Book picks similar to
What the Earl Desires by Aliyah Burke


romance
historical
interracial-romance
historical-romance

The Ballerina & the Fighter


Ursula Sinclair - 2013
    We'd made so many plans together, but one night an explosion changed it all. Only one of us survived, and I promised myself I'd succeed for us both. And I did, until an accident almost ruined my career, but Maze came back into my life when I needed him most. He pulled me out of the depths of my despair. But could I save him now?I travel through life fighting.It had always been Ivy; from the first moment I saw her leaping through the air like she had wings to lift her from the ground. But she was my dream, something I wanted more than anything else in my life. I promised myself I would stay away from her. Violence followed me everywhere and I tried to keep her far away from it. She was my point of illumination in the dark tumultuous world I lived in. But I could not stay away from her. Not when I knew she needed me. As much as I needed her. But could she accept me as I am?New Adult Contemporary 18+

Ask For It


Sylvia Day - 2006
    It’s been years since she jilted him for another man, but that only means there’s a lot to catch up on, a lot to make up for, and that he’s going to enjoy every sweet moment.… The same drive and passion that sent her into another man’s arms is what brings Elizabeth back to Marcus. Her attraction to him is the one thing she fears, but she’s run out of options. Resisting is impossible. But does she have the courage to surrender everything?©2012 Sylvia Day (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Hero


Lauren Rowe - 2018
    Or breathe. Or string two coherent thoughts together. And I don’t mean any of that figuratively. I’m not talking about a guy being floored by the sight of a gorgeous woman—although, of course, Lydia is gorgeous beyond words.No, when I first laid eyes on Lydia Decker—my physical therapist—I was lying flat on my back in the ICU, high as a kite on painkillers, breathing on a ventilator, my bones as broken and splintered as my spirit. When I first laid eyes on Lydia Decker, she was a ray of light in the dark. Hope for the hopeless. A salve for my singed and battered soul.She said she’d been assigned to fix me. That she was there to bring me back to life. She said helping me was her calling. And then she touched me. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. She healed me. And I fell in love. But what I didn’t know . . . what I couldn’t possibly know . . . was that Lydia Decker needed fixing far more than I ever did.​​​​​​​NOTE: The Morgan Brothers are a series of five interconnected standalones. Recommended reading order is to start with HERO or CAPTAIN, as book 1, despite series numbering, because both books run on same timeline, alongside each other, and their events happen first in chronology. However, if you do not mind skipping around in time a bit, you can start with any of the Morgan Brothers books, despite series numbering, and fully enjoy it!

Windows


Billy London - 2011
    She had to repeat it often, as Nick was hot beyond all reason. With a crazy-built body, a wicked sense of humour, and brains, he was the kind of man who could bring a woman pleasure with little more than a sideways glance. She had to give herself a slap on the wrist whenever she caught herself looking. And she looked...a lot. Looking at Nick made her eyes feel good; being with Nick made her feel good. And she needed to feel good considering the state of her life. Her father had recently passed away, she was drowning in debt, and she was being hounded for money at every turn. It wasn’t the creditors who had her worried...it was those other guys. Deep down, she knew Nick could make everything better, but she wasn’t going to ruin their friendship. She really wanted to...but she couldn't. While she might playfully call him “Soprano,” Nick was her sweet dude. She could look...and fantasize...and drool discreetly, but she must not touch. Everyone knew how Nick felt about Gina. Everyone except for Gina. Ten years was a long time to wait for the girl you love to get a clue, especially when it only took him a month to realise he wanted to worship at the altar of her body every day for the rest of his life. He’d dated other women, but all along he’d known Gina was the one for him. Gina wasn’t just good for him, she was perfect for him. She met all the requirements for the sort of woman his family would approve of: a) she could cook Italian better than his mother (don’t tell his mother) and b) she spoke Italian beautifully. The only problem was c) she wasn’t a nice Italian girl who would walk ten paces behind him, do everything he commanded and ask no questions. He knew C wasn’t going to happen in this lifetime, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.All she needed to do was meet his own two requirements: love sex and love him. While he wasn’t sure if she loved sex, he’d spent many nights imagining just how much she could do. Did her beautiful chocolate skin taste as good as it looked? Would she moan his name or scream it when he brought her to climax? Best friends for a decade, they shared everything...except what his family really did for a living. Impatient at the best of times, Nick kept telling himself to wait for the right time to reveal the truth. Then an incident that put Gina in real danger made him realise he was done waiting around. It also made him admit what everyone else already knew: Gina was unequivocally his. No one else was going to sweep in and take what belonged to him. Da Canavezes never let anyone take from them, and only those who wanted to meet God sooner rather than later attempted such a thing. Once he got around the whole Hi, Soprano!, Bye, Soprano!, Can you make me a cup of tea, Soprano? platonic-friendship nonsense that had up to now categorized their relationship, Nick vowed to get around to teaching her new phrases like Harder, Soprano!, Deeper, Soprano!, You're going to make me break the sound barrier when I scream out your name, Soprano! Knowing just how independent Gina was, he decided he’d give her space to accept that being Mrs. Da Canaveze was what the future held. Of course, he’d keep giving her his intense lovemaking until he’d convinced her. After he’d “convinced” her, maybe then he'd mention what he and his family really did for a living. It might make a difference with everyone else, but he wouldn't let Gina use that to keep him away from her. He would explain it. She would definitely yell. He would put his foot down. She was his. End of story. And then all hell broke loose in the guise of his mother. Nick finally found his hands full. He had a woman to try to keep hold of, an overbearing mother to calm down, and “business” to deal with. Gina might see the Da Canaveze name simply as the surname that would soon be hers, but that name was whispered with respect. Gina might think of him as her “dude” but those who’d crossed him populated more than a few unmarked graves. And he’d already reserved one for the man who’d dared to send his goons after his woman. London is one hell of a big city, but is it big enough to contain the romance of Gina and Nick? Gina might want Nick, but the fiercely independent Londoner is going to make Nick earn her. Being a determined, sexy male, Nick is more than up for the challenge. He’s going to make Gina his wife, and no one is going to get in the way. Not even the future Mrs. De Canaveze.

Falling For A Monster


Delilah Hunt - 2017
    Chase accepts his lot and path in life by keeping to himself, knowing he can depend on and trust in no one but himself. Until his path crosses with Larke. The one person who has every reason in the world to despise him, but instead treats him like a man who is worthy of her compassion, trust and so much more. Larke Taylor has never forgotten her harrowing encounter with the boy who’d threatened her harm at the tender age of nine. Thirteen years later, she is shocked and heartbroken to see the man Chase has become, after rejecting her innocent offer of friendship. His very presence frightens and intrigues her like nothing else. But beneath the hate-inspired tattoos telling her everything she needs to know about him, Larke finds it hard to deny all the other signs that speak to her heart. The ones telling her that Chase is much more than a monster. He is a man deserving of love and way more than the life he leads, even if he doesn’t realize it. As their relationship deepens, both are defenseless to defy their desire and all-consuming need for the other. Larke knows while Chase is the only man who captivates and holds her heart, he is also the one person who has the power to shatter and burn it to ashes, if he refuses to put her above his legacy of hate. *This book contains racial slurs and graphic sexual language. If the theme of this book and any of these warnings offend you, please ignore and move along.

Return of the Rogue


Donna Fletcher - 2008
    . .Though Honora Tannach came of age amid the misty moors of the Scottish highlands, where warring clans battled to the death for the future of their wild land, nothing frightens her so much as a lifetime trapped in the castle of her cruel stepfather. She is thrilled when a marriage is arranged to the son of a Scottish laird . . . until her betrothed is revealed to be Cavan Sinclare. Though the savage warrior once saved her life, Honora knows no one can tame the heart of such a brute, no matter now finely chiseled his features or how enticing his eyes . . . .After escaping his captors, Cavan's only concern is protecting his clan from the menacing invaders who threaten at every turn—and his beautiful wife is a dangerous distraction. But in the face of fiery passion, their reluctance will fade . . . and Cavan will discover that there is no greater strength than the power of true love.

Kiss of Ice


Lavender Parker - 2013
    James is feeling a distinct lack of holiday cheer. Seven years ago, Annata made a big mistake. She gave in to Christophe Van der Kind, the boss's smug, entitled son, in a moment of weakness. Their one night together has haunted her ever since. She will never forget how good he made her feel...but what happened between them is firmly in the past. Now, hard-working Annata has her eyes on the prize - to be named CEO of the company she's been loyal to for fourteen years. Only one thing stands in her way, and he's 6 foot 3, blond-haired, and blue-eyed. Christophe is back, and he's determined to screw her - in more ways than one! It's ice-cold outside, but inside, things are heating up as Annata gears up for the fight of her life... little does she know Christophe has no intention of backing down. He wants Annata for himself, and he'll do everything in his power to make it happen... Contains steamy secret trysts, a globe-trotting BWWM power couple, and a well-earned HEA. For mature readers only.

Cowboys & Kisses


Vanessa Vale - 2015
    For years, she's been content working on the family ranch, but lately she's wanted more. She's determined to strike out on her own and find freedom from her unorthodox family.Chance Goodman has watched Rose grow up from a spitfire little girl into a fiery woman. He's wanted her for years, waiting patiently until he could make her his. When she leaves the Lenox ranch determined to abandon her former life and to say good-bye to him, he knows now is the time he must act. Letting her go isn't an option.This book was previously published as Rose in the Wildflower Brides series.

Holt, Her Ruthless Billionaire (Ruthless Second Chance Duet #2) (50 Loving States, Connecticut #2)


Theodora Taylor - 2017
    I've moved on, but he definitely hasn't. He's also a single-dad now and in desperate need of a capable nanny to manage his out-of-control son. So the powerful CEO decides that I'm the perfect woman for the job--whether I want it or not. According to him....Revenge is best served BOSS!Reader Note: This is part 2 of the Ruthless Second Chance Duet, and it completes the epically romantic story of Holt and Sylvie.

Fifty Shades of Jungle Fever


L.V. Lewis - 2012
    Aspiring recording studio owners, Keisha Beale and Jada Jameson, score a rare meeting with venture capitalist Tristan White, and are thrust into a world beyond their wildest imaginations. Lured by Tristan White and his offer of fronting the capital for her business in exchange for an indecent proposal, of sorts, Keisha finds herself with no other option. Tortured by demons from her past, Keisha's inability to come to terms with them threatens to undermine the future of her business and her tumultuous, unconventional relationship with Tristan White. Erotic, amusing, and in places hilarious, the Jungle Fever Romance Quadrilogy is a parody with a unique take on a Fifty Shades-type story that will take you even further into the BDSM world, and promises to make the vanilla original Fifty Shades more colorful. The first two books focus on Keisha and Tristan's romance, and the final two will focus on Jada and Nathan's.Grab your copy today!Top 100 Drama USATop 100 IR/MCTop 100 African American

Flirting with Chaos


Kenya Wright - 2013
    After five years, she accepts the fact that she’s still a little crazy but feels as if she’s finally gotten it all under control. Parties, drugs, and sex flood Jude’s life, and music and scandal run through his veins. He’s the son of a rock god and grandson of a jazz legend. It's no surprise that his own star is on the rise, and with so many groupies vying for his attention, his childhood best friend Rain keeps him anchored in reality.She’s nothing like him—an art student with no idea of her own beauty, who would rather curl up with a sci-fi novel than party in the spotlight. Everything changes when she asks him for a unique favor: she wants him to take her virginity. He’s more than willing to oblige, but things get complicated when his pervy father gets involved. Meanwhile, intense feelings rise to the surface, ones neither Rain or Jude are prepared to deal with. If their relationship has any chance for survival, she must finally confront the demons of her past, and he must face the addictions of the present. When the smoke clears, will they find that sex between best friends was a good idea, or will they discover they had been Flirting With Chaos the entire time?

Sweet Release


Pamela Clare - 2003
    Though Cassie hated the slave trade, her Virginia plantation demanded the labor, and she knew this fevered man would surely die if she left him. But as his wounds healed and his muscled chest bronzed from the sun, Cassie realized Cole Braden was far more dangerous than his papers had indicated --- for he could steal her breath with a glance or lay siege to her senses with a touch.Abducted, beaten, and given a new name, Alec went from master of an English shipbuilding empire to fourteen years of indentured servitude in the American colonies. There, he was known as Cole Braden, a convicted ravisher and defiler of women. And while he longed to ravish the auburn-haired beauty who owned him, he knew his one hope of earning her love --- and his freedom --- was to prove his true identity. Only then could he turn the tables and attain his ... Sweet Release.

White Lion's Lady


Tina St. John - 2001
    Yet even as she discovers his treachery, Isabel cannot deny that Griffin lingers in her dreams, awakening the passion in her steadfast heart.Then a twist of fate puts a price on both their heads, embroiling them in a life-and-death chase that will force Griffin to choose between his own freedom and his fierce desire for the woman who would redeem his noble spirit. But to reclaim his lost honor, the White Lion could lose Isabel forever. . . .

Transcendence


Shay Savage - 2014
    He's strong and intelligent, but completely alone. When he finds a beautiful young woman in his pit trap, it's obvious to him that she is meant to be his mate. He doesn't know where she came from, she's wearing some pretty odd clothing, and she makes a lot of noises with her mouth that give him a headache. Still, he's determined to fulfill his purpose in life - provide for her, protect her, and put a baby in her.Elizabeth doesn't know where she is or exactly how she got there. She's confused and distressed by her predicament, and there's a caveman hauling her back to his cavehome. She's not at all interested in Ehd's primitive advances, and she just can't seem to get him to listen. No matter what she tries, getting her point across to this primitive but beautiful man is a constant - and often hilarious - struggle.With only each other for company, they must rely on one another to fight the dangers of the wild and prepare for the winter months. As they struggle to coexist, theirs becomes a love story that transcends language and time.

This Is Where I Sleep


Tiffany Patterson - 2016
    This time, Coral is on a mission to find the elusive “Ghost,” who Coral believes is responsible for trying to kill her two years ago. Unfortunately for them, they missed her, but in the process took out two of Coral’s teammates—that, Coral takes personally. She comes one step closer to finding him when a case involving Bennett Industries falls into her lap. There’s just one problem: The current CEO of Bennett Industries is Liam Bennett, the man who was Coral’s best friend-turned lover-turned heart breaker when he walked away from her without any explanation and married another woman. For the last five years, Liam Bennett has been on his own mission—maintaining control of Bennett Industries while plotting to take down the one man who has kept him from the love of his life. When Coral re-enters Liam’s world for this case, once-buried feelings emerge, secrets are revealed, but most of all, a connection that cannot be denied resurfaces. Liam resolves to put this case to an end and reclaim the woman he’s always wanted. He will have to overcome vindictive family members, betrayal by someone in his inner-circle, and most importantly, have to work to convince the very stubborn Coral that with him is where she belongs.