Book picks similar to
Hard by Lara Swann


military
romance
stepbrother
standalone

Chaos & the Geek


Elizabeth Stevens - 2020
    And, you end up with a roommate who wears a very good elegant mask over the rough and tumble, bad boy core I remember far too well.Only, it’s ten years later and I’m even nerdier than I used to be. It’s ten years later and I couldn’t look worse. It’s ten years later and I can’t keep one guy. It’s ten years later and my brother still teases me mercilessly in front of him. It’s ten years later and Kit somehow looks even better than the guy I spent my formative years crushing on.So, there’s not only the issue that he’s my older brother’s best friend, but also a sex-god this virgin can barely talk to. But that certainly never stopped me from drooling over him and it wouldn’t stop me now. He’s so far out of my league, I wouldn’t even clean in his league.Except, there might just be a smouldering heat in Kit’s eyes that suggests he’s not quite as out of my league as I thought. Just maybe, this geek is about to get a whole lot of chaos.KitWhen I find out about my best mate’s little sister’s situation, the offer is out of my mouth before I can stop it; Hawk’s like a brother to me even if Amber’s never looked twice at me. I could never tell if she was scared of me or hated me. But the deal is done. She’s going to bring her bedraggled self upstairs to my penthouse and live with me for as long as she needs.I see the pain she hides away, I see the lack of confidence despite how smart she is, how good. If there’s something I’ve learned, it’s that confidence makes all the difference. So, it becomes my mission to help Amber find her confidence. But I find more than confidence in her and suddenly I’m seeing my best mate’s little sister completely differently.I’ve never known what to say to her. She’s always been good and studious and sweet. She’s always been so far out of my league I wouldn’t even carry bags in that league. Her face is a mask that tells me nothing in between the sparse words that come out of her mouth.Except, there might be something in the way she smiles at me that gives me hope I’m not as far out of her league as I thought. It might just be time that this chaos gets a little geek.Please be aware that this story is set in Australia and therefore uses Australian English spelling and syntax.

Cherry Girl


Raine Miller - 2013
    Spin-off, yet can be read standalone. Book 1.Elaina Morrison has loved Neil McManus her whole life. She doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t love him. Through heartbreaking tragedy and years of separation, her love holds true…until life stomps all over her heart, shattering her perfect dream, teaching her how hard it is to let go.Real life doesn’t have anything on romantic dreams though, as these two have learned repeatedly. It sucks big time, leaving painful scars in its wake. But Neil isn’t giving up. He’s endured years of longing and sacrifice to wait for her. Always a soldier, he knows his way around a battlefield, and winning Elaina is no different. So that’s precisely what Neil is going to do. He'll go in fighting, and make Elaina see what he already knows.That she will forever be his Cherry Girl…

The Safe Bet


Brittney Sahin - 2015
    No attachments, no relationships — he's too busy transforming his knack for military intelligence into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. But when headstrong event planner Kate Adams comes barreling into his life, everything changes.From the moment she arrives in Charlotte, Kate is tongue-tied by Michael. She's never fallen for a client before, but then she's never had a client like him — sleek, hard, and impenetrable as steel.While Kate struggles to keep her distance, a stalker sends her tumbling more deeply into Michael's world. The former Marine is equipped and willing to protect her, and yet Kate finds herself growing more terrified than ever in his care. For as they grow closer, she realizes that Michael has his own secret past. And while he might save her life, he will surely break her heart.Author's Note: Previously titled: Silenced Memories. This is a STAND-ALONE romantic mystery novel. Hidden Truths: Former Marines. Strong female leads. No cliffhangers.

Corrupt Idol


Dinah Harper - 2019
    In every aspect of my life I’m a model citizen except when it comes to you." Once upon a time, he was her everything—protector, best friend, hero. She looked up to him and trusted him with her life. In one selfish move, he ruined everything and broke her in the process. It’s been five years and the moment she hoped to avoid is here. She’s about to come face to face with her step-brother, Jesse Sampson, corrupt idol and her personal nightmare. She’s going to show him how little he affects her. She’ll never let him back in. …But he has other plans. Author's Note: This is a dark, taboo romance novel with triggers and mature themes that may make some readers uncomfortable.

Cherish Her (Military Men of Lexington #2)


Andrea Johnston - 2020
    . .Until fate took it all away.Heartache and broken bones left me searching for solace in the darkest of places.It wasn’t pretty, but with the support of my family, I persevered and I’m stronger for it. my daughters deserve nothing less.Things were finally back on track, until I met Grant Ellison. Tall, dark, and handsome he sets my heart racing. If only the fear of loving again didn’t paralyze me.*Nobody was as surprised as me when I left a long military career for a slower pace in life. After all, I’ve never been one to make decisions lightly or without a plan.A new town means a fresh start. Although it’s a lonely existence, I don’t regret my decision. Especially when a beautiful woman catches my eye.Dakota Jennings’ strength and ambition are for all to see but her heat is protected by the strongest of walls. My new mission is to show her how precious she is and how great we can be together.

Reunited


Marcella Swann - 2018
    . .  except for that one time. I knew I shouldn't but he was so hot. Steamy. Passionate. It was incredible. I left him a note the next morning but he never called.Next thing I know, I’m pregnant. Me and my little girl have made it through but it’s been hell.Now he’s back but he doesn’t know the half of it—doesn’t know about his daughter . . . our daughter.His hotness made me do a stupid thing five years go, but not this time.If he thinks he can freakin’ waltz back into my life . . . My little girl absolutely loves the guy though and, well, he’s got a billion dollars coming to him. F***! Bobby I had her for one night.It was hot. It was right. It was incredible. I’ve never really shaken her from my thoughts. It's still the best night of my life and, trust me, I've had plenty of Netflix and chill action since.But she was gone by the morning. Fine. I can play that game, too. So I bolted--got the heck outta dodge. Now I got a billion bucks coming my way.One catch, though: I've got to get my shit together and clean up my act.Or else my uncle’s money goes elsewhere—to my shitty cousin.But f*** the money, no one’s gonna mess with my woman—and my daughter.Their mine. I’ll do what I have to protect them. To make things right.So bring it on. This is gonna be fun.

Unbreak My Heart


Nicole Jacquelyn - 2016
    The fact that Shane's in the military and away for long periods helps—but when tragedy strikes, everything changes.After Rachel, pregnant with her fourth child, dies in a car accident and the baby miraculously survives, Kate upends her entire life to share parenting duties. Then on the first anniversary of Rachel's death, Kate and Shane take comfort in each other in a night that they both soon regret.Shane's been angry for a year, and now he feels guilty too—for sleeping with his wife's best friend and liking it... liking her. Kate's ability to read him like a book may have once sent Shane running, but their lives are forever entwined and they are growing closer.Now with Shane deployed for seven months, Kate is on her own and struggling with being a single parent. Shane is loving and supportive from thousands of miles away, but his homecoming brings a betrayal Kate never saw coming. So Kate's only choice is to fight for the future she deserves—with or without Shane...

Of Winged Creatures & Nesting Grounds


A. Wilding Wells - 2016
    One night, I was sulking over my uglier-than-homemade-sin life and reeling from another painful loss. As I thought about my new life, a handsome gent named Hunt Hardick sat next to me. He looked like a good start and was likely a hell of a finish. Suddenly, my plan took on a life of its own.HuntAfter a long day as one of San Francisco’s most prominent ob/gyns, I stopped at a bar for a bourbon and a mental break from my ex, who I couldn’t seem to bleach from my system. One glance at Happy’s tearstained angelic face and I was done. I’d never been a guy to turn down a stunning woman who also looked like a beautiful project. Hunt was a key in my locked cage that once opened meant I might fly away.An emotionally charged, rich with feeling story about survival, triumph, and a girl named Happy Go Lucky who had a plan. A plan that didn’t include the ruggedly sexy gynecologist who inserted himself in her life.

For One Night (Redemption Hwy 10) (The Daly's Book 3)


Leaona Luxx - 2019
     That’s all this was supposed to be. I came to Sin City with my best friend to celebrate my much-needed divorce. For once, I want to be the one with no care about tomorrow. That’s when he catches my eye. I watch as he works the room, and the women in it. He’s everything I hate in a man, but the epitome of what we all want. Sexy. Confident to a fault, and a smirk that will melt your panties. He’s everything my ex-husband is. As our eyes meet, I decide to give him a dose of his own medicine, show him how it feels to be used. Tonight, I’ll be the woman everyone stares at when she enters the room. The one I am in the boardroom, who takes no prisoners. I’ll be the one to bring him to his knees and leave him just as fast. I’ll be that woman. For One Night

Twisted Truth


Maria Macdonald - 2017
    Lesson learnt. Where there’s love, there’s lies. I used to believe I wasn’t what she needed. Until I let her love in. I’ve changed for her. I want her to believe in me like I need to believe in myself. Isaac James stayed out of my life for five years. He wasn't to blame, after all, protecting me imprisoned him.Now he’s back. The chemistry is still there, the tension is still there, the love is still there… the pain is still there. Isaac James was my rock, my first love… my family.Olivia McKenna has always been my weakness. I’d do anything to protect her, which I proved, despite it taking me to prison.I’ve stayed away, trying to do the right thing. I thought I was still protecting her. But, I’m lost without her… even if I’m not sure I can be what she needs. Olivia McKenna was my forever… for always.** This book is set in the UK. First cousin relationships are tackled within this book; please be aware those relationships are legal within the UK.**

Cocky AF


Katie Ford - 2018
    Trent’s my soon-to-be adopted brother … and he drives me up the wall! Janie’s the daughter of two hippie do-gooders. Her parents have a mission to save the world, and that includes welcoming handsome quarterback Trent Lewis into their home after his parents pass in an unfortunate accident. Trent’s got a chip on his shoulder the size of a house. He's not interested in being “adopted” per se, especially because he’s already an adult. But when the alpha gets a look at the curvy girl living under the same roof, suddenly the heat skyrockets … because he and Janie are about to embark on the taboo! Hey Readers – Can you say FORBIDDEN? Well, we promise you'll shiver and squeal reading this fun-loving tale. As always, there’s a sweet HEA where the BBW brunette gets her gorgeous man :) Bonus books included. Love, Katie and Sarah

Heaven


Darcy Rose - 2021
    All I wanted to do was show him I’m not a little girl anymore. I didn’t know that would be the worst decision of my life.***Heaven is a short novella giving you the first glimpse into Purgatory, an exclusive club where either your wildest dreams come true or your worst nightmares swallow you whole.***

Have My Baby


Taryn Quinn - 2017
    But Seth is a workaholic millionaire and doesn't have time to meet someone. Someone who won't screw him over, like his kid's mother.  Only problem is this someone has secretly been in love with him since high school. I've been hiding it forever, not wanting to risk our friendship. Sleeping with him is my biggest fantasy. And I've fantasized plenty, being a virgin. Another thing he doesn't know.Now I have to make the biggest decision of my life.Is having a no strings attached affair just to make a baby better than never having him at all?Author’s note: this case of insta-love and insta-naked-time has been brewing for over a decade. Babymaking has never been so hot…or so funny…or so complicated.Author’s Note part deux: Have My Baby is a standalone rom com with a romantic HEA ending and no cliffhanger.

Perfect Betrayal


Season Vining - 2015
    But Taylor’s privileged life is far lonelier than it appears.Levi is the inside man on a job to steal fifteen million dollars from one of the town’s wealthiest families, putting him on a crash course with Taylor. Neither of them believe in love, but lust. . . that’s undeniable.Now they’re locked in a wicked game of seduction and it’s unclear who is playing who. But neither of them expected the affair to lead to the deepest connection they’ve ever experienced. Because beneath Taylor’s perfect exterior lies a need for love that mirrors Levi’s own. As the heist approaches, how can Levi protect Taylor from the truth?  Is he willing to give up everything to save the one girl who’s made him want to be a better man?

The Major's Welcome Home


Tessa Bailey - 2018
    Never at a loss for words, Kenna is nonetheless rendered speechless by the gorgeous, hard-bodied and utterly inexperienced Army Major that lands in her passenger seat. Outraged by Beck’s lack of a welcome home after seven long years overseas, Kenna takes matters into her own hands, giving Beck something he’s only ever fantasized about in his bunk. Beck has never shied away from a test of will and Kenna gives new meaning to the word challenge. One problem? Kenna’s father is the Lieutenant General presenting Beck with a Silver Star and Beck is determined to treat Kenna with the respect she deserves. Kenna has other ideas, however, tempting Beck’s resolve at every turn. But how long can one lonely, starving man hope to resist the woman he craves? **The Major's Welcome Home originally appeared in the OFF BASE anthology under the title OFF BASE: BECK AND KENNA**