Book picks similar to
One Last Try by Michelle Alstead


romance
contemporary-romance
contemporary
a-pending-placement

Daniel's Bride


Joanne Hill - 2012
    All Dan has to do is fall in love, have the wedding, follow it with lots of little Daniels and –Well, that’s not going to happen. So Daniel comes up with the next best solution. He hires jobless Melinda Green to be his wife.Mel has good reason to accept Daniel’s crazy proposition. Her bills are mounting, and with her invalid mother needing ongoing care, Mel knows a few months as Mrs Christie with a massive cheque at the end is a gift from heaven. And just because Daniel is rich and he’s gorgeous doesn’t mean she’ll end up with “feelings” for him. After all, her fiancé just dumped her for her best friend so men are totally off the radar.Or so she thought…

Pearl


C.E. Weisman - 2012
    Only ten years old, Pearl was left to care for the family and take over her mother's responsibilities.Eight years later as the approach of midnight beckons, Pearl finds herself on the edge of eighteen and running, as her mother did, in search of freedom and the youth she'd been denied. But freedom has a price.She ends up on foreign turf; a farm in Oregon with her volatile boyfriend, Roy and his family, who seem to hold even more secrets than her own. As time goes by, Pearl is drawn into beautiful but also tumultuous relationships with these strangers in Oregon, all the while losing a bit of herself with each drop of booze Roy drinks.As secrets unfold, Pearl wonders how much of her own past is truth and what has been a lie. And would the answer come too late, as her world spirals down into a path of destruction?

Hot Renovations


Kristen Kelly - 2017
    If someone told me six months ago, I would be visiting a cave one hundred and fifty-six feet underground in the pitch dark and that the journey would change my life forever, I would have bet odds on my having a panic attack and possibly not living through the experience. Add a hot sexy stranger to the mix and the fact I wanted to rip his clothes off the minute I laid eyes on him … and nearly did … in the middle of a public tour, I'd say you were certifiably insane. The hard brush of his lips and the way he's packed into those tight mouth-watering trousers, set my mind racing out of control. It's just sex though. Raw. Carnal. Bone-melting sex. That voice. It drives me crazy. A few choice words spoken in that deep Southern drawl, and currents of electricity sizzle up my spine. In a single kiss, he's brought me to my knees. Literally. As the most sought after house reconstruction designer in all of Albany NY, Sam lives 11,000 miles away and that is the way I like it. I retain complete control in this relationship. No expectations. No ties. A contract with my very own escape clause. Only one problem. My heart never signed on the dotted line however.

Champagne and Lemon Drops


Jean Oram - 2013
    Two men. One meddling small town.Raised by her older sister in the small town of Blueberry Springs, all Beth Wilkinson wants is to create a family so big she’ll never be alone. Things are going great until her fiancé, Oz, rethinks everything from his own career to their nuptial plans—forcing Beth to do the same.As Beth works to rediscover herself in hopes of reattracting Oz, she catches the eye of the charming new city doctor, Nash. Not only does he see her as she’d like to be seen, but he knows exactly what he wants from life—and that includes Beth.Torn between the two men, as well as two versions of herself, Beth discovers that love and dreams are much more complicated than they seem.

The Australian Billionaire


Britney M. Mills - 2019
     Jackson Walker hasn't had the best family life. Growing up in the foster system in Australia, it wasn’t until he met his college football coach that he understood what a normal family looked like. When he gets the call that Coach has passed away, he returns to California for the funeral and to find a place to honor the man. Hailey Montgomery threw herself into real estate soon after breaking up with her boyfriend nearly five years ago. She’s been working to build a name for herself and when the chance to make partner at her firm becomes available, she jumps at the chance. But the only way to achieve that distinction is to find a commercial property for the guy she’s nicknamed ‘Golden Boy’ from all the stories her father told about him. As spending time together brings them closer, the trust between them is called into question. Can they work through what’s happened in their individual pasts to create a relationship that will last?

Hope in Every Raindrop


Wesley Banks - 2015
    A lesson she’s taken to heart. And right now, Katie is desperate for a big story. Reeling from the recent loss of her father and with her agent breathing down her neck for the next book, the twenty-one-year-old writer picks a spot on the map and finds herself bound for a middle-of-nowhere town called Bishopville, South Carolina.Taking a chance on the words of a local grocer, Katie stumbles upon a rare breed of dogs raised by the town doctor and his nephew Kyle. The only problem? Kyle isn’t interested in telling stories—especially not to a big-city girl who can’t seem to sit still. In an attempt to win him over as the clock winds down, Katie finds herself immersed in Kyle’s world, doing everything but writing.When inspiration finally strikes, Katie is faced with an unforeseen catastrophe and a truth she can no longer ignore. While she has come to love the dogs, the real story may be about Kyle Walker.

Bad Boys Boxed Set: 3 Books


Addison Moore - 2017
     From the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Addison Moore… Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!" The following three novels are included: *Naughty by Nature A STEAMY romantic comedy! One look from Jax Stade promises to land even the nicest girl onto the naughty list. Jax and I used to be best friends right up until he broke my heart. Everyone knows that both Jax and his overinflated ego are well beyond naughty—that face, those eyes, don’t get me started on that body made of steel. Every last part of me is bent on revenge. I’ll make sure payback is hell for Jax. I just hope I don’t end up getting my heart crushed by him twice in one lifetime. *Wild Kisses (A 3:AM Kisses novel) Romantic Comedy *All 3:AM Kisses books can be read as standalone novels! Piper thinks Owen Vincent is a tool. Once they finish up with their internship, she never wants to see him again. Piper James’ first year at Whitney Briggs is starting off great, new friends, a potential sorority, and plenty of guys to choose from. Once she secures a spot in Alpha Chi, she’ll have the greatest freshman year on record. But it just takes one look at the Alpha Chi “hit list” of things she needs to do to get in and she know there’s trouble—and trouble’s name is Owen Vincent. *The Solitude of Passion (A Second Chance Romance) A heart wrenching standalone contemporary romance. I loved Mitch with all my heart and then he was gone. It was his enemy, Max Shepherd, who helped me walk through that fire. And when the time came to move on, I married him as well. That's usually where the story ends, where life continues at its own unsteady pace. But Mitch came back seemingly from the dead. He's seen what I've done and who I've done it with. And now I have a choice to make--only I can't seem to make it and life continues at its own unsteady pace. I had wished Mitch were alive again--and now I have one too many husbands and an impossibility to contend with. It will all work out in the end, as soon as I figure out how to slice my beating heart in two.

Kat & Maus


Brad Chisholm - 2018
    He becomes obsessed with proving his wife Kat's loyalty after discovering a hidden cache of journals and intimate photos which document a sexual appetite she has never shared with him, even though they have been married for ten years.Mark broods over Kat's journals – until fate provides a way for him to test Kat's loyalty.It's brilliant – as long as Kat never finds out.

Pulling Home


Mary Campisi - 2012
    It is also the prequel to Mary’s bestselling family saga, A Family Affair: The Promise, Truth in Lies, Book Seven. She'll risk anything to save her child...even the truth. It's taken nine years and a cross-country move, but Audra Valentine Wheyton has kept her secrets safe. She's created the perfect life: a husband who loves her, a daughter she adores, and a position as head writer for an award-winning daytime soap. When her husband dies suddenly, Audra returns to her hometown for the funeral and faces a community that has not forgotten her meager beginnings and the man who has never forgiven her for marrying his brother. Jack Wheyton is a successful pediatric neurosurgeon who is about to become engaged when Audra walks back into his life with her daughter. He forgave his brother long ago for taking something that had been his, something he hadn't even realized he wanted until it was gone. But forgiving Audra is another story...and forgetting her? Near impossible. When a shattering illness strikes Audra's daughter, she turns to Jack to save her child and risks exposing a secret that will change their lives forever. BONUS MATERIAL: Included in this book is 2 Chapters from The Way They Were: That Second Chance, Book 2

Sutton Capital Series Boxed Set #1-3


Lori Ryan - 2014
    She's dated so many great guys over the years, but hasn't fallen in love once. Not with any of them. It just isn't in the cards for her. So, when she approaches powerful, sexy Jack Sutton and proposes a temporary marriage-of-convenience, she's not one bit concerned that her heart will be on the line.Jack Sutton is used to having control over things, having things go his way. Things in his life aren't supposed to spin out of control. But Kelly Bradley flips his world upside-down and has him wanting more than he'd ever thought he would have. And, just when he realizes he wants a real marriage with Kelly, Jack finds himself racing to save the woman he loves.Before Jack and Kelly know it, not only are their hearts on the line, but Kelly's life is, too.Penalty Clause Andrew Weston and Jill Walsh had to be the two most unlikely people to fall in love. When Jill's first husband's love for her simply fizzled and died, Jill knew she'd never trust that love could last again. After Andrew's first love betrayed him in the most brutal way possible, he knew he might fall in love again someday, but there was no way he'd ever make himself vulnerable again by confessing those feelings if he did.Fate had a different ending in mind for these two, though, and when Andrew discovers his love for Jill, he knows the only way to get her to stay with him forever is to offer her an iron clad penalty clause in a prenuptial agreement. He stays with her forever or he loses everything he owns. The millions he's worked for, his property, his cars, everything. Now he just needs to hope that's enough to hold onto Jill forever.The Baker's BodyguardJesse Bradley never thought she'd need help going out into the world. But, after her sister was kidnapped, she began to have trouble going anyplace alone. An anxiety attack would start if a stranger asked her what time it was. Before she knew it, she as making up excuses to stay inside. Where things were safe.Zach Harris was going to change all that. The steamy, sexy bodyguard got her into counseling to help her overcome her fears. He went with her everywhere helping her learn to feel safe again.Jesse and Zach both feel the insane chemistry sparking between them. But will there be more than just chemistry for these two? Negotiation TacticsJennie and chad face love, adventure, and a lot more danger than they bargained for in this heart wrenching story of second chances. Jennie Evans' heart broke when she lost her high school sweetheart and husband just after college graduation and she has no interest in trying to heal it. She's built a good life with friends she loves and a job she can finally feel proud of. Chad Thompson couldn't be more different than Jennie. He wants love. He wants the whole deal: marriage, children, and forever with the woman he loves. It's just too bad that the woman he loves can't give her heart to him. When Jennie and Chad's friends scheme to bring them together, she lands in trouble and turns to the only man who's ever made her forget her husband, the one man she wants to avoid. Chad knows he can keep Jennie safe, but can he protect his heart in the process?

The Tick-tock Between You and Me (Canterbury Romance #1)


Kristy Tate - 2018
     Darby Elliott thinks she’s in love with her long-distance boyfriend until he arrives on her doorstep. Now, she’s not so sure about him or how to get her car and money back. Which is embarrassing, because she’s a hot-shot accountant and money isn’t supposed to slip through her fingers... or into her boyfriend’s wallet. Chad George and his girlfriend, Jessica have been together since they were kids. The trouble is, Jessica thinks Chad should convert his grandfather’s dying horse ranch into a cosmetic surgery recovery spa, and Chad thinks his grandfather should maintain the ranch as he wishes. When Chad’s grandfather hires Darby, she discovers the ranch is full of untapped potential and hidden treasures including a clock that only seems to tick when she and Chad are together. Does the clock have a hidden message? Can Darby and Chad save the ranch before time runs out? USA Today bestselling author Kristy Tate returns with another clean and wholesome romance that will be sure to warm the hearts of Hallmark movie fans. If you like sweet romances with a touch of magical realism, be sure and pick up your copy of The Tick-tock Between You and Me today. You'll never look at your clock the same way again.

First Ink


Amy L. Gale - 2017
    He avoids relationships lasting more than a few hours and sets his sights on breaking out of this college town and opening a shop in Miami. Hailey Matthews is ready to leave her college days behind her except for one last hoorah, getting matching tattoos with her sorority sisters by the best artists in the Tri-state area at Steele Ink. After passing out twice a few minutes into the tattoo, Vic Steele refuses to touch her skin again, at least not with the tattoo gun. When she shows up at his shop day after day demanding he finish the tattoo he finally agrees with one stipulation, she goes out to dinner with him. They both get more than they bargained for when their feelings take them by surprise and Hailey finds herself in the midst of the full Vic Steele experience, but Vic’s playboy status comes back to haunt him threating to ruin it all. Will Hayley’s first ink be her last or will Vic leave a permanent scar?

Given to Fly


K.L. Montgomery - 2017
    That's what her family and church have been telling her since she was a little girl. But when her marriage turns rocky, and she struggles with her weight and infertility, she fears the childhood dream thrust upon her will never come true.Then she meets Trek Blue, the father of a little girl in her preschool class. After losing his wife to cancer, he's moved to Indiana with his two young children to seek a fresh start. In need of a friend, Trek is immediately drawn to Annelise, who begins to think of him as a confidant and bright spot in her otherwise dreary life.But when the two grow close enough to raise eyebrows, she is forced to make a choice. Will Annelise honor her faith, family, and wedding vows? Or will she spread her wings and fly away?

Cruz Control


Susan Mills Wilson - 2017
    Alana’s abusive husband is Detective Mike Cruz of the Raleigh PD, a cop who knows how to hunt his prey. If she is to get free and stay alive, Alana’s escape plan must leave nothing to chance. Throughout the supercharged, suspenseful story, Alana must stay one step ahead of her husband before he realizes her disappearance was staged. To her horror, she learns the bikers she has agreed to go south with are members of a dangerous biker gang. She quickly realizes her decision to ride with them is as bad as staying with an abuser. Alana is forced to accept a ride with a mysterious biker named Fin. Ruggedly handsome and capable of random acts of kindness, Fin is still just another badass biker. But despite her inner voice telling her to keep her distance, Alana is drawn to him. However, she wonders if he is someone she can trust or will he betray her and put her life in more danger.

Chasing Bullets


Suzanne Cass - 2022
    Then she ran away from him in the ultimate act of betrayal. Two years later, Tara Hunter’s easy life in Byron Bay is turned upside down when David Cooper, her ex-police partner, appears and their chequered past comes back to haunt her. Coop is in town on an undercover mission to prevent a possible terrorist plot. While he’s recovered physically from the bullet wound, mentally he’s still scarred by her act of deceit. Reluctantly, Tara is drawn into Coop’s operation to track down a group of extremists hiding in the jungle wilderness, where she soon finds the illicit desire they shared two years ago is back, stronger than ever. But will she be able to find the courage to tell him she loves him and save him from the brutal terrorist gang? Suzanne Cass writes a thrilling romantic suspense in this game of hide and seek, full of passionate romance and heart stopping choices. Pick up a copy of Chasing Bullets today and get lost in this world of romance and deception.