Book picks similar to
Jude's Sweet Fire by Jessica McBrayer
romance
sports
contemporary
ebook
Alaskan Dawn
Edie Claire - 2015
So when her twin sister Micah needs a surrogate mother, Haley willingly volunteers. Like most feats the capable workaholic attempts, her pregnancy goes perfectly... until the results of prenatal testing threaten to tear Micah’s marriage apart.Pregnant, overworked, and driven to the end of her rope by the neediness of the sister and widowed mother who depend on her, Haley seeks refuge with a week’s vacation on the Alaskan coast. As she soaks up the serenity of the unexpectedly vast and beautiful wilderness, Haley finds something else she doesn’t expect -- deep feelings for the wildlife-loving boat captain who reminds her how to laugh.With her unborn niece or nephew on the way and thousands of miles of ocean between their lives and careers, Haley and Ben settle for a friendship. But back home in California, the emptiness in her heart refuses to heal, and when her pregnancy takes a frightening turn Haley must examine what really matters -- and rediscover the childhood dream she never realized she had lost.
The Brick Wall
Stephanie Julian - 2016
His slump couldn't happen at the worst time. He needs to get his head in the game, not find a woman to screw with it. Until he meets Bliss Vescovi. She's the perfect distraction--hot as hell in bed and smart enough out of it to realize their affair will end with the season. Bliss isn't looking for a commitment, especially not from an intense, driven man used to control. Her ex's need for control had nearly made her his emotional slave and she's sworn she'll never give another man that kind of hold over her again. But a one-night stand with a hot hockey player who won't be around forever? Totally doable. Until Shane's off-beat humor and killer smile get around the guard on her heart. And Bliss's open warmth makes him believe the game might not be everything there is in life. When Shane gets called up to the NHL, Bliss believes she's found the perfect way to break up. But Shane's nickname isn't Brick Wall for nothing. He won't go down without a fight because he knows, no matter where he is, Bliss belongs at his side.
Taming a Texas Bad Boy
Katie Lane - 2019
. . where bad is, oh, so good. Six men return to the boys' ranch they spent one summer at as troubled teens. They're all searching for different things: peace, family, forgiveness, redemption, hope, and faith. It will take the love of strong Texas women to heal these wounded hearts and make these bad, bad boys realize they're good, good men. He’s a wild Texas whirlwind, trying to outrun his painful past. She’s a sweet Lone Star cowgirl, with deep down-home roots. Life in the fast lane is how bad boy Cru Cassidy escapes the aching memories of his childhood. Fast cars and fast women—not necessarily in that order—keep the sexy cowboy from caring or thinking too much. When a road trip has him passing through Simple, Texas, where he spent one summer on a boys’ ranch for troubled teens, he can’t help stopping in to see the two old cowboys who run it. When he sees the bad shape the cowboys and the Double Diamond Ranch are in, Cru knows he has to stay and help . . . and his job is made more enjoyable by the beautiful daughter of a neighboring rancher. He hopes to score a ride with the feisty redhead, but Penny is harder to catch than an unbroken filly. And when he discovers the soft heart under the womanly body, he soon starts to worry that he’ll be the one getting broken and tamed. Penny Gardener has loved Cru almost as long as she’s loved the Texas ranch she calls home. Unfortunately, when they first met, she was an awkward thirteen-year-old—which explains why Cru fell for her pretty older sister instead of her. Since her family’s happiness has always been Penny’s priority, she tries to push her feelings aside. But when Cru returns and sets his devilish green eyes on her, she struggles to remember that he was her sister’s first love. Discovering his heartbreaking past will finally have her giving into her feelings and putting her own happiness first for a change. But will her love be enough to rope and heart-tie her bad boy? Or will he slip through her fingers like the elusive Texas wind?
Breaking Free
Juliana Haygert - 2013
To others, her family and her relationship with Eric is perfect. But she knows the truth. She lives it.After a fire takes her grandma's life and kills her horse, Hannah's immaculate life spirals out of control. Her father disapproves of her decision to run her grandma’s ranch instead of focusing solely on learning the family business; Animal Control brings her Argus, a mistreated horse that she can't turn away even though she's not ready for another horse; and her boyfriend, Eric Bennett, a world famous polo player, becomes possessive and authoritarian. Despite her best efforts to disguise it, Hannah grows wary of him.Then, Leonardo Fernandes struts onto the polo scene. A cocky rookie with a messy life of his own, he’s drawn to Hannah and isn’t afraid of showing it, even when Eric makes it clear she is his and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Hannah suffers for Eric’s jealousy. The abuse only gets worse when Leo steals the title of best polo player in the world from Eric.But the title isn’t enough for Leo. He wants Hannah too, and she can’t deny her attraction to him either. Somehow, she must find a way to break free from abusive Eric before he breaks every bone in her body.Author's note: this book contains scenes of domestic violence, mentions of animal cruelty, strong language, sex scenes (no rape!), and a HEA.The Breaking Series:Breaking Free (Book 1)Breaking Away (Book 2)Breaking Through (Book 3)Breaking Down (Book 4)*All books are standalone and can be read out of order.
Mann Cakes
Mysti Parker - 2017
Two sisters. One sweet & sexy rivalry.
Twin brothers and Air Force vets, Tanner and Garrett Mann, return from deployment to find their thriving business burned to the ground. Time for Plan B: Move back to their hometown of Beach Pointe to start over.But that means running into Paige and Morgan Baxter - gorgeous, curvy, and owners of Two Sisters Cupcakes.There’s an old diner for sale across town, Garrett’s a great cook, and Tanner has an idea. They’ll make savory cupcakes that men would like. We’re talking bacon and Cheez Whiz. Even better? They'll call it Mann Cakes. Problem is, they end up attracting an unexpected crowd.Paige is furious. Every man in her life has left her behind, including Tanner. She’s sacrificed everything for her shop. She won’t lose it over some egotistical ex-boyfriend, even if he does have an Air Force-chiseled body. Her younger sister, Morgan, isn’t helping matters. She’s been gaga over Garrett since high school.To hell with that. If it’s a fight Tanner wants, it’s a fight he’ll get. But how much is Paige willing to risk to win a cupcake war?
Zero Pucks Given
Jessa York - 2021
But neither of them expects that to include wedding vows...BeauBeing captain of my team has always been a dream of mine since I first stepped out on the ice.When Gigi slams into my life, everything I’ve known is shaken.I’ve never been in a fake relationship before—especially with someone who hates me.But if it means finally reaching my goal, I’ll do just about anything. That is, if I can keep my eyes—and my hands—off her.GigiI’ve dreamed of marrying Beau Moreau—superstar hockey forward—for as long as I can remember.Now I dream about punching him right in the junk.After he ticks me off and breaks my heart—all while ogling my chest—my girlhood crush on this older man is officially over.I think.
Las Vegas Sidewinders Vol. 1
Kat Mizera - 2017
with the Las Vegas Sidewinders? This box set includes books 1-3 of the Las Vegas Sidewinders series, as well as book 1.5 (Cody's Christmas Surprise, a holiday novella).
Dominic
Dom Gianni takes a lot of punishment in the hockey rink, but when he sees Molly McCarran getting beaten up by her husband, he’s ready to throw down his gloves and fight for her. But Molly isn’t about to trust another man—and Dom is already skating on thin ice with his NHL-mandated probation. Besides, how could a hotshot player like Dom really care about a woman so much older than he?
Cody's Christmas Surprise
After seven years of an in-name-only marriage, Cody Armstrong is determined to show his wife Size he stuck around for more than the kid. But when someone from the past shows up on Christmas Eve, Cody's big surprise--as well as his marriage--may not make it through the holidays.
Drake
Drake Riser is a tough guy on the ice, but deep down he just wants to settle down. Major Erin Gentry has physical and emotional scars from an IED explosion. When they meet at a masquerade ball, Drake thinks Erin is exactly what he needs, but she thinks she’s too damaged to get involved with the gorgeous hockey hunk. Erin is trying to figure out what happened two years ago and put her demons to rest, while someone from her past is trying to destroy her. Drake is ready to do anything to give them a shot at love, but will they be able to put the pieces together in time to win the face-off--and the game?
Karl
Karl Martennson is 6’4” of Swedish hockey-playing deliciousness who wants something more than a different girl every night. Kate Lansing is a PR whiz with trust issues who has spent her whole life battling her weight. Their one-night-stand has the potential to be more, but Karl’s crazy ex-girlfriend is determined to stop them before they reach the goal. When Karl has to go home to Sweden for a family emergency, his ex makes her move. If Kate can't find a way to trust him, she might find herself permanently benched. This book contains sexual situations and strong language not suitable for younger audiences.
No More Bad Dates
Kate O'Keeffe - 2019
Together, they form the No More Bad Dates Pact: stop dating the wrong guys and start dating the right ones--weirdos and jerks need not apply.When Sophie's roommate Jason Christie--a.k.a. doctor-in-training and serial nurse-dater--joins the pact, he vows to weed out the bad ones for her. But with his rejection of every guy Sophie meets, she begins to wonder if he's got an ulterior motive. And anyway, why does she always have so much more fun with Jason than with the guys she's actually trying to date?While desperately seeking her "happy for now," could Sophie stumble into her "happily ever after?"No More Bad Dates is a fun, heart-warming enemies to lovers rom com for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Helen Fielding, Lindsey Kelk, and TV shows like Jane the Virgin. High Tea is a spin-off of Kate O'Keeffe's bestselling Cozy Cottage Café series. Escape to New Zealand in this fun, feel-good chick lit series!
Pretend to be Mine
C. Morgan - 2020
Nothing like pretending your life is together.We might have pretended a little too well.The crazy part? She’s not from the escort service that a buddy set me up with.She owns the service.And she’s pulling out all the stops. I’m not sure who’s more convinced about her affections, my ex or me.Needless to say, she’s willing to pretend to be mine.The only question is, can I keep her when it’s all over?I plan to work like hell to make that happen.
Hard Flip
Allyson Lindt - 2018
He needs to prove to his investors that he's not the bad boy billionaire they think he is. And nothing says responsible like marriage.t's the perfect proposal. If she poses as his fiancée, he'll make sure she and her sister are set financially.Mischa could be Ash's salvation… If he doesn't undo her first.One-click now to lose yourself in this sexy new adult sports romance with all the feels, from USA Today Bestselling Author Allyson Lindt.
Sweet Curse of Bali
Mya Grey - 2020
Alonzo's ego was crushed, totally crippled for the very first time--by a woman! "Do you even know who I am?" he said to her. Sure, he thought. She's a purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu...but I'm Alonzo, the only rightful heir of the Ortega family.A Spanish billionaire with more power than she can fathom. But he didn't tell her that. Camila doesn't give a damn about his gorgeous body or his self-absorbed attitude. And that drives him crazy. Now he's obsessed. Not to sleep with her. But to beat her on the mat and show her who the boss. But in the midst of his determination, they begin to form a friendship.Unlike any other woman Alonzo has encountered, Camila does not flirt with him. She pays for her own drinks and would rather teach yoga than party all night. She is blunt and speaks her mind. She is wild but level-headed, confident and strong.She is everything he is not. But everything he needs
Hooking
Kristine Allen - 2020
Hooking was my penalty. It’s never something I set out to do, but it happens. After all, it’s hockey.Hockey is life. Getting traded was a kick to the nuts, but at least I was still playing. It was all that mattered.Until Sydney.Our relationship was forbidden, but I didn’t care—I hadn’t run from a fight yet.I had her right where I wanted her, until everything crashed around me. My past came back to bite me in the ass and I was faced with getting kicked off the team. Now, I’m trying to pick up the goddamn pieces.I’m not going to choose between her or hockey. I want it all. Because despite everything, she’s the best thing I’ve ever hooked.
The Tao of Hockey
Melanie Ting - 2015
Now, five years later, he’s getting one last chance. If he can make the Vancouver Vice of the AHL, it could be the first step to making his hockey dreams come true. There are only two things standing in his way—the coach from hell and his own self-destructive ways.The one talent he hasn’t lost is his way with women. So he’s surprised to be turned down by a mysterious woman he meets in a bar. Eric finds himself pursuing her when he should be focusing on hockey. Yet he’s drawn to her confidence and independence, believing that might be the key to fixing his own on-ice issues.This is the first book in a series about the Vancouver Vice.
Something Real
Emma Ashe - 2019
Until finally…a match. Lissa Garcia, is everything he’s ever dreamed of: smart, funny, with a to-die-for curvy figure. Which might actually be the case if he leaves his safehouse to meet her. After discovering a new energy source, Adam’s receiving death threats, but after seeing Lissa’s picture, he can’t stay away—and after meeting her? His whole world is suddenly Technicolor. She chases away every shadow living in his soul. And Lissa is falling just as hard. Call it insta-love. Call it love at first sight. Call it crazy. But it’s definitely real. Now they just have to find
a way to survive
.*An Indecent Apposal is a spicy new romantic series filled with hot, dirty billionaire alphas and the beautiful, curvy girls who tame them. Perfect for a quick bedtime read or a quicker reader blush, you’ll love this new, free standalone novella. Something Real is an insta-love alpha male romance that will leave you with all the feels.
Sugar and Ice
Aven Ellis - 2016
Cheesecake never breaks your heart. Unless it cracks on the top, but still, it tastes amazing if you bake it just right. She knows what to do in the kitchen as far as making luscious desserts. Men? Apparently she's not so good at figuring them out, so she refuses to bother. Josephine knows it is safer to stay in the kitchen than to take another chance with her heart.Denver Mountain Lions forward Cade Callahan is passionate about hockey, but is also about finding love. He thought he had it once, but a disastrous romance last holiday season has him keeping his heart in check. While he’s fearless on the ice, he’s guarded with his heart. Cade is determined history won’t repeat itself again. He won’t let his guard down until he’s certain he’s met The One.However, Cupid's arrow might just strike when these two least expect it. When an oven goes out, and a cheesecake for testing has to be baked, and Cade just happens to live in the same building with a working oven...Well, things other than cheesecake might just heat up in the kitchen. Can these two passionate people learn to trust their hearts again? Can love override fear for Josephine and Cade? And will they find the combination of sugar and ice is the sweetest one of all?