Book picks similar to
The Despair of Strangers by Heather Topham Wood
contemporary
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Mine
Linzvonc - 2020
I want someone to push me against a wall, kiss me hard and pull my hair to the point of pain. I want to want someone so much they are all I think about."He was quoting exactly what I had said yesterday-word for word. My heart stopped, I think. His face was close to mine, his lips brushing against mine as he muttered,"Let me be of some assistance here."****************You can't help who you fall in love with.... 'I think that we have relationships with different people to learn things. Learn how to behave, how to fuck, how to break up, how to be.' Cal FallonGretchens life is just average. She has the boyfriend, the friends and the family. She is in the final year at high school and is set on following her career ambition as a therapist. Then Cal Fallon enters her world, changing everything she thought she knew about herself, her friends and the world as she knows it....Cal Fallon. He has a past that he needs to keep a secret, until he meets Gretchen, and he realises he doesn't want to keep any secrets from her...even though it could put them both in danger....
Beautiful Ruin
Amy Olle - 2015
Soon, she's face-to-face with a man from her past. The one man she never stopped longing for.Renowned archaeologist, Noah Nolan, swore he’d never return to the small, remote island in Lake Michigan. After agreeing to complete a short-term excavation project, he realizes the site belongs to the woman who inexplicably rejected him years before. A woman he’s never forgotten – or forgiven.When Noah’s affinity for uncovering all things lost, forgotten, and buried stirs Mina’s repressed memories of a terrifying secret, she must find the courage to unearth the past, or risk losing the treasure of her heart forever.
Hula Girl
Lara Ward Cosio - 2019
What's so hard about that?Well, for an admitted workaholic, the warm weather, clear waters, and soft sand are a perverse kind of torture. I'm counting down the minutes until I can get back to my Los Angeles law firm so I can get my career back on track after an uncharacteristic slip-up.But then a wild chicken - yes, a wild chicken - forces me off the road and I meet him. The gorgeous surfer with a body to die for and the promise of a much more interesting time away from the office.A vacation fling.That's all it was supposed to be...Hula Girl is a steamy vacation/fake fiancée stand-alone romance with a guaranteed HEA from the author of the Rogue Series.
Pretty Monsters (Pretty Monsters Trilogy, #1)
Kimberly Carrillo - 2020
Here we don't hide in the shadows. I am vengeance wrapped in a pretty package, but you can call me Sin, everyone else does. I’m a weapon and as such I live for one thing only, to bring death where I’m aimed. That is until the night she walks into the moonlight. Raven Blackthorne taunts me with her beauty and innocence. She doesn’t belong in my world, even if it is her father who’s trapped me here. I’m not good for her, but maybe I’m exactly who she needs to help her escape it. Unless I break her first.
My Best Mistake
Sarah J. Brooks - 2019
Playboy” Jason Cooper. His arrogance is off the charts and he’s a total Casanova. Since I’ve grown up with him next door, we’ve always been fighting.He may be gorgeous and charismatic as hell – but at the same time, he’s always been my kryptonite. And I could never imagine living with a guy like him.Until an unthinkable tragedy happens. Now I need his support to take care of my nephew, Liam. And I’m forced to live with my favorite enemy.Well, maybe I can take this lemon and make lemonade. Watching him with Liam… how he takes care of him. The way he looks at me, touches me, protects me – it feels unbelievably good.Turns out, I couldn’t keep my distance from him. I let his irresistibly strong arms hold me tight. Who would’ve thought a one-night stand would produce the surprise I’m carrying now?Maybe it’s time to tell him about our unexpected gift… but can I really trust that Jason has changed his ways forever? "My Best Mistake" is a full length standalone romance with no cheating and no cliffhangers, but with a gorgeous protective alpha male, plenty of steam and a guaranteed HEA. I've also included a preview of my romance novel "Unexpected Surprise" for you. Happy reading! - Sarah J. Brooks (USA Today Bestselling Author)
The Tillman Crush
Kelly Gendron - 2021
His hold was firm.The next day, he vanished. After seven years, he’s back with a sexy smile, flirty eyes, and jacked muscles.Not that I care.Let him slather on the charm.I won’t give in to The Tillman Crush. Not this time. BRITT Sadie Holland. Beautiful. Smart.The untouchable girl next door.Growing up, I wanted her.To keep her at a safe distance, I was mean to her.Then, the accident happened.With my mom gone, my father turned to the bottle.So I left town the first chance I got.Now, I’m back and not just for Sadie.The other thing I want.Well, the girl I came back for might not like it.Still, I won’t stop until I get what I want.Not this time.
Wildcard
Emilia Finn - 2020
I’m a pro fighter, the son of a murderous wifebeater, overprotective big brother, and Evelyn Kincaid’s best friend.I’ve known Evie since we were kids. I loathed her on first sight, and picked on her as often as she picked on me, but somewhere around my fifteenth birthday, my dislike was replaced with something else. It was foreign and new, potent and exciting.Now Evie is the woman I’d die for. The friend I would kill for. The girl I will love for eternity.Evie may be a pro fighter too, capable enough to fight her own battles, but she’s wild, and too spontaneous for her own safety, so I’m going to be right here, protecting her six, cleaning up her crazy, and praying she gets on board when I tell her I’ve loved her for years.My five-year plan has been put in place, my claim has been made, but I could lose more than a round in the octagon when another fighter enters a competition he was never invited to.What I feel for Evie was never up for negotiation, but she’s always been my wildcard.From the author of the best selling Rollin On series, comes this beautiful coming of age story that will make you sigh, scream, melt, and giggle; all on the same page.
Up For Air
Christina Berry - 2021
Mired in a relationship that’s gone stale, she approaches her husband Greg about opening their marriage. To her shock, he agrees.Ari throws herself headlong into an adventure through the bars and bedrooms of Austin. For the first time in her life she’s living in the moment – sex and kink, karaoke and drink – new friends, new lovers, new boundaries to cross. It’s all just innocent, no-strings fun…until she meets Alex.Alex changes everything. While Ari and Greg grapple with their changing relationship, Ari struggles to control her heart. During hedonistic self-discovery, has she stumbled across love?Book one of the Lost In Austin series, Up for Air was a 2021 Good Sex Awards Winner for "Sexiest Consent," won the Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for Romance - Sizzle, and won the 2021 Independent Press Award for Romance.
Sinners of Hawthorne University Complete Series
Eva Ashwood - 2021
It contains violence, dark subject matter, and high steam.**
Kissing Booth
River Laurent - 2017
Even then, I wanted to buy a kiss from her, but she ran away in tears.Twelve years later, I come home to find her in my bed... fast asleep.It's just like Goldilocks, but with waves of long, dark-chocolate hair.Hell, I don't even want to blink in case she disappears.I didn't pay too much attention to my fairy tales. Did any of those bears get to the kiss the girl?Whatever, I'm not buying kisses these days. I'm all grown up now. There's hot blood pumping through my veins, and I take what I want when I want it.Hmm, come to think of it, I'm not in the market for kisses, but I could do with a fake fiancée.This time there'll be no running away, Sweet Dani Sabre... I'm claiming you for my own.DaniI know I shouldn't have taken that nap. I wake up to find a devastatingly handsome man watching me.Dark hair, ripped body and piercing blue eyes that smolder right through my soul.I thought he was going to get me fired from my cleaning agency, but instead he shocks me and asks me to be his fake fiancée in exchange for an insane amount of money.I'm not mad, so of course, I say, "Yes."
Carved In Stone
Donna McDonald - 2011
He admires Jessica for her courageous art and for how she has dealt with her life. As far as Will can tell, the only part of Jessica damaged by her past is her heart. Jessica assures Will she is incapable of lasting love, but Will refuses to believe it's true. Yes, it is a problem that the baggage from Jessica's past makes her see dating as merely recreational and men as interchangeable, but when she offers him temporary sexual fidelity, Will decides to take what he can get until he can find a way to convince Jessica she is still capable of love.Jessica Daniels is mostly happy with her life. Her daughter is graduating college. She is a few years away from retirement. Life is good even though lately she has stopped being interested in both her art and men. Since Jessica has never been the kind of woman looking for that one special man to settle down with, she normally dates and enjoys all the men she wants. What's the harm with doing so suits her? Will is certainly good-looking and charming, but she's not sure he's worth the trouble of an exclusive relationship. She likes riding his motorcycle, seriously admires his art, and thinks he's mostly a great guy. But after thirty years of being single, Jessica knows that most relationships just don't work out for a woman with a past like hers. When Will keeps insisting on sleeping with her, she finally gives in, but Jessica knows in her heart it will never last.
Whispering Pines
Kimberly Diede - 2017
Days meant swimming and sun, nights meant ghost stories and campfires. Best of all, Whispering Pines meant time with Celia, her favorite aunt. Through the years, Celia would remain Renee's most steadfast confidant, but trips to Whispering Pines would fade to memories. Raising kids alone and a demanding career consumed Renee's life.Now Celia is gone and Renee’s career is in shambles. Promising herself she’ll look for a new job in January, Renee is determined to make the most of her unexpected time off. But when mysterious events begin to swirl around her kids, her worries compound.A spontaneous trip, meant to lessen the growing pressures and soothe Renee's battered pride, could turn out to be so much more when she finds herself alone on a moonlit beach, half-a-world away, with a handsome stranger.How can Renee keep her family safe as she works to rebuild their lives? Does she dare take another chance at love?Celia's final gift may provide answers, but there are risks. Renee wishes she could seek comfort and advice from her dear aunt, but Celia's recent death has left a void. Why can't things be simple, the way they were when she spent summers at Whispering Pines?Whispering Pines, the first book in Kimberly Diede’s uplifting Celia’s Gifts series, will introduce you to a special place and a remarkable family.Discover how Celia’s legacy can live on if her family is willing to seize the opportunities she leaves to each of them.
Gabriel's Album
Sian Ceinwen - 2021
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a rock star. And now here I am, about to start my first big tour, when she comes along.Ariana.From the second we meet, she's all I can think about.Asking her to come on tour with me is easy. But she's shy, insecure, and the paparazzi scare her. We live in two completely different worlds.I love her and I know that she's worth fighting for. The problem is, I'm not sure if love is enough.Gabriel's Album is the first book in the Cruise Control Heroes series. It's the companion novel to The Album. Fall in love with Gabriel and Ariana all over again as Cruise Control embarks on their first world tour.
Cocker Brothers 2nd Six Books Box Set
Faleena Hopkins - 2021
In exact series order.✨✨✨✨✨"I seldom give 5 stars and/or this long a review, but the series is that good." - Classy Lady• Honey Badger, Book 7:A Steamy, Edgy MC Holiday Romance to melt snow...In late December, a shiny black Harley Davidson takes an unexpected pitstop in the charming, Christmas-loving town of Nevada City, California - population 3057. The plan was to ride onward to San Francisco but when Antonio "Honey Badger" Martinez spots a shy redhead in Victorian costume who is in need of a hero, those plans change. Can two people find a Christmas miracle to call their own?• Hannah Cocker, Book 8:Welcome to the Next Generation!A Sizzling Coming of Age Romance where you'll meet the first of the 17 cousins, the Cocker Brothers now fathers.Our story begins with me, the only one who didn't know who her father was until I was five years old and a car accident took my mom away forever. The media won't let me forget, as if I ever could. And sometimes people don't realize I have a burned heart that has been looking for a way out. So when my cousin, Sofia Sol, offers a road trip to Florida on the back of her motorcycle, well...would you say no to an adventure?• Ethan Cocker, Book 9:A Billionaire Romance to drop your pencils for...I'm a computer genius who has patented security inventions so necessary to our future that I am now a very rich genius. But even though I may be well endowed, in the brains department, I can stick my foot where it doesn't belong sometimes. When I say 'foot' I mean something else. Just being a gentleman because you might be reading this in a public place. Am I making sense? No? Sorry about that. I’ve got a lot on my mind what with the hacker I'm unveiling, the stalker in my home, and the sexy boss I pissed off by assuming she'd be a man. But don't hate me. Come closer... I'll explain everything.• Gabriel Cocker, Book 10:A Rockstar Romance to make your heart sing on key...Someone has won a date with the insanely hot rockstar, Gabriel Cocker. But Paige is not exactly jazzed about her win since problems in her life make this the exact wrong time. Especially since Gabriel's cousin saw her first...• Emma Cocker, Book 11:A Billionaire Romance to make you slap a face...I am Jake's only daughter... daddy's 'Baby Love." But I don't need to be protected anymore. My boss has sharpened me, made me tough, with her verbally abusive ways. I am ready to handle this big chance to prove myself - a billionaire client from San Francisco looking for a mansion here in Atlanta to call his new home. I knew it wouldn't be easy with a man like him. Nothing good ever is. But when history comes knocking on this realtor's door, will I be the sweet doormat they all take me for or shake our foundation straight to its core?• Eric Cocker, Book 12:A Sports Romance to get your heart running a hundred yards...Eric's a star quarterback who gets all the ladies, gorgeous as he is. And kind. And funny. But when he flirts with a waitress at the sports bar his team frequents, she throws up a middle finger tattooed with birds that he can sit on...if he could fly. Even worse, she's taken. Will Eric have to sit this game out?FOUR 6-BOOK BOX SETS:1st Six Books Box Set2nd Six Books Box Set (This!)3rd Six Books Box Set4th Six Books Box Set✨✨✨✨✨Each features a different member of the same family, all intertwined in fun ways where one story pays off in another family member's book... a very fun read." - Fupping Magazine✨✨✨✨✨"...this series is a must read." - A Readers Review Site Blog
Raising Grace
Mia Pride - 2018
She was my high school sweetheart and my twin sister’s best friend. But one night, a practical joke went bad, and the joke was on me. I lost Crystal that day, and along with her, all I ever wanted. Soon, I had a daughter to raise, but when Grace was diagnosed with autism, her mother took off. I was all alone… until the day Crystal walked into a conference room with the key to my daughter’s success, and the key to my heart. However, convincing her I’m worth a second chance is proving much harder than I ever imagined, and asking her to meet Grace and face the ghosts from our past may be more than either of us are ready for. Crystal Brent Stevenson broke my heart in college. I never knew why he did what he did, but it took years for me to bury the pain — with bad dates, one-night stands, and my passion for working with kids with autism. Just when all my hard work was about to pay off, I discovered the man who ripped my heart out years ago was now the financial investor of my biggest project. Now, I have to convince him to fund my life’s work, and he isn’t going to make it easy. After being assigned to work with his daughter, in his home, I find myself facing some hard truths. The circumstances that drove us apart aren’t what they seem, I’m still in love with Brent, and… I’m falling in love with his daughter, Grace. The baby that once drove us apart, is now the little girl bringing us together. Raising Grace is a full-length steamy, romantic comedy that will tug at your heartstrings and prove that love knows no boundaries, nor does autism.