Book picks similar to
Holiday Surprise: Unwrapped by Aliyah Burke
romance
christmas
holiday
novella
Toy Soldiers
Dahlia Rose - 2010
As the child spoke, Captain Caine McIntosh fell in love with the curly-haired tot who asked for a dad to help protect him and his mom. When his soft-spoken mother came to grab him, Caine was instantly attracted to the wide-eyed beauty with ebony skin. He vowed to show her that she didn’t have to be strong all by herself and to have her love.Danika Lionel didn’t know what to think when the sexy solider showed up at her door bearing gifts. The neighborhood in Far Rockaway where she lived was not her first choice to live with her son. But being a single mom she took what she could get until she had the opportunity to do better. Caine offered her and Ryan a chance to spend Christmas without worrying about gun shots in the street, and she accepted. She barely put the pieces of her heart back together four years ago when Ryan was born. For his sake, she had to be strong. Did she dare give Caine a chance and let this new love in?
Taken by the Billionaire
Lucinda DuBois - 2012
She fears for her life and turns the only person who can help her, who has always helped her, family friend and billionare Remy Merrick.Brash and powerful, Remy had always been the ojbect of her desire. But the disparity in their statuses and Sydney's own insecurities had always kept them apart. Kept her from allowing herself to be taken. But now, with nowhere and no one else to turn to, Sydney gives in to her desire.Length: 8300 wordsAdult Reading Material (18+) This book is for mature audiences only and contains sexually explicit content.Read an excerpt:The enormous house was a bit chilly, Sydney wrapped the thin robe around her body. Her hips and bust had filled out in the five years since she’d last worn it, the front barely covered her decently. She hoped Remy still kept the soft, green afghan on the sofa in his study.She heard the front door opening when she was still a good distance from the top of the stairs. She knew instantly it was him. An almost painful awareness washed over her. She froze, listening to the decisive click of his shoes on the tile entry. She moved forward to where the wall dropped away and she could see down from the impressive height of the second floor. Remy was shrugging out of his overcoat and tossing it onto a chair. Underneath he wore an immaculately fitted tuxedo.Damn. He had been someplace important. She would bet the contents of her checking account Dot was somewhere fuming right now. A small part of her enjoyed the image of the tall blonde stamping her Manolo Blahnik’s in rage.“Syd!” he called. He tilted his dark gaze up, scanning the second level. They caught her small form just visible in the corner. He visibly relaxed, as if a load of tension had lifted from his shoulders. Without breaking eye contact, he started up the stairs. “You aren’t answering your phone!” he accused as he climbed.Oh, God, he’s gotten even better looking, Sydney despaired. For all his polished attire, his face could only be described as ruggedly handsome. His square chin looked carved from granite. Even from her perch she could see his jaw muscles clenching the way they did when he was frustrated. He frustrated more often than not. Many would call his eyes grim – they were gray and piercing. His slashing black brows were set low over them, perpetually frowning over a overlarge nose with a bump in the bridge. His face was one of extreme character. Though he was only thirty-one, it held lifetimes of experience engraved in the lines bracketing his mouth and ridging his forehead.Remy, you should smile more, Sydney thought for the hundredth time. This was why she could hardly bear to be around him. She hated what he was doing to himself. She hated how he drove himself to be this paragon of achievement, because what did any of it mean if he wasn’t even happy?As always, his bearing was erect and elegant, almost at odds with his broad shoulders and thick chest. He was built like a boxer, tall and roped in muscle. His physical prowess was intimidating to many, but to Sydney it just said security.He reached the top of the stairs and started toward her. Suddenly, the invisible bonds holding her in place snapped and she found herself rushing down the hall toward him. Running, really. He picked up his pace, too, his face taking on an expression she’d never seen on him before, was it…urgency? Had he been that worried? Did he want to touch her to know she was really alright? She wanted to touch him for the same reason.She threw herself at him, trusting he would save her from hurling down the staircase at his back. Her arms reached around his neck at the same moment his big hands settled around her waist. He lifted her and the room rotated as her momentum carried them in a circle.
A Brand of Christmas
Maggie Shayne - 2015
Most Big Falls, Oklahomans think it must be a case of immaculate conception. But the drifter returns and trouble follows. So do an early labor, a freak storm, and a Christmas you will never forget.The Texas Brands, Book 1: THE LITTLEST COWBOYUpright and Honest Sheriff Garrett Brand is furious with the younger brothers he’s raised when he finds a baby on the doorstep one hot Texas morning…until he sees the note with his own name on it. A motherless baby boy, a soft hearted rancher, an overprotective family, and a woman in deadly trouble spell heartwarming emotion, spine tingling passion, and breathless romance.The Brand Family…A Miracle in Every Story!
Barefoot in White
Roxanne St. Claire - 2014
All that's about to change in Barefoot Bay, a beloved tropical setting for heartbreak and happiness from New York Times bestselling author Roxanne St. Claire. Willow Ambrose has fought a battle with the scale for much of her life, but she has finally won the war. She hasn’t just cut calories -- she’s cut all ties to her past, too, and successfully carved out a new body and a new life. But when she comes face to face with someone who left an indelible mark on her heart years before, all that threatens to crumble. Navy SEAL Nick Hershey is on medical leave, doing a friend a favor as a stand in “man of honor” at a beach wedding. He might not be that interested in the nuptials, but the wedding planner catches his eye the minute they meet. When he realizes Willow is a girl he knew in college -- and a girl he unintentionally hurt to the core -- he knows he has some making up to do. Willow has learned how to beat every temptation...but Nick’s sweet as candy kisses just might be the one thing she can’t resist. However, the closer they get, the more the past threatens to tear them apart. Nick and Willow learn the hard way that they can’t change history, but does that mean they won’t have a future? “Lively, light, pure entertainment!” Carly Phillips, New York Times bestselling author “Fun and engaging -- a celebration of family and forgiveness!” Publishers Weekly “Plenty of heat, humor, and heart!” USA Today “Barefoot in White was emotional, exciting, engaging, sexy, and sweet all rolled into one!” Literal Addiction “Just when I think Roxanne St. Claire’s books can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. This book has so much going on with every character and is so chock full of emotions, it’s impossible to put it down.” ReaderLaurie BOOKS SET IN BAREFOOT BAY Barefoot Bay Billionaires 1. Secrets on the Sand (FREE!) 2. Seduction on the Sand 3. Scandal on the Sand Barefoot Bay Brides 1. Barefoot in White 2. Barefoot in Lace 3. Barefoot in Pearls Roxanne St. Claire is New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty romance, suspense, and young adult novels. A six-time nominee and one-time winner of the Romance Writer’s of America prestigious RITA Award, Roxanne’s novels have also been recognized with dozens of other industry awards, including the three National Reader’s Choice Awards, the Booksellers Best Award, and the Borders “Top Pick” of the Year.
A Fairytale Christmas
Melissa Hill - 2016
Grab a mug of hot chocolate, sit back and enjoy a fairytale New York Christmas.... When Londoner Penny decides to visit her best friend Kate in New York for the festive season, the surprise appearance of a previous suitor sends her plans for a relaxing, carefree visit into complete disarray. When she and Mike last saw each other, the timing couldn't have been worse. But when Mike decides to show Penny the very best of what a snowy, festive, New York has to offer - resolving to make it a fairytale Christmas - will she be able to resist his charms this time round? And will finding one other again turn out to be the greatest Christmas gift?
Always
Carol Rose - 1998
But the beautiful old house is a near-ruin and she can't afford to restore it. Elinor hopes to find a buyer who will cherish the home as she does. But she has one rule - she won't sell to handsome, self-made millionaire Cole Whittier.Cole has the locals upset over his plans to build a factory nearby and Elinor's leading the opposition. He's got a fight on his hands to convince the stubborn beauty of the merits of his plans - and of everything else he discovers he wants to offer her.It's up to Cole to persuade Elinor to see things from his perspective. The sexy industrialist is convinced that Elinor is well worth winning over.
A White Hot Christmas
Adrianne James - 2013
With so little time spent in one place, relationships are a no-go. Dean, a firefighter with a serious disdain for the holiday season, is sent to Mistletoe, a small town that lives and breathes Christmas. To keep his holiday exposure to a minimum, Dean avoids relationships from November through January. Will two people who are so adamant about being single be able to ignore the feelings that are heating up their Christmas season?
Wicked All the Way
Shayla Black - 2012
He’s trying to capture a woman with a broken heart. Having lost at love once, he understands being gun shy. The residual fears from Carlotta Buckley’s nasty divorce have stood between them, but he’s done with that. And he’s got the perfect strategy to lure her in…Carlotta never thought she’d fall in love again. Once bitten, she’s now more than twice shy. And Caleb is everything she can’t handle—fierce, relentless, uncompromising…sexual. She’s managed to mostly avoid him, but now his son and her daughter need their help. Can Caleb and the spirit of the season convince her that she’s ready to take a chance on love again?
That Night with My Best Friend's Brother
J.S. Cooper - 2015
Aiden Taylor is my best friend's brother. He's sexy, charming and drop dead gorgeous. He also doesn't know I exist as anything other than his little sister's best friend. However, I'm determined to change that. I'm Alice Waldron. Twenty-two, spunky, and adventurous. I'm willing to do whatever it takes for Aiden to notice me. And Liv, my best friend, is determined to help me as well. The only problem is that I have a small secret. A secret that could make my getting together with Aiden Taylor very complicated. A secret that could make more than one night with Aiden nothing more than a dream. NOTE: This novella is a free prequel to the full-length standalone novel Falling For My Best Friend's Brother, that will be released at the end of February. This novella will also be included in the full-length book when it is released, so you can read it first as a free download or you can read it as part of the novel on release day.
Must Love Santa
Nina Bruhns - 2012
He just needs to close this one last big case first, by shutting down a human trafficking ring run by a scummy veterinarian. Which is why he’s out on the street street corner dressed as Santa Claus, ringing a damn bell and taking covert photos of the vet’s customers, hoping one of them might be the link he needs to put the vicious bastard out of business.But his irrepressible Airedale terrier has very different ideas. K-9 Zenon has lasered his sights on a cute little perfumed fluff ball trotting his way...along with the adorably sexy lady holding her leash and teetering on a pair of too-tall stiletto heels. When the pretty lady tumbles to the pavement, well, what’s a gentleman—canine or Santa—to do? Why run to the rescue, of course!
Two Weeks in Geneva: Book One
Lydia Rowan - 2014
After a coworker is injured, she finds herself in Geneva, Switzerland with the fate of her architectural firm, not to mention her own job, resting on her shoulders. All Quinn wants is to save her company and go home. Unfortunately for her, nothing is that simple with the rage-inducing, sinfully handsome Alexander Montague around.Alexander Montague has plans for his company, and he won't let anyone--including Quinn, the intriguing American whose curves entice him far more than they should--stand in his way.Focused on what's at stake, Quinn and Alexander try to ignore their growing attraction, but the pull between them can't be denied. For this unlikely pair, can two weeks in Geneva lead to love?Two Weeks in Geneva: Book One is a 21,000 word contemporary interracial romance, and is the first entry in the three-part serial chronicling Quinn and Alexander's journey. It features an Alpha hero and curvy African American heroine and is not intended for readers under the age of eighteen.Two Weeks in GenevaBook One: Available NowBook Two: Available NowBook Three: September 2014
Playing Santa
H.Y. Hanna - 2014
until a house-sitting vacation in Australia rekindles the magic of Christmas. When she rescues a litter of abandoned puppies and meets a handsome veterinarian who captures her heart, she finds herself tempted to give up everything for a chance at love.The last thing billionaire Dr Nick Forrester expected when helping out at the animal hospital was to meet this pretty American. He knows that they belong together - but with malicious gossip and culture clash coming between them, can he convince Holly that all he wants for Christmas is her?* EACH NOVELLA CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE, or read them in order for more fun! Characters you loved from past books often return to delight again in this sweet romance series set in Summer Beach, Australia.- Playing for Love (Summer Beach Vets #1) ~ Sara & Craig - Playing to Win (Summer Beach Vets #2) ~ Ellie & Dan - Playing by Heart (Summer Beach Vets #3) ~ Pippa & Matt- Playing the Fool (Summer Beach Vets #4) ~ Charlie & Todd- Playing Santa (Summer Beach Vets Christmas Special) ~ Holly & Nick
Come Monday
Mari Carr - 2009
Now he’s willing to break all the rules, offering sweet punishments and sweeter rewards. His sexual authority slowly strips away some of her precious control.But that’s the one thing Keira’s not ready to relinquish…Come Monday is the first book in New York Times bestselling author Mari Carr’s Wild Irish series.
Last Chance Christmas
Joanne Rock - 2015
Seeking quiet for the holidays, Shea returns to the snowy mountains where she grew up to make peace with her past and spend time with her estranged family. She never expected old flame J.C. Royce—now a hockey star—would return to their hometown, too. After weathering a tough year, J.C. sees Shea's arrival in Cloud Spin, Vermont, as a holiday miracle after the way he broke things off with her long ago. JC hopes that Shea will give him another chance to explore the chemistry still simmering between them. When two hearts with a history have a chance to reconnect at Christmas, will love get one last shot?
The Elusive "O"
Renee Rose - 2012
Nor had she ever confessed to a partner her interest in spanking. When her co-worker Josh notices the odd look on her face after someone casually uses the word “spank,” he has an idea of just what might turn her on. On a business trip to Vancouver, the two find it easy to carve out a little time to sneak away and experiment in Josh's hotel room. Has Molly finally found the partner who can make all her fantasies come true?