Book picks similar to
Second Glances by Elena Aitken


elena-aitken
romance
contemporary-romance
novella

Love on the Boardwalk


Nikki Lynn Barrett - 2019
    He’s concealing his true birth heritage. They’ll have to trust their hearts even if they’re sure love is a lie. Now that Eva Halloway is back in her hometown of Cinnamon Bay, she has one full plate with the grand re-opening of her newly inherited boardwalk cafe and a broken engagement to hide from the town gossip mill. First, Eva must bury her bruised heart, and second, she must ban the ridiculous Cafe Amour drink from the menu. But, sexy stranger, Mac Jenssen strolls into her cafe and before she knows it, they’ve both sipped on the legendary love concoction. By the end of the day, Eva is up to her neck in a feud with a trio of matchmaking little old ladies and wondering if she can trust herself to help Mac uncover his past. Macklin Jenssen arrives in Cinnamon Bay to search for the family who gave him up for adoption. Instead, he finds Eva, a legend about love, and a lighthouse with ties to his past. Plus, a spiced drink that is out of this world delicious. He hasn’t bargained for any of it, but he isn’t saying no to love either. In fact, the more he comes to know Eva, the more he’s considering a permanent move. Too bad she’s made up her mind about him, and the odds aren’t in his favor. With town gossip and crazy bat-wielding locals, Eva and Mac face an uphill battle. It might be opposites attract or even fate, but they will have to learn to trust in each other and the power of love if they ever want to find their happily ever after. Delve into a new world of romance, mystery, and magic in the quirky coastal town of Cinnamon Bay, North Carolina.

Maximum Force: A Career Soldier Military Romance


Tawdra Kandle - 2017
    They fight with honor, they defend their nation and their brothers fiercely, and when they love, they do it with single-minded passion. Max Remington has never been anything but a soldier. The oldest son in a family that served our nation for generations, he’d never considered any other path. The army is his life, his home and his one true love. Until he meets Samantha Crewe. Part millennial flower child, part spunky free spirit, Sam was raised by parents who encouraged her to express her feelings and embrace peace. She’s quick to love and open to just about any new adventure . . . but Max might be her biggest challenge yet. When these two clash, expect immediate combustion . . . of the very hottest kind.

Light Up the Night


Laura Trentham - 2017
     After a mugging in grad school left her with an irrational fear of the night not even her PhD in psychology has helped overcome, Sadie Wren is sure she’s found an idyllic, safe place in Cottonbloom. When a break-in at her house shatters her sense of safety, gruff, protective Thaddeus Preston storms into her life. On the surface, they have little in common, but a loneliness she’s only too familiar with hides behind his infrequent smiles. But based on her knowledge of the human psyche, Sadie is convinced her infatuation with Thad will burn out as quickly as it flared. As the Chief of Police of Cottonbloom, Mississippi, Thaddeus Preston maintains a strict control on everything in the small town—himself included. With an older brother serving time for a crime Thad committed when he was just a kid, he lives a life of penance, not allowing anyone to get close. When a reported lurker turns into a real threat, Thad is determined to restore order as quickly as possible and get back to his virtual jail. But Thad’s brother gets out on probation just as Sadie and the town turns to him for protection. His tidy, barren life spins into chaos, and the only thing that makes sense is the one woman who shouldn’t.

Talking with the Dead


Shiloh Walker - 2006
     A horrific tragedy blasted open a door in young Michael O’Rourke’s mind—cursing him with the ability to talk with the Dead. Nearly two decades later, Michael has moved from victim to survivor, using his abilities to seek out those who would go unjudged. With his gift, he talks to those who’ve died violently and seeks out their killers. Only once he’s found the murderer, can the victims be at rest. After his last case, the only thing he wants is peace and he hopes to find it in the small town of Mitchell, Indiana. But something is horribly wrong—the dead are waiting for him there, as well. Small town sheriff Daisy Crandall is frustrated. The murder investigation she’s leading is going nowhere, the few leads she’s had haven’t panned out. She needs a break—this case is personal and when a stranger arrives, turning up where he shouldn’t be, she’s suspicious. Finding out that he is more than what he appears to be should shock her but doesn’t. The fact she’s highly attracted to him at the worst possible time is a hindrance. Unfortunately, teaming up with Michael is the only way. Now it’s a race against time before the killer destroys the life of his next victim… This book has been previously published, but has been expanded and revised. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, violence

Never Is a Very Long Time


Donna McDonald - 2017
    Of course finding one for herself might be nice, but creative bill paying is for college students—not for accomplished doctors in their forties. Satisfied customers keep the electricity on.  But wait, according to all the magazines the forties are the new twenties. Now if only she felt twenty… 

Everything in Dr. Mariah Bates’ life was perfectly fine until the moment she quit her celebrity radio job to start a dating business. Two years, a cheating ex, and a very ugly divorce later, she’s suddenly homeless and living with her mother. Not exactly how she’d envisioned her life working out. Not that her mom isn’t great, but come on. 

With her cop ex-husband doing everything he can to ruin her business, she’s at her wit's end. Throw in another cop who makes her believe in love at first sight—or at least lust—and life is a mess. Interesting, fun and tummy tingling, but a mess. Especially since another cop is the last thing she needs.

Despite a very persistent, want-to-be beau who insists he's protecting her, it’s time for Mariah to take control of the game her ex has been playing. Punt or pass, she’s due for a touchdown.  Everyone deserves the perfect date—even her.

Magick, Straight Up: A Haven Harbor Novella


Barbara Devlin - 2016
    When he accepts a temporary position at Haven Harbor Regional Medical Center, in a quirky little community known for it’s tongue-in-cheek embrace of witch lore, he falls for the beautiful bartender with a unique ability to guess her customers’ drink of choice…but that’s not the only power she possesses. The owner of the Old Haven Mill Tavern, Mary-George McBride, George to her friends and family, is a kind-hearted witch blessed with the claircognizance of desire. In short, she knows what people want. When she meets Rafe, the cocky Chief of ER Medicine, his naughty thoughts make it clear he wants her, but can the hot doc accept that George and the witch are one in the same?

The Millionaire Tempted Fate


Shirley Jump - 2013
    From showing him her sexy side to a disastrous attempt at cooking dinner, her plan goes awry at every turn. One night, too much rum, and a hot time in Angie’s bed has Max rethinking his logical proposal to a woman who may look good on paper, but isn’t the one who captures his heart like Angie does. But is he willing to risk losing his best friend in order to have the happy ending he secretly craves?

Saddle Up


Jodi Vaughn - 2014
    Moving to Somewhere, Texas, she hoped to have a fresh start in the small county hospital, far away from all the accusing rumors and pitying looks. It was a good plan, until she found out her ex took out a business loan in her name. It seems he stole more than a prescription pad. Now Emily has to repay the huge loan or face legal action. All ranch owner, Derrek Diaz, wanted was a Saturday night of fun. A few beers, a long ride in the fresh air…he hadn’t planned on a trip to the ER. The last thing he needs is to be unable to work. No, scratch that. The last thing he needs is a woman underfoot at the ranch. But when he overhears Emily begging for extra work shifts to pay an overdue bill, he speaks before he thinks. Now he has a gorgeous nurse staying with him, taking care of him and trying to be a ranch hand. Things are about to get a whole hotter in Texas.

Promise My Love: Bradens Ever After, Rex & Jade, Wedding


Melissa Foster - 2015
    Catch up with all of your favorite Bradens and enjoy Rex Braden and Jade Johnson’s wedding.Debuted at #1 in Short Stories on Amazon US and Amazon AU Chosen as an iBooks RISING STAR, August 2015!

Come With Me


Sable Hunter - 2015
    Her latest and greatest project is the big Fourth of July celebration. Fireworks lighting up the sky – Red Hot and Boom! She loves the excitement and the spectacular display of sparkles and heat gives her a thrill. The only problem is… Lacy has never had any fireworks of her own. Despite having to listen to her friends tell of their sexual escapades, she has never experienced the big ‘O’. According to the only man she’s ever given herself to, Lacy is frigid. Is something wrong with her or has she just not met the right man for the job? Jake is the manager of the golf course at the country club. He’s designing and overseeing a building project and the sight of him shirtless and sweating and flexing…has given Lacy ideas. Jake has a certain reputation of being able to handle almost any task he’s given. Rumors of his sexual prowess are legendary. Now, every time Lacy sees him working with his hands, doing some heavy lifting, his body gleaming with the sheen of exertion – she begins to hope that Jake can give her what no one else ever has. IF - she can just figure out how to ask him. But what Lacy doesn’t know is that Jake has ideas of his own. His outlook on love and life has been molded by the mistakes of his family. He doesn’t think true love exists, there’s just sex. Until he meets Lacy. This Fourth of July celebration proves to have more explosions in store than those in the sky, for Jake sets out to prove that he can give Lacy exactly what she needs. In fact, Jake intends to show Lacy that what she needs – is him. Break out the fireworks and get ready to kick off your summer with this HOT new collection of Stories. Come With Me is part of the Red Hot and Boom! multi-author series. *Content Warning: Contains Explicit Scenes and Content. Intended for 18+ Audience

Wyne and Dine: Ben


Donna Michaels - 2014
    So far, she’s 0 for 0. Though her MA in History is just a wall decoration at her family’s diner where she’s working while her dad recovers from surgery, she enjoys her visual encounters with the sexiest man alive—even though he would sooner pat her on the head than take her to bed. Military born and bred, Battalion Supply Sergeant Benjamin Wyne thrives on order and control in his fulltime career in the PA National Guard, and in his personal life. But when he’s forced to ask his childhood sweetheart’s younger sister to pose as his girlfriend to thwart unwanted advances from his boss’ wife, his world turns chaotic. Lea is sweet and hot and tastes so damn good he’s addicted. When the attraction takes on a new level at his sister’s wedding, his carefully guarded heart begins to thaw. But he’s seen many relationships go south. If he takes a chance and gives up control, will Lea be like her sister and leave him for a career in the big city? Yet, if he doesn’t, will the best damn thing to ever enter his life become history?

Trouble in Paradise


Carol Grace - 2011
    What he can't do is fall for the new owner, gorgeous Abby, but how can he help it when she needs his expert help to tame the land. All he has to do is hold onto his hat and keep his heart safe. What are the chances?"Carol Grace - my favorite author! Phyllis Boston"TROUBLE IN PARADISE - No trouble reading this book, it's SO good!)" Nora CulverReaders - Re-edited 8/22. Typos gone!