Book picks similar to
Black: Part 1 by Kelly Harper


romance
freebie
contemporary-romance
contemporary

After the Sky Fell Down


Megan Nugen Isbell - 2012
    But when tragedy strikes, she is left to pick up the pieces of her now shattered life. As she tries to make sense of her new reality, life takes another startling turn, leading her down a path she never imagined. Through it all she finds comfort in a surprising companion who becomes her best friend and rock as she tries to rebuild her life. But when she unexpectedly meets someone, whose kindness and understanding offers her a chance at a fresh start, she struggles to move forward, afraid to leave her past behind. Will she be able to move on and find peace with her past in order to discover her future or will she let her past condemn her to a life of loneliness, unable to let go of a life that can never be?

Amy's Wish


Kay Harris - 2018
    Due to a traumatic past, romance is the furthest thing from her mind. But when a new job opportunity brings her face-to-face with the only man she’s ever had a crush on, Amy’s journey to make her wish come true takes an unexpected path. Carlos Diaz has been burned in the past and he’s reminded of it every day because his ex-wife still works with him at this best friend’s candle company. But he seems to completely forget all the reasons he should stay away from women when Amy walks into his department. A complicated history, over-protective family, interfering best friend, and evil-intentioned ex-wife all conspire to keep Amy and Carlos apart. Despite the hurdles, they will fight to make their wishes come true.

Crossroads Serenade: A Novel


Laurie Adair Grove - 2012
    But no matter how much time passes, she can’t forget Pete, the only man she’s ever loved. Meredith wonders how she can move on, when just looking at her little boy so painfully reminds her of everything that's happened.Her son is five when Meredith returns to Crossroads to claim The Serenade—a popular hotel, bar and restaurant—which she inherits from a dear friend who treated her like family when her own family did not. A single mother from a rough background, Meredith knows life is not all roses, and that she will have to work even harder than ever with her new responsibilities. But she has no idea of the obstacles that she must overcome, now that she has moved back home to claim her inheritance and hopefully reunite with Pete.

Breathe Me (Me #1)


Jeri Williams - 2015
    I used to know how my life as going to be, how I was going to live out my lifeless days, unloved and fearful. Hopeless to the possibility that life, my life could be anything better than what it is now. I knew that I would either give up, or give in, either one would eventually being the end of me and I didn't think that was so bad. I would no longer be constantly reminded that I was shit, and would be shit no matter how hard I tried in life. I thought it was all easier to just slip away.But that was before....

The Barrington Billionaires Collection: Books 1-5


Jeannette Winters - 2020
    His company was closing a deal that would cement his spot at the top. The last thing he needed was a distraction from the past.Lena Razzi had spent years trying to forget Brice Henderson. When offered the opportunity of a lifetime, would she take the risk even if the price would be another broken heart?Book 2: Table for TwoDean Henderson never backs down from a challenge. No matter the cost or the opponent, when it comes to business, if he wants it he gets it. No exceptions.Tessa Brooks left her small town to get out of the spotlight of being the preacher’s daughter. Boston is the perfect place to blend in and finally be herself. A low profile job in the HR office of Poly-Shyn fits perfectly into the life she is creating for herself.When Dean takes over as the new CEO, sparks fly. Tessa grew up hearing about the difference between right and wrong, but no one ever told her that wrong could feel so good.They belong together, but they might realize it too late.There are consequences to loving a powerful man--and sometimes they’re deadly.Book 3: You & Me Make ThreeShaun Henderson learned young that the best defense is to strike first. It’s perfect in business but not in matters of the heart.Morgan Pereira had walked away from a high profile position to protect her son. Years later she is given another opportunity to climb the corporate ladder.Taking the job opens wounds Morgan thought had healed.If Shaun really does want her, he’ll have to learn that some things can’t be forced. Love plays by its own rules.Book 4: Virgin for the Fourth TimeBennett Stone has dedicated his life to protecting and saving lives when others failed. The word impossible is not part of his vocabulary.Zoey Henderson has spent most of her life defending herself against her tarnished reputation, as a consequence of her father’s actions. Her five over-protective brothers believe no man will ever be good enough for her.When Zoey experiences some medical issues, the urgency of finding her biological mother becomes paramount. Although her brothers tried and failed earlier, her quest is not one of curiosity. She needs answers, and there’s only one man who will go to any lengths to find them.Bennett has been warned that Zoey is off limits. But no one controls his business decisions and when she calls, he takes her on as a client.When Bennett discovers the information Zoey’s been searching for, he knows he can’t have it all. How can he decide between his pride and their passion?Book 5: His for Five NightsAlex Henderson needs to know the truth about his mother, even if it means exposing the family’s darkest secret to the world.Ziva Grzyb will do anything to stop the human trafficking ring that is terrorizing her country. She wasn’t able to save her older sister, but she is determined to save other young women from the same fate.Alex finds it will take more than money to gain answers. Willing to risk it all, including his reputation, he pretends to follow in his father’s footsteps.When Ziva hears yet another Henderson is on the prowl in her country, she sets out to take him down.Alex doesn’t expect an adversary to be his only hope. Ziva doesn’t think she can defend, never mind love, a Henderson. Will the key to their hearts also be the key to their freedom or will they pay the price for a crime neither committed?

Wanted


Nicole Elliot - 2017
    The night I walk into the club, I have no intention of bidding on a woman. Why would I? I can have any woman I want. Anytime. Anywhere. But when Sydney Mercer walks across that stage, I'm screwed. My paddle isn't the only thing that goes up. I'll show everyone else what it's like to lose. But Sydney isn't just here for fun and games. She's got her reasons for entering into this little arrangement. And so do I. Her body whenever I want it for the next thirty days. If she follows my every command, I'll make all her dreams come true. There's nothing that can go wrong, as long as Sydney doesn't learn the truth. Wanted is a super steamy auction romance. It has a HEA and NO Cliffhanger. There are a few bonus books for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

Broken Build


Rachelle Ayala - 2012
    He doesn't need blood on his car, threatening phone calls, and Jen wrapped in broken code and blackmail.A gang of thugs hunts Jen, and she takes refuge in Dave’s protective arms. Together, they must thwart a killer and rescue an innocent victim from their past. Love blossoms, but a damaging revelation points straight at Jen, threatening to tear them apart forever.Content advisory: language, sexual situations

Sweet Somethings


Barbara Freethy - 2017
     Roman Prescott has always lived his life in the shadows. Being invisible meant staying alive—during his troubled childhood and his years as a soldier. But when an injury sends him back to the small town of Fairhope, he can't hide from his past or the light brought forth by a beautiful pastry chef. Having lost her parents at a young age, Juliette Adams has had her share of tragedy, but now she fills her days making sweet desserts in her bakery and trying to recapture her happy childhood. Then she meets an attractive, brooding man, who is not only tearing down her old house but might just tear apart her fragile future. She's not interested in the tragic love story she was named after—she wants a love that will lift her up, that will last, and this sexy soldier has one foot out the door. They both know they should ignore the sparks between them, but Valentine's Day fever has lit up the town and old love letters and long-buried secrets keep bringing them together. Can these two wary souls get past their fear of loving and losing to finally win the greatest love of all? If so, what could be sweeter than that?  AUTHOR'S NOTE:  SWEET SOMETHINGS is a full-length standalone novel. But to add a cool twist, it's set in the world of a romantic movie called COFFEE SHOP that is being released on the same day! Both stories (the book and the movie) take place in the same small coastal town, and some of the characters cross over. You can read/watch each separately without missing a beat, as they each have their own independent storylines, but if you'd love to check out both, you'll have even more fun! PRAISE FOR BARBARA FREETHY NOVELS: "Freethy is an expert at creating unforgettable characters." Library Journal "A warm, moving story of the power of love." NYT Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber on Daniel's Gift "A warm and wonderful book about love, family and everything that’s important in life. Irresistible! I loved it!" NYT Bestselling Author Susan Elizabeth Phillips on Ask Mariah "A fabulous, page-turning combination of romance and intrigue. Fans of Nora Roberts and Elizabeth Lowell will love Golden Lies.” — Kristin Hannah "In the tradition of Lavyrle Spencer, gifted author Barbara Freethy creates an irresistible tale of family secrets, riveting adventure and heart-touching romance." NYT Bestselling Author Susan Wiggs on Summer Secrets “Hooked me from the start and kept me turning pages throughout all the twists and turns. Silent Run is powerful romantic intrigue at its best.” — NYT Bestselling Author JoAnn Ross on Silent Run “If you love nail-biting suspense and heartbreaking emotion, Silent Run belongs on the top of your to-be-bought list. I could not turn the pages fast enough.” — NYT Bestselling Author Mariah Stewart “Barbara Freethy writes with bright assurance, exploring the bonds of sisterhood and the excitement of blue water sailing. SUMMER SECRETS is a lovely novel.” — NYT Bestselling Author Luanne Rice

Billionaire’s Baby


Sloane Peterson - 2018
    They narrowly escape his pursuit, and Trent is left feeling more hopeless than ever, thinking that if that had been the end of his life, he would have died totally and completely alone.  Crystal, meanwhile, is a young woman who's quickly grown jaded with the opposite sex. She's sworn them off for what must be the dozenth time, determined to keep her focus on her developing career as a lawyer. When Trent comes into the bar where she's working one night and sweeps her off her feet, however, she might just have to rethink her pledge to celibacy...  The two of them spend a night together and quickly become enamored with one another, and both feel happier than they have in a very long time. But Crystal begins to wonder whether she may just be another flavor of the month for Trent...  Will the billionaire's past end up coming back to haunt them both, in a very big way?

Once Burned


Lisa B. Kamps - 2016
    One reckless night changed all that, setting Michaela on a new path. Gone are her dreams of pursuing music in college, replaced by what she thinks is a more rewarding life. She's a firefighter now, getting down and dirty while doing her job. So what if she's a little rough around the edges, a little too careless, a little too detached? She's happy, living life on her own terms--until Nicky Lansing shows back up. Nick Lansing was the stereotypical leather-clad bad boy, needing nothing but his fast car, his guitar, his never-ending partying, and his long-time girlfriend--until one bad decision changed the course of two lives forever. He's on the straight-and-narrow now, living life as a respected teacher and doing his best to be a positive role model. Yes, he still has his music. But gone are his days of partying. And gone is the one girl who always held his heart. Or is she? One freak accident brings these two opposites back together. Is ten years long enough to heal the physical and emotional wounds from the past? Can they reconcile who they were with who they've become--or will it be a case of Once Burned is enough?

Wrecked


Teagan Kade - 2016
    Now she’s mine—body and soul. DEACON Screw redemption. I’m at the end of the world to hide, to surf, to keep my brothers safe. But Lux blew in like a summer storm, a Californian cliché I couldn’t get enough of. After I saved her, all I wanted was to pull her close, feel her writhe beneath me, but I can’t put her in danger. I won’t. Enough lives have been lost already. LUX ‘The most dangerous wave in the world’—That’s how I found myself at the bottom of Australia, a dark stranger breathing life back into my lungs. He’s trouble. Everything about him says ‘stay the f*#k away’, but I can’t. I don’t know what he’s hiding from, what he’s done, but one thing’s for sure: I’m caught in his undertow and I can’t turn back. Wrecked is a full-length bad boy romance with a happily ever after and no cheating. For a limited time, it also includes bestselling novel Throttle as a bonus.

Temporary Bliss - Special Anniversary Collection


B.J. Harvey - 2018
    *** Temporary Bliss - Bliss #1 Makenna Lewis cringes at any mention of the word commitment. She doesn't want or need a relationship, but she does like sex (who doesn't?). That explains Noah, Sean, and Zander, her three "friends with benefits." They know the score, they know they're not the only one, and each of them provide her with a different physical need that she craves and enjoys. Until a late-night encounter with the delicious Daniel Winters turns her preconceived notion of no-commitment completely on its head. Soon she finds herself feeling things she vowed never to feel again, and when Daniel pushes for more than she's willing to give, she falters. What do you do when something that you've known to be so wrong in the past feels so damn right? If you're Mac, you run and hide. But is Daniel the type of man who takes no for an answer? ***Disclaimer - There is absolutely no cheating in this book. However, this book does contain descriptive and super hot sex scenes that will make you blush and leave you hot and bothered. Make sure you have you husband, partner, boyfriend or significant other nearby when reading, or else batteries. Lots and lots of batteries*** *** Permanent Bliss - Bliss #3.5 You met Mac and Daniel in Temporary Bliss, now join them as they seal the deal. Makenna Lewis never thought she would be the one walking down the aisle to marry her superhero. But then again, she hadn't expected Daniel Winters to crash into her life and tilt her world off its axis two years earlier. As they celebrate their last days of singledom, they find themselves battling over the guest list, managing the in-laws, and dealing with last minute disasters that threaten to disrupt their special day. In true Bliss fashion, we’ll see freak-outs, awkward situations, hilarity, drama, and cringe-worthy moments as Mac and Daniel prepare for one of the most important days of their lives. Join the Bliss gang as they watch two of their own walk down the aisle and conclude their happily ever after. ***Disclaimer – Hot sex, drunken texts, horny phone calls, and a wedding anticipated by all but one. And, of course, a few freak outs along the way (but NOT the kind you’re used to) because that’s how Mac rolls ***

Bubbles with Brunch


Ainsley St. Claire - 2021
    Only the title has changed.If your best friend was arrested for murder? Would you lie or tell the truth?AxelI don’t want complicated, drama, or serious in the women I date.That was until I met her.Mia’s different—she’s beautiful, smart, and knows baseball better than I do.Her close friend is arrested for murder and life becomes complicated.Chaos engulfs her.Drama colors all parts of her life.And, maybe serious wouldn’t be so bad.MiaLife’s not as easy for me as people think.Sure I’m CEO of a Fortune 50 company I founded.I’ve got a group of girlfriends who’d doing anything for me.But I can’t meet a decent guy to save my life until I met him.Axel makes my toes curl and my heart melt.But the timing may just be wrong.Bubbles with Brunch is a romance with a happy ending and the first book in the The Stiletto Sisters series. This series is about strong women who need strong men. This book can be read as a stand alone that highlights the women seen in the Venture Capitalist Series and the Tech Billionaire series.

Repercussions


B.L. Olson - 2019
    I think somewhere along the way it just became who I was and I gracefully accepted the role… I feel so utterly stuck. Unwanted by anyone I could ever see myself with and alone despite having two “roommates” who constantly hover and meddle in my life. There are definitely repercussions for not pushing myself to be who I want to be. When I met my new next door neighbor Wyatt, I didn’t think he would be the one to constantly challenge me. Tear me open and put me back together again in an entirely different way. The one who is dealing with his own repercussions as well...

Famous


Emily Bishop - 2017
    And I’m tired of paying it. Fake women and fake relationships. I’m done, especially with my celebrity ex. One problem: I’m stuck with her in this cramped little town. A ‘business’ trip gone wrong. I’m over it. Until I meet Aurora. She brightens my dim outlook. She’s the most genuine person I’ve ever met. But wanting her? Needing her? That’s a big fu@king mistake. And, as usual, there’s a price to pay. If the press finds out, if my ex finds out, both our futures will be crushed. I can’t get enough. It’s too late to stop now. If this is a mistake. It’s one I’d repeat again and again. This steamy, contemporary romance will keep you company tonight, tomorrow, and the day after. No cheating and a satisfying happily ever after!