Book picks similar to
The Despair of Strangers by Heather Topham Wood
freebie
contemporary
the-cover-made-me-read-it
pen-pal
The Midwife's Playlist
Piper Lennox - 2019
The day he left, he ruined every single song.My name is Easton, and I catch babies. When I’m called to a teen mom’s birth in the middle of a thunderstorm, the last person I expect to see is Caroline. No, scratch that: the last person I expect to see—the last person I want to see—is her brother. Six years, and the sight of Ford still wrings my heart dry. His voice still melts me. His smirk still pisses me off in ways he can’t even imagine. Our small, Southern town broadcasts rumors 24/7, yet no one thought to tell me Ford was back. And now I’m stuck living near him all over again—stuck replaying the hell he put me through the last summer I saw him. I swore I wouldn’t give him the time of day. I failed. But I sure as hell won’t give him a second chance.* * *Once upon a time, I thought Easton Lawrence would be the girl who saved me. I didn’t return to sleepy little Hillford for redemption; I don’t deserve it. I didn’t even return for her. I came back because my family needs me. As soon as this is over, I’m out of here. Gone. A ghost.At least, that was my plan. I didn’t count on seeing Easton again—much less confessing I’m still in love with her. The day we met, she hated me: eight years old and sworn enemies. But as the years passed, I changed her mind. So maybe there’s hope. Maybe I can change it again.
Home Sweet Home
Lilly Mirren - 2020
Grief and loss force her to re-evaluate her life. The only thing she can think to do is to return to her hometown where she has to deal with all of the things she left behind; a hometown she hasn't visited since high school graduation.When the police officer who lives next door comes knocking with questions about a tragedy from the past, Trina finds herself exploring the trauma of her childhood and facing the pain and stigma she's run from for so long.As she faces a new season of life, Trina must learn how to navigate complex family relationships, new friendships and a return to the career she left behind to raise a family years earlier. In the process, she'll finally confront the ghosts of her past and upend a mystery that's haunted her adult life.
The Young and the Sinner
V.T. Do - 2021
Something I can’t stay away from.I want to protect her from every hurt in this world, protect that innocence in those deep, brown eyes. But can I protect her from myself? What happens when you’re the reason the girl you love is hurting? What happens when you are the villain in her fairy tale? Can she ever forgive me for my past sins? And more importantly, would she want to when all of my hideous secrets come to light?Olivia:He told me to stay away. I didn't listen. I should have. I know better than to build my hopes and dreams on a fairy tale. I naively thought he would be my happily ever after.That’s my mistake.
Detour
A. Marie - 2020
Angela Head down, eyes peeled for any opportunity to get off the dead-end course my mother carelessly paved for me years ago.My plan takes a sharp turn landing me directly across the hall from Creekwood’s resident bad boys. The three streetbike riding misfits are as stubborn as they are sexy. And they. Are. Sexy. Especially the one with the mocha swirl eyes watching my every move.But even the six-foot hallway separating us can’t keep the overbearing trio from constantly getting in my way.When my past threatens to catch up with me, I quickly learn not every detour promises an easier route, no matter how tempting my new neighbors might make it look. Coty Head up, eyes locked on anything threatening to throw me off the carefully constructed path I have mapped out.I live my life the same way I ride my bike, never once regretting the roads I’ve chosen.Lately though, after years of the same scenery, everything’s starting to blur together. It’s only when our elusive neighbor girl comes out of nowhere that I realize what’s been missing.And now that I have, I don’t think I can let her pass by so quickly. At least not without proving the lengths I’ll go for her first.
Sins or Secrets
Khardine Gray - 2021
what he didn’t know was I lied because I had to.It was the only way to protect him from my father’s cruel hand.That last goodbye was supposed to be forever.I left town and never expected to see him again.Then Aunt Lily died, and I returned home.Not knowing her will would open Pandora’s box.Her will threw me right back in Logan’s path, and back in his bed.But he’s not the boy I left behind.He’s the irresistible, tempting ex-marine women put on their wish list.And our attraction is incinerating.All consuming.Undeniable.And, unlike the past, there’s no one standing in our way.There’s nothing to stop us.Except me.
Her Protector
Ashlee Price - 2019
Escape into the world of these hot alpha males and let them entertain you all night long.Book 1 - ProtectorEx-Firefighter. Current Boss. Future (Pretend) Husband."Save me."I saw that plea in Robyn's tear-moistened chestnut eyes the moment she stepped off the back of my truck.How could I refuse?Heck yeah, I'll protect her.I'll go through flames for this woman.I'll even marry her and father her child.I'll keep her from being harmed.But can I still protect her when my darkest secret is her greatest fear?Book 2 - One Hot DoctorA lot has changed in the 7 years since I saw Ava...Yes, I'm still the only son to billionaire parents.And yes, I'm a doctor now who seems to have women blog about my looks every time I do a TV interview.But Ava's despair runs deep.Her arrogant, abusive fiance makes me sick.Underneath her fragile exterior, I can see she has so much more to offer.Ava and I belong together.I knew it then and I know it now.I'm the only one that can rescue her from this mess.But how can I heal Ava's deepest scar if I'm the one who left it?Book 3 - His GiftThe moment Jordan's doe eyes met mine, I knew I had to have her.Hard not to when a gorgeous woman stumbles into your life.After I claimed her sweet innocence, we lost touch and I focused on building my fortune.Seeing Jordan while I was taking a holiday break in a small town was an unexpected surprise.But she's different now.Her guard is up.She can pretend to hate me all she wants but she can't deny our magnetic attraction.And her son? He sure does look and act a lot like me.I'll make her mine.Despite the odds stacked against us.After all, I have a special gift for her.Book 4 - Most Eligible DaddyThe first time was spur of the moment. The second time will be forever.I never thought I'd fall for a girl in overalls and muddy boots until I met Quinn Hardy.She's the best thing that came with this run-down farm.The loss of my wife left me empty and struggling to raise a daughter.Years later, not even all my wealth can fill the void.But with Quinn, I see everything I want in a woman.I'll show her what a real man is like.I'll crush those greedy neighbors eyeing her land the way I stamp out those trying to mess with my company.I'll destroy anyone and anything that gets in my way.Book 5 - Twist of Fake"I'll be your fiancé."I never thought I'd need one to impress a client and get a promotion.Where's a virgin like me supposed to find someone like that?And I never in my wildest dreams thought he'd volunteer.Lucian.That mysterious drool-worthy mechanic from down the street with a mean streak.The moment I saw those inked arms, I wanted them wrapped around me.
Star Crossed
C.D. Reiss - 2020
Not for one minute.Since that day I’ve measured all women against her and every one of them has come up short.We're in the same town, on the same block, in the same building, and the gulf between us is just too wide to cross.Until I stop running from trouble long enough to throw her camera off a balcony.She’s a career-killer. A PR disaster.Loving her again is career suicide, and I don’t care.This time, I’m running toward her, even if it ruins me.Star Crossed is a new and improved version of previously published title, Shuttergirl, with a brand new epilogue and previously unpublished, totally swoon-worthy and emotional new scenes.
His Taste Box Set
B.B. Hamel - 2019
If you like dark plots with lots of steam, especially ones that connect in a small town, then this collection is for you! No cliffhangers, absolutely no cheating, and of course each book features an HEA! Read the blurbs down below and happy reading. His Taste I got one taste of him and now I can’t stop. I know I should stay away from Case Hammett. He’s notorious for a reason: handsome face, muscular body, enough money to own the entire town. The confident and cocky bastard is totally all-wrong for me, and I should be very afraid. But I take a job cleaning his house to help support my sick mother against my better judgement. And I was right to be nervous: he loves getting me down on all fours to scrub his floor. He’s always teasing, his hands on my skin, his cocky grin pushing my limits. Things seem fine on the surface, but there’s a darkness in his house that I can’t escape. But when his hands brush against my skin, I don’t care about anything else. I just need more of his taste, more of his body. He corners me in his bedroom and asks a simple question: Do you want me to take care of you? I’m terrified, but I think the answer is yes. If I can’t escape, I might not leave this house ever again. His Demand I’m all about trying new things. Especially losing my virginity. I came to Pine Grove looking for a new start. Instead, I found Dawson Spark. He’s the kind of man I used to stay far away from. Handsome, cocky, and clearly rich, I can’t pretend like I’m not intimidated when he invites me back to his house. But I’m still a virgin. I’ve never done anything like this before. Now I know why people can get addicted in love. I know this won’t be a one-time thing. I’m a part of his world now, and Dawson demands a lot more than I ever thought I had. Giving him my virginity was the easy part. It’s giving him everything else that’s going to be hard… His Secret It’s my job to keep her safe. But I want something in return. I’m the Chief and Police and I get what I want. At least until I find Emma knee-deep in trouble. Those gorgeous eyes, perfect hair, pouty lips. She makes a growl slip from my throat and I can’t stop myself before I offer her my protection. There’s a catch, of course. I’ll keep her safe, but she better repay me over, and over, and over again. My hands on her hips, pulling her close against my body, I’ll whisper in her ear. You want safety? I want you. I can't help myself. I'm falling for this girl, harder than I ever imagined. She’s my new girl, and she'll get whatever she wants and much more. His Touch Don't be afraid. Let him touch it. My life is one disaster after another. Until the man that killed my father takes me as his own. I should hate Rowan more than anything. But my father was abusive and I have nowhere left to run. Now I’m stuck with this beautiful monster.
Love at Turtle Dove Inn: Sweet Small Town Romance
Susan Warner - 2021
But when she arrives, the job has fallen through. Andthen nearly getting run over by a handsome bachelor? Hardly surprising at thispoint. She can’t refuse his offer for a job though, especially because it comeswith room and board.Conner Sanders bought the Turtle Dove Inn—a romantic notion to give hisparents a chance to relive their honeymoon. But the inn needs a lot of work,which is why Riley is the perfect answer. If only he could figure out why , thesmall-town residents don’t seem willing to help him. Or why he can’t stopthinking about kissing his beautiful new hotel manager.Riley isn’t looking for love and Conner doesn’t think love is in his skillset.Can two strangers learn to let go of their past mistakes and be healed byunconditional love?Start reading today and discover the small-town charm, irresistiblechemistry, and sweet storylines of the Inheritance Bay series.
Man of the Moment
Thea Dawson - 2018
is here to serve.Tired of being the "cute one" in a family of glamorous people, Annabelle Winter decides to hire a gorgeous man from the Gentlemen, Inc. Agency to be her date at a big family event. Just once, she wants to be the envy of every woman in the room.And with Archer Carleson at her side, she is.Archer, a struggling actor in Los Angeles, doesn't mind making a wallflower like Annabelle look good for an evening—he's getting paid, after all, and it's a chance to further hone his acting skills. But when he realizes that Annabelle's family could hold the key to his career, he decides to take their professional relationship to a personal level.His attempts to boost his career by charming Annabelle backfire, however, when he begins to fall for her. Archer will have to decide which means more to him: Annabelle—or a shot at stardom.
Billionaire Hotshot—Levi: A Modern Cinderella Retelling
Scarlett Avery - 2021
No names.I’ve never regretted anything more in my life because God knows I’d sell my soul to know his name...It all started with a ball…I never believed you could fall for someone at first sight until I locked eyes with him… a stranger who quickly becomes an addiction––a man I don’t want to walk away from.Just like Cinderella, my time with my prince is measured in breaths.Forced to return to the shipwreck that is my life, I escape in the shadows of the night, my heart bleeding, leaving behind the one man who ignited my body and my soul…Life is unfair. I should know.I don’t even know his name…
Fletcher
Victoria McFarlane - 2021
I should have known that just one night would never have been enough.Not when Peyton Mckenna has been the only girl I’ve ever dreamed of.We were friends once, best friends but to me she was always the girl I couldn’t have. It didn’t stop me wanting though.But then everything changed, our worlds exploded and I pushed her away, too caught up in my grief and confusion of still wanting the girl that belonged to someone else.For three years I avoided her as if everything that happened that night was her fault, but the truth was, the guilt of seeing her, still wanting her was tearing me apart but I was becoming weak. Weak enough to let her back in. Weak enough to hold her.Weak enough to take that taste I’d always denied myself. It was a betrayal.But never a mistake.And now I want more. Our paths were too tangled, our lives forever on a collision course.This was my destruction and we had always been destined to fail.
Coming Home to Maverick
Sophia Summers - 2020
Maverick thought he was over her. But neither can deny the feelings that will always be there.Bailey has made mistakes, so many she doesn't think she'll really ever forgive herself. But her daughter deserves the kind of life Bailey had growing up. When she shows up on her parents' doorstep back to her hometown, the one person she isn't ready to see is Maverick. But will she ever be able to face him?The minute Maverick hears Bailey is back, he knows his heart still belongs to her. But what kind of man trusts a woman who left him at the altar? As he grapples with a new daughter that he can't help but wish was his, all the responsibilities of running his family's ranch, and the hurt he feels about Bailey's betrayal, he finds new love and hope not only with her but with God.As soon as God is a part of the equation, the sweetness they find is better than they ever had. Just maybe this second chance around is God's gift of happiness to them both.
Good Karma
Donya Lynne - 2014
Bullied as a child, she hides behind an unremarkable wardrobe and relegates herself to the shadows. But when her best friend convinces her to attend a charity benefit in Chicago wearing a stunning red dress that catches the eye of every man in the room, she discovers a surprising side to her personality. One that adores the spotlight but has no idea how to handle the attention.Mark Strong, a wealthy Chicago businessman, is brimming with confidence. He’s in total control. Nothing—and no one—escapes his notice. However, Mark carries a heavy, painful burden. After finding his fiancée with another man six years ago, he’s erected a fortress around his heart, unwilling to let himself fall in love again. But when enchanting Karma snares his gaze from across the room, he has no idea she will shatter his carefully ordered life.What starts out as a casual flirtation takes a series of surprising turns as Mark and Karma embark on a sensual journey destined by fate. Mark is driven to know Karma, understand her…educate her, and Karma is his willing student, eager to experience the pleasure he promises. But when the student becomes the teacher, Mark has to make a choice between taking another chance on love or a future alone.
The Single Wife
Ella King - 2021
but you can never really know anyone - can you?A group of college friends on the verge of summer graduation wonder about what the future holds - marriage and motherhood, world domination, or a better life elsewhere?One thing they do know is that they'll always be friends, but before life takes them in different directions, they make a pact to reunite in five years to see how their predictions turned out.But over time, it's pretty clear that life hasn't gone according to plan.And all too soon the women find themselves forced into a very different kind of reunion. Realising that sometimes, it's better not to tempt fate ...