Book picks similar to
The Missing Ingredient by Marika Ray


romance
contemporary-romance
contemporary
fiction

Falling for You


Jessica Gilmore - 2017
    So what if her life is a little too safe? Marietta is everything to Lacey. Not only is she helping to organize the Bachelor Bake-Off and filming a documentary about the process, she’s also volunteered her brother as a Bachelor. But, when her brother backs out, Lacey has to find a last-minute replacement. And who better than her aunt’s lodger, gorgeous – if taciturn – Zac Malone?Zac’s not exactly community-minded. In fact, he makes it clear that the sooner he’s out of Marietta the better. But when Lacey persuades him of the powerful impact the Bake-Off funds will have on local children, he decides to give it a go. On one condition. If he has to learn to bake, so does disaster-in-the-kitchen Lacey. Desserts aren’t the only thing heating up, and as the attraction flares and Zac makes plans to leave, Lacey’s beginning to realize that maybe there is a world beyond Marietta’s borders after all… if she’s brave enough to take that step.*previously titled Baking for Keeps

Good Girl's Guide to Talking Dirty


Alice Faris - 2017
    He's running from his past. Will a phone sex operator and a troubled trucker find love on the road? East Winters wonders if her bad luck will ever end. After losing her job and suffering very public relationship troubles, she hopes that skipping town will turn things around. But when her car breaks down and her temp gig in phone sex can't cover the costs, East hitches a ride with a sexy long-haul trucker... who wants nothing to do with her. Ansel Andersson started driving to get away from the world. After a school tragedy left him with PTSD, the former teacher craves space and solitude. But when his boss insists he take a smoking-hot redhead cross-country, his anxiety goes through the roof. With East's constant driving advice and Ansel's need for silence, tempers flare until their intimate confinement reveals their deepest secrets. As they connect on a higher level, can East and Ansel find something more, or will their high-revving chemistry come to a grinding halt? Good Girl's Guide to Talking Dirty is a stand-alone novel in a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy series. If you like engaging characters, awkward humor, and plenty of spice, then you'll love Alice Faris's superb book. Buy Good Girl's Guide to Talking Dirty to take a road trip with love today! Girl's Guide to Love Series: Good Girl's Guide to Talking Dirty Bad Girl's Guide to Being Good Smart Girl's Guide to Bedding a Virgin Pregnant Girl's Guide to Falling in Love (novella)

The Perfect Man


Lynn Dare - 2021
    Yes, definitely his jaw.But I, Ellie Amore, have a problem. It’s big, gigantic, and not in the good way.None of these men are real. And that version of me? More fake than an author calling herself classy while drinking boxed wine in her yoga pants.Me, that author is me.I dream of hot men. Perfect men. Fictional men. These men go into my books, and it’s all I need for my messy cat-lady-living-above-a-bookstore life. Really.I don’t need my brother’s best friend checking up on me. The man who brings me tacos. The one who is decidedly not perfect—as his enemy cat would tell you—but somehow might just be perfect for me.I’m not sure how it all started or when he decided I was more than a favor to his friend.All I know is Cruz is not a man from my dreams. This time, it’s different.This time, he’s real.The Perfect Man is book one in the Perfect Man romantic comedy series. Dive in for plenty of swoons, lots of laughs, and a guaranteed HFN ending.

He's Going Down


Kelly Siskind - 2017
    Was there wine? Of course. Did I let loose with my best friends? Absolutely. Did I have one glass too many and follow a tattooed bad boy into a bar? Cue mortification.I don’t do reckless, or wild nights of hot sex.Correction: I didn’t used to. I also didn’t plan to drunk-email my boss and quit my soul-sucking job, leaving me in a financial mess.But I'm churning those lemons into lemonade! I’m chasing my dream job handling wine at San Francisco’s hottest restaurant. But guess who shows up as my competition? None other than my tattooed bad decision. Even worse, the mother-F-er smolders at me and says, “Six.”Jimmy claims he gave me six orgasms, but I don’t remember our wild night, and I don't climax from oral. Pretty sure I’d recall if my body did the impossible and unraveled under his tongue. I call him a liar. He calls me a challenge. I tell him this job is mine and he better watch out because he’s going down.Which is exactly what he offers with that dirty mouth of his…

To the Rude Guy in Apartment Five


J.S. Cooper - 2020
    I do not want to have a nude sleepover. I do not want to make you breakfast, lunch or dinner, no matter how many lap dances you promise to give me. I do not need you to serenade me through the walls at 1am. And no, I have no interest in letting you take me on a date. Sincerely, Magnolia Allen P.S. And no, I do not want to know how many accents you can growl in during intimate moments. How is that even a thing? P. P. S. Also, you will never find me standing naked in your living room ever again, so please stop leaving lingerie packages on my welcome mat.

The Fix


Sylvie Stewart - 2016
    Getting my son to wear pants is one; dealing with my snoozefest of a job is another. Then there’s the Beast, my freeloading brother who’s worn a permanent dent in the couch at my new place. And no fairytale would be complete without a smoking hot prince, of course. Too bad he’s a complete ass. Everything in me screams to steer clear of Nate Murphy. Because, if life has taught me anything, there is no such thing as happily ever after.Nate:I may not be a superhero, but I do my best to come to the rescue when I’m needed. And, hey, I just moved halfway across the country after a single phone call from my mom. But being back home and taking on the responsibilities involved makes me a bit cranky at times. Unfortunately, the one time I completely lose my cool is in front of the hottest girl I’ve ever met. I’ve got my work cut out for me if I’m going to fix this. But I will fix this. I’ll be anything Laney Monroe needs me to be … a superhero, a prince, or just a guy she might take a chance on.PLEASE NOTE: This product is a republication of the 2016 version of THE FIX. It contains special content and bonus scenes for an enhanced reader experience.

Untouched: The ALPHA Edition


Tabatha Kiss
    My lover. My ultimate undoing.I'm exiled. Banished from the concrete jungle I call home and forced to spend my summer on my uncle's farm.That's where I met my step-cousin, Tobias, a guy who takes the strong, silent type to the next level. We were told to stay away from each other. Bad influences, they said.But, as we'll soon discover, all we have is each other inside the brutal and dangerous world of the Midwest Alphas, an illegal fighting tournament that promises fame and glory for the victor.Tobias is the local favorite to win it all, but his competitors will stop at nothing to keep that from happening. Including going after the one thing he wants more than winning. Me. I trust him when he says he won't let anybody put their hands on me.Anybody but him.Untouched is an epic tale of young star-crossed lovers from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Tabatha Kiss and her dark alter ego, Tabatha Drake! It is book one of a trilogy.

Family Bonds- Hunter and Kayla


Natalie Ann - 2020
    He was the only son of an only son for generations, so it was expected he’d be the next in line. Was he tired of being reminded about the island’s legacy? Sure. Was he determined to do things his own way? Of course. Was he going to do his part to not tarnish the family reputation? Probably not.Kayla Rivers always said she had multiple clouds over her head. Gray ones. Ominous ones. Very often black ones. When she saw an ad for a job on Amore Island—a place where people supposedly found love at first sight—she should have run in the other direction since she’d never been loved a day in her life. Instead she ran forward hoping and praying for once in her life she’d find happiness rather than disappointment.Amore IslandHunter Bond and Kayla RiversDrew Bond and Amanda MooreMac Bond and Sidney HollisterParadise PlaceCupid's Quest- Josh Turner and Ruby GentileChange Up- Harris Walker and Kaelyn ButlerStarting Over- Philip Aire and Blair McKayEternal- Nathan Randal and Brina ShepardFierce FamilySam- Sam Fierce and Dani RhodesBryce- Bryce Fierce and Payton DaviesDrake- Drake Fierce and Kara WinslowWyatt- Wyatt Fierce and Adriana LopezFirst Fierce SeriesBrody- Brody Fierce and Aimee ReedAiden- Aiden Fierce and Nic MorettiMason- Mason Fierce and Jessica CorningCade- Cade Fierce and Alex MarshallElla- Ella Fierce and Travis McKinleyLove CollectionVin Steele and Piper Fielding - Secret LoveJared Hawk and Shelby McDonald- True LoveErik McMann and Sheldon Case- Finding LoveConnor Landers and Melissa Mahoney- Beach LoveIan Price and Cam Mason - Intense LoveLiam Sullivan and Ali Rogers - Autumn LoveOwen Taylor and Jill Duncan- Holiday LoveChase Martin and Noelle Bennett- Christmas LoveZeke Collins and Kendall Hendricks- Winter LoveTroy Walker and Meena Dawson- Chasing LoveJace Stratton and Lauren Town - First LoveGabe Richards and Leah Morrison - Forever LoveBlake Wilson and Gemma Anderson - Simply LoveBrendan St. Nicholas and Holly Lane- Gifts of LoveLake Placid SeriesSecond Chance - Nick Buchanan and Mallory DenningGive Me A Chance - Max Hamilton and Quinn BakerOur Chance - Caleb Ryder and Celeste McGuireTake A Chance - Cole McGuire and Rene BuchananDeserve A Chance - Zach Monroe and Amber DeaconLast Chance - Trevor Miles and Riley HamiltonAnother Chance - Matt Winters and Dena HallIt's My Chance- Logan Taylor and Kennedy MilesAll SeriesAll for Love- Book 0- William Harper and Isabel CarmichaelAll or Nothing - Book 1 - Ben Harper and Presley JamesAll of Me - Book 2 - Phil Harper and Sophia MansfieldAll the Way - Book 3 - Alec Harper and Brynn PalmerAll I Want - Book 4 - Sean Callahan and Carly SpringfieldAll My Love - Book 5 - Drew Palmer and Jordyn MontgomeryAll About You - Book 6 - Finn Abraham and Olivia HartmanAll of Us - Landon Barber and Kristen ReidCheck out where it all started for the Harpers in the Road Series!Road to Recovery - Book 1 - Lucas Mathews and Brooke MaloneRoad to Redemption - Book 2 - Cori Summers and Jack ReynoldsRoad to Reality - Book 3 - Mac Malone and Beth CampbellRoad to Reason- Book 4 - Ryan Mathews and Kaitlin Harper

Kissing Micky


Ellen Devlin - 2018
    He was there, I was there, and our friends thought we’d be perfect for each other.Not only is Tom McCullin a hockey player on my favorite team, he’s also a gorgeous, glove-dropping defenseman straight out of my wildest fantasies. He’s almost too good to be true.His teammates call him Micky, but to me he’s Tom. And damn it all if the chemistry between us doesn’t wind up being amazing. Turns out we can’t keep our hands off each other, but it’s our secret. We’re not ready to share what we have with anyone else.So, while our friends keep wondering why things aren’t happening between us, little do they know that I’m already…Kissing Micky.

8 Second Decision


H.J. Bellus - 2015
    He’s blessed with his granddaddy’s love of the ranch yet haunted with chasing that gold buckle eight seconds at a time. Tensions are high on the ranch when circumstances threaten to take it under. His dad and brothers pressure him to stay home and become an active cowboy on the ranch. However, Merek is addicted to the road and rodeo. He’s home anytime he can be and provides plenty of money to keep the family ranch afloat, but sometimes it takes more than what’s in the bank to protect tradition. Now home on a three-month break, Merek finds himself all tied up with the new girl in town. She’s quiet and reserved but there’s something about Challis’ green eyes and feisty attitude that makes her irresistible. When he runs into her at a rodeo and catches a glimpse of her on horseback all hopes of leaving her alone flies out the window. There are several rumors floating around town about her, however that doesn’t stop Merek from going after what he wants. He knows she’s off limits and only full of trouble, but Merek thrives on trouble and adrenaline. Then the road calls again and it’s time to leave. Eight SecondsGold BucklesAnd the high…What will he choose?

Wallflower Seeks Mountain Man


Marley Michaels - 2020
    She’s always been the girl swaying to the music at the side of the room, happy to watch everyone else. Having put her life on hold and moved back home to look after her father, she’s happy to read her beloved mountain man books and work at their family store. The less peopling involved, the better.When her dad drags her along for a delivery, the moment she steps onto Bear Mountain and locks eyes with Brady Long, she knows her life will never be the same.Brady has dedicated his life to creating a self-sustaining homestead on his family’s land as one of the founding brothers. Now that the mountain’s prophecy has been fulfilled, he’s waiting for his one true love to be called to the mountain and reveal themselves. And the moment he sees Serena Black, he knows he’s found her.All they have to do now is overcome all the obstacles keeping them apart, so they can finally make their bright future a reality.***Wallflower Seeks Mountain Man is Book 1 of the new Bear Mountain Brothers series. They're the same kind of sweet, flirty, instalove stories you love from Moose Mountain, but this time you'll get the big, gruff and tough founding sons of the Bear Mountain Homestead living their lives on Moose Mountain's neighboring cousin near the town of Kenshaw. The mountain has always provided for its keepers, and now the Bear Mountain prophecy has been fulfilled, it's time for their soul mates to warm up their cold mountain hearts and complete their mountain lives forever. Can we all say, awww.

The Loch Lannick Series


Hannah Ellis - 2020
    You'll be hooked on these wonderfully warm characters in no time!Book one: Coming Home to the LochWhat happens when you meet the right person, at the right time, in the wrong place?Twenty-two-year-old Leana Mackenzie is looking for adventure. Full of excitement, she leaves her home in a remote Scottish village and heads for the bright city lights. In Edinburgh she meets Alasdair – a cute and charming singer/songwriter. As their relationship develops everything feels perfect. But as the sparkle of her new life begins to fade, Leana finds herself longing for her cosy home on the Isle of Skye, and the close-knit family she left behind. When Alasdair is offered the career opportunity of a lifetime, Leana is left even more confused. Now, she must choose between a high-flying life as the girlfriend of a celebrity – or returning home to her safe, predictable life.Home is where the heart is … but what happens when the heart is pulled in two different directions?Book two: The Castle by the LochSometimes the road to happiness is longer than we’d like …At fourteen, Isla Mackenzie has her life all planned out. She’s going to be an artist and marry her best friend, Logan.Logan Donnell also has a plan. When he grows up he’s going to join his dad’s business and marry his best friend, Isla.By the time they’re eighteen, the two of them are inseparable. The future looks bright. Everything feels perfect.But when tragedy strikes, fate sets the pair on a different course. While circumstances keep Logan and Isla apart, their bond is not so easily broken. The course of true love might not run smoothly but a bumpy road can still take you exactly where you’re supposed to be …Book three: Fireworks Over the LochA sleepy Scottish village is about to be woken up …With her boyfriend moving to her hometown of Lannick, Leana Mackenzie is floating on cloud nine. All she needs now is for them to find a home of their own. Alasdair’s lack of interest in house-hunting soon has her worried.For Isla and Logan, moving in together is the logical next step in their relationship. Neither of them expects living under the same roof to be so challenging. If they can’t find a way to make it work how can they possibly have a future together?Single-mother Elspeth is ecstatic about moving out of her parents’ house. When she agrees to a temporary housemate she’s comforted by the friendship that grows. But are her feelings purely platonic, or is romance in the air?As the year draws to a close, Alasdair organises a celebration that will rock the quiet village of Lannick. The New Year’s party brings everyone together for a night to remember. But when midnight strikes, the fireworks bursting over the loch aren’t the only sparks flying …Download this gorgeous collection today!

Kiss of a Stranger


Lily Danes - 2016
    Now he’s returned, determined to expose the men who set him up. His best chance at redemption is seducing the straight-laced woman working for the enemy…until he realizes he’s the one being seduced.A woman who's sworn off bad boys…Maddie Palmer lost everything when her ex-husband betrayed her. Years later, she’s rebuilt her life. It’s safe and stable—everything she thought she wanted. Until a dangerously sexy ex-con appears in Lost Coast Harbor...As passion ignites, Gabe and Maddie find themselves drawn deeper into the corruption behind the town’s richest family, even as they face the greatest danger of all—losing their hearts.

Restraint


Adriana Locke - 2020
    She prides herself on her decision-making skills. It’s the one asset that has never let her down. But even the best thinkers have weaknesses. Hers is a delicious business mogul with a quick tongue.Unfortunately for her, that tongue is good for more than just talking. Holt Mason doesn’t need to justify anything to anyone. He wants Blaire. He pursues Blaire. And he gets Blaire because that’s how his life works. Until it doesn’t. What begins as a single night in a hotel room spirals into an unusual agreement. As late nights provide the space to trade secrets and walls come tumbling down, more is shared than just pillow talk. They both should’ve known better. They should’ve shown restraint. Because when guards are dropped, hearts get shattered.A one-night stand turns into something more in this heart-filled, steamy romance from USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.

The Ego(maniac): A Romantic Comedy


Penelope Bloom - 2021
    Downright suspicious.But beneath those frowns and pantsuits, I know she feels the connection, too.Why else would she keep filing noise complaints against me?It’s like a cry for help. A demand for me to show up at her door…One look in her barren apartment and I know her job is her life.The last male to see her bedroom probably had a tail and whiskers.I can see she needs my skills. Badly.I happen to have a talent for people — fixing them, persuading them...pleasing them.Except my past rears its ugly head at the worst time.Instead of dating my neighbor, now I’m roped into working with her.But what’s more romantic than a forbidden office fling?I’ll find a way to solve my secret little issue and make time for my new office mate.On the clock, off the clock, on her desk, on my desk…But first, she needs to agree to go on a date with me.I think her exact words were “absolutely no way.”No way? There’s always a way.There's blackmail, bribery, buckets of charm… Maybe all three?