Book picks similar to
Starlit Sand by C.J. Miller
romance
freebie
contemporary-romance
contemporary
Ruby Slips and Poker Chips: A Modern Day Wizard of Oz Romantic Comedy
Heather Kindt - 2017
. . until Dottie’s given a free trip to Las Vegas. Second-grade teacher Dottie Gale lives in the tiny town of Quandary, Kansas, which is pretty much smack dab in the middle of nowhere. No mountains. No ocean. No life. Her ex-boyfriend and current school board member, Corbin Lane, cheated on her, making school functions more than a little awkward. But worst of all, a tornado named Maxine Westward rips through Dottie’s school as the new principal and has made her life at work a living hell. When Dottie is chosen to go to a teacher’s conference in Las Vegas, she knows her life is going to change. Driving from Quandary to Vegas, three strangers enter her life. Through a string of situations involving poppies, flying monkeys, and a life-size sculpture of an iconic rock star the four soon become inseparable. So, when Westward arrives on her broom in Vegas, Dottie is ready for battle. Her boss black mails her with stories of incarceration, thievery, and a steamy relationship with her travel companion, but Dottie knows that those who hurl insults shouldn’t hold secrets of their own. Editorial Reviews "I had so much fun reading this and spotting all the clever twists, it was very entertaining. In fact I’m tempted to re-read it, to find more of the subtle hints. I’ve also been to a few of the places mentioned in the book which meant an extra thumbs up for me. I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy a modern take on a good original oldie." Roses are Amber
Small Town Hero
Kim Koby - 2018
Rebecca is saving herself for marriage. After a crushing betrayal, she spins out of control when she catches her fiancé and best friend in bed together. Grief-stricken and desperate, she finds herself stranded in Tennessee and forced to rely on the kindness of a stranger.Ryan knows heartache. The only woman he loved walked away the day he proposed to her. He knew in that instant he'd never trust his heart to another. At least he has his dog to keep him company and a good job as a local firefighter.When Rebecca ends up in Ryan’s path, they blend like oil and water. While he’s content with what life gives him, she escapes by seeking her identity in expensive things. Can two broken souls find salvation with their complete opposite?
Midnight in Legend, TN: Small Town Romance in the Great Smoky Mountains
Magdalena Scott - 2011
Each title in the series, The McClains of Legend, Tennessee features a member of that big, bull-headed McClain family as either the hero or heroine. Each story is sweet romance (also known as wholesome romance). Readers enjoy being able to share the stories with daughter, mothers, and granddaughters. So pop some corn, pour some sweet tea, and settle into your comfy chair for a relaxing read. Midnight in Legend, TN Midnight Shelby is starting over. A real estate agent's virtual tour of a large two-story brick building on the main street of the small town of Legend, Tennessee caught her eye and she's leaving her smarmy ex-husband, the big city, and corporate life behind. The town is struggling but Midnight has ideas that will give it new life as well. Martin McClain was born and raised in the Legend area. His family has lived there for generations, and he feels a duty to preserve the past. The website his son Daniel created has been good for business, but although Martin is a real estate agent by trade, he’s wary of newcomers’ motivations. Especially Midnight Shelby, who seems bent on changing everything...even him. **This title was previously published by Turquoise Morning Press.**
The Devil Makes Three
Julie Mangan - 2011
Unfortunately for her, she finds revenge brings more trouble than it's worth. Gretchen's accomplice in murder discovers her darkest secrets and uses them to force her into acting as his delivery girl, delivering packages with undetermined nefarious contents. Much to her dismay, he arrives at the funeral home in an official FBI capacity, asking questions about the murder. To make matters worse, he shows up as her Criminology professor. Each man professes a separate identity and a severe aversion to the others while flirting with her. Her only conclusion is that he suffers from Multiple Personality Disorder, leading her to wonder: if a woman dates a man with multiple personalities, can she still call herself a one-man woman?
M.F.
Lisa Mackay - 2015
A little caution never hurt anyone.But Maxwell Foxx isn't a man or a desire you can easily ignore. The man has sexy in his DNA.Falling in love with him was easy, inevitable. But keeping him would become a fight for my life.Young photographer, Vivienne Banks could never be accused of throwing caution to the wind. She's earned her nickname 'Cautious Viv'. A tragic childhood colours her future and her trust is something you have to earn.When her love life hits the rocks, Vivienne hits the bar with devastating consequences.In his sights already, gorgeous billionaire, Maxwell Foxx comes to her rescue. But who is rescuing whom? And at what price?Will Vivienne ever truly understand the significance of the M.F. tattoo over Max's heart?And will Max ever be able to break free from the ghosts in his past, and the bonds which tie him to another?
Blue Christmas
Diane Moody - 2011
When a last-minute customer brimming with holiday spirit invites her to a candlelight service and a late-night family dinner, Hannah reluctantly accepts. She has no idea this kindhearted woman is the mother of Jason McKenzie - leader singer of Out of the Blue, the hottest band in the country - and Hannah's childhood idol. The evening ends with an innocent kiss (sans mistletoe) as Hannah is swept away by Jason's unpretentious manner.Over the holidays Hannah and Jason's relationship grows, but when turmoil and tragedy strike at the very heart of his famous band, their newfound love is put to the test in the glare of the paparazzi spotlight. Throughout her rollercoaster of experiences with Jason and his friends, Hannah comes face to face with her own beliefs. Who knew she could learn more about prayer and faith by hanging out with a bunch of rock stars than she ever learned in church?The author first wrote Blue Christmas as a gift for her then-teenage daughter in honor of her affection for a wildly popular band in the late 90s. The short story grew into a full-length novel, eventually surfacing on one of the band's fan fiction websites where it became quite a phenomenon. More than 80,000 readers stopped by to read the story, with over 1000 of them sending personal emails to the author who still enjoys reading them today. Though the story's details have been changed, its band and all characters now fictional, the story line remains the same. Author Diane Moody has dedicated Blue Christmas to her now-grown daughter, Hannah Moody Schmitt.
Courted
Jennifer Chance - 2015
But now I’ve got no choice.By the end of the week, I must give up my treasured military commission and take the throne. Given what my family’s already endured, I'll do it, too. There's no escape for me.Then, out on the edge of my beloved Aegean Sea, a dreamy-eyed American girl falls into my arms...and life as I know it will never be the same.Looks like we’ve got a brand new kind of fairy tale on our hands.
Texas Twosome
Debbie White - 2018
Love kept her there...When Rebecca Parsons's new assignment brings her to Steam, Texas to cover the anniversary of an unsolved missing person's story, she's more than up to the task. Then she meets Kyle, a striking man with charisma who takes a hold of her in ways she'd never imagine.Kyle is carrying on the family tradition of law enforcement. When he's asked to show the out-of-town reporter around, he's happy to do it. There's not much excitement in Steam and they don't get many out of town visitors. Something about this big-city girl intrigues him so he asks her to stay a while. Soon Becca and Kyle find themselves enthralled in a slow-burning love connection neither of them saw coming.Book 1 - Texas TwosomeBook 2 - Kansas KissedBook 3 - California CrushBook 4 - Oregon ObsessionBook 5 - Florida Fling (Coming Soon)
Country Heaven
Ava Miles - 2014
He’s a bad boy who indulges himself in all things, women included. But while she couldn’t care less about country music or arrogant men, Rye makes her an offer she can’t refuse when he asks her to be his private chef on his multi-city concert tour. The job is the answer to all her prayers: it will clear out her debt and finance the fresh start she desperately needs.Rye is certain his sassy new cook is the last woman who’d ever tempt him, but spending time with the wholesome girl next door will do wonders for his damaged public image, whether she likes being forced into the spotlight or not. Her food also happens to be the best he’s ever eaten, both comforting and seductive. But spending time with Tory on the road shows him a new side to her—one that’s as impossible to resist as her food. And when an emergency in his family whisks him home, he does the one thing he’s never risked: he lets a woman into his heart…Soon the emotions Rye faked for the tabloids become all too real, but will the country heaven he’s found in Tory’s arms survive in the real world?
The Trouble with Friends
Cheryl Phipps
Still hopelessly in love with my childhood friend and neighbor who only sees me as his best pal, it’s finally sinking in that if I want a happily ever after I’m going to have to look further afield. Which means putting my feelings for Jack behind me, no matter how much it hurts. Jack Larson I love Gill. Who wouldn’t? Cute, kind, funny and my side-kick since school, Gill’s suffered with me through a failed marriage and become a second mom to my six-year-old daughter. I like to make sure she’s okay but life’s just started to get crazy, changing way too fast and Gill won’t listen. I’m worried I’ll lose her friendship if I tell her what I know about the guy she’s dating, and worried she’ll get hurt if I don’t. Then there’s this other thing—what if I’m simply jealous?5* "Couldn't put the book down." by Amazon CustomerSycamore Springs SeriesBook 1 - The Trouble With FriendsBook 2 - The Trouble With ExesBook 3 - The Trouble With Love
Finding Harmony
JoMarie DeGioia - 2013
A battle of wills…a battle for balanceAnd a love that can tip the scalesRick Chapman is climbing to the top rung of his father's corporate ladder. Fulfilling Chapman Financial’s contract at Cypress Corners, Florida will finally prove his value to the company. And to his father. But one endangered weed, and the pretty plant girl trying to save it, could really screw up his plans. Harmony Brooks loves her job as a plant conservationist at Cypress Corners, and the money she earns allows her to make up for a former boyfriend’s betrayal. He not only stole her parents’ money, he stole her heart. And that’s something she won’t ever risk again. But opposites attract, not that she or Rick ever expected to fall in love.Can Harmony prove to Rick that he’s worth so much more than his father’s approval? Or is Rick so blind he can’t see that loving Harmony is worth losing what he’s wanted for so long?
The Inn by the Cove: A Sweet, Small Town Romance
Ellen Joy - 2021
So, why can’t she just hate him?Previously published as "Inn with You."Zoe has dedicated her life to working at the family inn, where she lives with her son, but the business has fallen on hard times. She has ideas about how to turn things around; but, her father owns the place and he’s stuck in his ways.To make matters worse, Zoe learns that her father has a silent partner, Ethan’s father. Ethan has a trust fund, but Zoe’s not impressed when he comes to town with his own ideas about what’s best for the inn, as well as an ultimatum from his father. If the inn doesn’t start turning a profit, he’ll force a sale.Tensions rise as the two struggle to agree on anything. But, neither can deny that they’re starting to fall for one another. As Zoe and Ethan struggle with their feelings, and their plans to save the inn, Ethan realizes he can’t carry out his father’s wishes without risking whatever it is he has with Zoe.Will Ethan help Zoe save the inn or will family obligations get in the way? Enjoy this first in series, enemies to lovers romance!Then, once you fall in love with Camden Cove, you can enjoy the rest of this sweet, shoretown romance series:The Inn by the CoveThe Farmhouse by the CoveThe Restaurant by the CoveThe Christmas Cottage by the CoveThe Bakery by the CoveAlso, check out Ellen Joy's sweet western romance series, Prairie Valley:Her Second Chance CowboyHer Next Door CowboyHer Pretend CowboyHer Fresh Start CowboyHer Christmas Cowboy Her Last Chance Cowboy
Touched
Sabre Rose - 2017
New job. New life.Blocked memories.There was no choice.But I wasn’t expecting him.Gabe was nothing more than a fantasy. Young. Irresponsible. Charming.I wasn’t looking for anything, too busy licking my wounds.Nothing could happen. Nothing should happen.But it did . . .– Gabe –After spinning out of control, I was determined to make it on my own.My money. My terms. My life.No family.It was the only way to be free.Then she appeared.Lauren was a point to prove. A challenge. I was supposed to feel nothing.But when I took her in my arms, I couldn’t help it.It was fate. I fell.Then he came back . . .The Thornton Brothers Series follows Lauren Greer and her entanglement with two of the Thornton men, pitting brother against brother.In book one, Lauren meets Gabe, the youngest of the brothers.These books feature mature content, sexual situations and adult language.Recommended for readers 18+.
The Tick-tock Between You and Me (Canterbury Romance #1)
Kristy Tate - 2018
Darby Elliott thinks she’s in love with her long-distance boyfriend until he arrives on her doorstep. Now, she’s not so sure about him or how to get her car and money back. Which is embarrassing, because she’s a hot-shot accountant and money isn’t supposed to slip through her fingers... or into her boyfriend’s wallet. Chad George and his girlfriend, Jessica have been together since they were kids. The trouble is, Jessica thinks Chad should convert his grandfather’s dying horse ranch into a cosmetic surgery recovery spa, and Chad thinks his grandfather should maintain the ranch as he wishes. When Chad’s grandfather hires Darby, she discovers the ranch is full of untapped potential and hidden treasures including a clock that only seems to tick when she and Chad are together. Does the clock have a hidden message? Can Darby and Chad save the ranch before time runs out? USA Today bestselling author Kristy Tate returns with another clean and wholesome romance that will be sure to warm the hearts of Hallmark movie fans. If you like sweet romances with a touch of magical realism, be sure and pick up your copy of The Tick-tock Between You and Me today. You'll never look at your clock the same way again.
In Too Deep
Tracey Alvarez - 2013
He broke her heart to save his own.As an elite police diver tormented by her father's fatal drowning accident, Piper Harland is forced back to the one place she'd sworn never to return. Her tiny hometown on New Zealand’s isolated Stewart Island hasn’t much changed in the nine years she’s been gone. But she soon comes face to face with everything she ran from — grief, regret, and the scalding pain of a love lost.The one place Ryan "West" Westlake belongs is a hundred feet below Stewart Island’s dangerous waters with one breath of air and only a line to guide him to the surface. Down deep he can forget his mentor’s death. Down deep he can forget the one woman who seared his heart when she left. Only now she’s back, and as it turns out, he hasn’t forgotten a thing.Desire and tempers flare when West and Piper cross paths again. Can they face their past and be together? Two hearts. A second chance. Everything on the line...IN TOO DEEP is the first story in Tracey Alvarez's best-selling Stewart Island books set against the stunning backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you like heartwarming, sexy and sweet small town romances with a touch of comedy, you'll love sharing the journey with these authentic men and women struggling to find their special someone.Intended for mature 18+ aged readers who enjoy their feel good romance on the steamier side.