Book picks similar to
Lovely Lies by LaShanta Charles
contemporary-romance
first-reads
romance
urban-ficton
Hearts Over Bellham
Danita Cahill - 2014
Both are sweet, "clean" romances, and are prequels to the first full-length novel in the series - LOVE AT FIRST CLICK. HEARTS OVER BELLHAM - Hillary Johnson secretly admired handsome fellow firefighter, Tim Jacobs, for years. When the fire chief asks for volunteers to hang Valentine’s decorations over Main Street, Hillary’s hand shoots up immediately after Tim’s. Why pass up a golden opportunity to spend time with the guy she’s crushing on, just because she’s afraid of heights? Hillary battles her fear to prove to Tim, and to herself, that she can conquer it. After observing Hillary’s courage, Tim notices her – really notices her – for the first time. VALENTINE'S MAGIC After a dozen years of marriage, financial woes, and the possibility of losing their alpaca ranch, the honeymoon is over for Carol and Christopher Ridge. But the couple reconnects on Valentine’s Day, rediscovering their love for one another under the magical glow of the lighted hearts strung over Bellham’s Main Street. Could this be the launch of a new honeymoon phase for Carol and Christopher?
Safe With Me
Shaina Richmond - 2010
Part 1 of a series. Tyler Campbell was happy to be single and finishing his degree. He was back in school after leaving for several years to help out at home after the sudden death of his father. But things change when he's immediately attracted to Susanna Lombardi, a fellow student who walks into the coffee shop where he studies. After several disastrous, high-drama attempts at casual hook-ups in his past, he's surprised by his desire to get her all to himself after the coffee shop closes. He soon realizes he may not be as happily single as he thought when he finds himself thinking of her as a serious love interest.
Kitchen Affairs
Brooke Cumberland - 2013
Studying to be a chef she begins interning at Chicago's 5 Star Riverside Restaurant where she meets witty and charming, Drake Stagliano. Molly hasn't allowed herself to fall for a man in 4 years so when she becomes smitten with her manager she's reluctant to fall for him. Finally giving into her desires, Molly is found torn as another man enters the picture. Who will stand by her when humiliation & crisis bring Molly to a panic attack in the realization that she's ready to move on from her late fiance...Fall in love, cry, and laugh as you embark on Molly's new journey! **Contains Mature Adult Content**
Relatively Famous
Heather C. Leigh - 2014
As the daughter of Hollywood royalty, she grew up with money, looks, and fame. But with that also came stalkers breaking into her bedroom, paparazzi running her dad’s car off the road, and multiple kidnapping attempts. Her seemingly glamorous childhood was far from perfect.At age twelve, her mom quits acting and moves Sydney to New York City, changing her last name to hide her from the craziness and danger. Now twenty-four, Sydney still keeps her identity a secret, not getting close enough to anyone for them to figure out who she is. Yet when she meets the gorgeous Drew Forrester in a chance encounter, she has to decide if it’s time to let someone in or if it’s better to stay alone forever.***Relatively Famous is book 1 in the Famous Series***
The Billionaire's Proposal (Book 1)
Melody Sanders - 2013
Vicki had spent the intermission backstage, chatting with two of her favorite singers who would soon grace the stage once more as the booming baritone Magnifico and his daughter Angelina, a dazzling soprano whose career had reached new heights during these ten, high-profile New York performances.Vicki couldn’t conceal her delight at the absolutely full house. “I guess the new marketing firm really hit one out of the park,” she commented quietly to Martin as the lights dimmed. “All ten performances are sold out!”Her lawyer friend smiled. “It’s the inspired leadership they’ve been getting,” he replied. “New blood, new ideas. It’s just magnificent.” The maestro appeared at the edge of the orchestra pit and received enthusiastic applause. “Although even I would admit that Rossini’s genius might have something to do with it,” Martin said, raising his voice over the audience’s appreciation. “Still, you’ve broken the glass ceiling yet again, I would say. Bravo, Miss Vydra.”“You’re too kind,” she said, patting his hand as the strings stirred in a quiet but ominous tremolo, quickly ushering in a sudden and violent orchestral tutti, brassy and loud, which filled the huge auditorium with the dark ferocity of the storm it depicted. Vicki let the eruption pass through her, finding herself carried by its torrential force, allowing the moment to fill her with an awed respect for nature’s power. She knew that it could not last, and the audience was soon deposited kindly into the peaceful meadow of the storm’s passing. Horn calls signaled the all-clear and, as one can always expect from Rossini, the good humor and delicate, social fun-poking resumed.***Content warning: For adults only!***
Let Them Eat Cake
Sandra Byrd - 2007
She’s done with college but still living at home, ready to launch a career but unable to find a job, and solidly stalled between boyfriends. When a lighthearted conversation in French with the manager of her favorite bakery turns into a job offer, Lexi accepts. But the actual glamour is minimal: the pay is less than generous, her co-workers are skeptical, her bank account remains vertically-challenged, and her parents are perpetually disappointed. Her only comfort comes from the flirtatious baker she has her eye–but even may not be who he seems to be!So when a handsome young executive dashes into the bakery to pick up his high profile company’s special order for an important meeting–an order Lexi has flubbed– she loses her compulsion to please. “What am I going to do?” he shouts. “Let them eat cake!” she fires back with equal passion and a nod to Marie Antoinette. And then, something inside Lexi clicks. Laissez la révolution commencer! Let the revolution begin! Instead of trying to fulfill everyone else’s expectations for her life, Lexi embarks on an adventure in trusting God with her future–très bon!This book is written from a lightly, organically, Christian world view.
His Indecent Training
Sky Corgan - 2013
For the past few weeks, he had been teaching me about sexual nature and fantasy. This would be taking things a step further. Learning about BDSM would put our relationship on a completely different level—a level I had wanted so badly since first setting eyes on Damien Reed.word count: 10,270
Tattoo Thief
Heidi Joy Tretheway - 2013
But as his house sitter, she must pick up the pieces for the front man of the white-hot rock band Tattoo Thief. When ultra-responsible Beryl confronts the reckless rock star, she wants to know more than just what to do with his mess. Why is he running? What’s he searching for? And is he responsible for the death of his muse? New York newbie Beryl must find her footing in Gavin’s crazy world of the ultra-wealthy to discover her own direction and what can bring him back.Steamy, sassy and tender, Tattoo Thief is a story of breaking from a comfort zone to find a second chance.
Fresh Temptation
Reeni Austin - 2012
Victor pursues Cara, but Cara is not sure of his intentions: Is he using her to make Alexis jealous? Does he just want her for sex? Or is love Victor's true aim?
Tempting Josh
Brenda St. John Brown - 2015
Been there, done that. Have the vindictive ex and the lawyer bills to prove it. I definitely shouldn’t be noticing Josh Devereaux’s smile. Or his abs.But he’s persistent, I’ll give him that. And it’s just one night. Or at least it was supposed to be.And the question isn’t if you’ll pay, but how much.What are the odds of Ella Ingraham walking into a bar in Horatio, Arkansas? Pretty high, apparently, because here she is. Smiling. Flirting. Look damn good in those Daisy Dukes.I shouldn’t even be talking to her, let alone asking her to dinner and thinking about dessert. But she doesn’t know who I am or what I’ve done. If I’m careful, I can keep it that way.This is book 1 of 2 in The Truth Series duet and it ends on a cliffhanger. Josh and Ella's story continues in TRUSTING JOSH.NOTE: Previously titled Lies We Live.
NEED
Alison Ryan - 2015
The fastest sports cars, the sleekest private jets, and business interests on four continents. He rubs elbows with the world's most powerful and beautiful. And on top of all that? He just so happens to have the rugged good looks of a model straight out of GQ. Needless to say, he gets what he wants, when he wants. He has it all. At least, that's what any outsider would think. Despite all he has, there's one thing he can't buy- Scarlet Bloom. Five years ago, their passion could heat up an entire city. They were desperately in love until one day Scarlet walked away. No explanation, no goodbye. The great love (not to mention the best sex) of his life, inexplicably walked out on him and never looked back. Scarlet has her reasons. But she can never tell Barrett the truth. It would cost them both way too much. But after a chance meeting in Las Vegas leads to a steamy weekend on the shores of the Pacific, Scarlet can't help but wonder if she could ever be strong enough to let him go again. Even if both their lives depended on it.
Not So Lucky
RaShelle Workman - 2015
One man promises to help her find the killer. The other vows to steal her heart. EPISODE ONE Lucky is goal-oriented, despite her hippy parents. She has plans for her life and knows how to make them happen. There's even a list to prove it. 1. Graduate from prestigious law school. Check. 2. Find an apartment in New York. Check. 3. Get engaged to the man of her dreams. Check. 4. Become partner at a law firm. Ch--Well, she's still working on that. First she needs a job. On impulse, she goes to a club with her roommate and meets the lead singer of the band, Toxic Suspects. His name is Maxwell Legend. He's hot, gorgeous, and soooooo doesn't fit into her plans. Lucky Clover Mystery Romance Series NOT SO LUCKY DEAD LUCKY LUCKY IN LOVE FOREVER LUCKY Author's Note: This story unfolds over the course of four episodes much the same way your favorite television show does. Happy reading!
One Week
Tiye Love - 2019
Nia Winston, a young high school principal, stands in a fan line at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, hoping to get Justin Ray, the hottest R&B singer, to donate to her non-profit. When they meet sparks fly, or maybe it was just Nia's imagination. Until Nia has a surprise meeting with Justin, a month later while she is in Atlanta and Justin asks her to spend one week with him no strings attached. Wanting to escape her own problems back at home, she agrees and has the most passionate time of her life. As real love develops inexplicably between Nia and Justin, she can no longer hide the truth. And when her truth threatens to harm Justin's white-hot career, she leaves him one night with only a goodbye text. Two years later, Justin unexpectedly comes back in her life, demanding answers. All of her emotions come rushing back, but is she ready to give up everything she cherishes for a man she knew for only one week and a world she never wanted?
Love on Beach Avenue
Jennifer Probst - 2020
Making dreams come true is her business at Sunshine Bridal, which she runs with her two sisters. When her best friend announces her engagement, Avery is thrilled to take charge of the giddy bride-to-be’s big day. Less thrilling? Her best friend's arrogant and demanding brother, who just so happens to be the man of honor.Carter Ross’s first instinct: call 911. He promised to always take care of his impulsive little sister, and he honors that vow. Even if it means taking over her wedding, where he is sure Avery will fail. At best, Avery is unpredictable. At worst, if she’s anything like the spitfire of a college girl he remembers, the main event could run wild.With Avery and Carter wrestling for control, tempers heat up. So does the spark of attraction they’re fighting with every kiss. As the wedding draws near, it’s time to reconcile a rocky past and make a decision that could change everyone’s lives. Because what they’re rebelling against looks a lot like love.
A Beautiful Struggle
Lilliana Anderson - 2012
She has a very full life attending university to study a law degree, training for triathlons and now she is working part time as well. She couldn't possibly find time for a relationship, especially after her last one ended so catastrophically.Right now she is content focusing on work, study and training while hanging out with her best friend David Taylor, a womanizer with a heart of gold that would do anything for Katrina – except watch her get hurt again.That is, until the dashing Elliot Roberts, a junior solicitor from her work, shows an interest in her despite their office’s ‘No Dating’ policy. Katrina struggles with following her heart or following her mind and has trouble seeing where her heart truly lies in this gripping romantic drama.