Book picks similar to
Identity of the Heart by Mary Crawford
romance
contemporary
ebooks
new-adult
Mane Attraction
Kay Stewart - 2019
What Emma discovers is that she hates surprises. When her life is turned upside down and she is suddenly seeing people in a new light, she decides to embrace this opportunity to take a walk on the wild side.Declan loves playing hockey for a living. Who wouldn't? Life as the captain of the professional hockey team, the Milwaukee Manes, is very organized and he likes knowing his main concern is putting the puck in the net. That is until his best friend's sister decides to shake up his life with rules of her own. Before he even knows what is happening, he has completely fallen under Emma's spell.Everything was good... right up until it wasn't. When Declan's best friend finds out about his relationship with Emma, and a ghost from Emma's past resurfaces, the trust they had built with one another shatters around them. Trust has a way of bringing people together just as it has a way of ripping them apart. Will Milwaukee's favorite hockey player find his way back to the one woman who has ever meant more to him than a rubber puck?
Home Place: A Novel
Sally Crosiar - 2020
Whip Tyler of all people! Hasn't their family lost enough at Whip's hands?Hasn't Paul Patterson caused enough damage in Whip's life? But if he won't take the job, Paul will get someone else - a developer who will rape the land and throw Kat's hopes to the wind. It would be easier if Whip didn't care. Or if that long-ago promise didn't stand between him and Kat.
Hit 149 - Anna Brookes First Chapter
Margaret McHeyzer - 2013
It’s not like I haven’t done this 146 times before. It’s not like I’m NOT the best in the business. I am the best at this because as sick as it sounds, I WANT to be here. I love doing what I do. I can tell you that I have been in this line of work for the last 13 years. I didn’t quite fall into it, I actually sought it out. I am undoubtedly the best in the industry. I am respected amongst all the big players. I am the biggest player of them all. If a rookie tried to come along and show me up as an example of their capabilities, it didn’t take long for me to work out what they were about.There is no hesitation. No second thoughts. No doubts. No emotions. No feelings.’ ~ Anna BrookesAnna Brookes is the most dangerous woman that you hope you will never know.Her life of danger started the day she turned 15.The 13 years that follow shapes her life to have her become the most deadly and lethal woman.HiT 149 becomes her most difficult target. Does she pull the trigger or does she risk becoming the target herself?
Call Me Ana
Scarlet Bonnet - 2016
She pieces together a home for herself, but life begins to pass her by one mundane day after another. She’s never been in love. She’s never even felt the excitement of a heart-aching crush. That all changes when a handsome man from out of town shows up at her work. The chemistry between them is unmistakable. There’s just one problem: he doesn’t know who she really is, and if he finds out, it could shatter her world and put him in danger. How will she keep her new love, and keep him safe? Caution: This book contains violence and is not meant for young readers.
Interview with the Author:
Why did you write Call Me Ana: A Love Story?
I didn’t intend to write a romance as I wasn’t a huge fan of the genre at the time (I have since seen the light). But the characters, especially the main character Ana Marie, were so vivid and real to me that I couldn’t possibly ignore them. The story evolved as I spent countless hours day dreaming and I soon felt a pull to write it all down. I had probably been taking myself seriously as a writer for a year or two at that point, but Call Me Ana is the story that truly made me a writer. I rewrote scenes to happen several different ways, and even if I didn’t have a place in the story for a scene, but couldn’t get it out of my head, I still wrote it. This method produced a huge amount of words, but I didn’t find any of it a waste of time. To this day, I still enjoy going back and reading some of the extra scenes that didn’t make the cut. The decision to publish came in an epiphany when I realized if I didn’t put it out there in the world, the characters would die with me. This thought overcame any of the shyness I felt at putting such a personal story out there. And so here I am, still chipping away at finishing the series and slowly polishing it up to get it ready for publication.
What genre is Call Me Ana?
While it is a love story, Call Me Ana doesn’t seem to fit neatly into any romance subgenre. It has some thriller aspects to it as I wanted to write a suspenseful piece to drive the story forward. It is contemporary as it falls in modern times, although the first book could be classed as new age since it begins when Ana and Grant are young adults. There is some tragedy that Ana Marie must overcome, but ultimately, one of my goals was to write a compelling (and steamy) romance between two good, sweet characters. They both have their wild streaks, which will come out as the series progresses, but Grant, Ana’s love interest, is not a bad boy in the sense that their relationship never walks a line of abuse.
What other books are like Call Me Ana?
Call Me Ana fits in with other books where a character overcomes a traumatic, painful past laced with abuse and comes out stronger for it.
Momentous Kisses
Jessica Gray - 2015
Can they create a beautiful future together?Watercolor artist Allison Paxton is used to taking her time to see the big picture, but after only one unforgettable night with scorching hot plastic surgeon, Russell Barkin, she knows exactly where she belongs--with him. Broken from a past filled with heartache, the stubborn surgeon won't believe there's a "happily ever after" for someone like him. Not even when Allison devises a plan to put him to the "relationship test". She pulls out all the stops, forcing him to see what he's been missing all along. Refusing to relent to the "no emotions" decree he placed on himself, Russell won't cave to the persistent and perky Allison--even though she's wheedling her way into his heart. When Russell finally sees that his happiness has been right in front of him all along, it might just be too late. Can two people build a future together when one is harboring pain from the past and the other is afraid of what's yet to come?This is the first book in the LOVE IN SANDY BEACH series. This 5-book big family contemporary romance series continues where THE ARMSTRONGS left off. And you’ll meet many of your beloved Armstrong heroes again. Every book contains a complete love story without cliffhangers and can be read as stand-alone. Follow each sibling on his or her path to a happily ever after, and meet again characters from previous stories in each new book.All my books contain steamy scenes, deep emotions, humor and adventureMore books in the LOVE IN SANDY BEACH series:MOMENTOUS KISSES (Allison and Russel)BILLIONAIRE KISSES (Reese and Nikos)TURBULENT KISSES (Chase and Pearl)DETERMINED KISSES (Ethan and Hazel)RESOUNDING KISSES (Terrence and Ivy)
A Change of Plans
Donna K. Weaver - 2013
And the shipwreck. And the falling in love.Lyn North just wants to move past the anniversary of her heartbreak. Swearing off any romance, she embarks on a South Pacific cruise. But the handsome surgeon in the cabin next door revives emotions she's tried to forget.Braedon Randolph desperately needs this vacation to escape his workaholic life. He finds himself captivated by the beautiful schoolteacher next door. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, he moves to take their relationship beyond friendship and is surprised when Lyn ghosts him-hard to do on a small ship. Yet the haunted look in her eyes draws him closer and awakens a need in him to protect her.Then they're thrown together on a snorkeling excursion where paradise turns to piracy. With the man she rejected, Lyn must fight for survival through storms, sharks, and shipwreck-while her heart whispers she may have been wrong.It was a relaxing vacation-until the pirates. And the shipwreck. And the falling in love.Lyn North just wants to move past the anniversary of her heartbreak. Swearing off any romance, she embarks on a South Pacific cruise. But the handsome surgeon in the cabin next door revives emotions she's tried to forget.Braedon Randolph desperately needs this vacation to escape his workaholic life. He finds himself captivated by the beautiful schoolteacher next door. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, he moves to take their relationship beyond friendship and is surprised when Lyn ghosts him-hard to do on a small ship. Yet the haunted look in her eyes draws him closer and awakens a need in him to protect her.Then they're thrown together on a snorkeling excursion where paradise turns to piracy. With the man she rejected, Lyn must fight for survival through storms, sharks, and shipwreck-while her heart whispers she may have been wrong.***This is an updated and expanded edition***Other Books in the Safe Harbors SeriesA Change of Plans (#1)Hope's Watch (#1.5)Torn Canvas (#2)A Season of Change (#2.5)Swing Vote (#3)Kings Crossed Lovers (#4)
A Love Story
Jean C. Joachim - 2010
Barely eking out an existence working part-time, she meets Mac Caldwell, the handsome dean. As she and Mac draw closer, a deadly campus drug ring sets their sights on her with heart-breaking results. The blend of tears, laughter, and unexpected twists grips you all the way to the astonishing conclusion. A unique mix of contemporary romance and suspense, this first book in the Caldwell Saga keeps you guessing. No cookie-cutter tale, the riveting story of Callie and Mac will melt your heart.
Dreaming of Forever
Cate Callison - 2015
It was a short stopover to save money for her move to Paris – until she unexpectedly inherited the local pottery painting studio. In two years she's built the business into a soaring success. Unfortunately, her love life hasn't achieved the same stellar results. So when a break-up with her two-timing boyfriend comes on the heels of an offer to buy her shop, Emily decides it's finally time to make good on the move she's only dreamed about.Ben Nichols, a head-turningly handsome outdoor adventure guide, hasn't taken his eyes off Emily since the day she started work at the shop next to his apartment. But a disastrous date two years ago plunged him deep into the friend zone. Now that Emily is single again, Ben vows to use his second chance to win her over – but then her plan to move to Paris shifts into high gear. Can he charm his way into Emily's heart before she packs her bags?Dreaming of Forever is a standalone story in the Gold Creek series. If you like sweet, small town romances that feature strong, independent women and the ruggedly handsome men who love them, this series is perfect for you.Each book can be enjoyed on its own, but if you prefer to read the series in order:Book 1: Dreaming of Forever (Emily & Ben's story)Book 2: Flirting with Forever (Megan & Blake's story)Book 3: Promise Me Forever (Grace & Zach's story)Treat yourself to a visit to Gold Creek today!
Shadowed Promise
Sunanda J. Chatterjee - 2016
“Who did this to you?” her father shouted. And Moyna knew that somehow she would be blamed for this unspeakable shame on the family. Her aunt blamed her for all the tragedies, from the death of Moyna’s own parents to the riots in Bombay. But, as her cousin lay dying of stab wounds, Moyna promised to protect the baby.In a panic, eighteen-year-old Moyna made a hasty decision that would return to haunt her years later. Bullied as a child, Sameer wants to make the world a safer place. He has spurned a cushy career in his father’s law firm for public service. Sameer is drawn to the mysterious Moyna when they meet in Los Angeles. The attraction seems mutual, but Moyna remains cautious and secretive about her past, insulating herself from love to protect others from her unlucky curse.At the cusp of political victory, Sameer faces increasing gun violence and death threats leading to an FBI investigation. But his greatest challenge comes when a shadow from Moyna’s past threatens to destroy their future.What hope do they have with the media hungering for a scandal?A story of friendship, redemption, and forgiveness, “Shadowed Promise” is a journey from blind faith to triumphant love.
Break Me
Jo-Anna Walker - 2013
Tori McLeod moved to the big city to get away from her mother—and her past. Her new routine is destroyed when she meets a mysterious stranger who won’t take no for an answer. Sebastian intrigues her, but his eyes hold secrets she would rather avoid. Sebastian Chelios, a hard as nails enforcer, is a new-in-town loner.Sebastian has to have her. Control her. Possess her. But he can’t—won’t lose control, even though Tori’s innocence fascinates him. The last thing he’s going to do is love her, even after he gets her in his bed.Losing control is dangerous, especially when someone from Sebastian’s past covets Tori, putting more than just her heart in danger.How can Sebastian protect Tori from Jose’s sadistic obsession? If he gets his hands on her, will she make it out in one piece?
The Bodyguard
Jolie Day - 2017
Ex-convict. Aloof. Since Jack was released from prison a month ago, he is keeping his head above water with the odd job here and there. His probation officer convinces him to accept a job with Simon Beauchamp. The influential politician is expecting positive PR from helping ex-prison inmates start over. Jack, on the other hand, wants only one thing: to forget. Abigail Beauchamp Politician’s daughter. Obedient. Searching. Abigail is living up to all of the expectations her wealthy father places on her. Nobody knows that her first and last attempt to escape from this gilded cage almost ended in disaster. Ever since that experience five years ago, she has been desperately trying to find the one who rescued her. When she meets Jack Sinclair, it’s all over for her. But Jack remains tough and dismissive. When Abigail is in danger, he has to decide if he will bank on safety or rise to the challenge. The Bodyguard is an alpha male bad boy romantic suspense short story with NO cliffhanger. WARNING: Contains mature themes and language.
Concealment
Scarlet Wolfe - 2015
She is an undercover detective who infiltrated my hotel and casino as an employee to take down my illegal enterprise. What she doesn’t know is I am fully aware of it. The operation I’m orchestrating is monumental compared to anything her mind could envision.It’s the burning desire I feel when she’s near that I didn’t see coming. An unwavering draw to touch her, and the need to break down her walls is testing my restraint; however, nothing can stand in the way of my ultimate goal. She could destroy everything my brothers and I have worked toward to avenge our father’s death. To keep the upper hand, it is vital to know your enemy. How deeply can I go, peeling back her intriguing layers while still concealing the truth? How much of Victoria can I claim before she’s too close … too close for me to let her go?This novel is for a mature audience due to harsh language and descriptive sexual scenes, including aspects of BDSM. It also ends in a cliffhanger.
The Davenport Agency Boxed Set
Nicole Andrews Moore - 2013
Meet the brothers, Samuel and Adam in books One and Two of the series, boxed together here. A complete set. In Hiding Out, Book One of The Davenport Agency: Samuel Davenport runs his family's New York based advertising agency. His brother, Adam, runs from responsibility and anything remotely boring. And his temp, Haley, runs so she'll never be caught and hurt again. She moved to the city New Year's Day to hide and recover, to build a new life far from her past. In an effort to lie low, Haley never expects to be more than a temp. What begins for Sam as an excuse to get to know her better, ends up being an opportunity for advancement and excitement for Haley. When Sam tries to uncover all of Haley's mysteries, he exposes her hiding place, endangers her life, and threatens to destroy any chance of them ever having a future together. In Finally Found, Book Two of The Davenport Agency: Where one story ends, often another begins. For some reason, Adam Davenport can’t see past the ending. The hit and run has forced him to slow down and stop running from the pain of losing his parents. He has tried to hide behind meaningless, superficial relationships and even more shallow friendships, but the time has come to face his loneliness. Now he is finally ready to start being a family with his brother Sam. However, Sam and Haley, who was once Sam’s personal assistant, are too busy basking in their newfound love. Though breaking the rules for the first time ever has changed Sam’s life for the better, Adam has always broken the rules, strayed from responsibility, and done as little as he could get away with. One of the main reasons that he refused to believe that Cammie was more than friend material was because she was impervious to his charms. She was so driven and determined to make her new catering company a success that she couldn’t see past her own dreams. Suddenly, Adam found himself behaving in ways he never imagined. He was working to impress a woman, but more than that, he was working to help make her dreams come true. He soon realizes that there are times in life when giving is more important than taking and when helping someone else is more important than what that person can do to reciprocate. He also learns there are times that the biggest risk is to stop hiding from emotions and to start allowing love to finally be found.
The Illusion Series Box Set: Side A & The B Side
D. Kelly - 2017
Unbeknownst to them, she’s been here before; it’s not her first rodeo. Two guys, one girl … Sawyer and Noah Weston, front men for BAD, have an awful habit of falling for the same girl. When Mel enters their lives, they are spellbound, both vying for her attention. Noah wears his heart on his sleeve, but Sawyer is a master at hiding his feelings—or so he thinks. All’s fair in love and war … Between Noah and Sawyer competing for Amelia’s affection, the stalker set on ruining her life, and turmoil affecting the group as a whole, Amelia is forced to make difficult decisions. Will she throw caution to the wind and give in to the magnetic pull Sawyer has on her, or will Amelia release the demons of her past and allow Noah to own her heart? This box set contains Just an Illusion—Side A and Just and Illusion—The B Side. *Mature Content- This book contains situations not intended for persons under the age of 18. Including, but not limited to - open door sex, cursing, alcohol and/or drug use, and possible triggers.*
SEAL It With A Kiss
Rogenna Brewer - 1999
She’s not about to let a little thing like gender get in her way. She’ll use every wile–feminine or otherwise–and her considerable strength of will to win this battle of the sexes. But the limits of her determination are tested by the only Navy SEAL capable of commanding her heart. Commander Marc Miller is equally determined to keep her out of his program. As the newly appointed CO of BUD/S, he’s been tasked with cleaning up SEAL Training. He doesn’t need a red-hot redhead compounding the problem. For him Hell Week begins when one well-connected junior officer walks into his office. The last thing he wants is to be her commanding officer when the only thing he wants is her. The only way to have her––and the surest way to lose her––is to see that she fails. Will love conquer all or tear them apart?