Book picks similar to
Common Ground by Wendy Smith


romance
contemporary
second-chance
amazon

Feel The Heat


Kathryn Shay - 1999
    When white hot attraction kicks in, sparks fly! Francey Cordaro is a dedicated firefighter, devoted daughter and a loyal friend who has made her way in a man’s world. She rejects material goods, doesn’t give a whit about her striking looks and focuses on saving lives, spending time with her family and friends, working out and playing poker with the guys. Until she meets Alex Templeton. A wealthy businessman, Alex is the epitome of success in every area of his life. A decent man, he returns home to run the family company when his father takes ill and his brother loses his way. What he can’t control is his reaction to the sexy firefighter who dragged him from near death. She’s gorgeous, fun-loving and challenges him at every turn. But she refuses a relationship with him. With differences that rival champagne vs. beer, uptown galas vs. karaoke bars, and the world of high finance vs. the reality of walking into burning buildings, their relationship seems doomed. Or is it?

Loving L: A Dark Romance


Amy J. Heart - 2018
    Love is pain. Until the right person at the wrong time changes everything.From the sordid streets to a life of luxury, things are finally looking up for me. Then I meet her.Eden.Sweet. Beautiful. Everything I ever dreamed of...except she's under the control of the greatest tormentor from my past.Blackmail. Corruption. Even murder. Am I prepared to do the unthinkable to keep her safe?Damn right I am. Previously titled Lightning Boy, Loving L is a full-length novel with a HEA and now contains the prequel, Finding E (A Boy Called L), and tells Edie and L's entire story!** Not for the faint of heart. This book deals with dark subjects.

Wedding of the Century


Patricia McLinn - 2003
    He’s a well-to-do groom. Their botched wedding is only the start of their storybook romance.Annette Trevetti felt like a modern-day Cinderella as she walked down the aisle towards her first love and the heir to a small fortune. But her wedding day bliss screeched to a halt when an extremely pregnant woman crashed the ceremony claiming her prince charming was the father. Devastated, Annette shakes the dust of her small town off her boots and starts a seven-year climb up the corporate ladder to claim her own fortune. But when her brother gets injured on the job, she has no choice but to return to her hometown and risk exposing the feelings she still has for the man who broke her heart.Single dad Steve Corbett’s biggest regret is tied up with his greatest joy. When Annette returns to town seven years after she left him at the altar, his love for her hasn't changed one bit. And if his match-making daughter and their one-of-a-kind elderly relative have it their way, they’d pick the romance up right where it left off. Working alongside Annette on her brother’s construction project, Steve senses the flicker of their old flame. But he knows it will take a lot of sweat and tears to rebuild the crumbling trust for a second chance at happily ever after.With years and heartache between them, can Annette and Steve learn to have faith in each other and rebuild a new future together?Wedding of the Century is a contemporary romance about second chances. If you like fiery chemistry, precocious children, quirky matchmakers and emotional journeys of the heart, then you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s small-town romance.

His Reckless Heart


Jessica Mills - 2020
    Or rather, ran away.One of seven brothers, all of them hot enough to need a cold shower and a blast of AC.We were supposed to get married, but he ran away without a goodbye. Something about needing to join the military and serve.Good luck, buddy. Hope it is all you wanted it to be.And here he is back again in Green Valley. A wounded warrior.Every cell in my body woke up the moment I saw him again.But I don’t trust him as far as I can throw up.I ain’t interested in building a future in my head that could get yanked away again.Unfortunately, it isn’t my mind that gets to make the decision on where things go with this second chance at my first love.It’s my reckless heart.

Unavailable


Ella Sheridan - 2013
    Owned her. And for a few perfect hours, he controlled her like he did everything else in his life—completely. Giving her pleasure. Saturating her with his need.Then she woke to an empty bed. Alex was a one-night stand she didn’t think she could forget, but still, just a one-night stand. No big deal, right?She was still telling herself that Monday morning when she walked into her new office and there, behind the desk, was the one man she thought she’d never see again. Too bad the fact that he’s her new boss isn’t the only reason he’s unavailable.

Sparked: Island Fire Books 1-3


Amy Knupp - 2020
    PLAYING WITH FIRE: He may be the firefighter, but she’s the one playing with fire. Derek Severson walked away from his career as a Dallas firefighter after tragedy shook him to his soul. Running his uncle’s beachside bar on a south Texas island gives him the chance to heal, find peace, and avoid entanglements. That is, until Macey, his childhood friend, tracks him down. After spending two years abroad in a developing country, Macey Locke has come home ready to dive in to her Peace Corps-inspired foundation. But when she learns Derek is suffering, she can’t turn her back. Six weeks on a tropical island to help the guy she’s loved for years? No-brainer. Derek can’t help but notice she’s not the same girl he used to know. She’s more. More self-assured, more determined, more irresistible. But is she enough for him to let go of his newfound fragile peace and give in to the passion sparking between them? HEAT OF THE NIGHT A future with him would mean facing her biggest fear. Evan Drake may have had a challenging childhood, but he’s overcome it to build a life he loves—a career as a firefighter, with lots of friends and female attention, all on a tropical island. He couldn’t ask for anything more…until Selena waltzes into his world.Selena Jarboe was born into old money, lacking for nothing, except the one thing she aches for most—a stable, secure family. After playing by society’s “rules” her whole life, she throws them aside, walks away from her East Coast mansion, and pursues a life—and a sexy stranger—on San Amaro Island. She can’t regret the no-strings night with Evan…until she learns it has a major consequence.With an uncertain future, Selena is sure of only one thing—that Evan is the last man who could offer her any kind of security. Evan has a lot of experience fighting for what he wants, but will it be enough to win over Selena forever? FULLY INVOLVED This bad-girl drifter could be bad news for his custody case. Firefighter Clay Marlow might have a colorful past, but priorities became black and white fast when he learned he has a daughter. As the custody battle heats up, Clay’s focus is providing the stability his little girl has never known. His alluring temporary renter, Andie, could only jeopardize his case.Carrying everything she owns on her Harley, Andie Tyler is only on San Amaro Island to manage her friends’ bar for four weeks. A self-proclaimed drifter with more emotional baggage than a jumbo jet, Andie isn't interested in a forever relationship, even when she finds herself increasingly attached to an adorable girl and her sexier-than-hell father. She has secrets and a dark past, and Clay and his daughter deserve better.The more she pushes him away, the more intrigued he becomes. Andie’s tenderness and strength draw Clay in, and he realizes she’s the vibrant color and life he and his daughter need. Can he convince Andie to become a permanent part of their family before she rides off again?

Starter Wife


Bethany Lopez - 2021
    Follow Whitney, Summer, and Margo as they experience the good, bad, and ugly of dating again in your thirties and forties. Join them in The Jilted Wives Club.When life gives you lemons, make a Lemontini... Divorced and jobless at forty-something, Whitney never thought she’d be starting over. But here she is. Single and (not so) ready to mingle - with anyone except him. Luca leads a charmed life. He's got the perfect job, the support of a big Italian family, and a bevy of women eager to grant his mother’s wish for grandchildren… except the woman he really wants. Now that Whitney’s Starter Wife days are over, Luca is determined to convince her to give him a shot.Too bad the only shot Whitney’s sure of right now is the Lemontini.

Naked


Alexis Anne - 2020
    In fact, you should burn them allRule #4: Pretend that night and your entire friendship never existed and start a whole new life Rule #5: Do not, under any circumstances, return to the scene of the crime…I have kept these five simple, totally reasonable rules for the last six months, focusing all my energy on my new job at Vector Racing. A full Atlantic Ocean away from Hunter Holland and my great big terrible mistake.I would rather end our friendship than face being friend-zoned by the handsome shortstop with magical hands that gave me a night I’ll never forget. (Seriously, I didn’t know that could be so good… *shivers*)But now I’m in very real danger of breaking Rule #5. My boss is dragging me back across the ocean for a meeting with the Mantas where I’ll be forced to hide in the shadows and creep around every corner just in case Hunter isn’t with the team in Seattle. Which of course he will be. Why wouldn’t he? ***No one knows Tilley Villanueva better than I do. Which is why I’m not mad she ghosted me after the best night of my life. I know she’s freaking out and probably has a whole set of rules she created to help deal. She’s cute like that.That’s why I made my own set of rules. The only way to fight fire is with fire. One of these days I’m going to get Tilley alone again, and when I do, all bets are off. *Naked is a crossover novella containing characters and places from The Storm Inside and Wild Pitch series. You do not have to read these series to enjoy Naked!

The Boyfriend Sessions


Belinda Williams - 2014
    . .I’ll admit, fleeing the country after a Frenchman’s romantic proposal wasn’t one of my finest moments. Now that I’m back in Sydney, my girlfriends have announced that I’m a relationship junkie with commitment issues and want me to swear off men for six months. Ouch.Their extreme rehabilitation plan involves a weekly girls night so they can pick apart my colorful relationship history. And it gets worse—my best friend Maddy is including her older brother for a male opinion. I never noticed how gorgeous Max is before. When we were growing up, he was always kind of shy and nerdy, but now he seems to have no trouble speaking his mind. And did I mention he’s sweet, too? I don’t know what my girlfriends are so worried about, though. I can totally survive six months without a guy. And it’s not like I’d be tempted by Max—Maddy would kill me.Except I hadn’t counted on him being quite so irresistible. Or my past relationship history coming back to torment me. Please send help . . .

The Deception Duet


T.K. Leigh - 2015
    He's undercover.She's the target.Can he resist falling for her? Mackenzie Delano craves control in every aspect of her life. From her business life. To her social life.To her love life… Until she crosses paths with a mysterious man who seems to break down the walls she spent the past several years erecting. Tyler Burnham has lived the past few years with one rule in mind... Never fall in love. But when he must form an intimate relationship with a sharp-tongued woman in order to obtain the location of a man deemed an enemy of the State, he finds himself straying from that rule. Will Tyler be able push his feelings aside and recover the information he needs?Or will he risk his mission and their lives in order to follow his heart? ​​​​​​​Find out today in this gripping story of secrets, intrigue, and betrayal. Beautiful Mess Series Recommended Reading Order:1. A Beautiful Mess (Beautiful Mess Trilogy #1)2. A Tragic Wreck (Beautiful Mess Trilogy #2)3. Gorgeous Chaos (Beautiful Mess Trilogy #3)4. Chasing the Dragon (Deception Duet #1)5. Slaying the Dragon (Deception Duet #2)6. Vanished (A Beautiful Mess Series Standalone)7. Heart of Light (A Beautiful Mess Series Standalone) ***Author's Note: While it is not necessary to read the Beautiful Mess Trilogy prior to reading the Deception Duet or the Beautiful Mess Series standalones, the above is the recommended reading order for the best reading experience.

Can't Get You Off My Mind


Emma Roman - 2015
    But he's got just one unfaltering rule: they have to get married and have a baby first. The brothers disagree...wholeheartedly. But it's set in stone. Follow the rule or you're the one grandson out of luck...Stubborn, rugged, but oh-so-sexy, Roark Stinson, the oldest brother, refuses to give in to his grandfather's manipulations. After all, women are the root of all evil, and he's never witnessed a relationship that actually works. Then it hits him; it doesn't have to work.Roark just needs a warm body to agree to the terms...Zoe Morgan never wanted to be anyone's "means to an end," especially not Roark Stinson's. But his proposal is one she's in no position to refuse--can't refuse. When the stakes are this high, a warm body might just be exactly what she needs. Maybe--just maybe--Grandpa Stinson knew exactly what he was doing...

Hollywood Heartbreaker


Alexa Aston - 2021
    Book One in the exciting Hollywood Name Game series has arrived. Being late to an interview lands her the biggest job opportunity of her life.He may be rich and successful--but he's just this side of miserable.Can a wannabe be The One for the biggest star in Hollywood?Cassie Carroll came to Hollywood with big dreams that never materialized. Acting isn't even on the back burner anymore--it's completely off the stove. Working for a third-rate agent, Cassie hopes to land a new job that will give her credibility, as well as help pay the rent. Late to her interview, she swerves to avoid hitting a dog--and totals the car of Hollywood's leading action superstar. Surprisingly, she walks away from their encounter with a job--as the sexiest man alive's personal assistant.Rhett Corrigan is bored with the movies he makes and the drop-dead gorgeous model he's dating. He's afraid that Hollywood has typecast him--and that he'll never be able to break out of his action mold and try new acting challenges. When Cassie Carroll literally slams into his life, she brings a breath of fresh air and common sense to his world. She pushes him to be a better actor and a better man.Can these friends become lovers--and can their love survive--in a tabloid-happy town that thrives on rumors and backstabbing?Hollywood Heartbreaker is the first book in the Hollywood Name Game series. Each book in the series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.

Until Now


Cristin Cooper - 2015
    When she found herself pregnant and alone, a flashing neon sign changed her fate. Bridget discovered the love and belonging she craved in strangers at a fifties‑style diner.Twenty-four-year-old Billy Hall struggled with his own grief. He was wandering Europe in search of his purpose in life when he received a call that would leave him saddled with his family’s diner. It was a noose around his neck until a pregnant teenager stumbled in hungry and scared. Inexplicably drawn to the girl, he had no idea the purpose he traveled the world to find was simply waiting for him to come home. Now: After spending years repressing their feelings for each other, Bridget and Billy's life is about to change again. The baby who brought them together is leaving for college today. Is she taking their last reason to stay in each other’s lives or giving them a reason to finally admit their love?Until Now is the first book in the Until contemporary romance series. If you love friends to lover’s romance stories, then join Bridget and Billy as they grow up and grow together in this touching love story.Until Series:Until Now (Bridget and Billy)Until Here novella (Melanie and Preston)Until Us (Katie and Tyler)Until You novella (Alexis and Jason)

By Mistake


Sigal Ehrlich - 2021
    Teaching countless hours at the studio and nurturing the three major relationships of her life – her group of tight-knit friends, all while attempting to not screw up this whole adulthood thing leaves very little time to waste on yet another dating app. At this point, a relationship is off the menu. Being “self-partnered” is more than enough.A serious relationship has been crossed off Liam Brody’s list of goals, at least for the foreseeable future. Completing his residency and becoming a trauma surgeon is his only priority. Casual relationships, his friends, and books are the only things he’s willing to lose his precious free time to. When an accidental email starts a deep online connection, both Liam and Anna dive in with zero concern . . . because there’s really no harm in getting close to someone who you’ll never meet in real life, right?Wrong.When a turn of events brings their “safe” virtual connection to an unexpected face-to-face, Anna and Liam learn their online chemistry pales in comparison to the real deal. A realization that brings along the bazillion-dollar question – what do you do when you meet The One at the most impossibly wrong time?by Mist@ke is book 1 in a standalone series with connected characters, but independent storylines.

Those Red High Heels (Those and That Book 1)


Katherine May - 2015
    Emma's recently engaged best friend, Brynn, calls for Emma to ditch her life in Chicago, and to come immediately out to the Big Apple to perform her maid of honor duties. What Emma doesn't expect is to find the man of her dreams in Brynn's social circle. Not only is he taken, but he lives in a very different world than Emma is used to. Will Emma be able to fit into this new life, or will she return back to where she started? In this witty romantic novel by Katherine May, you will follow Emma on a life-changing adventure to New York City. Will Emma snag the man of her dreams, or just a really cute pair of red high heels? *This is book 1 in the 'Those and That' series. Both books are stand-alones, and you do not need to read them in order to understand the storyline. There are no cliffhangers. **Book 2 will release in late 2015.