Book picks similar to
Playin’ Cop by Liz Kelly


romance
contemporary
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The Neanderthal Box Set


Penny Reid - 2014
     There are three things you need to know about Janie Morris: 1) She is incapable of engaging in a conversation without volunteering TMTI (Too Much Trivial Information), especially when she is unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her more than Quinn Sullivan, and 3) She doesn't know how to knit. After losing her boyfriend, apartment, and job in the same day, Janie Morris can't help wondering what new torment fate has in store. To her utter mortification, Quinn Sullivan- aka Sir McHotpants- witnesses it all then keeps turning up like a pair of shoes you lust after but can't afford. The last thing she expects is for Quinn- the focus of her slightly, albeit harmless, stalkerish tendencies- to make her an offer she can't refuse. NEANDERTHAL MARRIES HUMAN This book is not a standalone. It is the sequel to ‘Neanderthal Seeks Human,’ it is book #1.5 in the ‘Knitting in the City’ series, and it is a full length, 105k word novel. There are three things you should know about Quinn Sullivan: 1) He is madly in love with Janie Morris, 2) He’s not above playing dirty to get what (or who) he wants, and 3) He doesn’t know how to knit. After just five months of dating Janie, Quinn—former Wendell and unapologetic autocrat—is ready to propose marriage. In fact, he’s more than ready. If it were up to Quinn, he would efficiently propose, marry, and beget Janie with child all in the same day—thereby avoiding the drama and angst that accompanies the four stages of pre-matrimony: engagement, meeting the parents, bachelor/bachelorette party, and overblown, superfluous wedding day traditions. But Janie, much to Quinn’s dismay, tosses a wrench in his efficacious endeavors and challenges him to prove his devotion by going through the matrimonial motions, no matter how minute and mundane. Will Quinn last until the wedding day? Or will he yield to his tyrant impulses? Regardless, one thing is for certain, Quinn Sullivan will have to learn to expect the Spanish Inquisition (i.e. the unexpected) if he plans to have and keep Janie Morris as his wife.

Taken by Surprise


Valerie J. Clarizio - 2014
    Everyone is shocked when Clare Ulster leaves her rich and handsome fianc�, chucks her well-to-do Milwaukee city life, and moves into her grandparents' old homestead in the remote Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The quiet small town of Iron City is just what she needs to get her life in order and learn to stand on her own. No men needed! Her Ex-Fianc� Is Out to Make Her Life a Living Hell. Unfortunately, disaster follows her. Unable to let her go, her abusive, cheating ex- fianc� finds his way to the U.P. and sets out to make Clare's life more of a living hell then he'd done in the past. Additionally, Clare's alleged involvement with the Fire Chief, aka, town player, lands her in a world of trouble with his ring of female admirers, sending her on a dangerously chaotic adventure including murder and kidnapping. With Clare's life in danger, irresistible Police Chief Jack Ricco will do whatever it takes to keep their newest resident safe.Will Clare and Jack be able to survive the deceptively peaceful Iron City?

Valentine's Day Kisses : Boxed Set


Addison Moore - 2019
    Cozy up to these swoon worthy romances that are sure to give you all the warm fuzzies you’ll need to keep yourself heated on a cold winter’s night. This boxed set includes: Three romantic comedies filled with winter hijinks and lots of love. Happy reading! From New York Times Bestseller, Addison Moore Books included: Sugar Kisses (3:Am Kisses), Velvet Kisses (3:AM Kisses), Country Kisses (3:AM Kisses) Sugar Kisses (3:Am Kisses) Roxy and Cole have off the chart chemistry but as new roommates they just can't get along. There will either be a good time or a homicide on the horizon. Roxy is rooting for both. Roxy Capwell couldn’t be more miserable. She just had her heart stomped on by her cheating boyfriend, and the last thing she’s looking for is love. She hates men. Cole Brighton couldn’t be happier. He’s a player of the highest order, there’s not a girl at Whitney Briggs University that he can’t tag and bag. He loves the ladies. Roxy’s dream is to own and operate her own bakery one day, but with no oven in her dorm, and a lucrative baking competition on the horizon, she agrees to move in with her best friend’s brother, the obnoxious, womanizing, Cole Brighton. Between the heavenly scent of baked goods, and Roxy’s perfect body strutting around the apartment, Cole can’t think straight. So when Roxy’s ex starts sniffing around again, Cole volunteers to play the part of her new boy-toy and things get heated both in and out of the kitchen. Roxy discovers she might not hate every man on the planet, and Cole discovers nothing tastes better than Roxy and her late night SUGAR KISSES. Velvet Kisses (3:AM Kisses) Marley Jackson has an axe to grind with the entire male population. After having her heart brutally broken, she’s out to prove to herself, and the world, that a woman only needs one thing from a man—and it isn’t love. Wyatt James isn’t interested in anything that resembles a commitment. He’s self-made, secure, and happy to entertain a one-night stand any day of the week—enter Marley. Marley quickly dispels the idea that she’s anybody’s one-night stand. What Marley has in store for Wyatt is far more complex and requires a binding contract to back it. Marley and Wyatt aren’t in it for love. Marley is looking to glean some expertise in the bedroom. Wyatt is looking to find some solace after a string of nameless faces that have rocked his bed. But when feelings change, and that four-letter word takes ahold of both their hearts, they’re left to face the fact they might be in deeper than either of them thought possible. Country Kisses (3:AM Kisses) I fell hard for Cade the moment I met up with those bedroom eyes of his, but it's not my heart I'm interested in gifting him. Cade James is my best friend's brother, well-bred and well bed. To him I'm just another plaything, but I can't blame him for that. I'm not much to look at, and there's not a man on the planet that would be willing to make me his own. But Cade is pulling me deeper, asking questions, wanting to know what makes me tick--wanting to know who gave me the scar that takes up the landscape over half my face. Cade wants far more than what I'm willing to give him. If I let him in, let him into the most sacred chamber of my heart, I might end up with a wound far greater than the one that left that scar.

We Are All Found Things


Molly O'Keefe - 2016
     Rennie's trying to forget her past; her mysterious new tenant is trying to keep his past a secret. But when Rennie finds out the truth about Luka she discovers as much about herself as she does her innocent lover.

Don't Tell a Duke You Love Him


Tammy Andresen - 2019
    At least that is what Lady Lily Ducat's mother continually said. As far as Lily could tell, she was correct. His Grace had a devilish air about him and a brooding silence that no debutante should attempt to tame and certainly not grow an affection for. He was too much man and beyond redemption. Except once they are tossed together after a winter storm, she is dangerously close to declaring her love, because in the dark of night, he was all Lily could see.Maximillian Masters learned long ago to stay far away from dewy eyed maidens. He was too cynical, too experienced, and much too adverse to marriage for such a lady. Which is why he must never see the lovely Lily again, no matter what some ridiculous gypsy predicted. Except, when he is stranded and at the mercy of winter, Lily is there, and the more he sees her, the harder it is to deny temptation.

Declan


Caitlyn O'Leary - 2016
    I keep the people around me safe, And sometimes I rain vengeance on my enemies. It's who I am, and what I do. As a former Army Ranger, I get the job done. After an unforgivable betrayal by one of my own, I created the Shadow Alliance. We handle the dark and dangerous work, Jobs that governments won't. And now, the sexy, smart, and feisty Allison Davies needs my help. As an FBI Agent, enlisting my help could cost her job. But, I'm her only hope. There's only one problem. Our mutual desire just might get in the way. One misstep and we become the hunted. A price I just might be willing to pay.

Big Love in Small Places


Theresa Paolo - 2021
    Both recovering from shocking revelations, they unintentionally lean on each other. But as their attraction builds and their undeniable chemistry explodes into passion, a secret threatens their happily ever after.Final stop: Red Maple FallsMad About Matt: When city girl Shay moves to picturesque Red Maple Falls, she opens her own bakery--and reunites with her ex, Matt, the handsome local sheriff. A passionate and engaging small-town romance!Travelers Guide:Willow Cove: BEST LOBSTER IN THE STATE! Check out the locals and their freshest seafood. Don't forget to stop by The Local Bean for that cuppa and catch up on all the town gossip!Morgan's Bay: Are you ready for some New York fun? Get away from the city and visit the cutest book store and eat the BEST BURGERS around! Don't forget to say hi to the very cute bartender.Red Maple Falls: Visit the Happy Apple for a slice of our famous pie! Enjoy a cruise down main street on one of our custom bikes at the Chain and Spoke. Don't forget to say hi to one of the MANY hot Hayes' siblings.

Carter


Adrienne Bell - 2015
     Ally Weaver is used to following the story, but she’s never had a lead blow up on her before…literally. Now one of her confidential sources has been murdered, and she’s determined to find out why. But Ally can’t risk drawing anyone else into this violent mess…no matter how skilled--or gorgeous--he may be. But a girl can’t always get what she wants. And when the pair find themselves thrust into the crosshairs of a corrupt politician who would do anything to stay in power, they must work together to expose a deadly conspiracy before they become the next victims. But while both Ally and Carter are willing to put their lives on the line to discover the truth, neither is prepared for the danger the other poses to their heart. *** Part romantic comedy, part thriller, and filled with plenty of intrigue, CARTER is the first novel in the Sinner Saints contemporary romance series. ***

Vice


Jayne Blue - 2016
    That’s what everyone thinks of me. Only I know it’s a lie. They took my gun, my badge, my soul. I have one last shot to earn it back. My job? Go deep undercover to bring down a ruthless drug lord. It should have been easy. Until I met his niece, Devin. I crave her just like the drug her uncle’s trying to push. Pure and simple. She brings out every protective instinct I have. All the wicked ones too. Except acting on them could blow this investigation and ruin my chance to clear my name. And it might get us both killed. He’s the hero she never knew she needed. Devin - When Jase walked into my bar, he turned everything upside down. He made me feel things I can’t want. I have to walk away. Because, I know he’s a liar just like all the others. He’ll tell me he loves me then disappear. Plus, I know he’s hiding something. But, his smoldering touch and perfect kisses are almost enough to drive my doubts away. Almost. The truth will either save them both, or burn them to the ground. Author’s Note: Each book in the Tortured Heroes series is a full length, standalone novel. They can be read in any order and DO NOT contain cliffhangers. They DO contain dark themes and elements.

Ty and Eden: A Red Team Wedding Novella


Elaine Levine - 2015
    He convinces Eden Miller to pin down their wedding plans and set a date, pronto! And family drama’s the hot sauce…When a woman from Cord’s past makes a startling accusation, the team discovers an unexpected new clue in the mystery they’re unraveling. Eden’s mom, stepdad, dad, and stepmom, out for the nuptials, worry their daughter has fallen into the grasp of an insidious crime lord—a concern that Ty can’t, in all honesty, put to rest.

Brides of Holland Springs Book Bundle


Marquita Valentine - 2014
    She’ll take a page right out of her favorite historical romance novel—with her own unique spin—and marry a man of her choosing before the public gets wind of how much money she actually inherited from her grandparents. And who fits the bill better than the sexy and charming American businessman, Noah Sawyer?After selling his share of the successful tech company, Noah Sawyer lost everything when an unscrupulous real estate lawyer stole the money he intended to use to purchase a huge swath of land worth millions. So, when a chance meeting with a hot brunette at a friend’s wedding turns into a mutually beneficial business arrangement, Noah jumps at the chance to salvage his business.However, the sexy land developer has no intention of his marriage to Kate being in name only…The Temporary BrideHaven Crawford needs a husband—but only temporarily—in order to keep her grandparents’ inn in the family. But, the last person she’d ask to help is her childhood enemy, Heath Ambrose. Unfortunately, he’s the only one she can trust to keep his promise to divorce her and not take the inn when he leaves.Star catcher, Heath Ambrose needs relief from his meddling mother and the jet-set lifestyle that accompanies his sudden rise to fame as the face of the newest national baseball team, the Greenville Pirates. As the last single Ambrose sibling, his mother is determined to marry Heath off, but he’s not ready to settle down. Especially not after watching the woman he loved run off to Scotland with another man. So when Haven proposes, Heath jumps at the chance for some peace in his life.Only a temporary marriage to Haven is anything but peaceful—not to mention that they can’t keep their hands off one another. But, when the will’s conditions have been fulfilled and baseball season starts up again, will Heath and Haven be able to say goodbye when hate turns to love?Or can temporary turn into forever?The Scottish BrideTired of waiting for her older brother’s best friend to come to his senses, Cadence Romanov travels to New York City in order to bring Maddox home. But seeing him again opens raw wounds of abandonment. Refusing to be easily led by him again, she runs away to Holland Springs, but not before leaving him a note as to where she’s going. This time, it’s all up to him to win her back.After one reckless night ends in tragedy, Scottish rugby player Maddox Stewart turned his back on his former life, leaving everything behind, including Cadence… until she tracks him down and demands answers. As soon as Maddox sees her, he knows nothing has changed between them and there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to have her again. Forced to confront his demons, Maddox must find a way to forgive himself and win back his wife.

Boston Billionaire


Melissa Belle - 2017
    We argue, we fight, and we have absolutely nothing in common.So why is my body constantly on fire whenever he’s around? It just proves that London Shaw is dangerous, and I need to stay far away from him.Except he’s my next-door neighbor.This is our story. Our flawed yet perfect rendezvous. Our nuclear attraction. Our one-in-a-billion connection.* Boston Billionaire is the first book of a Duet. The story continues in Boston Love.

Smart Jocks: Books 1 & 2


Rebecca Jenshak - 2021
    these are the things I knew about him. What I didn't know is that he is a seriously smart jock.WesWhat's the best way to get rid of the peppy and unrelenting girl that keeps asking me to tutor her? If I knew, I wouldn't be staring at her tan legs and attempting to teach her statistics.Sorority girl, fine as f**k, determined, ball buster... these are the things I knew about her. What I didn't know is that she is all the things I didn't realize I wanted or needed.Or that one semester with her would change everything.Book 2 - The FadeawayHe thinks we're playing the longest game of hard-to-get ever. We're not.JoelThe hottest girl on campus won't go out with me. I know, I know, that sounds presumptuous, but this girl... this girl has gotten under my skin, and I can't seem to walk away.Every Thursday, I show up at the café where she works. She's fed me every excuse in the book. I should give up and bang one of the many girls blowing up my phone. I'm not.Even when she says no, Thursday is my favorite day of the week.KatrinaThe hottest guy on campus won't stop asking me out. I know that sounds like a good problem to have, but this guy... this guy has no idea how complicated my life is trying to juggle being a single mom and college student.Every Thursday, he shows up at the café where I work. His cheesy pickup lines and arrogance should have me completely annoyed. I'm not.I can't say yes, but Thursday is my favorite day of the week.

Finding His Cheer


Claire Wilder - 2022
    Until love came knocking on my door.HEATHAfter losing my wife, the only thing I wanted to do was raise my eight-year-old daughter and get through the day in one piece. Then my neighbor Morgan appeared on my doorstep with a favor to ask. My sexy, sweet, lovely neighbor. Suddenly I'm shocked to find the haze in my brain lifting. Feelings I thought were long gone aren't just reawakening--they're burning like a yule log.MORGANMy life is a mess. Since my divorce, I've been scrambling to stay in Jewel Lakes--and to keep the lights on with my fledgling (read: failing) pottery business. The last thing I need is to catch feelings for the gorgeous widower next door. But there's something about his sad eyes and warm heart that has me melting.Heath and Morgan are both hurting. Could cozying up over the holidays be the thing that heals them both?Finding His Cheer is a standalone companion story to the Jewel Lakes Series. All Jewel Lakes books feature strong men, relatable women, and a guaranteed HEA.

Honor


Melissa Ellen - 2020
    Taking a job on the opposite side of the country to escape the life he'd been born into was for the best. It also meant giving up the only woman he ever loved. He never expected to see Lena Moretti again, the daughter of the most feared mafia boss in New York. But after a near death experience on the job, he realizes life is too short to not be with the one you love...even if she's promised to another. From the author of the Blackwood Series, a new romantic suspense spin-off.