Book picks similar to
Preston by Brooke Parker
second-chance
romance
2nd-chance
heroine-pushes-hero-away
Losing Hope
Heidi Lis - 2017
One simple phone call was all it took to change my life forever. If I could go back and do it again, what would I change? Everything. What should have been one of the best days of my life turned into the absolute worst. Cast in a shadow that turns my days dark, and my nights even darker. Before I can put the pain of the past behind me, I need to fix what’s broken. The first step is believing it can be done, the second is forgiveness. But forgiveness doesn’t come easy, least of all for who is to blame. For every choice, there are consequences. Some good. Some bad. Some simply unforgivable. One poor choice made me the target of a sociopath. And once again, I’m reminded just how cruel life can be. But…. I’ve come to learn after every storm, the sun shines again And, someone taught me life is only worth living if you smile. It took almost losing him for me to understand. What would I change? Everything, but him!
Losing Hope is a phenomenal story of one girl's survival and strength, proving that love sometimes comes at the most unexpected of times. A powerful, emotional roller coaster of a read that is both gripping and heart wrenching, but also heartwarming. An inspirational story that will stay with you long after you read it.
Losing Hope is recommended for readers 17+ due to mature content and themes.
Catching Caroline
Megan Nugen Isbell - 2017
The small town is quiet and safe and the only home Caroline has ever known. Nothing ever changes in Silver Falls. At least that’s what Caroline thinks until it does. What she expected to be a typical summer, turns out to be one she will never forget when Adam DeLain suddenly returns to Silver Falls. Since they were kids, Adam and Caroline’s brother have been best friends, but it’s been years since Caroline has seen him, not since he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and embarked on a career in baseball, leaving his hometown behind. Caroline doesn’t know why Adam has suddenly come home, but she knows neither of them is the same person they were all those years ago when Adam disappeared from their lives. He’s no longer just her brother’s best friend and she’s no longer a little girl. What will happen when the worlds of a baseball player and a girl from the small town he left behind come together, truly seeing each other for the first time? Find out in Catching Caroline, the first book in the Silver Falls Series.
The Sweet Taste of Sin
Ember Casey - 2015
Run her bakery. Heal her broken heart. She's had three years to try and forget Dante Fontaine. To the rest of the world, Dante is Hollywood royalty, the ridiculously attractive oldest son of the notorious Fontaine family. To Ashlyn? He’s the guy who took her virginity and made her swear off men forever.But when an accidental--and humiliating--encounter brings him back into her life, Ashlyn realizes that no matter how hard she’s tried to forget about him, Dante definitely hasn’t forgotten about her. …and this time, he's not going to let her go.
No Reverse
Marion Croslydon - 2013
No need to say: their shotgun wedding was low-key. But when there was no baby anymore, they went their separate ways.Five years later, Josh has breezed through Georgetown and is about to finish his post-grad degree at Oxford University. He is set to join a lobbying group on Capitol Hill, owned by his new fiancée’s father. For Josh, the sky is now the limit… only he must first take care of a tiny legal matter: technically, he’s still married to the girl who broke his heart. Meanwhile, Cassie has been waiting tables in Steep Hill to pay for her sick grandmother’s care. On the day of the old lady’s funeral, Cassie is served with two sets of papers. Josh is asking for a divorce. Her heart squeezes, but, well, he moved on a long time ago. But the second envelope shakes Cassie to the core. So, for the first time, she leaves Kansas and heads to good ol’ England.There, Cassie finds that Josh has not just “moved on,” he’s freakin’ engaged to some blue-blooded heiress. The feelings Cassie had buried deep rush back to her. But no matter if he keeps thrusting the divorce papers under her nose, she needs him to save the only person she loves more than Josh, more than life itself…
Keep Happy
A.C. Bextor - 2018
They’d say the golden path which led me here is the road every little girl dreams of taking. However, the guise of my happy existence has come to be just that—an illusion. A mask of contentment intended for the world to believe. Not many years into my marriage, I became an abandoned housewife to an adulterous husband. A proud, but sad, mother of two beautiful daughters. My days were spent somewhere lost between empty and alone. Then he came back. Mason Cole offered a second chance to share the life we were supposed to have together. He gave me a glimpse of myself. The woman I'd forgotten long ago. My road to hell was paved with good intentions. But sometimes good intentions get lost amidst a heart's desire. At least mine did. Now I’ll tell you why.
Royal
Winter Renshaw - 2016
He’s not even a prince - though you could say I loved him once upon a time.He was my older brother’s best friend.Growing up, he sat at our dinner table every Sunday, teased me mercilessly, and pretended I annoyed him.When I was old enough, he took me on my first date.Royal taught me how to drive. Escorted me to my junior prom. Gave me my first kiss…amongst other things. He was my first taste of toe-curling, all-consuming, can’t-sleep love.We had our whole lives ahead of us. There was never anyone else for me but him.And then he disappeared. No letter. No explanation. Not even a goodbye.My sisters and brother never forgave him, and my parents forbade me from speaking his name in our house ever again. For all intents and purposes, we were to pretend Royal Lockhart never existed.I’ve spent the last seven years trying in vain to forget my first love, but just when I think I’ve finally moved on, guess who’s back in town?
SEAL's Bride
Vivian Wood - 2016
Settle down? Hell, the ripped, fierce bad boy doesn't even bed the same woman twice.When he winds up back in his hometown, he's got no intention of changing his ways. F*ck the comforts of small-town life, there's a world full of pussy out there to conquer.That is, until he sees her. Remy River, the gorgeous blonde knockout who slams the door in his face -- apparently, she hasn't forgiven him for his past sins.Time to conquer the unconquerable.I had his baby, and he doesn't know.Four years ago, Remy made a huge mistake. Lovesick and impulsive, she slept with Sawyer Roman.And while he was off shooting bad guys, she had his baby.He doesn't know Shiloh is his son, and if she ever tells him, his family's threatened to ruin her life. But now he's back, damaged but hotter than ever, and he still wants her.If only she could turn away. If only she could resist his kisses, but Remy melts when he looks at her like that. But this secret's weighing on her soul, the guilt getting heavier and heavier every day.Remy has to tell Sawyer that Shiloh is his, but can they start fresh? Or will it be the tragic end to their love story?
Somewhere in Between
Samatha Harris - 2015
Content with studying and keeping to herself, Alex has no interest in the campus playboy, Drew Collins, trying to get close to her. But even dousing him with beer doesn't deter the easy-going charmer, and against her better judgment, the pair falls into a reluctant friendship. Drew is bored with college life, and Alex's romantic rejection intrigues him... Their friendship is good for both of them, but Drew is used to getting what he wants, and he's tired of shallow sorority girls. He's much more interested in the feisty redhead, but despite his growing feelings, Alex keeps him firmly in the friend zone. Old heartaches and new tragedies deepen a complicated relationship... Whatever life throws their way, Alex and Drew remain best friends with their own traditions. Drew is Alex's family, her rock, and Alex keeps Drew grounded, always challenging him to better himself. When years of buried feelings rush to the surface, they threaten to change everything... Drew promised his mother he'd tell Alex how he feels, when the time is right-but how will he know when that is? Alex is terrified to reveal those 'three little words, ' certain Drew doesn't feel the same, and she'll lose the only family she has. Getting what you want might be as easy as being brave enough to ask for it. Should Alex and Drew open their hearts, and risk being crushed? Should they be satisfied with a deep, lifelong friendship? Or does the only chance for happiness lie... Somewhere In Between?
Becoming Me
Staci Stallings - 2018
Just ask her. She’ll tell you. After all, he is her sister’s best friend, “royalty” in her high school, a senior, and so talented he would never notice a nobody like her. So Paige resorts to pouring her non-existent feelings for Nelson into a very special notebook, a notebook of the words that cascade through her without her knowing how or where they come from. She’s always been like that, writing words that are poetic, ephemeral, and too precious to share with anyone else. But what happens when she loses the notebook that contains the words that are such a part of her? Worse, when Nelson starts to want to hang out, can she play it cool or will he learn all the secrets she’s been keeping from everyone, even herself? Nelson Samuels knows he’s always been a little weird. For as long as he can remember, he’s done his best to keep just how weird a secret from those closest to him. Yes, they know he writes music. What they don’t know is that he hears music in haunting melodies all the time. Having learned to capture some of them into notes on a page, he struggles to share just enough of his talent without risking anyone knowing all of it. It’s only when Nelson starts to notice his best friend’s younger sister that life is about to dare him to open the deepest secrets he holds about himself to someone else. Will he be brave enough to share the imagination side of him, or will he forever stay trapped in knowing he has this amazing gift but being too afraid to share it with anyone? “Becoming Me” begins The Imagination Series by USA Today Best-Selling Christian author Staci Stallings. This set of stories begins in the very real world and takes the reader on a journey to learn that we all have gifts and talents, and those were placed inside of us by a God Who loves us and wants us to learn to use them—for ourselves, for our friends and family, for the world, and for His Kingdom. Come along on this journey that dares to ask what would happen if we all stopped judging our differences and started celebrating them instead.
Surviving Eden (Surviving Series Book 1)
Virginia Wine - 2018
Theodore Grant worked hard his entire life to achieve his goals. He was a prominent, renowned psychiatrist. He had it all: wealth, prestige, respect. Or so he thought. When tragedy unexpectedly struck, he was forced to help his best friend’s daughter. She needed him. What he didn’t know was that he needed her, too—like his own breath. How could he know it would all go so terribly wrong? That he would cross the line? He fought the desire leading him astray with everything he had, but in the end, he wanted only one thing: her. To hell with what was right. Losing everything never even factored in his decision. All he wanted to do was live in the moment. Her moment. She found his demons and slayed them with her innocence. The answer was clear now: he had done the right thing. He was certain of it. People would believe what they wanted to believe. His notion of right and wrong was discarded the day Eden Barnett walked into his office. What he didn’t know was that it would be the day his life truly began. The day he followed his heart, and it lead him into the garden… of Eden. *Content warning: Contains adult content, language, and scenes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Intended for 18+ audience. *
Take Me Again
Carly Phillips - 2019
but she’s going to make him work for it.Sebastian Knight is a closer. Be it a real estate deal or the woman of his choice, everything he wants is his for the taking.Sexy and irresistible, a wink, a smile, or a handshake always seals the deal. Until everything unravels around him.After Ashley Easton’s social climbing mother married into the Knight family, Ashley knew better than to get involved with sexy, trouble making Sebastian Knight but their attraction is undeniable, their chemistry intense, and in a moment of weakness, she turns to him, a mistake that cost her her home and her family. After she was sent away, she swore she’d never come back.Sebastian never expected to see Ashley, the one woman he’s never been able to get over, again.When she walks back into his life at the worst possible time, more beautiful than ever, he’s ready for a second chance. She’s sassy and sexy everything he’s ever desired. And she’s back for good. Except Ashley wants nothing to do with the playboy who broke her heart. Too bad his sex appeal makes it harder and harder to keep him at arm’s length.Sebastian Knight might have a talent for sealing the deal but this is one game he’s going to have to work to win.
Forever Friend Zoned
C. Morgan - 2021
I took all of that crap from the past and turned it into a goldmine. My body, namely. And there’s one girl I want that rejected me over and over. Lucky for me, the beauty is on the heels of a terrible breakup. Yes. I mean, aww… Her parents are pushing her to go to the gym to lose some weight. Boy, do I know how that feels. And guess who’s waiting for her when she gets there?That’s right. Me. The forever friend-zoned guy. But I have no ill will toward my curvy first love. I only want what’s best for her. Namely, me. *wink*So the game begins, and I’m lucky to be in the coach’s shoes this time. She has no clue who I am, but sparks fly high. No way in hell I’m telling her I’m the guy she remembered rejecting. ‘Cause I’m not out for revenge. I just want what I’ve always wanted… Her.
Songbird: A Small-Town Romantic Comedy
Caroline Tate - 2018
He’s a career-focused charmer whose greatest appeal is his nerdy sense of humor.
Ellie Stone’s only goal this summer is to get the Southport Music Festival off the ground without a hitch. But when she randomly meets Mason Matthews at a concert in Wilmington, they instantly connect on an honest, soul-stirring level.As they head their separate ways after sharing an almost-night of pure lust, Ellie is ready to focus all of her attention back on festival prep. When plans nosedive and the feature band pulls out of the lineup, she decides to get scrappy and take action, no matter who it involves.After an ego-shattering scuffle with Mason in the middle of town, Ellie has to swallow her pride in exchange for his help promoting the event. But Mason, Editor of the Southport Anchor, swears his hands are tied.While his feelings for Ellie continue to grow, are they strong enough that he’ll risk breaking company policy just to help promote her dream? Or will he leave her hanging on the very last note?
Weak for Him
Lyra Parish - 2014
Bright lights. Sex.Jennifer is made an offer: sell her virginity to the highest bidder and transform into one of Finnley's girls. But she finds herself weak for him, and doesn't fully realize what she's agreed to until it's too late.Will she rise to the challenge and play by the rules in a land where money is king and love is prohibited? Or will she lose herself and values in the attempt?Weak for Him has unlady-like language, adult subject matter, and s-e-x-ual situations. There is resolution at the end but the story does continue on to Weak Without Him.
Second Chance Hero
Rebecca Sherwin - 2013
Completely, irrevocably. He always has. My heart, body and soul belong to this man and I wouldn't have it any other way. I just hope I'm not too late...' Two best friends. One Christmas. Unpredictable events that tear a perfect friendship apart. Jenna Rivera changed after the night on the beach where her heart was broken and she lost everything she thought she had. Gone is the girl who was raised by the sea, replaced by the city girl she swore she'd never be. Deacon Reid, owner of D R & Son Property Development and the town playboy spends his days avoiding everything his life was before the death of his father five years ago. After losing his dad and his best friend in the same night, Deacon went in search of the trait girls... Five and a half years, countless one night stands and a stockbroker boyfriend later, Jenna and Deacon reunite. The past and present collide as they mask the all consuming love they feel for each other with a dangerous cocktail of anger, jealousy and lust. Deacon makes it his mission to win Jenna back, to save her from the years of pain he caused. He swears to be her hero, grasping with both hands at their second chance at the kind of love many dream of . In life nothing is certain, and every day must be treated as if it's your last. Can they save their love, and each other, before it's too late?