Book picks similar to
Marriage Material by Barbara Samuel


romance
contemporary
contemporary-romance
secret-baby

Forever a Bridesmaid


Courtney Hunt - 2015
    When she gets a last-minute contract for a week of bridal festivities in lush, romantic Savannah, she jumps at the chance to create the perfect wedding. But she didn’t count on the groom’s disapproving brother.Charming architect Matthew Westbrook will do anything to stop his younger brother’s pell-mell rush to the altar. He just didn’t plan on falling for the smart and sexy bridesmaid that his mother hired.When his matchmaking mama offers to sweeten the deal, Erin will earn the money she needs, if she can manage to keep Matthew from destroying the wedding. But, when her secret deal comes to light, will she lose her own chance at her one true love? Forever a Bridesmaid is the first book in the Always a Bridesmaid contemporary romance series about professional bridesmaids finding their own happily ever afters. If you enjoy witty dialogue, unforgettable characters, and smoldering sex scenes, you’ll love Courtney Hunt’s light-hearted Always a Bridesmaid series. Buy Forever A Bridesmaid and enjoy your happily-ever-after today!

Taming Mad Max


Theresa Ragan - 2011
    Believing his life will be cut short, Max tries to live every moment to its fullest. For this reason, Max shies away from forming close relationships. What would be the point of falling in love and starting a family only to leave them as his father left him and his sisters? When Max discovers he has a thirteen-year old daughter though, it throws all his years of planning and preparation for an early death into a tailspin.Nutrition expert, Kari Murphy, used to think Max Dutton, aka Mad Max, was to die for, but she’s older and wiser now. The last time Kari reacted with her heart instead of her brain, she conceived the thing she loves most in life…her daughter, Molly. As much as she dislikes Max Dutton for taking her declaration of love and throwing it in her face fourteen years earlier, she knows that if it wasn’t for him her life would be meaningless. And that really ticks her off, especially when she’s hired by the NFL franchise to follow Max around for a couple of weeks and give him healthy-eating advice, foolproof facts about carbohydrates and tasteful tips on cooking and shopping smart. Kari doesn’t want to be anywhere near the man, but what choice does she have? Her career is on the line.Taming Mad Max finaled in RWA’s 2008 Golden Heart competition under the title, Better Late Than Never.

Dirty Shame


Tess Oliver - 2016
    He also always knew that he’d never love anyone as much he loved Rylan Merritt. But sometimes love isn't enough.Seven years ago, Rylan Merritt left Bluefield Ridge with her heart in tatters. Now she’s back. And Kellan Braddock, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, the boy who she loved beyond anything has grown into a man. Will she risk her heart again? The story of a first love so strong it never fades.

Not Precisely Pregnant


Holly Jacobs - 2017
    Segments that make you smile have built up her entire career. When she finds herself (not precisely) pregnant and in trouble, she’s rescued by an unlikely savior...cynical newsman, Riley Calhoon. Paige is intrigued with this unprecedented heroic streak, but Riley prefers to keep that particular scoop to himself. Riley might doubt Paige’s reporter’s instincts, but she’s following his story with a tenacity that even he can admire. The problem is, whenever she’s around he finds himself being assaulted by hockey pucks, killer cats and even a run-away trucks. He either has a chronic case of heartburn… or maybe it’s love? Fans of Bridget Jones will love Jacobs’ Shrek meets Pollyanna romance.

Taking Chances


Ann Omasta - 2013
    Abby is a 28-year-old divorcée who has never felt sexually satisfied, much to her chagrin. When Abby meets local heartthrob, Seth Davis, he seems like the perfect man. He helps her discover that her body is capable of enjoying intense sensual bliss, and Abby thinks she has finally discovered her happily-ever-after ending.Just when you think you have this book all figured out, Seth's sexy and womanizing identical twin brother, Sam, arrives and completely shakes up Abby's world.Cliffhanger alert: This book does end with a cliffhanger. Most readers report being so enthralled by the exciting storyline, they are anxious to continue reading the series. We wanted to give you a free way to start this series and let it capture your heart.Spend the day (or night) getting to know the sexy Davis twins. Who will you choose--#TeamSeth or #TeamSam? Available NOW:Book 1 of The Davis Twins Series - Taking Chances.Book 2 of The Davis Twins Series - Making Choices.Book 3 of The Davis Twins Series - Faking Changes.

The Billionaire Bride


Marquita Valentine - 2015
     It’s not easy being the woman most likely to be married to a fortune hunter, but Kate Von Lichtenstein has a plan to deter even the most determined gold digger. She’ll take a page right out of her favorite historical romance novel — with her own unique spin — and marry a man of her choosing before the public gets wind of how much money she actually inherited from her grandparents. And who fits the bill better than the sexy and charming American businessman, Noah Sawyer? After selling his share of the successful tech company, Noah Sawyer lost everything when an unscrupulous real estate lawyer stole the money he intended to use to purchase a huge swath of land worth millions. So, when a chance meeting with a hot brunette at a friend’s wedding turns into a mutually beneficial business arrangement, Noah jumps at the chance to salvage his business. However, the sexy land developer has no intention of his marriage to Kate being in name only…

The Shy Bride


Lucy Monroe - 2010
    Once a year she shares her musical passion by offering lessons in a charity auction… This year money talks… The winning bid $100,000!Enter Neo Stamos, arrogant Greek tycoon. He wants Cass with a burning desire, though he knows that, shy and sweet, she will need a gentle awakening… But Neo’s the master of seduction!Traditional Greek HusbandsNotorious Greek tycoons seek brides!

One Night with Her Bachelor


Kat Latham - 2015
    Aim high—and bid higher!—because no one comes close to local hero Gabriel Morales.Molly Dekker hates being the town charity case, but when her son Josh is seriously injured she has no choice. She lets her best friend organize a bachelor auction to help pay her massive bills and make Josh’s life more comfortable. She can’t bid on any of the men, but a surprise bidder gives her a gift she never expected: a date with the man who saved her son’s life—the only one she’s in danger of losing her heart to.Former Air Force pararescueman Gabriel Morales made a career of flying to the rescue, until a tragic helicopter crash stole more than his livelihood. Being auctioned off like a slab of beef isn’t in his recovery plan. But one look, one touch and one night unlocking Molly’s pent-up passion makes him realize how badly he needs to be rescued…and how badly he wants to rescue Molly right back.Will Molly and Gabriel’s never-quit attitude have them rushing head-first into love? Or will Gabriel’s secret pain stall their relationship before it can get off the ground?

What Love Can Do


Virna DePaul - 2015
    After making an unexpected discovery, eldest son and former rugby player Quinn O’Neill heads to Forestville, California, in the enchanted river valley where his mother grew up. There, he hopes to learn more about his family and explore the possibility of settling someplace new. Traveling the world before opening her own bakery is Lillian Parker’s dream, and she’s one step closer to achieving it after winning an internship with a world-famous pastry chef in Miami. Unfortunately, Lillian’s mother is pressuring her to stay in Forestville and help run the family B&B. Then a handsome Irishman blows through the door with charm and sex appeal to spare, and suddenly Lillian’s not sure what she wants. Sparks instantly fly, and Lillian finds herself agreeing to show Quinn around the area. Soon their building feelings have them wishing for more time together. But Quinn’s just beginning to explore the magic of Green Valley wine country, and Lillian needs to stretch her wings. Even worse, exposed secrets pit Lillian’s family against Quinn’s, creating thorns in their blooming love. Can passion survive conflicting family loyalties? And can love bond Quinn and Lillian together forever when dreams of adventure versus home and hearth threaten to keep them apart?

Wishful Kisses


Krista Lakes - 2014
    After spending a fantastic week in the summer of 1990 together, handsome and charming Tony Frontera made a promise that he would return to Kim after Operation Desert Storm. Unfortunately, he broke that promise when he was killed in action. Kim spent the next two decades trying to fill the hole that he left in her life, but it never happened. Despite a rewarding career, she never found true happiness, the happiness that she should have had with Tony... When the Fountain of Love suddenly grants her deepest wish, she finds herself back in 1990 in her old body, able to change the hand that fate dealt her. However, the power of the fountain is limited- in order to change Tony's fate, she must do the impossible. Although she had dreamt about saving Tony, she never thought about how she would do it. With only your words, how do you convince your soul mate that you are from the future? How do you tell them to abandon their country and leave everyone they know behind? If you enjoyed Champagne Kisses, you will love this side story to Rachel and Dean's timeless love story. An excerpt: "Who are you?" I whispered, staring at the penny. "My name is Diana. I created this fountain a long time ago," she replied. Her hand released mine. "Does that mean that you're going to grant my wish?" I asked, my voice hopeful. I gripped the penny tightly in my hand, afraid that if I let it go, this really would be nothing but a dream. "That's up to you, child." Diana's perfectly arched brows came together. "It is a larger choice than you think." "But I could have Tony back?" Her face relaxed into a soft smile. "I can send you back in time. Give you the chance to save him." "Tony..." I whispered, not even meaning to speak. "But there is a risk." She touched my cheek, turning me to look into her green eyes. They were magically vibrant, with shades of emerald, green apple, and evergreen. "Playing with time changes everything. Everything you now have will be gone. Choices unmade for better and for worse. You even hazard being written out of time completely." "But I could get Tony back?" I asked stubbornly. She gave a solemn nod. "Then, yes. Whatever I have to do, I say yes." "Are you sure? You risk all," she said. She waved her hand over the water in the basin. Images appeared in the water of my paintings, my apartment, my friends. They all faded into mist and then back to clear water. "You risk all that you are and all that you have by choosing this." I looked at her, meeting her eyes. "Yes. I would risk everything and more to save Tony..."

Fire at Twilight


Lila Ashe - 2013
    She's good at it, too. In her acupuncture practice, she fixes the community of Darling Bay, and in her personal life, she's rescued her sister too many times to count. Her love life, though... Grace doesn't think she needs help, especially not from a man whose very nickname is unhealthy.Tox Ellis is the hazmat expert at the Darling Bay Fire Department, and he knows about harmful substances. He knows what gases to keep apart to prevent explosions. Why, then, can't he seem to stay away from Grace, the woman who seems to think he needs fixing?Is Darling Bay ready for the chemical reaction Grace and Tox generate whenever they're in the same place at the same time? And who will be standing by to put out the flames?The Firefighters of Darling Bay seriesBook 1: Fire at TwilightBook 2: Fire at DawnBook 3: Everyday Hero (A Darling Bay Short Story)

Some Like it Hot


Leighann Dobbs - 2016
    He needs the grand prize money to save the restaurant that has been in his family for three generations. Nick's chili is known to be the best in the county, so this hometown cooking cowboy figures he's got the contest tied up ... until city slicker chef Sam Dunn shows up and tries to steal the win right out from under him. Nick's not going to let that happen, even if she is prettier than a Montana sunset. Sam Dunn has moved around her whole life. She longs to put down roots in Boston and establish herself as a top notch chef ... until she loses her job and her apartment. When her best friend from college tells her about the local chili contest with the lucrative prize money, Sam sees a way to get some seed money to start a restaurant of her own. She can't get distracted by hunky cowboy Nick Bradford, even if he is hotter than a jalapeño pepper. Besides, she's not staying on Montana, and short term flings aren't her thing. But the chili isn't the only thing heating up in Sweetrock, and soon Nick realizes there might be more to lose than the prize money-he could also lose his heart. Can he come up with a way to save the restaurant and show Sam what 'home' really means?

Rebound Therapy


Jerica MacMillan - 2015
    All she does is go to work and spend time at home, her former spark gone. Her best friend decides she needs a rebound guy to have some fun and start to live again. Brian MacCallum is the hot owner of the wine bar where Amy takes Jenna. He has a mischievous grin that he wields like a weapon to convince Jenna to give him a chance. Will his love be enough to pull Jenna out of her grief so she can learn to live and love again? Excerpt: “I’ve decided what your next step should be,” Amy says after the first movie is over. We’ve eaten half the pizza, and each plowed through half of our respective pints. I groan, both from feeling overfull and with dread from hearing her decision for my life. “I’m stuffed,” I say, putting the lid back on my ice cream and getting up to put it in the freezer. “Do you want another Mike’s?” “Sure. Aren’t you going to ask what I’ve decided?” “No. I don’t want to know.” “Yes, you do. It’s brilliant, I promise.” “What happened to sympathetic Amy that I talked to on the phone earlier? Can I have her back?” She grins. “Nope. It’s proactive Amy’s turn. Ask me what you should do next.” I take a deep breath and brace myself. “Fine. What have you decided I should do next with my life?” “You need a rebound.” “What?” “A rebound. You know, to bounce back.”

A SEAL's Oath


Cora Seton - 2016
    But they need land, so when Martin Fulsom, iconic leader of the Fulsom Foundation, offers them Westfield, an uninhabited ranch in Chance Creek, Montana, they take it sight unseen—and agree to Fulsom’s condition that they document their progress on a reality television show. Building a working community will be hard enough, but Boone’s got another problem. Fulsom expects families—not single men—to make up the population of the new town. Now Boone’s got to find a wife, fast, before he loses his funding, and his dream. So when he arrives at Westfield to find it already occupied by Riley Eaton, the woman he thought he'd lost forever, he wonders if fate itself has provided him with an answer. Riley Eaton's played by the rules all her life, but it hasn't gotten her anywhere. Now she's out of work and no closer to being a full-time artist--or meeting a man and starting a family. Never happier than when she’s buried in a Jane Austen novel, she knows she’s not the only woman longing for a simpler, more beautiful life—one that allows time for art, literature and music. When she discovers her friends are in the same frame of mind, she throws caution to the wind and invites them to Westfield, the ranch her uncle inherited long ago, but has never lived in. Equipped with a key and a standing invitation to stay there whenever she likes, she heads to Chance Creek and gives up all things twenty-first century in order to take a six-month Jane-Austen style vacation. Westfield is perfect for Regency living with its wide lawns, extensive gardens and large ballroom. But when sexy, stubborn Boone shows up with plans to build a hyper-modern sustainable community on the ranch, it’s clear her Regency paradise is over before it even began. Now Boone has thirty days to marry Riley or lose the ranch to developers, and Riley has to decide whether to marry Boone or say good-bye to Westfield--and her Jane Austen life--forever. Can they overcome their prejudices to help each other? Or will their pride destroy both their futures?

Her Treasure Hunter Ex


Zara Keane - 2015
    This novella was first published in the Romancing the Alpha adventure romance boxed set. She’d left him in the past. He’s about to blow up her future. Declan “Dex” Fitzgerald is a treasure hunter on a mission. With a loose idea of where to find the gems, and even looser morals, Dex wrangles a last-minute job on the exploration team. And realizes he’ll have to work alongside his uptight-but-sexy-as-hell ex. And they’re not the only ones in pursuit of the treasure. With sparks flying and oxygen tanks running low, can Dex and Katy retrieve the gems before the bad guys?