Book picks similar to
The Brain by January James


arc
military-men-in-uniform
suspense
contemporary

Hidden


Ivy Nelson - 2021
    Instead he got investigative journalist Carrie Davenport. His hatred of journalists runs deep, but she's going to get herself killed. So he'll do what he must to keep her safe and his conscience clear.Carrie Davenport didn't look for trouble but it always found her. This time it came in the form of a human trafficking ring involving D.C.'s most powerful. And she could expose it all and turn it into the biggest story she’s ever written. Or get herself killed. And Peter Mercer seems hellbent on preventing her from doing either.When he shows up at Club Exposure, she thinks he's following her again. Turns out they have more in common than either realizes.

Beautiful Savages


J. Capulet - 2021
    Five love stories. One murder.The five Savage siblings and heirs are American royalty. Ares the CEO, Apollo the rock star, Athena the bestselling novelist, Eros the movie star and Artemis the supermodel have it all. But what few people know is that they’d trade all the money and fame in the world for one thing.As glamorous as their lives may be, what each of them wants is elusive: the same kind of star-crossed love their parents were known for. But nothing is perfect, and not everything is always as it seems. Before they’ll arrive at their happily ever afters—if they can get there at all—they’ll leave a trail of broken hearts, jilted lovers and obsessed fans along the way. And when someone turns up dead at the Wedding of the Year, it’s not clear at first who the victim or killer is, or what the motive might turn out to be … Beautiful Savages is a fun standalone rom-com with a murder mystery twist.

Accidental Rivals


River Laurent - 2018
    Two people as different as fire and ice. There's me. An ambitious, committed, head-down-no-nonsense kind of girl who doesn't need distractions in the workplace.Then, there's him: a self-obsessed, arrogant, flirtatious, entitled, class A jerk who wastes time hanging around the water cooler flirting with my female colleagues. And I see them batting their lashes back at him. Ugh! What they see in him is beyond me.Well, beyond his sparkling blue eyes, thick jet black hair, straight nose, strong jaw, mile-wide shoulders, muscles that flex and bunch up when he rolls up his sleeves, and that flat stomach, there's just nothing really interesting about him.The closest I ever get to him is when he brushes past me on the way to his office. Which, of course, is perfectly fine with me.Thankfully, I don't have to work with him. Nothing could be worse.Then out of nowhere my boss drops his nightmare bombshell.We have to work together!Don't look at me like that!It wasn't like I had a choiceIt'll be painful, but I decide to grin and bear it. Closing the deal is all that matters.Anyway, there's no way I would allow him to ruin my career.Even if a rational woman could drown in those blue eyes, and his smooth voice makes desire flare up like wild fire through her sane body.A full length steamy office standalone romance with guaranteed HEA.

Temporary


Sarina Bowen - 2017
     The first time I lay eyes on Callan Walker, I know he’ll be trouble. With his smug grin, hot Aussie accent and thousand dollar shoes, he’s just the kind of rich guy who always gets what he wants. And he wants two things: a night of sin, and my cooperation as he outmaneuvers his powerful mother to take control of his uncle’s estate. I can’t afford either one. I’m the only thing standing between my little sister and the foster care system. He may have money and charm on his side, but I have something even more powerful -- pure desperation. This temp job at his mother’s company can become a full time job for me. It has to. But when Callan’s eyes rake over my body, sometimes I forget my obligations. His piercing gaze finds the fun, optimistic girl I used to be and not the tired person I’ve become. And it works--if only for a moment. Our night together was a mistake. I can't afford to get sucked into his high-powered family’s treachery. But the closer I get to Callan, the more layers I find beneath those expensive clothes. Though I can’t forget this is temporary. He’s temporary. I have too much to lose. Too bad my foolish heart didn’t get the memo...

Rise


Grahame Claire - 2021
    Power. Success.The rise to the top wasn’t easy, but I’ve overcome every obstacle in my way. Including the biggest one.Then I met her.She isn’t afraid to put me in my place. Doesn’t tip toe around me because of who I am.And she’s there to witness the most humiliating moment of my life.The thing about being on top is there’s a lot further to fall.Someone wants to see me lose everything.And they just may get their wish.Because I can’t focus on anything except my sister’s best friend.

To Catch a Thief


Nana Malone - 2021
    you have to think like a thief. And Rian Beaumont was my mark. I’d start by stealing her kisses. But I already knew that wouldn’t be punishment enough. The only crime I committed was almost stealing her from my brother, and for that, I served my time. She thought she knew me, but she had it all wrong— I was nothing like my brother. To prove her wrong, I was going to steal her heart and make her mine. RianOliver Wexler might not have been the one that ruined my life five years ago, but he basically drove the getaway car. The only thing more dangerous than kissing the enemy... sleeping with the enemy. Good thing I had no intentions of doing either. But Ollie had a pesky habit of sticking his nose— and his lips--where they didn’t belong. Even though I’ve already learned my lessons about falling for a man like him. Because with a Wexler brother, it was never only your future on the line . . . but your heart too.

Call Out


Autumn Archer
    That's what my late grandmother always told me. Then I met Danny Rocco. The hot paramedic who's new in town. Since he patched up my knee at the side of the road, I can't stop thinking about him. That efficiently organized backpack. The scent of leather. Manly caring hands, and his eyes. WOW, a girl could rapidly lose her virginity staring into those amber pools. So when he shows up at Blossom Grove Retirement Home where I work, to assist with a medical emergency, I realize there's more to the ruggedly handsome man than just an Indian motorcycle. Should I break the dating rules? I've never gone that far with a guy before and Danny would be my first. He doesn't mind my quirky pet names for his love stick. And boy, when I finally discover how good that thing feels, I can't stop craving it. Falling for a guy on the wrong list has never felt so right. Every night spent in his bed brings us closer together. But over time, I get the feeling he's hiding something. Then he leaves town for a few days without telling me why. Danny has a secret and I'll find out the truth one pop quiz at a time.Except life has a way of throwing curve balls. And by the time he gets back to Sunnyville, mine has irrevocably changed. I should have known happy endings were only in the movies. Once I finally learn the truth, I'll need my handsome medic to fix our hearts back together again. If it’s not too late. Autumn Archer’s Call Out is an emotionally charged, sexy, romantic suspense written in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes World project.

Steele


Savannah May - 2017
    This is no home for me - not after what I’ve seen. Not without the girl I thought would always be here waiting for me. My best friend, the girl I grew up with. It was only ever me, her and my dog, Rod. And then our two families joined and imploded. My girl was gone and I went away. And all I could think of in all that time was that I’d always wanted more of her. What if I’d told her? What if I’d moved her out of the friend zone? Too late now. I’m back and she wouldn’t even recognize the strapping broken man with secret desires. I don’t believe in second chances - until I see her again. Scherri I can't believe it's really him. He's so huge. And gorgeous. And all alpha male. And I have to stop thinking of him like that. I have to remember he’s some sort of stepbrother now. He hasn't forgiven me for leaving. And so much has happened since then. But I can't stop the forbidden fantasy. Or thinking of that delicious kiss, my first. Before I knew what a kiss like that means. Now I'm ready. So ready. And I want Steele to truly be my first. In every way. I want to luxuriate in his arms and I want him to show me how. And then his army buddy shows up and I want a whole new experience. One I shouldn't want. One that's way off limits. So filthy good. Only Steele can give me everything I need. Steele is a 40,000 word standalone novella with a very happy ending. Get ready to wring out your panties because this second chance romance features military themes and some hot menage scenes directed at totally pleasuring the girl.

Empowered


Cynthia Dane - 2017
    He’s the bonus. One bad decision destroys not only Sarah Clayborn’s life, but nearly costs her a lucrative job as the chief executive assistant to the city’s most powerful player. She’s lost her unborn child, her twin brother’s admiration, and any shred of decency her British-born mother instilled in her. To cope with the trauma, Sarah creates a persona – Angel. She’s the one who goes out on weekends and gets into trouble. She’s the one who seduces half the world’s rabble-rousers. She’s the one who meets Lucas Blackbourne. Sarah’s encounter with Lucas was supposed to be a one-time affair. A tenuous balm on her frigid heart that refuses to heal. But when she returns to work Monday morning and discovers that Lucas is helping her boss for the foreseeable future? Two halves start to become whole again. And it’s not pretty. What does Sarah want? Choice. A future. A sense of belonging in a world often too cruel to bear. To be empowered. But she can’t reclaim her life on her own. -Excerpt- “You presume to know my greatest regrets yet.” A growl powered through the undercurrent of his voice. Still, he did not look away from her eyes. “No. I presume to know what you desire, sir.” “Because…?” He was fishing for the perfect answer. If Sarah failed to supply it, she could kiss this encounter goodbye. “Because I want you just as badly.” Lucas eyed her with careful consideration. He sucked one of his cheeks into his mouth before looking away. He crossed his legs. She kept her grin of triumph to herself. “You don’t even know me, Angel.” “That’s supposed to be my line, Lucas.” He stood up behind her. His presence enveloped her, inviting her back against his chest, arms wrapped protectively around her. Sarah caught the eye of the server who had brought her the scotch. The woman smiled in approval and flashed the number four in her direction. Room 4 is available. Good to know. “This whole night is so backward. Next you’ll be telling me you want to be on top.” “Actually,” she said with a happy sigh, “I’d much rather you take the lead on that. If you don’t mind.” “This has got to be some kind of trap.” Lucas bit his knuckle, as if he could barely restrain himself from grabbing her and hauling her off to the nearest bed. What’s stopping you? I don’t have all night. “What’s your story, Angel?” “Don’t you know the story of any angel, sir?” Sarah stepped away, her hand lingering against his chest. His hard, devilish chest that was a greater siren song than that warm voice echoing in her ears. “Once we’re doing shit like this on Earth, we’re considered fallen goods.” “A fallen angel hasn’t done anything good with her existence.” “If you don’t consider doing this something good,” she began, walking in the direction of Room #4, “then I don’t know what to tell you. You either want me or you don’t, Lucas. No strings attached. Should be a dream for you.” She winked at him. He followed her.

That Day


Karen Deen - 2021
    And when our bodies unite, the electricity is more powerful than lightning.Kurt Dolan is fast becoming the calm of my storms.The man who will be my foreverWell so I stupidly thought …

Guarding Salvation


Maddie Wade - 2022
    Yet the deference and rules he has lived by his entire life feel like a straitjacket compared to the wild feeling in his heart that seeks freedom and the cool bite of purpose. When an incident with his family ends in his arrest, he feels his life is over—until a mysterious man offers him hope and a future he yearns for. With ten years of military service under his belt, he retires from the Army and takes his place in the Shadow Elite. With his life everything he ever wanted it to be he can’t understand the nagging doubt in his heart until he meets the wild Irish Mafia Princess who could be his destruction.Aoife Doyle grew up as the princess of her father’s Irish Mafia reign but when he offers her hand in marriage to a man she hates, to forge the bonds that will stabilise his power, she runs. Fleeing her life and everything she knows Aoife finds herself in a tiny Welsh town with no money or food. Taking a job at a local pub she begins to put her life back together and regain some of her hard-won control. When a sexy man with a deep brogue and eyes she could drown in walks into her pub, she knows she’s in trouble, their chemistry is off the charts and the heart wants what the heart wants.Just as Bram and Aoife are making a path for themselves the worst happens and the happiness they’d found is destroyed in a bloody carnage. Bram must now fight like never before to save the woman who makes him whole and holds his heart in her hands, but outside forces want only his death.Will they survive the fallout, and will the prince finally get his princess?

One Last Time: A Billionaire Romance (The Ironwood Billionaire Series Book 4)


Ellie Danes - 2018
    The place I had dreamed of building a life, until it all fell apart. Too many bad dates to count. A broken engagement. A job I don’t love.And how do I celebrate? Being stood up by a blind date. And then he showed up. The hot stranger that rescued my night. I’d take his pity, and so much more. Declan Erikson is all that’s on my mind, but everything I don’t need. Tall, dark, handsome and rich with a heart of gold. I thought I had made up my mind, But I’m finding it growing harder to make the right decision. Especially, when he’s promised to give it all to me. One Last Time is a standalone billionaire romance and is Book 4 of The Ironwood Billionaire Series.

Sworn to Protect


Kimberly Readnour - 2021
    Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes Worlds project.One promise.One duty.One secret. Decorated, Ranger Regiment surgeon, Nate Dixon, has one wife—his country. With zero plans on retiring, the life mapped out before him gets altered when his best friend dies in his arms and asks him to look after his family.Mackenzie Gillman dreamed of moving away and making something of herself. But at age twenty-eight, she finds herself widowed with two kids and jobless. Moving back to her hometown, Sunnyville, California, she’s determined to start over by finishing her nursing degree. Kids, work, and school are her only priorities. But she didn’t expect to meet the mysterious stranger in town that stirs an array of emotions, none of which a new widow should feel.When Nate’s covert assignment turns complicated and lines begin to blur, the lies and deception become too much to bear. A good soldier never abandons his mission, but a great surgeon knows when to cut ties. And when Mackenzie finds herself at her darkest moment, will the trust she built with Nate be shattered?

The Recluse Heir (The Lupu Chronicles, #2)


Monique Moreau - 2021
    

The Bet: An Enemies-To-Lovers Billionaire Romance (Irish Billionaires)


Sienna Blake - 2021