Book picks similar to
A Second Chance Summer by Katharine E. Smith


contemporary-romance
rom
straight-novels-rated-4-0-or-more
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Love in a Pawn Shop


Bonnie Edwards - 2013
    . .Dix is good with two out of three. She’s had it with dusty shelves, desperate people and her teenage brother. With Riley about to graduate, Dix is ready to buy her one-way ticket to Paris.Then sexy cop Dane Caldwell walks into her store on the hunt for stolen goods, and threatens her brother and her business.The worst threat is to Dix’s heart…if she loses that, she loses her dream.Dane soon realizes he’s found love in a pawn shop. Even the pit bull thinks he’s okay. Now all he has to do is convince Dix that love is more than just another complication.

Twisted Fate


K.L. Bryce - 2020
    I fell for her crooked smile and ocean blue eyes the first time I met her in the fifth grade. In high school, no one understood me the way she did. Paige is the only girl I've ever trusted enough to let into my world.But I buried those feelings the day she chose my brother nine years ago.Fate seems to have a sick sense of humor because my newest client decided to sponsor her vlog. I advised them to cut her loose.It’s not personal, it’s business.And besides, I have another proposition that could give us something we both want.But my plan to stay cool, calm, and in control vanishes the moment her lips touch mine.She should run fast in the other direction.My soul is damaged goods.I could never give her the love she deserves.Luke Mason. My gorgeous, loner friend from high school. The boy I almost fell for…until Fate led me into the arms of his twin brother, and eventually, a broken heart.If it wasn’t for the business proposition Luke makes—and one I desperately need—I’d run fast in the other direction.What wasn’t a part of our deal? The oh-so-hot kiss we shared during one of my infamous moments of spontaneity. A mistake neither one of us plans to make again.But when our stares get way more intense, his eyes linger too long on my mouth, and his touch ignites something deep inside I haven’t allowed myself to feel in years, our promise of “strictly platonic” goes up in flames.No matter what happens, I can’t let myself fall for him.But I’m scared I already have.A love story spanning over twelve years, TWISTED FATE is a deep, forbidden love romance with LOL moments, passion and angst, and all the feels. Can be read as a standalone.

Sara's Promise


Deanna Lynn Sletten - 2012
    But one day his perfect forever was shattered when Sara died suddenly, leaving him alone to raise his children and wonder how he would ever get through life without his soul mate. Five years later, he finds himself looking into a familiar pair of blue-green eyes that remind him of Sara. The woman is the exact opposite of his late wife, yet he’s drawn to her. But after a few strange occurrences, he begins to wonder–are these just coincidences or has his Sara come back to him as she once promised in the form of this new woman? Annie Paxton doesn't believe in soul mates or fate. She had watched her father die of a broken heart after her mother passed away and has since cast away any fairy tale ideas of love. Then she meets the man who has been haunting her dreams and she begins to see love in a whole new light. But her dream man is still tied to his deceased wife, and Annie doesn't know if he will ever be able to break away from his past. As strange occurrences unfold, Annie wonders if William could ever truly love her for herself and not for the traits that remind him of Sara.Were William and Annie brought together by fate, coincidence, or by Sara keeping her promise?

Amber Light


Virginia McCullough - 2014
     "A skillfully told story of a woman's journey of healing from a life changing traumatic event—Virginia McCullough pulled me in on page one. I flew through this book and didn't want it to end." —Dr. Elizabeth G. Biggers, Psychotherapist, LPC Despite everything, Sarah Whitmore still believes in lucky breaks… A single act of violence left Sarah pregnant, with her cherished plans for the future in ruins. But she grabs her chance to leave her Wisconsin town behind and create a new life on the South Carolina coast, with help from an aunt and uncle she barely knows. As a single mother, Sarah’s new life includes Amber, who Sarah vows will never learn the truth about her violent father. Over the next years Sarah tries to heal the psychological trauma she endured, but it’s not easy. Sarah includes her job at an island resort another lucky break, along with her unlikely friendship with Woody, who helps her break out of her shell and develop her talent as a portrait artist. But even Woody can’t help Sarah believe a relationship with a man is possible for her—ever. Then Sarah meets Barly Rhoads, a dad who fought for the right to be with his child. Barly believes in justice and righting wrongs when he sees them, including fixing his own mistakes. The past refuses to stay buried when Amber’s father threatens the safe, perfect life Sarah has created for herself and her daughter. Barly proves he will go to any length to protect Sarah and Amber, and in the process exposes some deep wounds of his own. Now Sarah must decide if she’s ready for one more lucky break. Scroll up to buy Amber Light now to experience this romance saga of a single mother willing to do anything to protect her daughter. It is the story of one woman's hard journey after she is victimized in a sexual encounter. Willing to try to make the perfect life for her daughter on the South Carolina shores, as a young teen parent new to motherhood, she tries to get over her psychological trauma and become a stronger woman for her daughter. Side-by-side, they learn together, as she tries to heal through her hurts and learn to love again. Virginia McCullough is the author of three previous women’s fiction novels: Island Healing, Greta’s Grace, and The Chapels on the Hill. Virginia McCullough began her writing career when she moved to the coast of Maine, soon breaking in to magazines with articles about sailing/cruising, family living, and children’s literature. Virginia has written over 100 books for her clients, including 12 titles for Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., a neurologist-psychiatrist and developer of Sensa, the popular weight loss program. Her coauthored books include The Oxygen Revolution, written with Paul Harch, M.D., a pioneer in the field of hyperbaric medicine. In 2011, she and a friend, Lynda McDaniel, co-founded The Book Catalysts, a book writing coaching service that also offers tools for writers, including the e-book, Write Your Book Now! What others are saying about Virginia McCullough's novel, The Chapels on the Hill: “A lyrical story of the healing power of love—it will capture your heart.” —Stacey Joy Netzel, NY Times bestselling author of the Romancing Wisconsin series What others are saying about Virginia McCullough's novel, Island Healing: "Captivating, vivid, heartwarming...

Casa Clara


Kate McCabe - 2010
    Here she can escape the mounting pressure from her domineering elder sister Trish who is pushing her into a marriage she herself has grave doubts about. Emma quickly falls in love with the hotel – her little room overlooking the courtyard with its vivid flowers and soothing fountain, the cast of quirky guests, warm staff and flamboyant owner. When the post of receptionist falls vacant she seizes the bull by the horns and, with little Spanish and no experience, cajoles her way into the job. She soon discovers a talent for management and Casa Clara flourishes in her care. When Fate brings the man of her dreams to the door, the future looks perfect. But her scheming sister is still busy tracking her down and eventually Emma must face forces that threaten to destroy the idyllic life she has built for herself.

Sweet Hearts of Sweet Creek Box set: Three sweet and clean romances


Carolyne Aarsen - 2021
    As she and Mark spend time together, and their friendship deepens she wonders if maybe, this man might be different. Wonders if she dare let go of her heart. Can she forgive her family and herself before Mark too becomes a man of her pastHer Heart’s PromiseNadine aims to use her job as editor of the town newspaper to probe into the her father’s mysterious death but her secret high school crush Clint just took over the paper, and he wants the story buried. The same way she would prefer to keep her changing feelings for him under wraps.When Clint reveals a hidden truth about the past, Nadine has to make a choice: continue the quest for justice or find room in her busy life for love…Close to His HeartJace Scholte is determined to rise above his poverty-stricken childhood. Now he’s back in Sweet Creek to win the residents' support for a high-rise condo. He volunteers in a local fundraiser to melt their resistance, but he never expected he'd work side-by-side with the one who got away…Tess Kruger remembers the plan she and Jace constructed all those years ago. But she can't forget the dark secret that caused her to run away from their potential future.Old flames reignite between Jace and Tess, though as they find themselves questioning a past they thought they knew. For a second chance at love, they'll have to face the harsh truth together…The Sweethearts of Sweet Creek Series brings you three heartwarming stories that will entertain, inspire and stir your heart and soul.

Worth the Wait


Sophia Sinclair - 2019
     Molly Miller is an overworked and underpaid librarian struggling to raise her three kids herself. The only romances she has time for are the novels she returns to the shelves. Then one day, David Conrad walks into the Fairview Public Library. He looks just like the sexy pirate on the cover of a romance novel her best friend, Lori, has been reading, so they secretly refer to him as The Pirate Man. But the truth is even stranger. His appearance means old secrets are about to be revealed, and not everyone in town will be happy about that. Who is David Conrad? David immediately rubs Molly the wrong way. But she somehow keeps getting entangled with him in ways she can't seem to avoid. He claims to be descended from a prominent Fairview family that was brutally murdered in the 1950s. The Conrad murders were never solved, and now that a Conrad is back in town and asking questions, the people of Fairview are in for some surprises. So is Molly. Who'd have thought an irritating Pirate Man could capture her heart? Review of Worth the Wait: I cannot say enough about this book! I love the whole librarian single mom angle and meeting up with “The Pirate”??!! So much YES! Sophia Sinclair creates this small town feel with real characters that have so much depth that you can’t help but fall in love with. Molly not only tackles being a single parent, but also issues with her beloved library and her crazy awful landlord! It’s real and I absolutely loved that it was such a big part of the story. Then, she meets this mysterious stranger who is new in this small town (we all know how that goes) and he shakes things up in her already chaotic life. They have this love/hate relationship that they have to struggle through.

Mountain Men Box Set: The First Six Books in the Mountain Men Series!


Ava Grace - 2019
    Now, he'll stop at nothing to protect her from her past. Mountain Man Regret - Since their one night stand several years ago, Coop hasn't been able to get Faith out of his head, but when she starts dating another man, he'll have to move fast or risk losing her forever. Mountain Man's Price - Luke has had his eye on his younger sister's best friend for some time now, but Violet has only recently separated from her lying, cheating scumbag of a husband. She's undoubtedly attracted to Luke, but can she accept his price? Mountain Man Plan - Ethan knows all about the plan that Andrea and her friends have devised to snag him and he's all on board with it, but when tragedy strikes, can they still find a way to be together? Mountain Man's Best Friend - Just like their parents before them, Jackson and Serena have been best friends since they were out of the womb, but when a spark of attraction ignites between them, should they ignore it or roll with it and risk losing the friendship that means so much to them? Mountain Man Christmas - Between them, Hunter and Abby have a large array of physical and emotional scars. Can they help each other heal or will the demons of their past encroach on their chance at future happiness? Read all six books in the Mountain Men series, but be prepared - when you enter Creede, Colorado, you won't want to leave.

Lusting For Luke


Sara Celi - 2017
    I worry every  day about my bills and student loans. He's the heir of a wealthy American family, a dynasty that expects him to marry a blueblood--and soon. I grew up on the wrong side of Kissimmee, Florida. When Luke Rothschild races into my life, however, everything changes. He's a breath of fresh, coastal air, a gusty breeze that infuses a brand-new, tempting scent into my world. I lust for Luke, I fall fast, and I fall hard, so much so that I almost forget how little we have in common.  But then comes the inevitable...the stark reminder that I don't fit into Luke's rich, sparkling life. No matter how hard I try to play the part outside the bedroom, or how much I lust for him in his boudoir, there is no way I can erase my past and become the woman his family will accept with open arms.  Or...is there? LUSTING FOR LUKE first in a series of romance novels and novellas set in Palm Beach, Florida. All titles in the "Billionaires of Palm Beach" series can be read individually and independently. More details to be announced at a later date. ****BOOK COVER NOT FINAL*****

The Monsoon Series: Two Book Bundle


Anya Wylde - 2020
    She decides that the best way to deal with such a situation is to pack her bags and move to a new country. Luck is on her side, and she quickly gets a job as a runner on a documentary being filmed in India. Thus, begins her roller-coaster ride filled with mad decisions and forbidden romance.

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)

Falling for Mr. Wrong Series: Books 1 - 3


Jenny Gardiner - 2019
    WrongIf lusting after him is wrong, she doesn’t want to be right…Harper Landry sometimes feels like she’s turned into a professional dater. Which might not be such a bad job if it didn’t involve having to spend so much time with a succession of truly undesirable men who were obviously still single for good reason. So she’s elated when she ends up on a blind date with the charming and handsome Danny Greevy, a man who seems too good to be true. But Harper’s starting to think that too good to be true might be downright perfect for her. Particularly when the man who launched her man-drought shows up unexpectedly to throw a wrench in her life yet again.Noah Gunderson is back in town after traveling the world for the past several years. Forced to return home after promising his mother on her deathbed to save the beloved inn that she’d nearly run into the ground, he’s planning to get far away from Verity Beach just as soon as he’s got the inn back in the black. And he’s determined not to let the distraction of Harper Landry, the one that got away, keep him here a moment longer.Falling for Mr. MaybeIf it swells, ride it…Georgie Childress moved to Verity Beach to lick her wounds after her controlling fiancé pulled a runner mere weeks before the wedding. Jobless and desperate to flee his turf, she sought solace in the quietude of the ocean, happily escaping into her own thoughts while surrounded by diving dolphins and cacophonous seagulls. Only when she accidentally runs over some random—and super sexy—surfer dude’s surfboard does she start to wonder if she needs to bring her head out of the clouds and start paying attention to life again.Spencer Willoughby long ago fled his rigid upbringing, shunning the familial expectations of an Ivy League education and Wall Street career in favor of the sun, sand and surf along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Give him a surfboard and he’s a happy man. That is until some nutty lady with a penchant for fender-benders backs into his beloved hand-crafted wooden surfboard, snapping it in half. It’s enough to make a man crazy—crazier still because the kooky blond is making his blood run hot.Just when he finally gets the woman out of his head, Spencer is unwittingly paired off with her at a wedding as a favor to a friend, forcing him to make nice with his board-murdering nemesis who he might just want to ride off into the sunset.Falling for Mr. No Way in HellTaking the plunge…Lacy Caldwell’s mermaid gig at a cheesy roadside beach bar provided much-needed income while she pursues her graduate degree. That is until the beloved owner dies and her greedy nephew announces he’s cashing out by closing the bar and selling the property to a developer who’s going to replace the kitschy charm of the Mermaid’s Purse with ocean-view condos.Cameron Sanders can’t believe his good luck. Struggling financially, he’s thrilled to find out some random, ancient aunt he hardly knew died and left him an inheritance that’ll help take the money monkey off his back. He’s ready to go to the mat in battle when some annoying mermaid from the bar tries to throw a wrench in his plans. But things get complicated when he realizes that she’s a woman he’s started to have feelings for.

Black Ink Heart


Laurinda Lawrence - 2017
    That's how she finds herself reluctantly getting her first tattoo. Her attraction to her sexy tattooist makes the whole situation even more awkward. Still, there’s no way she’d ever have anything to do with someone like him—she has a plan for her life and she’s sticking with it. Lennox Conrad—Nox—a tattooist with a troubled past is trying to get his life back on track. When Nakita walks into his parlour, Nox is more than a little intrigued by the uptight redhead, determined to get a tattoo she clearly doesn’t want. As drawn as he is to her, bookish innocents really aren’t his type. Besides, there are circumstances beyond his control and time is running out. One night Nakita’s world is turned upside down. A strange twist of fate throws her back into the path of Nox. She discovers something about him that compels her to make an unusual proposition—a proposition he cannot refuse. Will the very thing that draws them together, tear them apart? Black Ink Heart is a captivating and powerful love story about choosing when to hold on and when to let go. If you like raw emotion, sensual romance and compelling characters, then you’ll adore this much-loved standalone romance.

Broken Hollywood


Lora Richardson - 2020
    Lucky for him, she has no idea who he is.Catherine Sparrow is obsessed with caves. She spends nearly every day at Alden Caverns with Otto, her eighty-year-old best friend. Known to most of the boys in town as Cave Girl, Cat long ago decided to leave dating to her sisters. But then Otto’s gorgeous grandson Jesse arrives.Jesse Relic, the hottest movie star in Hollywood, needs to get out of LA. Burdened by guilt and weighed down by sorrow, he runs to the only person who can possibly help him get his life in order, his grandfather Otto. Hoping to hide from the world in his grandfather’s caves, he does not expect to find a beautiful, intriguing woman working there. The best part? She doesn’t recognize him.While hiking a passage of the cave together, Jesse and Cat are trapped inside when she injures her knee. The intensity of their predicament ignites sparks in the tiny cavern. As they grow closer, Jesse knows he has to tell Cat he’s an actor. But she loves her simple, quiet life, and his life as a celebrity is louder than most. If he tells her the truth, will he lose her forever?Broken Hollywood is the first book in the Sparrow Sisters Series. If you want an intense slow-burn romance that will make your heart race, you’ll enjoy this celebrity meets ordinary girl love story!

Secrets of a Kept Woman


Shani Greene-Dowdell - 2009
    Entering the drug game is his ticket to the finer things in life, but it’s called a game for a reason. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. After marrying Shayla, attaining a lakeside property, and having anything he wants at his fingertips, he should be living the good life. But there’s always someone coming for the number one spot.Shayla Wilson gives up everything for her first love. Her pursuit of being a psychiatrist to help the mentally ill, attending church, and ties with her family are all broken when she marries Titus. However, she loves him too much to let go. Along with Titus, her best friends Gladys LaQuinn and Rhonda Jackson are all Shayla needs until the day she finds out that the people closest to her are not who they say they are. What will Shayla do when her beautiful, expensive, expertly designed house of lies threatens to fall?As rival drug cartels invade their lakeside property and friends unveil themselves as foes, will the walls come falling down around Titus and Shayla, or will they survive the darkest test of their lives?This is the second edition of Secrets of a Kept Woman, which has been edited and revised with 10,000 words of new content added.