to know, she packs a bag and plans to bridge the five states between them. But a series of cosmic misadventures leaves her no other choice for her cross country journey than a gypsy cab driver who’s willing to take her the distance for a hefty fee. Sardonic, arrogant Brian Stoker is the last person likely to sympathize with a quest for last chance love. But he may be her only hope as a chain of obstacles and adventures threaten to become a detour from her destiny. Will Evelyn be late to the wedding–or will she have a romantic rendezvous in time for a happy ending?Excerpt from Late to the Wedding:Evelyn closed her eyes as despair washed over her. Turning away from the taxi lane, she walked forlornly towards the automatic doors. Her glance fell on a vehicle parked nearby, a 1970s notchback Sedan she had noticed circling the lot as she spoke to the constantly moving line of cabs. Most likely a hack, or gypsy cab driver as some referred to them. Guys willing to take legal risks for a little extra cash on a busy weekend. The driver lowered his newspaper to glance up at her passing figure, revealing a faded button down shirt with an open collar. Dark, tousled hair and a jaw that sported days old stubble; coal black eyes that flicked in her direction with a hint of challenge. As if daring her to approach, knowing all the while she was too timid and guarded to risk it. Perhaps that’s what made her shoulder her carry-on more firmly and march directly to his driver’s side window.“Excuse me…” she faltered a little, her gaze taking in the car’s shabby interior, with its dusty dashboard and peeling leather upholstery. “By any chance…that is, are you…” “Operating an illegal cab service?” supplied the sardonic voice, the dark eyes studying her beneath raised brows. “Sure.” He tossed the paper into the passenger seat and offered a smile that struck her as arrogant for someone who clearly did most of their grooming with the aid of a rear view mirror. “I–I need a ride,” she stammered, realizing a second later how obvious that must be. “That is, can you take me to Binghamton?” she asked, selecting a city that was relatively near the Pennsylvania state line and roughly two hours into her journey. If he took her there and not a mile further, it would be at least be a start.He seemed to hesitate, no doubt weighing the loss of convention traffic. His gaze taking in her trim figure, expensive attire, and scant luggage with a scrutiny that made her blush. “I usually settle my fee before driving in circumstances like this,” he said, after a moment. “But I guess I can make an exception for you. Although this seems a little far for a cab ride if you ask me.”Evelyn shrugged, pretending to miss the insult behind the provision. “Well, I’m sort of playing this trip by ear, so I can’t really guarantee…” She let her voice trail off, turning her head nonchalantly in the direction of the moving cab line. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she prayed that this maneuver would call his bluff. Show him she wasn’t the usual sucker tourist in need of a cheap ride.“We’ll work something out,” he said, taking the bait.

Don't Leave Me (Chapel Cove Romances, #13)


Alexa Verde - 2021
    She surprises herself by buying a beach house in need of repairs that reminds her of her childhood home. As an elite fitness trainer, she travels to her clients’ locations and never stays in one place for long. Can her handsome neighbor finally bring home to her heart?After a tragic loss, Jason Carrington became a hermit. But when his lovely new neighbor needs his help with repairs, he finds himself spending a lot of time with her and gradually falling for her. However, she doesn’t intend to stay—or open herself for love. Will the truth behind her secret bring them closer—or tear them apart?

Second Wind


Alison Henderson - 2019
    She lands a job in an art gallery in picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea and begins a new life.After her ex’s body washes up on the beach, Laurel finds herself dragged into a scheme involving money-laundering Russians, a pair of amiable biker gang members, and a good-looking government number-cruncher who’s more comfortable in a T-shirt and shorts than a suit.As a forensic accountant for the FBI, Jake Carlson is used to nailing bad guys by following the money trail. His current investigation is floundering until he meets Laurel McDowell, a young woman with connections to an alarming number of his suspects. Is she a witness, an accomplice, or a victim? All he has to do is to keep her alive long enough to find out.

ALPHA (14 Book Romance Box Set)


Paige North - 2017
     He was my brother's best friend, my first crush, my first love...my first everything. And then he betrayed me. How many times have I thought about it? How many times have I relived the moment when I found out he left town without ever saying a word?  And how long has the memory of him consumed my every waking thought? Three years. That’s how long it’s been since I’ve seen or heard from him, the only man I ever loved.  The man I now despise. But suddenly, without warning, Landon Hill is back. And to make matters worse, he’s somehow become rich beyond imagination, and he’s opening some mega business in town and walking around like he owns everything in sight. Including me. But I’ll never be able to forgive him, even if the fire still rages between us. In the end, I know that he’s never to be trusted. He’s a filthy liar. Pump Fake by Lila Price He’s known for all the bad things he’s done since he came to Vegas.  The madam’s little black book with his name in it… The crazy late night bar fights… The trail of broken hearts he’s left in his wake… But nothing could have prepared me for actually coming face-to-face with Eli Brennan, hotshot wide receiver for my city’s professional football team. With his bulging muscles and rock-hard physique, Eli is every woman’s dirty little fantasy, but never in a million years did I think he could be my reality.  Because I’m nobody. I’ve always been the girl without a date to the school dance, the girl who had to study to get a scholarship, the one who was working instead of drinking and partying with boys… In short, I’ve always been invisible to people like Eli Brennan. But suddenly, the most notorious bachelor in Las Vegas sees me.  And when Eli propositions me to become his fake fiancé and help get him out of his latest public relations nightmare, I can’t refuse.  I just have to make sure that I don’t take this too seriously, because Eli Brennan isn’t serious about me. He isn’t serious about anything. The whole thing is crazy. But in my heart, I know that this relationship isn’t as fake as it’s supposed to be. The way Eli looks at me, the way he touches me, the way he makes me feel. In fact, it turns out that this pump fake romance might be the realest thing that’s ever happened to me… Ordered by Kaylee Quinn A standalone alpha billionaire romance with a guaranteed HEA... DARCY Bought and paid for. That’s what I am. Nothing but a plaything for billionaire Thayer Noble, picked off a website like some kind of product. He’s sexy as hell, with a clenched chiseled jaw, and the most sensual, brutal lips I've ever seen. His punishing mouth never bends into a welcoming smile but tugs into a furious frown. His indigo eyes are always blazing with fury. His heart is stone cold. When he sees me, he tries to turn me away.

STIFF (Ten Book Box Set)


Olivia Chase - 2017
    That’s how he wants me… It was supposed to be a one-night stand. One night with some guy I picked up at a bar. Totally unlike me, but a girl’s got to have some fun, right? He was hot as hell, all broad shoulders and brooding stares. He whispered dirty words when he took me back to his house and made me his. I thought I’d never see him again, so I told him some lie about how I was an office manager instead of a college student. And then I got to class the next day and found out he’s my professor.  My professor was the hot guy who’d given me the best orgasm of my life. I try to pretend nothing happened, even though I’m dying inside. But then he tells me to come to his office.  He tells me to bend over his desk, because that’s how he likes it… If anyone finds out, he’ll lose his job. And I’ll lose my reputation.  But before that happens, he’s determined to teach me everything I need to know. About pleasing him. Submitting to him. Letting him take what’s his… Even if it ends up costing us everything. Rough Hand by Olivia Chase A standalone romance with a guaranteed HEA from bestselling author Olivia Chase... LEVI I’m no good for her. And she’s probably no good for me, either.  But hell if I don’t find myself wanting her right now. My c*ck is slamming against my zipper at the thought of thrusting my tongue in her mouth, swallowing her moans… She’s so pure that I can almost see the glow of white around her. I’m too wicked, too dirty to touch her.  But there’s something about the way I can feel her emotions pouring from her, like she’s a broken dam spilling over, that makes my chest tight.  I can’t let her break me apart, not when I’ve worked so hard, so long, to keep myself glued together. To be strong and impenetrable.  No, I’ll just keep my distance. Surely that won’t be a problem. Even if she does live right across the street from my shop.  ALEXA I’ve never had this feeling before, this burning need to be around someone as much as I can. When we touch, I want to keep on touching.  When he’s inside me, our limbs tangled together, our sweat-slicked bodies connected in the most intimate way possible, I feel like I’ve found my other half. He’s so scared to open up to anyone. So scared to dig into the things that hurt him in his past. I just want to help him be happy. If only he’d drop all his walls and talk to me, he could let it go and move on. Will I ever be happy with Levi? Right or wrong, I need more.  Jackson by Paige North Meet the Croft brothers. Filthy rich, devastatingly handsome, and sexy as all hell… JACKSON I don’t do slow and easy.  I do fast and hard. I don’t do dates. I do … arrangements.

Long, Tall Texans: Regan & Second Chance Cowboy


Diana Palmer - 1994
    Daniels, originally published in 2008.Two sexy cowboys, two second chances at a happily ever after. In REGAN, Ted Regan has a second chance with his first love—if his pride will allow him to forgive a mistake she made long ago. And in SECOND CHANCE COWBOY, Hank Monroe could be the one cowboy in Whitehorse, Montana, who can track down Arlene Evans missing daughter—which could be complicated when his own past comes knocking.These rough-riding men might have storied pasts, but when it comes to protecting the women they love, nothing is going to stand in their way. First published as REGAN’S PRIDE by Silhouette Romance in 1994First published as SECOND CHANCE COWBOY by Harlequin Intrigue in 2008

Loving a Jamaican Bad Boy


Tinera Latoya - 2016
    They're in Jamaica, they are having fun and find new love interest.A trip that was supposed to be two weeks turned into a summer long trip, when the girls meet their love interest.Minah is the shy girl who doesn't know her beauty. She’s been the awkward pretty girl all her life. She's never gone to a party or even had a boyfriend. Minah is all about her school work and on the path to become a biomedical engineer. When Minah meets Kymani in Jamaica, she is letting go of the shy girl and breaking out her shell thanks to Kymani. Minah is slowly falling for him the more time she spends with him.Kymani is a girl’s dream. He is what every woman wants. Being the top Kingpin in Jamaica is the life he is living. Kymani have everything he ever wants in life, until he meets Minah. She is young, beautiful and rare to Kymani. He sets his eyes on her and on a mission to make her his. What was supposed to be a graduation trip to Jamaica, turns into love at first sight. Kymani would stop at nothing to have Minah as his woman.Back in America is Minah secret lover Jay, and older cousin of Keyariah. Jay has been in love with Minah, when she was the ugly ducking and not knowing her true beauty. Now that she has found her confidence and self esteem, Jay is willing to do anything to have her all to himself by any means necessary. Will Jay just let Minah slip out of his hands to Kymani, or will he fight for her love?Keyariah has been the wild girl all her life. Boys, partying, and more boys been her motto. She can't keep a steady relationship to save her life, and this has her second guessing herself. Is she worthy of a good man? Bad relationship after bad relationship has been her problem for a while. When she goes to Jamaica she falls for Tariq, best friend of Kymani. Will Keyariah find the perfect man in Tariq, or will he turn out to be like the other bad apples?Join Minah and Keyariah on their wicked roller coaster of finding that happy ever after love.

A Thug's Love 5: The Finale


Jessica N. Watkins - 2018
    That's how Jada had been surviving the multitude of bad luck that had been hurling her way, as of late. The only thing positive in her life, the only thing that made her smile, was her kids and Brooklyn. However, just as her luck had been, both are at risk of being taken from her permanently. Brittany is still clinging to life, while Brooklyn fights to keep his. In a drive-by meant to avenge the murder of Gustavo, the Carter Crew's connect, Brooklyn was hit, saving Jada, and is now fighting for his life, before he even got the chance to enjoy it with the girl that he had been pining for for years. And while he is clinging to life, a person from his past surfaces to threaten any future that he and Jada may have. As Jada prays for the lives of her loved ones, Meech fights to forgive King's disloyalty. Meanwhile, Kennedy is struggling with the sudden severe depression that she has succumb to since losing her baby boy. In this explosive series finale, Jada takes extreme measures to take her life back, while her family and crew fight for their own. Will she finally take the time to fix herself to gain her own happiness, or will she continue to make the bad decisions that not only have been ruining her life, but the lives of her loved ones? Will the Carter crew survive the plunge of their most loyal soldiers? Find out in the finale of the A Thug's Love series!

Love, Suburban Style


Wendy Markham - 2007
    But when they leave Manhattan behind for Meg's humble blue-collar hometown, they find it crowded with wealthy strangers and upscale boutiques. Settling into a creaky fixer-upper, Meg finally spots a familiar face right next door--and it belongs to none other than Sam Rooney. The would-be love of Meg's high school life is now a single dad, her daughter's new soccer coach--and a neighborly ghost-buster whenever things go bump in the night. With three kids and an undeniable attraction between them, Meg and Sam are in for some heart-racing, wee-hour encounters that have nothing to do with spirits...but everything to do with hearts.

Mara's Move


Jean C. Gordon - 2012
    But with her job as an activity director at a North Carolina mountain resort on shaky ground and her penchant for choosing all the wrong men, Mara's not scoring high in the pursuit of either security or happiness.Alex Price is on the rebound from a broken engagement. Who would have guessed his social-climbing fiancee would drop him, a successful lawyer with his own practice--okay, a successful practice with his two overbearing older brothers--for a back-to-nature forest ranger?When these childhood adversaries meet on the "honeymoon" cruise Alex is now taking alone, they make a pact to help each other ward off unwanted attention from fellow shipmates--a pact that sends them sailing into uncharted waters.

Small-Town Affair (A Secret Baby Romance)


Lauren Wood - 2021
    I’m the one that called it off.The first woman I’ve loved in years, and now she hates me.Time didn’t make it better, only worse.Missing her became my occupation.I don’t blame her for wanting to cut me out of her life.I earned it.We had something great going.I got scared and callously broke her heart.Her gorgeous body and seductive eyesMake me jealous as everyone looks her way.I know I can’t have her, and it kills me.Mila is the woman every man wants by his side and in his bed.Sexy, kind and she is going to be a great motherTo my child that she carries, as I tossed her aside.I am no longer the idiot that called it all off.I deserve a second chance with her.I’ll make it right with her.Then she will forgive me and truly be mine.Note: Adults Only!