Book picks similar to
Absolution (Protect and Serve Book 1) by Reana Malori
interracial
single-parent
alpha-male
widow-widower
Fire and Rain
Tiana Laveen - 2020
Readers be advised.Aries ‘Flame’ Creed is not the kind of man you want to cross. He’s rough around the edges, revenge-seeking, shrewd and nobody’s pushover. After living through a checkered past and a nasty divorce, single fatherhood and a successful motorcycle sales and repair shop in Atlanta, GA keep him on his toes.Things are finally looking up until, one day, he learns his wealthy, estranged father has passed away and left him his entire estate. One such asset is a historic building in a prime part of town.Lauren McKinley loves vintage cars, healing crystals, strong coffee, and dirty books. She owns the ‘Kindred Spirits,’ bookstore in Atlanta, her pride and joy for years. Widowed and definitely not looking, she’s convinced herself that she’s content, and doing her best to look on the bright side of life. That is, until her business is jeopardized by a devil with haunting amber eyes, more ink on his body than on a world map, and a seasoned professional in the art of intimidation.All hell breaks loose, perhaps for reasons that neither fully acknowledge until their backs are up against the bookshelf walls. Chemistry ignites, and Aries and Lauren turn from enemies to friends, and then lovers…This is a tale of broken hearts, awakenings, and two searing souls coming together and healing as one.Can Aries sort through his pain and anger at the world to give love another try? Can Lauren admit some harsh truths and trust her own heart this second time around?
Sweet Child Of Mine
Billy London - 2013
As a widowed father to a daughter he doesn't recognise, he really has no time for his mother's interference with his love life. She and her church friend can stop handing out photos of him to the single ladies of the congregation and let him try to be the paternal and maternal figure his daughter so desperately needs. Abigail Yeboah ignores most of what happens in her mother's church. She's focused on her budding business and she's certainly not interested in playing Evil Queen to Liam McNamara's brat. But when Abigail catches his daughter in an act of vandalism, she finally understands it's not only the child who needs her, but the man.
Cato's Heart: a Standalone Novella
Phoenix Daniels - 2019
How do you live when you know you're going to die? Rebecca King had a broken heart, literally. Congenital Heart Disease has given her less than a year to live. Hopefully, that'll be enough time to complete every task on her bucket list. However difficult, she finally comes to terms with her imminent demise. Then fate delivers an unexpected distraction. Due to a horrific accident that left his wife on life support, Nick Cato, narcotics investigator, is trapped behind a wall of loneliness and grief. However, he had no way of knowing that destiny would deliver a gift strong enough to quell the sadness. But will he allow guilt to keep him from embracing his happy ending?
Carwrecked
Francesca Penn - 2020
I’m trapped in between prison and truly being free. Figuratively, I may have escaped from my cell, but I’m still very much in the building. I’d gotten a glimmer of freedom, which lasted mere minutes until it came to a screeching halt. Now, I must climb out of the dregs of my former life and begin anew. But will the green-eyed stranger be able to help me, or will he become a distraction I do not need?Beau ScottThe life I’ve once lived had a tragic ending. Deep in my sorrow, I seek solitude in the one place that used to offer me peace. With the moon high, I witness a beautiful woman climbing out of the ocean like a seductive mermaid. Our connection is instant. My instinct fights with my logic, but I refuse to let her go. My new visitor is one big mystery on legs, but I can’t deny my desire to help her.Two people rising from the ashes of their first marriages learn how to love again.Warning: Mentions of abuse and Domestic Violence
The Marriage Bargain
Kayla Watkins - 2019
Especially not at the local charity center. The sole heir to his father’s company, Eugene Townsend is as arrogant as he is handsome. Born in a world of lavish privilege, this ruthless billionaire tycoon has always been indifferent to the suffering which exists in the real world. But his dying father has other plans: if Eugene wants to ever touch his inheritance money, he has to volunteer at a local charity. And find a wife. Kathryn Underwood’s world couldn’t be more different: single mother to an eight-year old son, she’s been volunteering at South Central for years. Having seen her fair share of hardships at the center, Kathryn takes an instant dislike to the conceited billionaire who walks in one day, demanding to mentor a child. To her surprise, Eugene starts to bond with her son. And in spite of everything, she slowly realizes that there’s a whole other side to the alluring billionaire. But sparks begin to fly between them, will Eugene and Kathryn ever manage to get past their wildly contrasting backgrounds and give love a chance? **** This is a standalone Novel with a touch of steam and HEA. ****
Imani and the Don
Raven Rivers - 2018
Defying the example of the crime-lord father who abandoned her, she’s walked a straight and narrow path. Now, however, her college debts are beyond her ability to pay, endangering the future she’s worked so hard to secure. Her only choice is to accept the startling offer from a handsome Italian stranger: he’ll pay off her debts and subsidize the rest of her college education if she’ll act as surrogate mother to his child. Don Carlo Lanza wants to expand his Bay Area territory into Oakland. Standing in his way is Eric Youngblood, who has consolidated all the Black gangs in the East Bay under his banner and has no intention of sharing power. When the Don learns about the daughter Youngblood still watches over -- and lays eyes on the beautiful, financially desperate Imani -- he instantly hatches a plan to tie their families together forever. Imani is shocked when the Don suggests going about things the old-fashioned way, but their formal arrangement quickly becomes a passionate affair. Unfortunately, Lanza has underestimated Youngblood’s ruthlessness … and his fury. When the crime lord learns that Imani is carrying his rival’s child, he sends his most brutal lieutenant to forcibly end his daughter’s pregnancy Can the lovers save their child -- and Imani’s life -- or will their future be cut tragically short? **** This is a standalone Novel with a touch of steam and HEA. ****
Warning, Slippery When Wet (Dangerously Curvy #2)
M'Renee Allen - 2018
She’s dangerously curvy. Will she bring light into his cold dark world? Or will his darkness consume her? Some say Garrett Chambers was born evil. Since, the day he took his first breath, he’s caused nothing but chaos, destruction and death. Some call him the Grim Reaper, because when you see him, death soon follows. Others call him a Butcher, because of his skills with the blade. One thing he’s never been called is a lying hypocrite from hell. Until he meets her. Oni Evans. The beautiful, curvy, smart mouth writer he kidnapped as a means of retaliation against someone he used to call a friend. It isn’t long before she turns his entire world upside down and has him rethinking all of his decisions. He doesn’t believe in nonsense like love and forgiveness. Yet, the more time he spends with her, the more he’s realizing that maybe those things aren’t so useless. Maybe he should believe in love. Maybe he should believe in forgiveness. Maybe he should believe in her. However, after all he’s done to her, can he convince her to believe in him?
A Night to Remember
Eve Vaughn - 2006
One thing leads to another and she seeks comfort in the arms of a stranger.Jake wanted Charlie the minute he saw her, but knows he must take things slow with this sexy damsel-in-distress. When his offer of help turns into one steamy night of passion, he knows he can never let her go. Too bad she's disappeared from his bed and out of his life the following morning..Three years pass, but Charlie is never far from Jake's mind, so it comes as a shock to him to discover that his new employee is none other than his dream woman. Charlie is equally shocked to find herself employed by Jake's company because now she has a secret.
My Funny Valentine
Blue Saffire - 2018
Ever heard of the chipped plate or the ugly duckling? I’ve been referenced to as both. It’s fine with me. I still have no problem going after what I want. I’ve built a multi-million-dollar company, soon to be worth billions. Yet, I still yearn for her, the one who has swept into my company to help me soar to greater heights. Talina Valentine, that’s her name, she’s as beautiful as her name implies. I never thought I had a shot with her. Not just because of my shortcomings and my damaged past. She’s had a boyfriend from the time I first set eyes on her. Now he’s gone. One taste will change everything. I like Chocolate, the blacker the berry the sweeter the juice. I’ve dated nothing but fine chocolate all my life. I thought Malcolm would be my husband with his fine self. Yet, somehow, my life has turned upside down and so has my view of it. My boss is not my type and I never would have thought to look his way, until one day…well, one day that happened to change. Sexy comes in all forms. When it comes to Nelson Fisher, sexy has taken on an all new meaning. It might be time to add a little cream to my coffee, even if the carton comes with a few dents. *This is a standalone Valentine’s Novella that will grow into the Hold On To Me series. This book does not end in a cliffhanger, but a HEA to be continued is implied.
Pieces of Me
Peyton Banks - 2018
She was Nina Hunt. Singer. Songwriter. Music Royalty--and she suffered from a broken heart.
Returning from her latest world tour, Nina became a recluse. The only way she knew how to get over her very public breakup with her movie star ex-boyfriend, was to put her pen to pad. Being a musical genius and star didn't mean she was without flaws. She had fame and fortune, but it all meant nothing if she couldn't find someone to love her despite her many imperfections.Sid McFarland took one look at the woman in his office and knew he was in trouble. Her bronze skin, perfect smile, and sexy curves caused a stirring in his chest that he knew he would be unable to pursue. She was his client. She needed help, but the more time they spent together, the more he knew she should be his.The intense passion between Sid and Nina should be illegal. Their steam filled passion was something that songwriters dreamt about writing. They are from two different worlds, and there are those who want to do nothing but remind them of how different they are. Will their love be enough to keep the world from tearing them apart?Pieces of Me is a sexy and steamy interracial romance novel that will have readers becoming addicted to the writings of Peyton Banks.
Vasily's Revenge
Latrivia Welch - 2014
As a Russian Mafia hit man, his entire purpose has been to protect his bosses and their families without prejudice. However, even the bravest hit man has loved at least once. To Vasily’s detriment, it was his former boss, Leo Rasputin’s wife, Lilly. After sticking his neck out once in the name of love to protect her, he was nearly killed and then discarded by the very man who had sworn allegiance. Given a second and better chance with Dmitry Medlov and his men, Vasily focused on climbing the ranks and becoming lauded by his brethren. Now the head of security for the Czar of the Underworld, a feared and revered faction of the Vory v Zakone, he put all ideas of love aside and follows the code of the Thieves-in-Law. That is until Leo breaks out of Attica and tries to hunt down Lilly in an attempt to take her life. Secret pacts between men and women come unbound as the race against time for $20 million in diamonds, unveils the truth for Vasily. He might not only carry the title of enforcer but also the title of father of Lilly’s eight year old son. Hiding them under the guard of the Medlov family, he must find the diamonds, find the men responsible for the set up and finally find out the truth. Read the first book in the new series about the most famous fiction Russian Mafia family in books, The Medlov Men, by national bestselling author Latrivia S. Nelson.
Big Daddy Sinatra: There Was a Ruthless Man
Mallory Monroe - 2014
But instead of despising it, he embraces it. Instead of correcting misconceptions, he is a man who don’t give a damn. Until he meets a gorgeous African American woman he can’t get out of his mind… Jenay Franklin has had her share of setbacks in her life. Now she is a thirty-two year old woman just beginning her career in hotel management. When she is given an offer she can’t refuse from the very attractive and very powerful Charles Sinatra, she leaps at the chance to run one of his businesses, and eventually his heart. But in a town that does not accept change well, and with a man who is as ruthless as he is loving, Jenay realizes that love and happiness in Jericho will come at a price. Charles, too, decides to give love another try with Jenay. But at what cost to himself, to his town, and to his four grown sons, all of whom have issues of their own?
A Chance At Love
Ava Thorn - 2014
On a stormy night he save Bailey Henderson after her car runs off the road. The first thing Austin notice about Bailey when he saved her that A) She is very pregnant and B) Bailey has a eerie resemblance to his dead wife. Bailey is so confused and lonely her life hasn't exactly panned out the way she wanted. Pregnant and all alone, she doesn't have the resources to keep her baby. Her parents practically disown her and the baby father wants nothing to do with her or the baby. Giving her baby up seem like the only option until Lucas present an solution to all of Bailey's problems.
Winter's Icy Heart
Shea Swain - 2018
She found the love of her life and lost him. Yet, even when she felt nothing romantic for the friend who helped her through hard times, a sense of obligation pressed her to give him a chance. Winter didn’t expect her ‘friend turned lover’ might just be the death of her. When Cord Kesso decided to step in and rescue Winter and her daughter from what looked like a bad situation during a snow storm, he felt an instant attraction to the pixie of a woman. Offering her a place to wait out the storm through the holidays was the gentlemanly thing to do. If they made a connection, even better. When Cord saw something he wanted, he went all in. Fighting Winter’s doubts was one thing. Fighting for their lives…a whole other thing entirely. all books are loosely connected and can read as standalone. For adults 18 and over. Strong Language, Explicit Sex, and Violence.
Reparation: Le Duc
Shara Azod - 2019
Okay, no man was ever going to control what she did, not ever again. Okay, no man was going to control her outside the bedroom. Not ever. The problem with Le Duc was the man just didn't listen. He was Dominique Nadir Amir Afshar de Choiseul, or duc de Choiseul. He didn’t just run a criminal empire older than most countries, he was an actual duke. Not that it mattered. She wasn’t impressed. Duchess explained over and over again that she wasn't getting married. Period. End of discussion. Just as soon as he stopped talking. And looking so edibly delicious. Maybe just a little taste… Ex: “Sir, we’ve arrived.” Nadir blinked. Damn, he hadn’t even noticed the vehicle had crawled to a stop. Right next to the object of his fascination. Not waiting for the driver to come around to open his door, he slid across the seat to exit closest to the tree. As soon as he was out of the car, he went straight for it, scanning the ground around the base, then the lower branches with no idea what he was looking for. Until he found it. Those were definitely rope burns on those bare, lower branches. Damn. “It’s a hanging tree.” Encountering a child was the last thing Nadir had expected, though he hadn’t really been sure what to expect. Not knowing what to say to the little person who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, he said nothing as she continued. “Some say the ghosts of the poor fools hung on that tree haunt it, tied to its roots for eternity.” Wait, this little person couldn’t be more than five maybe. Should she know how to talk like that? “My daddy died on that tree.” What? She just stood there, a riot of midnight colored curls falling all around her face and over her shoulders, looking up at him as if what she just said was perfectly normal. In fact, she looked pleased with her tiny fists resting on her hips. With her chin up, her back straight she continued to stare even when he didn't reply. What could he possibly say? Her expression didn’t change as she waited him out. Nor did she stop staring at him directly in the eye as if she was his equal. No, as if she were above him, as regal as a queen in her frilly little dress and bare dirty feet. With skin the color of toasted caramel, the imp had eyes that were almost amethyst with spikes of marine blue. Those eyes carried wisdom a little girl shouldn’t have. Who was she? “My mama ain’t gonna marry you.” Giving him a sweeping look from head to foot she shook her head as if she felt sorry for him. Sorry for him. No one felt sorry for him. “You might as well just turn around and go home.” “Angel Flower! What have I told you about using proper grammar?” Nadir had no idea where the voice of the grown woman admonishing the little girl was coming from. He couldn’t take his eyes off the fascinating child in front of him who was currently rolling her eyes. “Pardon me. My mother isn’t going to marry, so I am afraid your trip to my house is a big, fat bust!” To emphasize her point, she raised her little chin even higher while also raising a brow as well as any fifty-year-old man. Laughter bubbled up from somewhere deep inside Nadir’s gut. It started out rusty, like an old pipe suddenly flooded with a rush a water after laying dry for about a decade. Soon peals of pure, unadulterated mirth filled his body, echoing across the courtyard.