Book picks similar to
Rubby Jam: A Novel of Love and Addiction by Daniel Sadikov
giveaways
standalone-novels
straight-novels-182-339
fiction
Around the Bend
Britney King - 2014
I'm that normal. I'm just like you, only wealthier. I have it all. The kids, the family, the dog, a house on the hill. Hell -- I'm so cliché, I even have a white picket fence. I guess you could say that I've dotted my I's and crossed my T's. But what I also have -- what no one sees in yoga, or at Neiman Marcus, or during the dreadful Ladies Who Lunch charity events I attend (because only God knows why), and perhaps most importantly, in the school pick up line--are secrets.Deep, dark, deadly secrets.We all keep secrets, don't we? We all have thoughts in our heads, things we do, things about us that if people knew, they'd be shocked...right? Well, what if one day we just decided to let the cat out of the bag, so to speak.What if we decided to let the whole world in on our dirty little secrets? And what if along the way, as we were spilling those secrets, we realized that things aren't always what they seem and with that knowledge, it changed the whole story?In this book, I'm laying it all out there. The unraveling of my life. My coming undone. What one might've seen had they been paying attention.What I've found in life is people often believe lies before they'll believe the truth. Well, here it is, in a nutshell. I'll let you decide which is which.
Katerina
James Frey - 2018
A smile and a beating heart. Love and sex and dreams, art and drugs and the madness of youth. Betrayal and heartbreak, regret and pain, the melancholy of age. Katerina, the explosive new novel by America’s most controversial writer, is a sweeping love story alternating between 1992 Paris and Los Angeles in 2018.At its center are a young writer and a young model on the verge of fame, both reckless, impulsive, addicted, and deeply in love. Twenty-five years later, the writer is rich, famous, and numb, and he wants to drive his car into a tree, when he receives an anonymous message that draws him back to the life, and possibly the love, he abandoned years prior. Written in the same percussive, propulsive, dazzling, breathtaking style as A Million Little Pieces, Katerina echoes and complements that most controversial of memoirs, and plays with the same issues of fiction and reality that created, nearly destroyed, and then recreated James Frey in the American imagination.
From the Chrysalis
Karen E. Black - 2012
Karen Black's story "From the Chrysalis" is based on the most deadly prison uprising in Canadian history, the Kingston Penitentiary Riot of April 1971. Recommended for over 18. Some readers may be disturbed by the violence in the prison and/or the first cousin romance."From the Chrysalis" is the twisted and winding tale of Liza and her dashing and dangerous older cousin Dace Devereux. Set in Canada, it is the tale of a relationship blighted by uncomprehending relatives, social conventions, a harrowing stint in Maitland Penitentiary (complete with riots and semi-totalitarian "people's committees"), the well-intentioned galumph Mel, and a conundrum Liza has to bear calling for an ever more inevitable decision. The prison scenes, with their occasionally stark violence but underlying ethical probity are especially fascinating, but there's also lots of romantic tension, a kind of yearning whose fulfilment seems always out of reach, even when its physical manifestation is realized. (Julian Fauth, 2009 Juno Award winner)Review Highlights:
Come Tomorrow
Tess Thompson - 2020
A single act of kindness. Can young soulmates find each other in adulthood, or will hidden truths tear them apart?1904. Twelve-year-old Luci Quick never forgot the boy who saved her life that fateful Christmas Eve. But when he disappeared without a word after bringing her food, she was forced to focus on raising her baby sister when her mother suddenly died. Now six years later and struggling to make ends meet with an alcoholic and gambling-addicted father, the poverty-stricken woman can’t believe her hero has returned… and he’s all grown up.Wesley Ford’s world changed after helping the girl who still haunts his dreams. When he was whisked away to boarding school at fourteen, he feared he’d never see her again. But now free to come back following his father’s death, the wealthy heir is shocked to discover Luci and her sibling never escaped their rundown shack.With fate dealing her another opportunity for happiness, Luci seizes the day when an offer of help turns into an unexpected proposal. But before they can settle into their future, Wesley must face painful family secrets that could tear them apart forever.Can a Yuletide miracle make a wish for love come true?Come Tomorrow is the first book in the uplifting Castaway Christmas historical romance holiday series. If you like feel-good tear-jerkers, engaging characters, and sweet magical realism, then you’ll adore Tess Thompson’s Edwardian rags-to-riches story.
Still Waters
Rebecca Addison - 2015
It seemed that everything came easily to Hartley Preston. And then there was her boyfriend David, good-looking, charming and on his way to the top just like she was. But no one knew better than Hartley that things aren’t always as they seem.After making a devastating discovery that tears her world apart, Hartley runs away to an isolated coastal town. She’s searching for freedom and independence but what she finds is Crew Sullivan, a man who is running from life even faster than she is. Hartley wants to escape her future. Crew needs to be released from his past. And with the way they feel about each other, it could have been more than perfect. Except for one, small thing.Hartley is keeping a secret. And Crew has more than a few of his own.
Going Once...
Deborah Raney - 2016
An amicable deal is struck between the two young opposing bidders, but it will take time to pay off a loan. And as the months go by, the two discover they have secrets in common—secrets that just might change everythingOriginally published as "Going Once, Going Twice..." in A Kiss is Still a Kiss
Dog-Heart
Diana McCaulay - 2010
Alternating between the perspectives of the woman and the boy, the story engages with issues of race and class, examines the complexities of relationships between people of very different backgrounds, and explores the difficulties faced by individuals seeking to bring about social change through their own actions. The dramatic climax and tragic choices made grow from the gulf of incomprehension between middle-class and poor Jamaicans and provide penetrating insights into the roots of violence in impoverished communities.
Chancing Hope
Lisa Slater - 2018
If only Kerwyn could apply those same qualities to his relationship with the vibrant Mable Conner, who just happens to be his long-time childhood best friend. Haunted by the pain his father endures at the loss of his mother, Kerwyn feels determined to not make the same mistakes. He decided to set her free a long time ago, but can he? Should he? Mable Conner has big dreams, but growing up is hard, and life is demanding big changes. Desperately in love with her best friend, Kerwyn, how does she get him to sees her as the woman she is becoming, and not the little girl he grew up with? Also, wants to be a singer more than anything, and she’s got the voice and spirit to make it happen. With the right opportunity, anything could happen. But would leaving to sing mean leaving Kerwyn? Does he even care if she stays or goes? When mysterious, loner Devin Hill, begins interfering, the changes quickly become an eerily, unstoppable force. To Kerwyn, Devin could be a dangerous threat. To Mable, Devin could be an opportunity. The changes they encounter may not be what either of them had expected. They both may just be left to Chancing Hope. Max Van Zile, editor with Editing for Authors, writes about Chancing Hope, “Chancing Hope is one of my favorite books I’ve done working for this company.” Regarding a miscreant character, Mr. Van Zile writes, “He ends up becoming the single best and most memorable villain in any Editing for Authors book I’ve worked on.” Chancing Hope is a very coming of age, heart felt novel with emotional twists.
The Billionaire's Bodyguard
Tamie Dearen - 2019
only one weekend. How hard can it be?Mack has one job—to keep his boss’ sister safe. But there’s one tiny complication... Mack has secretly had the hots for Mariah since the day they met. Oh, and one more complication… Mariah doesn’t want a bodyguard.His plan is to keep watch from a distance. But when a case of mistaken identity forces Mack and Mariah to fake a relationship, Mack has a hard time hiding his attraction. Or keeping his mind on the job!The last thing Mariah needs this weekend is a bodyguard… especially not Mack, her brother's super-hunky head of security. Just looking at him puts butterflies in her stomach. But she knows they could never be together. When Mack shows up at the wedding rehearsal she's attending, everyone thinks he's her boyfriend. Hopefully she can ditch the man before he notices how he affects her.The more time Mariah spends with Mack, the more she's drawn to him. But a man like Mack, hardened and tough from life's circumstances, would never want to be with a woman like her who's had an easy life. They have no hope for a future. Right?Will Mack be able to keep Mariah safe even though her nearness short-circuits his brain?Will Mariah's stubbornness be the death of her… literally?FROM THE AUTHOR:You may have seen this story before if you read all of the Christmas anthology, Stockings, Wishes and Christmas Kisses, but there are a few changes and additions in this edition. If you’re a fan of the Limitless Billionaire Romance Series, you’ll enjoy seeing some of your favorite characters. If you haven’t read the Limitless Series yet, don’t worry—this is a standalone romance.Books by Tamie DearenInspirational Billionaire RomanceThe Billionaire's Secret MarriageThe Billionaire's Reckless MarriageThe Billionaire's Temporary MarriageThe Billionaire’s Alternate MarriageThe Billionaire's BodyguardThe Billionaire's Practice KissLimitless Sweet Billionaire Romance Boxed SetSweet RomanceThe Best Girls Series:Her Best Match (free)Best Dating RulesBest Foot ForwardBest Laid PlansBest IntentionsSweet Adventure (Prequel to Her Best Match)Sweet RomanceA Rose in BloomRestoring RomanceCherished by the CowboySweet AdventureChristian RomancePromise of LovePromise of HopePromise of FaithPromises Holiday Family Boxed SetThe Alora Series - YA/FantasyAlora: The Wander-JewelAlora: The PortalAlora: The Maladorn Scroll
Down The Rabbit Hole
Ellie Masters - 2018
What I got instead is heartbreak and a divorce. With my life a shambles, I hit the road and begin a voyage of self discovery and growth. When my keyboard reveals a world of sensual fantasy and dark desires, I don’t know whether to leap into the unknown or play things safe. What I do know is that I’m worth a second chance. I may be forty-five, but I’m not ready to give up on love.
The Accidental Wedding
Debra Elizabeth - 2017
As she walks through the casino, she bumps into the most handsome man she’s ever seen. When he asks her to dinner, she doesn’t hesitate. As she learns Cade Tyndale’s story—he needs to wed or lose his British estate, her impulsive nature rears up and she agrees to marry him and move to England for one year. What does she have to lose except her heart to the impossibly handsome Earl of Barrett?
It's Raining Men
Rich Amooi - 2020
Infinite Possibilities.Sleep-deprived Faith Daniels is desperate for help to plan the charity bachelor auction for the fall festival. Surprisingly, her best friend agrees to chip in, but the offer comes with strings attached. Faith must toss a coin into the infamous “Fountain of Love” and then undergo a complete makeover. She knows it’s all just a ridiculous ploy to get her back into the dating pool, but she would be crazy to say no. Besides, it’s not like wishes in that fountain come true.Or do they?Like magic, men begin to appear out of nowhere. There’s a doctor, a lawyer, a firefighter, and a swimwear model, for starters. All of them kind, generous, successful, and drop-dead gorgeous. All of them interested in Faith. But what happens when she starts to enjoy the attention? Is it really possible to get a second chance at love?A feel-good romantic comedy novel about love, friendship, and living life to the fullest!
The Guy Next Door
D.L. White - 2019
The attraction between them at first sight is immediately electric. When a storm ravages Potter Lake, and they're forced to share close quarters, they can no longer resist each other.But... now what? Evonne is on a mission to prove that she isn't the screwup that was sent home from Spelman College ten years ago. Taj is floundering, trying to tamp down a desire that can't be stifled. The last thing either of them wants is an emotional attachment to a temporary relationship.. but does it have to stay temporary?On a rainy night in Georgia, two hearts meet. They're never the same again. Grab this fun and funny small town Black romance in ebook, paperback (COMING SOON TO AUDIO!).
A Week and Some Change
Justin Mermelstein - 2013
After learning that Tracy has died in a terrible car accident, he is devastated. But after arriving at the restaurant to console his mother, he discovers that Tracy isn’t dead after all – in fact, she is working her shift, and no one else seems to think anything of it. While trying to make sense of the situation, Andrew begins to experience an overwhelming sense of dread: something isn’t right. He needs to decide whether to tell Tracy and risk sounding like a lunatic, or ignore what all his senses are telling him and enjoy what appears to be a second chance.
At the Heart of Christmas
Jill Monroe - 2018
She invests everything in reopening her family’s business and hires glass artist Nolan Vesser, whose family used to design ornaments for hers, to work his creative magic.After an accident burned Nolan’s studio to the ground, he thought he’d lost everything. But when he looked in his safety deposit box for his renter’s insurance, he came across an overlooked piece of paper that changed everything.As Nolan spends time with Quinn, she sparks his artistic inspiration. But when she learns about his secret, can their new romance survive?