Book picks similar to
This Wasn't Supposed to Happen by Lizzy Barlow


first-person-pov
contemporary-romance
tbr-standalone
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Lovely You


Jamie Bennett - 2019
     Gorgeous, beautifully dressed, a cool job in fashion PR—what doesn’t she have going for her? She meets a guy on a Hawaiian vacation, and his interesting scars and tough exterior get her heart pumping. She could wrap him around her little finger if she wanted to, and why not? It could be fun to have a little fling with Nate, then go back to San Francisco. Back to cocktail parties and clubs and excitement, back to her adoring family, her sweet job, and her busy, full life. That's Scarlett on the outside—and maybe that’s who she used to be. But now, on the inside, Scarlett Wolfe is coming apart, splintering bit by bit, and she’s scrambling to hold everything together. Things are not as they seem, with her job, with her family, with her friends, and certainly not with Nate Lange, the former soldier she met in Hawaii. Home in California, her life is suddenly entwined with Nate’s and Scarlett finds her-self losing her heart to him. She needs to bring herself back the brink of chaos, and hopefully, Nate will be with her when she comes through to the other side…

The Beachside Cafe (Saltwater Secrets Book 4)


Sage Parker - 2021
    

The Sheikh's Imposter Bride (Sweet Sheikh Surprises Book 3)


Holly Rayner - 2021
    

The Roots of Us


Candace Knoebel - 2018
    The second time, he was ruining mine. It was only supposed to be a vacation. A chance to let the Florida sun burn away the residue left behind from my failed relationships. I wasn’t searching for love. I was on a hiatus from men, especially ones with secrets. Except Hudson had the gaze of a man drowning in his own miseries, and I was a sucker for the damaged souls. How could I deny him? How could I resist when his lips claimed mine? I knew I couldn’t stay. He told me he couldn’t bear to leave.But some roots intertwine and refuse to let go, no matter how far you run.

The Virgin’s Dance


Michelle Love - 2018
     Pilot Scamo. World-famous photographer. Billionaire. Drop-dead gorgeous man. Broken man. He’s nearly twice my age but I’ve never felt this connection before … I feel it everywhere, my heart, my head, my body. It’s like electricity when he touches me, kisses me, When he makes passionate love to me. He’s intoxicating and all I want now is to hold him, Protect him, love him. Will they let us be? We both have so much dark history, so many people against us. I’ll fight for you, Pilot, even if it costs me everything … I’ll fight for you… Grab your copy of "The Virgin’s Dance" and enjoy Four brand new stories not published before. All stories have a happily ever after, no cliffhanger, no cheating, and plenty of steam. Bonus stories available. 1. Dance of Love (A BDSM Romance) 2. Old Habits (A Doctor’s Romance) 3. Dressing The Billionaire (An office Romance) 4. Dancing at a Distance (A Daddy Next Door Romance)

Ride For Free


Hadley Raydeen - 2018
    I don’t much care for this biker life, but I grew up around it all my life. I don’t have much choice in the matter; It surrounds me, like it or not. My Pops, Freeland “Free” Trent and Moms Stella are Presidents of the League of Guardians and the Lady Guardians in Arlington Virginia. They do amazing things in the community, including council the abused and homeless at the shelter where I work. But, their one vice is the rival 1% biker gang The Hellhounds, they can’t seem to shake that feud. Now, the president of ‘The Dogs’ is out after a ten-year stint in prison and the Guardians are the ones he’s coming for because they put him there. I begged my dad to leave well enough alone. After receiving the worst news of my life, my world is falling apart around me. I have no choice but to dust off my riding skills and climb back on the one thing that has been a part of my world, but I've been avoiding, like it or not. My bike. I will avenge this wrong by myself if I have to, but my best friend Zachary may have something to say about that. I’m Zach Foster. I’m the Tail Gunner for the League of Guardians in Arlington Virginia. If any member in the ride should have mechanical difficulties or crashes for any reason, the Tail Gunner assists in making the repairs. I learned everything I know about bikes from my mentor Free Trent. He’s like a second father to me. His daughter, Kyanne, is a handful and beyond stubborn. It’s her way or no way, and sometimes she won’t listen to reason. But, I will protect her at all costs because that is what I promised her dad I would do. Plus, I love her. She’ll forever have my heart. I just haven’t told her yet. When tragedy befalls her family, I’m here to help pick up the pieces and give her a shoulder to lean on, cry on or maybe help her warm her sheets. I’ll help provide that comfort anyway I can; whatever Ky wants Ky can have. Through all of this perhaps I’ll get her back on the bike collecting dust in the garage again. I just have to make sure she doesn’t run off and try to do anything stupid on her own to get back at The Hellhounds.

High Heels and Big Deals: A Christmas Fake Fiancé Romcom Novel (Good Girls Don't Come Last)


Jennifer Youngblood - 2021
    

Rescue Me


Sarra Manning - 2021
    And she thinks Will is emotionally unavailable, slightly brittle and very mistrustful. They’re both right.But the more they bicker, the worse Blossom behaves, and they realise they have to form some sort of truce in order to dog-parent (or “pawrent” as Margot calls it, to which Will rolls his eyes) her together. It’s almost as if Blossom has plans of her own…

The Meddler


Kate Archer - 2022
    She is not unaware that her family’s fortunes have been dwindling for the past three generations, nor that her upbringing has not been up to snuff. Her father has regrets from time to time, as his daughter has never had a tutor, musical or otherwise, and he never did get around to purchasing a proper sidesaddle. For all that, Georgiana is rather cheerful regarding her circumstances and imagines she’ll marry some dashing soldier who might pass through the neighborhood. That is, until the Countess of Mendleton devises a plan to launch her in London.Jasper Stapleton, Viscount Langley and heir to the Earl of Mendleton, is rendered speechless over his mother’s latest plan. Some unknown and penniless lady from an equally unknown family is to be taken under Lady Mendleton’s wing. As his mother is a great adopter of the needy—human and canine both—he presumes the young lady is one more lost soul to be rescued. He determines he’ll have nothing to do with the project, as he’s far too busy working for the queen. Though, he does find Miss Wilcox very pleasant to look at. More than pleasant, actually.Jasper is directed by Queen Charlotte to achieve what appears to be a simple task—discover the villain who dares talk to the newspapers about the king’s maladies. As he digs deeper, though, it becomes apparent that gossip is the least of their problems. The Stuart has left Russia and Jasper believes he may be in England, poised to take advantage of the incapacity of the king and make a run at the throne. Worse, he discovers evidence that Miss Wilcox is a part of it. Can Jasper unravel the plot in time to keep Miss Wilcox out of the Tower? Or perhaps he will realize that it’s him that needs saving… A Series of Worthy Young Ladies The MeddlerThe SprinterThe UndauntedThe ChampionThe JilterThe Royal

Lies


Cassie Wild - 2018
    To celebrate, all books are only 99 cents this week. Suria: I live in a world anything but normal. Lies, cheats, cons and fortune tellings are all part of my everyday life. Most people call us Gypsies, but they don't know us. I love my family and I’m proud of being part of the Romani people. Except for one thing. One day soon, I’m supposed to marry a man I haven’t even met yet. Yes, arranged marriages are all the craze in our world but there’s no way in hell I’ll live in a loveless marriage. Kian: I didn’t have it easy growing up. My father left before I was born. He sends gifts to ease his guilty conscious, but I see through his guise. I’m the one taking care of my mother, I run a pretty decent garage, and I enjoy a casual hookup every now and again. But last night I met someone special. She makes the single life seem like a waste of life. We flirted at the club and now I can’t get her out of my head. Hardworking Kian is dedicated to improving his high-end car shop and caring for his mother. The night he meets a beautiful and mysterious woman, his life was already a delicate balancing act but now his attention is driven away from his obligations and causing him to rethink his priorities. Follow the mysterious Suria and the hardworking Kian in LIES, book 1 of Cassie Wild’s new Deceit and Desire series.

Men or Paws


Rich Amooi - 2022
    Piece of cake, right?Wrong.First, I have to stay in my client’s guesthouse while he’s in the main house working on an important project. That may not sound so bad, but HE is Hollywood’s Bad Boy, Rocco Romano, voted “Sexiest Man Alive.”The guy could charm the pants off a mannequin.Luckily he’s not my type.Seriously.A rich, sexy, generous man? Pass. Ten-pack abs? Whatever.My heart palpitations are obviously caused by something else.As for the dog, he’s sweet and adorable, but he’s named Houdini for a reason.Then I accidentally kiss him.Rocco, not the dog.Then he escapes.The dog, not Rocco.Things can’t get any worse, right?Wrong, wrong, wrong.Men or Paws is a hilarious, opposites-attract, closed-door romantic comedy with sizzling chemistry and a guaranteed happy ending.

Cold Heart


Weston Parker - 2018
     Destined for the ring. Cold. Hard. Focused. I never expected to have to run from my enemies and hide out, but it’s not just me anymore. My little girl deserves more than the life I have to offer. The least I can do is keep her safe from the mad man after me. At first, we find serenity in the small town I tucked us away in, but nothing is that easy. A beautiful girl next door grabs my attention, and for a moment, I believe love might be possible–again. How wrong I was. Inviting this hot woman into my world was the biggest mistake I’ve made. One minute, she’s there, and the next, she’s gone. Kidnapped. Taken from me. Good damn thing I was born a fighter. I’ll never give up. Never. Every good girl deserves a bad boy. ~Weston

My Ten-Year Crush


Olivia Spring - 2021
    Could a second chance lead to love?English teacher Bella isn’t having much luck with her love life. No matter who she dates, no one seems to measure up to Mike: the ex-bestie she shared a drunken kiss with ten years ago, which led to the end of their friendship…When Bella comes face-to-face with Mike at their university reunion, sparks fly. He’s smart, funny and even hotter than before, and despite trying to fight her feelings, Bella still can’t get him out of her head.But after what happened the last time she stepped out of the friend zone, Bella isn’t in a hurry to be rejected all over again.Should Bella risk more heartache by telling Mike how she really feels? Could the attraction be mutual? Or is it finally time to put her past behind her and say goodbye to a second chance at love, forever?My Ten-Year Crush is a fun, sexy, friends-to-lovers romcom about second chances and stepping out of your comfort zone. Ideal for fans of Beth O’Leary, Mhairi McFarlane and Lindsey Kelk.Order now and join Bella on her rollercoaster romantic adventures!

The Ex Talk


Rachel Lynn Solomon - 2021
    But lately it's been a constant clash between her and her newest colleague, Dominic Yun, who's fresh off a journalism master's program and convinced he knows everything about public radio.When the struggling station needs a new concept, Shay proposes a show that her boss green-lights with excitement. On The Ex Talk, two exes will deliver relationship advice live, on air. Their boss decides Shay and Dominic are the perfect co-hosts, given how much they already despise each other. Neither loves the idea of lying to listeners, but it's this or unemployment. Their audience gets invested fast, and it's not long before The Ex Talk becomes a must-listen in Seattle and climbs podcast charts.As the show gets bigger, so does their deception, especially when Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers.

London With Dad's Best Friend


Flora Ferrari - 2020
    It's been years since she last saw Edward, and she's literally left speechless when they meet.Edward finds himself just as lost for words as he realizes the beautiful blonde with the stunning blue eyes is the same gangly teenager who was at his going-away party before he left for London.He can't keep his eyes off of her, charmed not only by her beauty but also her demure demeanor and gentle wit.But Casey is only in London for a week, and then she has to leave Edward -- and they both have to face the reality of who they are to one another.After all, she's the daughter of Edward's best friend, no matter how little that changes how they feel, and there's an ocean between them.Will this newfound attraction have the chance to bloom into something more? Or will her father's disapproval and Casey's youth prove too much for the pair to overcome?London With Dad's Best Friend is an intense, passionate alpha romance with high stakes and a satisfying HEA.To lose yourself in a whirlwind love story, click the “Buy Now” button right now. Will love be able to beat the odds?