Book picks similar to
The Promise by Mariella Starr


family-issues
suspense
western-erotica
domestic-discipline-romance

Skeleton Bayou


Melanie Atkins - 2009
    After seven months in hiding, she resurfaces at Mossy Oak, her ramshackle family home on a Louisiana bayou, and attempts to restart her life. The empty house provides shelter, but isn't the fortress she needs when her cruel ex comes calling. Mack O'Malley, former cop turned handyman, conflicted over a bad shoot on the job, comes to Savannah's rescue when the psychopath draws them into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Fearful of Mack at first, she soon discovers that beneath his steely exterior lies a resolute defender with a heart hungry for love. Will their alliance save them, or will they fall victim to the Legend of Skeleton Bayou?

Cowboys and Calico


Kirsten Osbourne - 2016
    She knew Emily's childhood would be over before she realized it, so she responded to an ad for a mail-order bride, hoping for a better future for them both. Dr. Wesley Hardy needed a wife to complete him, so he sent a letter to a mail-order bride agency back East. When he received a letter from a widow with a young daughter, he was thrilled with everything but her profession. Could he live with the fact that his new bride was a midwife? Or would they be destined to live without love for the rest of their days? A BROKEN WING by Amelia C. Adams - Bored beyond all reason while riding a train from Missouri to Colorado, Trinity Scott amuses herself by imagining things about the passengers around her, including the handsome man sitting across the aisle. With his dark curly hair and warm brown eyes, he’s certainly intriguing, and the fact that his arm is in a sling makes him all the more a curiosity. But when three dangerous men board the train, her desire for adventure and excitement takes a sinister turn, and she must call on her inner strength to do what’s needed to survive. THE MARSHAL’S REBELLIOUS BRIDE by Cassie Hayes - U.S. Marshal Curtis ‘Griff’ Griffith is on the trail of a wanted man. The last thing he needs is to be distracted by the newest resident of the Dalton Brothers Ranch. So why does he keep returning? It’s certainly not to see the beautiful-but-bullheaded Catherine James. Catherine has no interest in men or marriage, but there aren’t many choices for single ladies to earn a living on a remote Texas ranch. When she discovers that she holds the key to capturing the outlaw — and collecting some of the reward — she doesn’t hesitate to force Griff’s hand. Will they kill each other before they find the murderer, or will they risk their damaged hearts for a shot at a new life? COURTING MISS CARTWRIGHT by Kristin Holt - Courtship, by the book, is supposed to be easy… As the daughter of an unwed mother, Felicity Percival is accustomed to rejection. Her mother was her only family ... until she is summoned to the reading of her father's will. To learn he was a married preacher with a second daughter horrifies her. The stipulations attached to her inheritance infuriate her. The last thing she expects is the emergence of truths that destroy her life-long beliefs. The last thing she wants is to feel the blush of first love for a man she can't have. The road to Happily Ever After should not be rocky, especially for level-headed, rule-following Rocky Gideon. His courtship of the minister’s daughter is successful and on track, surviving everything life throws at them … except the appearance of the preacher’s other daughter. Felicity asks too many questions, forces him to evaluate his carefully constructed plan, and somehow steals his heart. Rocky desperately needs a solid marriage that will go the distance … so why does he yearn for the wrong sister? WANTED: THE PERFECT HUSBAND by Margery Scott - Sybil Franklin needs a husband—fast! In order to keep her ranch, she must be married within thirteen days. Devin McGregor meets all her requirements and comes highly recommended, but he has no interest in marriage. Devin McGregor had a ranch once, a fiancée, a future. He made a mistake, and it cost him everything.

Son of Simon : A Mystery


Thomas Fincham - 2021
    A beautiful wife at home, a successful business, and all the trappings that come with money. After a brutal attack that leaves him bloodied and bruised, Simon is approached by a woman he has not seen in twenty years. What he discovers will changes his life forever.Detective Helen Sloan is months away from retirement. She wants nothing more than to wrap up one last case before she hangs up her badge and gun. A simple investigation of a dead body found next to a bus shelter leaves Helen with more questions than answers.Can a single lie change the course of so many lives? And who is the mysterious man that connects Simon and Helen to a crime that happened years ago?SON OF SIMON is a jaw-dropping page-turner about revenge, loss, and redemption. Fans of James Patterson, Harlan Coben, and David Baldacci will love this book!

Tamed by the Virginian


Isabella Laase - 2016
    Facing a long prison sentence, she decides to play along with a mysterious woman who claims to be able to offer her an alternative to jail. According to this seemingly powerful stranger, Jory must spend four years in the past, learning the lessons she was never taught in her own life, and then she will be free to return to the present day with a clean slate. Though she agrees to the woman’s offer, Jory does not truly believe such a thing could be possible, and thus it comes as a shock when she awakens in Virginia in the year 1785. Alone and utterly unable to fend for herself in a world so different from her own, she is relieved to be taken in by frontiersman Nial McKay and his brother. She soon discovers, however, that life on a farm is hard work and disobedience, disrespect, or failure to carry her own weight will earn her a sound spanking on her bare bottom. Nial is determined to keep his relationship with Jory chaste and proper, but as time passes he is forced to admit that he is falling in love with the beautiful, spirited girl. Can he bring himself to claim her as his woman rather than his ward, or will his hesitance cause him to lose her forever? And when her four years is up, will Jory be forced to leave everything she has grown to love behind in the past? Publisher’s Note: Tamed by the Virginian includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

Lawfully Charmed


Kate Cambridge - 2018
    He doesn’t have the time or interest, but her father’s influence reaches far and wide. He has no choice.Claire is a strong-willed, independent woman traveling from Philadelphia to Bareglen Creek with two purposes: to comfort her sister after the recent loss of her husband, and ultimately convince her sister and brother to return home to Philadelphia — where they belong. She’s also running from a proposal from Edward Woodbury, one of the most sought-after bachelors in Philadelphia — well, sought after by every woman but her, that is.Sheriff Sully has preconceived notions about Claire, and 'annoyed' doesn’t even begin to cover how he feels about being tasked with protecting her. After Claire arrives, he finds himself creating a list of all the things he admires about her, and he’s surprised by the fact he wants to get to know her better. He wants to add more items to the ever-growing list of things he admires, but she’ll leave Bareglen Creek in less than four weeks unless he can give her a reason to stay.Claire finds herself intrigued by the handsome and intelligent Sheriff, yet chagrined that her father tasked him with her protection. She’s quite capable of taking care of herself—why won’t anyone listen to the fact that she doesn’t need a man for that?Or does she?When danger strikes at the heart of Bareglen Creek, and events begin swirling out of control, Claire wonders if she’s made a mistake. Her immediate attraction to Sheriff Sully shocks her, and she has no idea what to do with feelings awakened inside her, let alone with the danger that threatens.Will Sheriff Sully and Claire discover that some things in life are worth fighting for — and potentially risking your life for — before it is too late?Join Sheriff Sully and Claire on a whirlwind journey that includes danger, intrigue, kidnappings, Indians, Cowboys, and more.HERO HEARTS is a multi-author series featuring both historical westerns and contemporary Christian romance. Join Annie Boone, Hayley Wescott and Kate Cambridge in a world unlike any other; a world where Heroes are honored with unforgettable characters and beautiful, Christian love stories.The authors of this series are committed to writing stories of faith, hope, and love centered in fictional heroes who sacrifice daily to protect and save. A mix of historical and modern-day.

Sir Thomas's Bride


Vanessa Brooks - 2016
    However, when he weds Lady Margaret Beauchamp, it appears that she has other ideas about who should be in charge. Thomas finds that his patience as a gentleman is sorely tried and tested. Lady Margaret is of a peevish and sour disposition, and she has as low an opinion of her new husband as she has a high opinion of herself! In fact, she is downright furious to find herself married to a mere 'Sir', no matter how well- connected Thomas might be. Margaret dislikes almost everyone and almost everyone, it seems, dislikes her. Sparks fly from the very beginning of their marriage. Margaret quickly discovers that she has misjudged her new husband – he is not the easygoing milksop she first took him to be. When she defies him the moment he carries her across the threshold, she is stunned by his swift reaction in tossing her over his knee. Being soundly spanked was not quite the response she was expecting from the polite man who had courted her so shyly before their nuptials. Despite her hateful behavior, Thomas deeply loves his new bride. He has absolutely no doubt that he'll be able to uncover the loving woman he knows lies deep inside the shell that Margaret presents to the world. Under his strict discipline and passionate lovemaking, he hopes to remove the stinger from the wasp that is his bride and find his sweet honey bee. In this sexy Georgian romp, we meet familiar characters from the prequel story 'His Colonial Rose' co-authored by Vanessa Brooks and Beth Bennett. This is a standalone tale and you do not have to have read 'His Colonial Rose' to enjoy this book. Disclaimer: Sir Thomas's Bride is a book of deep passion with elements of harsh discipline and explicit sexual scenes, including figging. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase this book.

Angus' Trust


Linda K. Hubalek - 2017
    This book series showcase the six sons of Pastor and Kaitlyn Reagan, first featured in the 1873 year-based Brides with Grit series. "Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, be faithful unto her as long as you both shall live?" The young men have heard Pastor Reagan say these words to many couples over the years, and they vow to treat all women this way as they walk through life. Besides the Reagan brothers, the series will feature other men in their community. Oldest son Angus Reagan grew up fascinated with trains and has done everything from stoking engines to applying the car brakes. Now, after being a train detective for years, he's thinking about heading home to Clear Creek, Kansas. He misses his family and community. Daisy Clancy spent her childhood in the family-run café in Clear Creek, Kansas, but she left home to work in a big city when she came of age. Still single and finally lonely for family, Daisy decides to return home and open her own business. Fate puts the two childhood friends on the same train and sparks of memories cause each to think of their future, maybe even together. But a train wreck and robbery sets them on another journey they hadn’t planned on. Two Montana Sky Kindle World books, Nolan's Vow, and Elof's Mission, enter the Grooms with Honor setting right before Angus' Trust.

The Pirate's Captive


Maisy Archer - 2016
    Her plan to thwart the lawless rogue quickly goes awry, however, when she is carried off from her home and held as a captive aboard his ship. Evelyn soon discovers that while the handsome buccaneer has no intention of doing her any harm, he will not tolerate disobedience, and when she attempts an escape she ends up over his knee for a painful, embarrassing spanking in front of his entire crew. Though the stern punishment infuriates Evelyn, she cannot help wondering what it would be like to be mastered much more thoroughly, and before long she is blushing crimson and quivering with desire as he teaches her exactly what it means for a beautiful lady to surrender her body to a dominant man. Despite her growing attraction to her captor, however, his plans for her remain a mystery. She is to be delivered to a man in Boston, but she knows neither who he is nor what he wants with her. All she can be sure of is that with each passing day she feels less like a prisoner and more like a priceless treasure. But will old enemies or the dangers of the high seas tear her from her lover’s arms? Publisher’s Note: The Pirate’s Captive includes sexual scenes and spankings. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

Smokin' Cowboys


Poppy Flynn - 2021
    ‘Wives wanted for three hardworking cowboys’Homeless, jobless, and mourning the loss of her grandmother, Ellie is desperate enough to do something no sane, self-respecting woman would think of: she decides to take a chance on an alluring, old-fashioned advert for a modern-day mail-order bride in the heart of the Montana wilderness.Except, when she arrives, it seems she's not the only woman who dreams of hot cowboys.The competition for the men's attention is fierce and Ellie can't even decide which of the brothers she likes best – sexy, domineering Cody, thoughtful, romantic Syrus, or the fun-loving Ezra who always makes her laugh.The only thing she knows for sure is that the other women want her gone and it's starting to look like they'll do anything to make that happen...

Rescuer (Doms of Mountain Bend Book 4)


BJ Wane - 2021
    

Those Who Wish Me Dead -- Free Preview -- The First 10 Chapters


Michael Koryta - 2014
    The plan is to get Jace off the grid while police find the two killers. The result is the start of a nightmare. The killers, known as the Blackwell Brothers, are slaughtering anyone who gets in their way in a methodical quest to reach him. Now all that remains between them and the boy are Ethan and Allison Serbin, who run the wilderness survival program; Hannah Faber, who occupies a lonely fire lookout tower; and endless miles of desolate Montana mountains. The clock is ticking, the mountains are burning, and those who wish Jace Wilson dead are no longer far behind.

Paying Back The Dead (A Millerfield Village Cozy Murder Mysteries Series 3)


Carrie Marsh - 2017
    This time who will be the target? The only thing worse than death is taxes… With two solved murders behind her, Laura Howcroft is more than content with her calm, tranquil existence as The Woodend Cottage Hotel receptionist. Little more than a year in the small village of Millerfield and Laura has already seen enough bloodshed to last her a lifetime. Things have been quite recently in the small British village and Laura can only hope they stay that way. Peaceful, calm and simple. But when Laura discovers she has a cousin in the village, an encounter that rapidly uncovers the unexpected murder of her cousin’s husband, Laura knows that the only way to help out is to investigate for her. With the Police pointing fingers at Judy Hugh, the wife of the recently deceased local tax official, Laura, Howard, and Monty are on the trail again. After all who in their right mind would want to murder a much-mistrusted tax official..? Can Laura uncover the real killer that left a tax-man horribly murdered? Or will her own recently-rediscovered cousin take the fall for the death of her husband? Page Count: Approx 250 pages. Paying Back The Dead will return to full price, $2.99 on April 21st. Get it now while it is at $0.99 now!

His Virgin Widow


Melinda Barron - 2018
    My husband died on our wedding day before our wedding night. My year of mourning is over and I’m ready to live my life again. I’m nervous about re-entering society – there is still talk that I may have had something to do with my husband’s death. At my first party, I meet Lord Essex. He’s handsome and makes me nervous as well, but why does he want to spend time with me? George: I’m Lord Essex and I’ve got my eye set on one woman. A woman who needs my protection and help to clear her name. A woman who has just finished her year of mourning. She doesn’t know I’m determined to make her mine. She doesn’t know The Club I belong to, but she will. Her life is about to change, and so will mine. This is book one in The Rakes of Mayfair series. Come join the adventure as we meet the men of The Club. Publisher’s Note: This is a romance intended for adults only. It contains elements of mystery, danger, sensual scenes and the discipline of adult women. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.

The Marquess' Curse


Jessie Bennett - 2016
     Download for FREE with Kindle Unlimited Page Count: Approx 200 pages The princess he desires may be the next victim of the marquess’ curse. The second son of Lord Fairfield, William David Montgomery, has just experienced one of the greatest tragedies of his young life. His wife, who he confesses that he did not love as he should, has just died suddenly, leaving him alone to battle the demons of guilt and regret that haunt him . If he’d been the husband he should have been, perhaps she would not have succumbed to her weak heart. To escape the past, he decides to leave for America and begin establishing business ventures there, but on the way he meets a beautiful princess also seeking respite from daily life. Belle Van Den Berg, Princess of Netherlands, has captured his thoughts in a way that he’s not experienced since Abigail, the mother of his illegitimate child, or since the beginning days of his married life. However, she is as innocent and pure as he is tarnished, and he knows that there’s no room for him in her loving heart. Everything changes in an instant when Princess Belle falls into an unexplained coma suddenly, although they are at sea on a small ship with only a handful of passengers and a skeleton crew. Lord William begins to wonder if it is because of her frail constitution or if the sudden onset is deliberate…perhaps a case of poisoning. He must discover the truth before it’s too late for beautiful Belle… Can Lord William find the culprit—and an antidote or cure—before his heart is broken by another untimely death? Will Princess Belle find room in her heart for her wayward knight in shining armor? This is a clean historical regency romance novel. Download for FREE with Kindle Unlimited. or Just $0.99 for a very LIMITED TIME OFFER only!

The Forgiven Cowboy's Best Friend: A Callahan Mountain Ranch Christmas (7 Brides for 7 Cowboys, Small Town Sweet Western Romance Book 1)


Melody Archer - 2020
    She's a widow, heartbroken and still angry at the first man she ever loved for leaving seven years ago...Wyatt Callahan never thought he’d return home to Callahan ranch, but life gave him no other choice. The death of a close friend in his military unit and more recently his adopted dad’s passing sent him reeling, with a new need to right old wrongs.Abby Meadows Hart spent her childhood on her family's ranch, next door to the Callahan family. Abby fell in love with Wyatt, but when her dreams of marrying him were crushed, she agreed to marry the man of her parents choosing.Married only a few short years, unexpectedly Abby was left a widow.All alone and drowning in debt, her one goal was to keep the only thing that gave her a sense of belonging... her ranch.She’s desperate to hold onto the one place that has given her a sense of belonging. Especially when all the people she loved have left her abandoned and wounded.At Wyatt Callahan's sudden return back to their small town, Abby is in turmoil. Still grieving and in pain, she's still angry at the man who left her seven years ago.It seems that every time Wyatt and Abby clear one obstacle, another one looms larger in the path just ahead. Can they move on from their painful pasts and embrace a second chance a love?Books in the 7 Brides for 7 Cowboys, Small Town Sweet Western Romance series: 1. The Forgiven Cowboy's Best Friend 2. The Redeemed Cowboy's Secret Baby 3. The Honorable Cowboy's Convenient Marriage