Book picks similar to
Taking Charge by Rebecca Barber


romance
contemporary
rebecca-barber
freebie

Flawed


Claudia Y. Burgoa - 2017
    Like the green-eyed woman I meet on sidewalk, tears streaming down her cheeks. The one who triggers what my overprotective older brothers call my “Everhart Complex”—the uncontrollable urge to erase someone else’s pain.This little character flaw could shred me if I let it. That’s why I don’t do family law. But it’s who I am. Who I became after my parents died. Willow Nothing says “successful adult” like living with my grandfather and having my little sister as my boss. But with my acting career stalled and my checking account in single digits, playing receptionist at Beesley Enterprises is a bearable humiliation.Until he walks into the office. The man I met on the sidewalk on the worst night of my career. Mr. I’m-Going-To-Fix-Your-Life—as if I’d let him. Because just for a moment, I felt safe. I felt something besides numbness. And dammit, if I let my ice queen façade crack, I’ll be worse than back to square one. I could fall off the edge entirely…

Refuge at Pine Lake (Pine Haven)


Rose Chandler Johnson - 2019
    This sweet, Southern romance doesn’t disappoint.” – Liz Talley Robin Lancaster, a twenty-six-year-old former kindergarten teacher, has her summer and her life all figured out. She’s ready to be on her own, writing and illustrating her children’s stories at her family’s beloved lake house. Once there, she intends to rekindle a romance with Caleb Jackson, the area’s top hunting and fishing guide, and bag him for herself.Complications arise from the start when Robin finds out her mother has rented the lake house to a man they know nothing about. Matthew McLaughlin, forty-year-old widowed university professor and author from California, shows up at Pine Lake in crisis. A sabbatical might be his only hope to save much more than his career. He needs a place of refuge. Sharing the lake house with a lighthearted young woman and her dog is the last thing on his mind. Caleb Jackson has his own plans. He’s used to things going his way, but a man staying in Robin’s house presents unforeseen challenges. When paths unavoidably entangle for these three, hearts are on the line.

Exes and Goals


Heather C. Myers - 2017
    She has one.Harper Crawford is a big fan of the Newport Beach Seagulls, despite their abysmal previous season. It's been a year since Ken Brown's murder and Seraphina Hanson, Ken's youngest granddaughter, just survived her first year as the new owner and manager of the national hockey team. Barely. The last year was dismal to the point where Seraphina is making drastic changes. Like hiring Harper as their official blogger. Harper gets to travel with the team, write character pieces, critiques, game summaries, and the like. It's her dream job.Another change? Putting together practically a new team, including Zachary Ryan, first line center. At six foot four and two hundred and twenty pounds, he is tall, dark blond, and solid muscle. He's arrogant and direct and the minute he sees Harper at Taboo nightclub during a team bonding session dressed in a plaid shirt and converse sneakers, he has to get to know her better.Except there's a problem from her past that won't go away. Harper has an ex that won't stay in her past - where he belongs. He starts showing up at her place, reminding her of all the wrong choices she made, bringing up things she wants nothing more than to forget. When Zachary gets involved, things get heated and his notorious temper flares.Harper doesn't want to get involved with a hockey player - especially with an overzealous ex who won't leave her alone - but Zachary plans to change her mind. No matter what the cost.

Molly's Misadventures


D.E. Haggerty - 2016
    First, my father, aka Mr. Grumpy Pants, calls to say his nurse just walked out on him. Likely story. I rush home to pack, only to walk in on my husband getting it on with his younger, skanky secretary. Unfortunately, my quick weekend trip home to fix Dad’s problems turns into a stay of a few weeks. Luckily, I’ve got Danny, the neighbor boy I’ve had a crush on since I was a dorky, braces-wearing, nose-buried-in-a-book teenager, and a brand-spanking new blog to keep my mind off things. Before I know it, I’m writing product reviews of vibrators and getting questioned by a store rent-a-cop at the world’s worst date ever. All while trying to figure out how to take things with Danny to the next level. Not to complicate things or anything, but my boss decides to give me an ultimatum—come back in four weeks or don’t come back at all. How in the world did my life get so complicated?

The Way Back To Me


Anne Mercier - 2019
    The book DOES end on a cliffhanger. My life was charmed. I had the best friends ever. We were known as the Fab Five and our futures were planned out.In a flash, everything was taken from me. I don’t know how to live without them. I don’t want to.I’m broken.When I get to college, I see him.Cameron Stone. Mr. Football. Mr. Popular. He’s definitely hot, but on the inside he’s vile. He made my childhood a living nightmare. I don’t know why he hates me or why he’s suddenly being so nice to me. All the sweet talk in the world won’t work. I know better.So, why am I listening?

Falling for a Stranger


Georgia Coffman - 2019
    I don’t expect to fall for a stranger.We share one blissful night together. No last names, phone numbers, or feelings.Yet, he still tracks me down, and I can’t say no to the heat between us.Our chemistry is intense. Palpable. Life-changing.My traditional family believes moving to LA has corrupted me, but the truth is, they’ve never approved of any of my life choices. It’s never bothered me, either—until I met Sebastian.But it was one thing to be with him in Vegas during a wild weekend and another story entirely to invite him into my life. How can I take him to meet my parents?After all, his profession isn’t something my family would accept.Can our one night turn into forever?*Note: This was previously titled Strip for Me.

Our Last First Kiss


Darlene Tallman - 2018
    She had always dealt with self-esteem issues thanks to a domineering mother and having her ex cheat on her and then compound it by marrying the woman, she sank into depression. At the one-year mark, she had slowly taken some of the weight off but her doctor advised it needed to be a bit faster, so she turned to a personal trainer/nutritionist who was highly recommended. Thorne Baker has his own painful past but has worked hard to move beyond the betrayal. When Tinsleigh walks into his gym the very first time, he feels an attraction he's never had before with a client. Hours spent together working out as he gets her ready to compete in a triathlon only deepen his feelings. He knows, however, that he will have to let her set the pace because of her past. What if everything you've always believed about yourself since you were a teenager turns out to be a lie? What if the man your heart desires lets you know he wants you too? Come and join Tinsleigh and Thorne and see if they get their happily-ever-after!

The Orchard Inn


A.M. Kusi - 2019
    He’s looking for his future. Will they take a chance on a love neither expected…Ella lives in constant fear. After seven years of concealing her whereabouts from an abusive ex, she gets an opportunity for a fresh start when one of the few men she trusts leaves her a charming inn. When a mysterious, charming guest tempts her to open her heart again, she fears the scars from the past will keep her from anything close to love.
Hardworking and successful, River has always wondered if something's missing from his life. And when he falls for the gorgeous proprietor of Orchard Inn, he knows the tattooed beauty is exactly what he needs. Moved by her pain, he encourages her to open up about her fears while he promises to stay by her side. 
But just as their irresistible passions bloom, Ella’s brutal ex returns to reclaim what was never truly his.
 
Can Ella and River fight off the past long enough to awaken a forever love?The Orchard Inn is the inspirational first novel in the Orchard Inn romance series. If you like strong heroines, kind-hearted heroes, and a dash of suspense, then you’ll adore A.M. Kusi’s uplifting tale.Buy The Orchard Inn to watch a couple heal with love today!

One Hot Texas Summer


Nicole Flockton - 2020
    If only she didn’t have to work closely with the town player, Tate Prentice. After being burned once by a serial cheater, her inconvenient attraction toward Tate needs to be nipped in the bud. Tate Prentice’s focus is on ensuring his father recovers fully from his stroke and making sure the family’s peach farm continues to thrive. When his brother nominates the farm to be the satellite site for the festival, he’s less than impressed. The only good thing is he'll be working with Kelly – even though he knows she’ll never give him a second glance, not with his reputation. The more time Kelly spends with Tate, the more she sees the man behind the reputation. Can she trust her instincts, or will her heart be broken once again?

Seized By Love


Melissa Foster - 2015
    To keep friends and family from finding out about her sexy secret, she's put her social life on hold until her sister's education is paid off and she can stop filming the webcast.Blue Ryder fell hard for Lizzie Barber when he met her a year ago, and he hasn't been able to get her off his mind since. Everything about the feisty little brunette, from her tight bod to her seductive smile, cuts straight to his heart. Though Lizzie has turned down every invitation he's extended--Blue is not about to give up trying.Renovating Lizzie's kitchen brings Blue further into Lizzie's life, and the oven is not the only thing heating up. One night and one powerful kiss changes everything. But when Lizzie's secret is revealed and the safe bubble she's hidden in shatters, true love may not be enough to put the pieces back together.***MORE RYDERS coming soon!Chased by Love (Trish)Claimed by Love (Duke)Swept Into Love (Gage)
Rescued by Love (Jake)

The RYDERS are part of the Love in Bloom family. Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.Read the full LOVE IN BLOOM series:SNOW SISTERSSisters in LoveSisters in BloomSisters in WhiteTHE BRADENS (at Weston, CO)Lovers at Heart (Treat & Max)Destined for Love (Rex & Jade)Friendship on Fire (Josh & Riley)Sea of Love (Dane & Lacy)Bursting with Love (Savannah & Jack)Hearts at Play (Hugh & Bree)THE REMINGTONSGame of Love (Dex)Stroke of Love (Sage)Flames of Love (Siena)Slope of Love (Rush)Read, Write, Love (Kurt)THE BRADENS (at Trusty, CO)Taken by Love (Luke)Fated for Love (Wes)Romancing My Love (Pierce)Flirting with Love (Ross)Dreaming of Love (Emily)Crashing into Love (Jake).BRADEN WORLD NOVELLASPromise My Love (Rex & Jade's Wedding Novella)** Best if read after The Bradens at Weston & Trusty, CO.SEASIDE SUMMERSSeaside Dreams (Bella)Seaside Hearts (Jenna)Seaside Sunsets (Jamie)Seaside Secrets (Amy)Seaside Nights (Sky)Seaside Embrace (Hunter)Seaside Lovers (Grayson)Seaside Whispers (Matt)THE BRADENS (at Peaceful Harbor)Healed by Love (Nate)Surrender My Love (Cole)Crushing on Love (Shannon)River of Love (Sam)Whisper of Love (Tempest)Thrill of Love (Ty).

Something About a Lawman


Em Petrova - 2017
    There’s a reason Aiden’s the best at what he does—he only goes by the book. Sure, it’s taking some time to track down the criminals who are stealing and outright butchering the good ranchers’ animals, but he’ll serve them justice in the end.Amaryllis Long has been a Texas Ranger for five years and her experience trumps anything this newbie operation in Wyoming has seen. She’s locked and loaded, ready to break all the rules if it means getting her criminal cuffed and stuffed. Only thing is, she needs an extra set of cuffs for her sidekick Aiden. The lawman might be hunky as hell with hidden tattoos and secrets as long as a summer’s day, but she knows best.Asking Amaryllis to stop and think before she acts is like asking a pig to stop eating. She’s reckless, annoying… and a damn good kisser. Half the time Aiden doesn’t know if he wants to throw her in the back of the truck and have his way with her or hog-tie her and leave her alongside the road. They might both be fighting for the same goal but if they can’t agree on how to handle the situation, how can they succeed?

The Cowboy's Last Song


Deborah Garland - 2021
    I fell for him seven years ago. I won’t be charmed by him again. Then I met his daughter...Jamie: I chased fame my entire life and it’s been a brutal journey from rising star to damaged goods seven years later. I’ve cleaned up my act since getting custody of my daughter, but balancing being a single dad and music god hasn’t been easy. I’ve lost another contract and have only one more chance in Music City. Now my success rests in the hands of a woman who probably hates me.Harper: I make stars shine and dreams come true. As the Nashville Hitmaker for a small record label, I’m facing my biggest songwriting challenge yet: a hit for Jamie Miller, country music’s bad boy. Blue Rock Records may have overlooked his tattered reputation to boost profits. But all I see is the man who broke my heart seven years ago.I’m determined not to fall under Jamie's spell again. I’m vying to be Blue Rock’s next CEO, that means keeping my relationship with Jamie professional. But when he uses his most irresistible quality to make me melt: his daughter, my resolve crashes harder than his last album.If I give in to some forbidden sexy time with a man I’ve wanted for seven years, will I survive falling for him again when he leaves to go on tour?And will the pain of losing both Jamie and his daughter be the hit I never saw coming?The Cowboy’s Last Song is part of the Wild Texas Heart Cowboy Series but can be read as a standalone. No cheating. No cliffhanger. HEA Guaranteed.

My Escort


Kia Carrington-Russell - 2015
    Mine is that I hired a male escort to end my boss’s taunts regarding my love life. Problem is, I actually like him.Clover is determined to become the next big travel columnist. The only problem is her merciless boss, Debra Coorman, who refuses to let her step up the corporate ladder. When an opportunity presents itself, Clover will do anything to make the most of it- including dialing the number on a simple black business card, she swore she’d never need.Hiring male escort, Damon, to play the role of “doting boyfriend” was meant to be easy. A simple transaction that would begin and end in one evening—until an unsigned check has him on her doorstep the very same night.What started as a business deal is flipped on its head as Clover finds there's more to Damon than meets the eye. Hearts are involved, and emotions are running deep. Clover needs to determine if feelings are real or if Da

No Perfect Man


D.D. Lorenzo - 2013
    Don’t get me wrong. I have more money than I need, more women than I can bed, and more people worshipping me than most churches during a revival. I’m luckier than most. I made my money on my looks. Traded my soul for the almighty dollar. And now? Well, now I have to come up with a new plan. I don’t like the person I’ve become, and I sure as hell need to surround myself with new people. New York’s bright lights and big city mentality can suck the soul right out of a man. I need something new. Something fresh. Something that doesn’t make me cringe when I look in the mirror – and I know just where to find it.Home.

Bastard


J.L. Perry - 2015
    I was born a bastard and I’ll die a bastard. I learnt it at a young age, and nothing and nobody can change that. I’m on a one-way path of destruction, and god help anyone who gets in my way. I hate my life. Actually, I hate pretty much everything.That’s until I meet the kid next door. Indi-freakin’-ana. My dislike for her is instant. From the moment I lay eyes on her, she ignites something within me. She makes me feel things I thought I was incapable of feeling. I don’t like it, not one bit. When she looks at me with her big, beautiful, haunting, green eyes, it’s like she can see into the depths of my soul. It freaks me the hell out. She’s like sunshine and rainbows in my world of gloom and doom. I hate sunshine and rainbows.******** I’m Indiana Montgomery, my friends call me Indi. Despite losing my mum at the age of six, I have a wonderful life and great friends. My dad more than makes up for the fact that I only have one parent. I’m his little girl, the centre of his world. I adore him. When Carter Reynolds moves in next door, my life takes a turn for the worse. He’s gorgeous—sinfully hot, but that’s where my compliments end. He seems hell bent on making my life miserable. He acts tough, but when I look into his eyes I don’t see it. I see hurt and pain. To me, he seems lost. I should hate him for the way he treats me, but surprisingly I don’t. If anything, I feel sorry for him. I want to help him find peace. Help him find the light that I know is buried somewhere within his darkness, but, he won’t have a bar of it. He’s warned me time and time again to stay away, but I can’t. I’m drawn to him for some reason. He’s always referring to himself as a bastard. That may be true, but to me, he’s more like a beautifully, misunderstood bastard. Whether he likes it or not, I refuse to give up on him.***WARNING This book is recommended for persons over the age of 18 years, due to sexual content and coarse language.