Book picks similar to
A Heart So Broken by Christene Houston
romance
three-stars
clean-secular-romance
contemporary
Coming For What's Mine
Edwina Fort - 2018
You have no idea… In my world the Gansta’s on the street are feared. I had no way of knowing that once I accepted a Botany Scholarship at Georgetown University I was going to be unwittingly thrown into the savage biosphere of politics. I’ve come to learn that here in D.C., the politicians are the real gansta’s, and that they are far deadlier than anything we common folk could ever imagine. However, I would soon find out just how dangerous the political milieu can be. It is a place of glamour, lies, and power. Trust the wrong person, and you can end up dead. I gave into the Senator’s son one night, allowing him to take what I had never gifted to another. It was the single most amazing thing I would ever experience. But that one night of unbridled passion would send my life spiraling into uncharted territory. The fruit of which I carried in my womb while fleeing to protect my unborn child… I knew she was to innocent to be pulled into my world. A world that was more treacherous than a pit of vipers. However, I could no sooner quiet my hunger for her, then I could the roar of an oncoming tornado. She gave me my taste, and I found my new addiction. But then she fled from me and became my new obsession. Now, nothing will stop me from, Coming for What’s Mine…From the Inside FlapWelcome warriors. You are nowentering the world of the demon slayers. Each of my books follows adifferent couple on their journey of discovery. Although each bookseries can be considered a standalone, they all tie in together tocreate an epic saga in the same universe. To get the entireexperience, I encourage you to check out my complete catalog listing.This title and other books in the series are all available on Amazonand/or Kindle Unlimited.The Redemption seriesGabe and Yasmine's -RedemptionMelek Black and Earth -RedemptionEarth's CryThe Law Boys SeriesJourney &Joseph Law -Coming for What's Mine Pt.1 & 2Rome & Nahkti-Falling for Rome Pt.1 & 2Tucker & Free -Mean Tucker Pt.1&2Levi Law & Scarlett -Save Me Pt. 1& 2Judah Law & Lace - The UntouchableOne Pt. 1 & 2The Warrior Seriesauthoredwinafort.com
Alpha Men: Books 1-3 (Alpha Men, #1-3)
Hope Ford - 2019
I have a bad history with men. I trusted one and he destroyed my trust and my self-esteem… until I meet Jason. He’s older than me, knows exactly what he wants, and what he wants is me. Can I trust myself and him to do right by me? Jason It is instant attraction. She shows up on my doorstep seeking help. And I want to help her. I want to take care of her, protect her, claim her. I want her, and I want her as mine. She doesn’t know it yet… but she’s taken. #1 bestselling short romance author Hope Ford writes short, steamy, sweet romances. There is always an alpha male (because who doesn’t love an alpha male) and a woman he makes his queen. Sit back, grab a glass of wine, and get lost in this happily ever after story – that’s also a little naughty. ONE NIGHT (Alpha Men, 2) An Alpha Older Man, Younger BBW, Steamy Sweet Romance Lindsey I know exactly what I want… one night with Axel. Who am I kidding? I want more than one night. I want forever. But he doesn’t do relationships. So I’m hoping with one night, I can get him out of my system and move on. Axel Lindsey makes me an offer I can’t refuse. I agree… but I agree to only one night. I don’t trust women and am not interested in a relationship. But after our one night together, I begin to question if maybe I need to let go of my past… because I can’t let go of Lindsey. Note: This is a steamy, sweet, short romance. It has a HEA with a sensitive, tattooed, alpha and a woman that makes him hers! You will fall in love with Axel! If you love short romances with insta-love, hot scenes, and a sweet story, then this one is for you. WANTING MORE (Alpha Men, 3) An Alpha Older Man, Younger BBW, Steamy Sweet Romance Stacy I lost my parents and Mack helped me from losing myself. He’s been my best friend for a year now. I want more… but he doesn’t. Mack I loved Stacy the second she walked in the door. She’s younger than me, but that doesn’t bother me. She’s rich… really rich. And I come from the wrong side of the tracks. I know she deserves better than me. Until I realize I can’t live without her, and NO MAN will love her as I do. Note: This is a steamy, sweet, SHORT romance. It has a HEA with a tattooed, alpha and a plus-size woman that makes him hers! If you love short romances with insta love, hot scenes, and a sweet story, then this one is for you.
Once Broken
D.M. Hamblin - 2016
It's a story about a single mother, Jackie Martin, who has two objectives: First to raise her daughter, Gina with her self-esteem unscathed by her father’s abandonment; Second, to see her daughter’s father, Tony Salvucci suffer for his abandonment. Both objectives come to pass. With lots of twists and turns and memorable characters, Once Broken is an inspirational story about forgiveness vs. revenge and living one's life moving forward, no matter how painful the past.
Courting the Clearwaters
Jill Penrod - 2013
When an acquaintance introduces him to God and invites him to a college youth group, the changes in his life are immense and unsettling. The most unsettling part is Jenny Clearwater, his boss's daughter. He can't deny his attraction, but she courts instead of dating, and courting seems all about keeping the Shawn Carpenters of the world away from the Jenny Clearwaters.Danger and heartache seem to come around every bend, from a cave trip gone wrong to a friendship that goes up in flames to an accusal of crime at work. Seems God has put events in motion to lead Shawn back into a life of community and growth, assuming, of course, they don't kill him first.Get set for this first book of the Christian series Boys of Summer, for teens and anyone else who appreciates the challenges of stepping into adulthood.
Looking Past
Katharine E. Smith - 2014
Completely unprepared and suffering an acute sense of loss, she and her father continue quietly, trying to live by the well-intentioned advice of friends, hoping that time really is a great healer and that they will, eventually, move on. Life changes very little until Sarah leaves for university and begins her first serious relationship. Along with her new boyfriend comes his mother, the indomitable Hazel Poole. Despite some misgivings, Sarah finds herself drawn into the matriarchal Poole family and discovers that gaining a mother figure in her life brings mixed blessings. A mother-in-law who just can't let her sons grow up, a midwife who treats her charges like girls in a private school dormitory. These are some of the people who Sarah must deal with as her own pregnancy turns to motherhood and she realises that she must find her own two feet. Looking Past is a tale of family, friendship, love, life and death – not necessarily in that order. This is the second novel from Katharine E. Smith, author of Writing the Town Read. The narrator’s voice is clear and strong, with vivid descriptions and intelligent observations. Readers will quickly empathise with Sarah, whose grief and confusion at the loss of her mother at key moments in her life is contrasted with a dry and sometimes subtle humour derived from situations and characters which help colour the book. The father-daughter relationship which develops between the bereaved husband and daughter feels very real, as both come to terms with their grief and learn how best to live together. Sarah's father is unassuming and appealing, as he struggles to find a way to deal with his broken heart and support his daughter throughout school, puberty and on into adulthood. Smith's readers have praised her honesty, realism, warmth and humour. Both Looking Past and Writing the Town Read - Katharine's first novel - are written from a strong female first person perspective. However, don't be fooled into thinking this is chick lit - or indeed exclusively women's fiction. Looking Past has received praise from a number of male readers, including an ex-US Marine. You don't get much more macho than that! Nevertheless, this is a story guaranteed to strike a chord with mothers, daughters - and daughters-in-law - everywhere. The dual settings of Yorkshire and Cornwall will interest people with strong links to those places but the characters and events hold universal appeal. This is a book for people who like people. Looking Past was selected for the People's Book Prize Winter 2015 Collection.
Helter Skelter
Della Galton - 2007
Tragedy forces her to flee but when she discovers that her husband, a property developer, is cheating on her she returns. But the fair has gone, the land, brought by her husband, is now covered by luxury flats. Going back can be painful but this is just the start of the Helter Skelter for Vanessa. While she feels her life is spiralling ever downwards, there are the strong arms of a passion from her past to catch her at the end.
All That Stands Between Us: A Clean Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
Annette K. Larsen - 2019
Julie has lived next door to the Martins her entire life, but the days of backyard barbecues and lake vacations ended six years ago. That’s when the feud began. Now, returning to her hometown for the holidays, she has to face not only her parents’ exhausting bitterness, but the agonizing realization that the irresistible guy who just asked her out is in fact a Martin, and therefore off limits. Left to choose between family loyalty and a man who just might be perfect for her, Julie decides she can date Drew as long as they keep things under wraps. But secrets have a way of coming out and love for her family may require the sacrifice of what her heart wants most. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet (but without all the death), the sweet, romantic story of Julie and Drew’s relationship will make you laugh out loud on one page and make your heart ache on the next. It’s a story about loving family, loving yourself, and loving your soulmate—and choosing which one to put first. All That Stands Between Us is a clean and wholesome contemporary romance novel for both teenagers and adults. If you’re looking for an inspirational read about a new adult returning from college for the holidays, this romantic comedy is a great read and promises to be a favorite best seller. Annette K. Larsen is one of the most popular sweet romance authors of recent years. Writing for teen and tween girls, young adults, and women alike, her books can be shared from mother to daughter to grandmother. Any book of hers would be a great gift idea for the book-loving women in your life. Whether she’s writing a historical fantasy series about princesses, or a romantic suspense thriller full of action and adventure, all of her novels have a guaranteed happy ending and plenty of swoon-worthy kisses.
Hope for Christmas
Rachelle J. Christensen - 2016
Christensen is part of the Christmas Kisses: Echo Ridge Anthology. Read the bonus sneak peek of the newest Echo Ridge addition included! Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.
Shoulder Season (Lake Michigan Lodge, #1): A New Romantic Comedy
Kathy Fawcett
As far as Kay is concerned, the best season begins when the last lodger packs up their sunscreen and novelty t-shirts and goes home. Shoulder season was when Kerby Lodge was just for the Kerbys—her family huddled around the massive stone fireplace playing games and listening to the Great Lakes wind wail like a tragic shipwreck. She loves Kerby Lodge, but she also loved the idea of leaving it after she graduated from college. Then tragedy struck, and instead of leaving the lodge, it was left to her. Leaving Kay to keep the family tradition alive, which she numbly does year after year. Now storms are looming over Lake Michigan. An epic snowstorm pounds the coastline, and a blizzard of bills and taxes threaten to bury the family lodge her parents worked so hard to build. But the storms she doesn’t see coming are the volatile unpredictable Mayne brothers. The first is a cloud of dark curls and surly attitude named Daniel Mayne, her reclusive final guest of the season. An abrupt alpha-male licking his wounded pride after a devastating career loss, Daniel just wants to be left alone. Kay is happy to oblige him until a freak accident and record-breaking blizzard leave them holed up together with no possibility of escape. Trapped behind walls of snow, Kay finds herself confiding long-distance with Luke, Daniel’s younger brother, a nomadic school teacher wandering rootless from job to job. Forced to face their broken dreams together, Kay and Daniel forge an uneasy alliance and set out on a journey of reclamation that will change both their lives. Kay finds herself entangled, not only with Daniel, but also Luke. One brother makes her laugh, and the other just makes her crazy. In this smart, warm, uplifting tale of renovation, redemption and romance, a rustic old lodge on Lake Michigan isn’t the only thing that gets a second chance.
Rosemillion
J. Helen Elza - 2012
The strangers came first for the timber. Next they came for the coal. Now, they've returned-for Widows Hollow. Pick McKinley is cursed with a fear of strangers. The strangers taunt mountain people and call them Hillbillys. Now, newly orphaned, illiterate, and impoverished, Pick must leave her mountain home and go among the strangers in town to find work if she and her younger siblings are to survive. Maybe it won't be so bad. Her mama had worked among them, cleaning and mending. Pick could not have been more mistaken. Her first encounter with Dr. Stephen Stalworth, Ashford's favorite son and one of its wealthiest, most powerful citizens, almost cost Pick her life and would have but for intervening fate and her rescuer, Jan Vandeventer, the handsome Bluegrass Son of wealthy, world famous horse breeders. Pick is no hillbilly. She's a survivor who has survived against all odds. She must save herself, her siblings, and her community from Stalworth who has vowed to destroy them and she must do it with the only weapons she possesses; faith, and a fairy tale-- called Rosemillion. In her debut novel, J.Helen Elza has crafted a tale of struggle and survival that transcends reading. Rosemillion is a tale to experience and Widows Hollow, despite its poverty, is a place you will want to return to time and again; To fish with the feisty and unapologetic mountain man, Samuel Llewellyn Simpson, "Stump"; "Pay 'em no mind, Miss, they's hollower 'n a cane pole and not nearly so useful." Or to laugh at the fiery- tempered Early Mae, "Mama- John Johnson"; "What is you up to, Old Man? You a'grinnin like a possum in a hen house!" Or to commiserate with Jan who is caught between his world of ivy-league universities and world champion thoroughbreds and her world of illiteracy and poverty; "Jacques, if you want to end our friendship here and now, you call her a hillbilly one more time! I'm sick of it! You and any one of the rest of our so-called peers pick a label, any label, and it's official! Margaret and Victoria call Pick a hillbilly, so she's a hillbilly, right?" Or to grab your hanky and sob or to stand up and shout for sixteen-year old Pick McKinley; "You may call me white trash and hillbilly. You may hate me and my kind, BUT YOU AIN'T GONNA CAUSE THAT LITTLE BABY TO BE A DYIN!" Written as a woman's novel, Rosemillion also appeals to men: "I really did enjoy reading the book and thought Ms. Miller did a wonderful job of placing the reader in the moment. Also, her character development is superb. I've told friends that I never found myself bored reading Rosemillion as I often do when reading other books. Jerry Snow USN Retired Rosemillion will leave you cheering and wanting more. Fortunately, there is more. Rosemillion is book one in J. Helen Elza's Appalachian Trilogy. Look for book two "Return to Widows Hollow," and book three "The Red Amaryllis," coming soon to book stores and kindles near you.
Babes and Billionaires: Free Romance Box Set
Serena Grey - 2018
DRAWN TO YOU A one-night stand leaves two strangers craving for more. On the night she discovers her ex’s engagement, Rachel meets Landon, the sexiest man she’s ever seen, who, for some reason, mistakes her for a hooker. The thing is, he’s so sexy, and it’s just one night. What harm can there be in giving in to the desire to lose herself in his touch?
Landon prefers his women beautiful and sophisticated, with no desire for romance or commitment, so when his brother ignores his protests and sends him a hooker on his birthday, he’s surprised by how willing he is to continue paying for her services. It should be easy, except she’s no hooker, and she has no intention of letting him into her life.
As the billionaire owner of Swanson Court Hotels, Landon is accustomed to getting what he wants, and Rachel is not going to be an exception.
WILD SEXY THING Daphne doesn’t want love, or romance, or sex, or even a relationship. She wants some time alone without casual sex with guys whose names she can’t be bothered to remember in the morning–a temporary period of celibacy. Too bad her new roommate’s brother is hot, insanely hot, like melt your panties and spread your legs kind of hot. From the moment she sets eyes on Jason Wild, Daphne can’t stop craving the sensual delight she knows she will find in his arms. Her self-imposed celibacy is no match for his blatant sexuality and all the naughty things he promises to do to her. Jason is not interested in commitment, and Daphne is done with hookups, but it’s only a matter of time before they indulge in their naughty fantasies about each other. Only, what happens after, when it’s time to walk away? AWAKENING (A DANGEROUS MAN #1) His voice is hoarse. “I am going to make love to you now,” he says. “So if you want me to stop, tell me.”
I shake my head frantically. If he stops at this point, I’ll probably die.
Sophie Bennett has virtually no experience with men. Orphaned from birth, she’s been sheltered all her life. So nothing prepares her for David Preston. The intensely attractive businessman is entirely out of her league and dangerous for her heart. Can she handle him, or is she in over her head? UNDENIABLE Her passion for him ruined her life once already, but he still has the power to make her crave him with just one touch. Olivia Wilder fell in love with Jackson Lockewood the first time she laid her eyes on him. She gave him her heart and her love, and she ended up alone, heartbroken, and with scars that were almost too much for her to bear.
Seven years later, they cross paths again. Jackson is everything she remembers, only more irresistible. Underneath his disdain, his desire to possess her lights a response within her, but she has no desire to rekindle their past or face the pain of all those years ago.
However, Jackson has no intention of making it easy for her. This time, he’s determined to make her pay for the past, and for the future they should have had, even if it means destroying her in the process. "Serena Grey drew me in and held my attention through the Awakening series. Knocked me out with her stand-alone "Undeniable" and most recently has body slammed me with "Drawn to You." - Epic Book Addict.
The Risky Groom
Carly Morgan - 2018
Spending time in jail with his teammates a week for Christmas wasn’t on his to do list. But after fellow player and good friend, Will Kent bets him that he can’t find, date, and kiss the woman who got away, he accepts the challenge. The beautiful and talented, Lydia Landon is newly relocated to the quaint town of Port St. Austen. The fact that it happens to be her ex boyfriend, Dalton’s, hometown doesn’t bother her at all, until she runs smack into his naked chest on the beach and then finds herself at his brother’s house having dinner with his family. When Dalton asks her to go out with him again, she tells him no because there’s NO way they could ever work out. But when he shows up to help out with the Christmas program she’s in charge of…she remembers how determined he is. After exploring a cave of sea creatures together, unexpectedly discovering the secret acts of service Dalton was doing for a family down on their luck, and finding herself being comforted in Dalton’s arms when she’s attacked by a dangerous stalker, Lydia can’t help but find herself falling for him all over again. Now they have to make a choice, let the problems of the past keep them apart or give the ultimate sacrifice and get everything they ever wanted.
Comfort Crossing Holiday Collection
Kay Correll - 2017
(Books 2.5 & 3.5) THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE A story of love, moving on, and a dog named Louie Veterinarian Holly Thompson accepts a temporary position in Comfort Crossing in an effort to escape all things Christmas. What she finds is a small town that embraces all things Christmas and a handsome neighbor with a small son who both capture her heart. Add to that their adorable pup, and she knows the holidays are not going to be what she planned. At all. Steve Bergeron is quite content being a single father. He’s not willing to risk his heart — or his son’s — on another woman who is sure to leave them. It’s quite clear Holly will be gone by the new year. But he finds himself willing to do anything to chase away the sadness that lurks in the depths of Holly’s eyes. This isn’t part of his carefully laid out plans. At all. When an accident on Christmas Eve forces them both to question their choices, can the magic of the season warm their hearts and bring love and joy back into their lives? THE CHRISTMAS SCARF Sometimes, Christmas wishes bring their own special magic… Missy Sherwood has always wished for one thing, to be a country singer. After trying to make it for years in Nashville, she returns to her hometown of Comfort Crossing, Mississippi, feeling like a misfit and a failure. But there’s no use in telling anyone the truth just yet—she’s here for longer than the holidays, she's home for good. Right? Dylan Rivers is glad to see his old friend return to town, not only to help him with the children’s Christmas pageant, but because her homecoming sparks long-forgotten but never acted upon feelings. But there is no use in acting on those feelings, she’s soon to head back to her fabulous career in Nashville. Right? Then a stranger comes to town and has Missy re-examining her dreams. She gets one final chance at stardom, and her life-long wish is within her grasp. Is there really magic in the stranger’s scarf, or is it in the power of knowing her heart’s true wish?
Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground
Annie Garrett - 1996
Ten years after leaving her home to seek a career in New York, Tess, a successful celebrity journalist, returns to the Ozarks and to Branson to interview famed country artist Buck Campbell, the orphaned football player and talented singer whom she had loved in her youth.
The Trouble With Holly
Bonnie Blythe - 2014
But when her Aunt Della calls in a favor sending Holly back to her hometown, she finds herself ankle deep in a chicken pen while juggling the demands of her job and an old flame. As her carefully constructed facade comes tumbling down, she meets a handsome vineyard owner who studies the spiritual side of the vines. Can he convince Holly he sees her as God does, and help her rediscover her faith?