Book picks similar to
Smoke and Mirrors by Norma Marie
single-parent
contemporary
contemporary-romance
freebie
Watch Me Drown
C.E. Johnson - 2020
Keep my heart closed and my head down. But that’s kind of hard to do when the only way to keep Danielle safe is to move her into my house.I was doing fine all by myself until I witnessed her harassed in the park.The look of terror on her face was something I couldn’t ignore.There was something about her-all I wanted to do was protect her.But I had no idea saving her that afternoon would lead to my rules against falling in love to be picked off one by one. Dani’s soft touch and stubborn kindness is everything I never knew I wanted.The only thing is, saving her could drag me back underwater.I pulled myself out of the undertow once.I’m not sure I’d survive another round behind bars.But for her, I’d risk drowning.
Falling for Dr. Kelly
D.L. Gallie - 2020
I thought we were unbreakable, until someone close hurts me in an unimaginable way.Can two opposites fight the laws of attraction or will it end up tearing us apart?FLYNNI work hard, and play even harder.When it came to women, I could have anyone I want.Until I met her—Avery Evans.She’s quiet, shy, and everything I’m not.But we’re drawn together like magnets, sparking each other to life.When the unthinkable happens, our differences really show.Is our attraction about to sizzle and flame out? Only time will tell. Other Falling novelsFalling for Dr. KellyFalling for Dr. KnightFalling for Agent CoxFalling for Agent Cruz
Savannah Run
Michelle Donn - 2021
She's just discovered her boss is in business with some of New York's most brutal criminals. Going to the FBI throws her even deeper into the dark waters of money laundering and human trafficking. A former client is the only one she can turn to.Eric Robb is a man of many talents.He's a professional fixer whose clients pay him handsomely to make their problems disappear. But now he's got a problem of his own--protecting an idealistic beauty he's never been able to get out of his head. When a ghost from Eric's past joins the hunt they escape to the southern city of Savannah looking for a reprieve only to stumble deeper into the criminal's web.Eric is only one man, with danger lurking around every corner will his skills be enough to keep Leia alive?*****Savannah Run is the action-packed first book in the Protecting Love series of standalone HEA romantic suspense novels. Expect tangled sheets, car chases, and perilous rescues. A protective hero and a bold heroine flee cross country from a hired killer.
One Last Risk
Nancy Stopper - 2017
Firefighter Lucas Bennett had the carefree life he’d always wanted until a deadly blaze took the life of his company mate and best friend. Blaming himself was easy but pulling himself from the tailspin of guilt proved to be much harder. The fog of sadness and guilt pushed him down a dangerous path until he nearly died fighting the beast. Forced to stop and reevaluate his life, he decided to make a change before it was too late. A fire took almost everything from Sarah Robinson—her husband and her home—leaving her to raise their precious daughter alone. Everywhere she looked held memories of her husband, pouring salt on her ever-present wound. Unable to live any longer around the memories of her husband, she and her daughter moved to Oak Grove, far away from the grief of the past. All Sarah needed was the chance to start a new life for her and her daughter. A car accident on a dark, rainy night put Lucas and Sarah on a collision course neither of them expected… with questions they’re not ready to answer. Can a single mother open her broken heart for a second chance at love? Will a broken firefighter risk his heart for what might be his only chance at forever? Are each of them willing to take one last risk to be together? His risk. Her reward. Together, they’ll mend each other's broken hearts. If you like small-town romance where the heroes are sexy and the women are strong, unlock One Last Risk to start your visit to Oak Grove, Pennsylvania and fall in love with Lucas and Sarah!
This Is Fate
Zee Irwin - 2021
He’s once-bitten and twice-shy. Together, their passion is—complicated.Maddie McComber is driven to succeed. Working her way through Harvard by tending bar, the dual MBA and law student isn’t about to lose focus by letting any of her regulars take her to bed. But the flirty banter she shares with the well-dressed older man definitely makes her tingle in all the right places.Daniel Jones has no faith in love. The high-flying billionaire divorce attorney knows from both personal and professional experience that almost all perfect affairs end in expensive disasters. But the way the attractive grad student at the pub sees past his wealth and acknowledges his true self has him totally hooked.Moved when he rescues her from an attacker, Maddie starts to feel her anti-dating regulations may require serious review. But though Daniel recognizes she’s everything he wants, his heart remains mired in the pain of the past.Can these two legal eagles soar over their fears and into a happy future?This Is Fate is the standalone first book in the delicious Fated Loves contemporary romance series. If you like strong women, conflicted men, and steamy open doors, then you’ll adore Zee Irwin’s gorgeous tale.
The Best Friend Hookup
Kylie King - 2019
She wants me to do things with her…in the bedroom. The things she wants to do, wouldn’t be a part of our usual hangout, where we play video games, or stuff our mouths with extra cheesy pizza. This is different. She wants me to teach her how to be on top, so she can hook up with a guy she’s always wanted to date. Of course, I’m going to help my adorable, nerdy best friend Julia. I’m the best man for the job, and she trusts me with her life. Not only that, but I’ve been with plenty of women—enough to know how to show her the ropes. Showing her what to do shouldn’t change anything between us…at least that’s what I think, until I realize that once she gets the hang of this, she’ll be on top of another guy.
A Love This True (Jasper Lake Book 2)
Leah Atwood - 2018
When she fell short, she ran rather than face her parents’ disappointment. Only, distance didn’t make her shame disappear. Caught between loneliness and independence, she struggled with the decision to return home. Plagued with guilt after missing her sister’s wedding, she finally goes home to Jasper Lake, but her life can’t return to what it once had been. Elijah Brewer had his future mapped out—attend seminary, marry a nice girl, then pastor a mid-sized church. Moving to a small town in the Adirondacks didn’t play into those plans, but when he was asked to act as interim youth pastor at Jasper Lake First Community Church, he saw an opportunity to build his resume before leaving for seminary, bolstering his chance for a better position after graduation. Nothing could have prepared him for Trixie Graff. Opposites attract, but will her shame ruin his future or will they both learn the meaning of grace? Jasper Lake Series: Not This Time- Prequel- ASIN: B01IFCYS2K- Drew and Amie Born to Love- Book One- ASIN: B079V68BNW- Landon and Jessa A Love This True- Book Two- ASIN: B07C1V44D2- Elijah and Trixie All That Glitters- Book Three- ASIN: B07G2XV89P- Mac and Phoebe What Matters Most- Book Four- Late Fall 2018- Hunter and Beth
Abdominal Snowman: A Feel Good Holiday Romance
Sloane Peterson - 2020
This has been our first Christmas since my divorce from her father, a deadbeat dad who never really supported either of us.I do my best for Jule, but I worry sometimes that my best isn't good enough. And with the bakery really struggling financially right now, I'm afraid that this might end up being one of our worst holidays ever.But that all changes one weekend, when Jule and I build a snowman together in our front yard.He's nothing special at first glance. Three snowballs, a carrot nose, and some tattered old clothes thrown together. But that night there's a raging snowstorm outside my window, like nothing I've ever seen before.By the time it all dies down, there's an extremely cute naked guy standing outside my door, claiming to be our snowman brought to life.
Hard Working Hero
Penny Wylder - 2021
I think he's a stubborn jerk-hole.We should hate each other.Instead I'm falling head over heels for this chiseled, hard-working carpenter that my rich family would disown me for mixing with.It all started because I broke some cabinets. In my defense I was distracted--my parents demanded I hurry along to some socialite party when all I wanted to do was stay home and binge Bridgerton.My dad thought he'd teach me a lesson by making me help Mr. Rude-But-Hot fix what I busted.Somehow, I don't think he predicted me getting all melty for a blue-collar stranger.But I did.I'm hooked.And when my family finds out, I'll lose everything.This is one mess not even my heart-throb's skilled hands can fix...
Grumpy Best Friend
B.B. Hamel - 2021
I had to escape my drunk, abusive father, but leaving her behind was the biggest mistake of my life.Now I have another shot at making things right. Jude’s new boss wants to build a factory outside of Philadelphia, and she brings me in to help.I’m thrust back into Jude’s world, and not much has changed. She’s still beautiful, still hilarious, and still hates my guts.Little by little, she’ll remember why we fell in love back in high school. I’ll make her pout, then make her laugh— then make her strip down and kiss me.And soon I’ll have her back, all grown up and perfect.Or else I'll lose the empire I built with my own calloused hands.Another hot grumpy man! Watch Lady Fluke’s assistant Jude find her happily-ever-after with Bret while they both face their broken pasts and grow together. It’s steamy and fun and I think you’ll fall in love with protective, growly Bret just like I did. As always, Grumpy Best Friend is a full length standalone novel with no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a happily-ever-after guaranteed. Enjoy! XO BB
Roots and Wings
M. Mabie - 2016
Yet, all could think about was Mutt, or at least that’s what they called her.To me, she was gorgeous and witty ... and perfect. She knew more duty than desire, more perseverance than passion, and more acquaintance than affection, but here was no way I’d ever want to change her. In fact, I was dying to show her the life she'd been missing, but first she'd have to trust me enough to tell me her real name.I wanted to plant roots, but I refused to clip her wings. Not when she was everything I’d been looking for and all the home I’d ever need.Roots and Wings is a standalone contemporary romance. If you're looking for a good time, then you've come to the right place. Welcome to Wynne.
Finding You
Leah Busboom - 2020
One caring and nurturing small town.Will Hailey and Quinn find their happily ever after in Connor’s Grove?Hailey Summerville is in debt up to her eyeballs, unemployed, and homeless. She’s looking for a fresh start in tiny Connor’s Grove and maybe a romance she’s never had time for before.Quinn Connor fled back to his hometown, injured in a car accident and disillusioned with big-city corporate law. His fiancée broke up with him, making him swear off women forever.Through simple acts of kindness, the quirky people of Connor’s Grove show Hailey and Quinn what it means to belong in a community where people care about each other, know everyone’s business and believe in matchmaking. Theirs is a story about finding love and a new purpose in life.Book 1 in the new Connor Brothers series. You can enjoy it as a stand-alone novel, but you’ll want to find out what happens next in this series of small-town, clean and wholesome romances.
Tempting Christa
Tracie Delaney - 2019
I lived through it. Hell, I almost died because of it. Once bitten, twice wiser. I thought my battles were over—I was wrong. Christa Left with limited choices, here I am, a face among millions, another runaway hoping to lose herself in the Big Apple. And I will not—dare not—repeat the mistakes of my past. Mister I-always-get-what-I-want Dayton Somers may have manipulated me into accepting his bizarre offer, but he needn’t think I’m in awe of his reputation, or in any way impressed by him. Sure, he’s charming and successful—but I see through the veneer to the darkness lurking beneath. He might hold my immediate future in his hands, but he’ll never have me. Dayton I’m a winner, a fighter, a man who knows what he wants, and how to get it. The day Christa Adams walks into my building, I know I’ve found my latest challenge. Her skittish behavior pushes me to look deeper. What’s her story? Who is she running from? How can I persuade her to trust me? Christa can erect her barriers, but I’ll tear down every single one. She may not realize it yet, but she’s mine.
Mr. Serious: More Than Money
Elisa Leigh - 2021
She loves teaching, but it’s been one hell of a school year and she’s ready to grab a bottle of wine, roll up her sleeves, and tackle the fixer-upper she bought and make it a home. Fixing things isn’t new to her, she’s been doing it ever since she was a girl and had to piece her family back together after the unthinkable. What she isn’t expecting is to meet a man who throws a two-by-four into those plans and turns her world upside down.Christian Stone has worked his ass off helping to grow the family business into what it is today, making everyone a lot of money in the process. Money is great, but it hasn’t left a lot of time for fun or the one thing everyone’s hoping to find. His brothers set out to change that with surprising success. In the course of one night, he meets the woman of his dreams. Picturing their life together to only have her dash them to pieces. Christian didn’t get where he is today on dumb luck, no, he goes after what he wants.Will Christian prove to Reagan a life together is worth fighting for? Will Reagan push past her insecurities to let love in?Welcome back to Blue Mountain Lake, the sleepy Washington State town known for its friendly people and small-town way of life. This well-hidden gem is the perfect place to have some fun and fall in love.Mr. Serious is a Blue Mountain Lake Novella, full of plenty of steam and happily ever afters.
Just One Night
C.A. Harms - 2021
It doesn’t matter how hot she is or how many times he’s imagined her in a not-so-innocent way. Nope. Those visuals should always remain hidden deep down in a dark place.But of course, I just had to drink until I couldn’t see straight and screw everything up. Now, I know what you’re thinking, and I swear it wasn’t my fault. It was that damn tequila.I never expected to wake up naked only a few feet away from the woman I never should have touched. But man, reality had been so much better than any fantasy I’d ever had.But it all went downhill fast when she opened the door to leave and came face to face with none other than her brother, who is also one of my best friends.I’m a dead man, but Jade might actually be worth it.And to think, all it took to change everything was…Just One Night.