Book picks similar to
Love Out of Focus by Rebecca Connolly


romance
contemporary
contemporary-romance
clean-romance

Snowflake Wishes


Kasey Stockton - 2019
    When a handsome stranger shows up just before Christmas should she trust his marketing advice or keep doing things her own way?Jake Tyler has two motivations for traveling to the tiny town of Holly Springs: he needs to learn why his parents have kept him from his grandmother his whole life, and he’s got orders to evict a diner owner from his family’s building. But when he meets Madison, the charming woman running the diner, he realizes that he has a real shot of helping her keep her business. If only he can keep his motives a secret.But as feelings begin to develop, will Madison and Jake find a way to come together in order to save the diner, and themselves?

Blind Date Collection


Annette Lyon - 2016
    Lieske. Readers will love this collection of six novellas—three contemporary and three historical—all with one thing in common: Romance.Three Historical Romance Novellas:THE PROMISE THAT KATY DID, by Annette Lyon: After the death of Sue Ellen, the closest thing she has to family, Katy knows it’s time to leave the house she’s lived in as a guest and start over in the city. She quickly secures a job, but before leaving, she must honor the unusual promise she made to Sue Ellen on her deathbed: meet with Mr. Balmer. The elderly gentleman arranges for his grandson Barrett to escort her to a town dance. That evening, shy Katy quickly feels at ease with her partner. If her new position weren’t taking her from town morning after next, perhaps something could develop between them. But Barrett may not feel the same about her, and besides, they don't have enough time to find out.A LADY OF SENSE, by Sarah M. Eden: Eleanor Sherwood has lived her entire life under her parents’ thumb with little hope of escape. When they choose the unbearable Mr. Broadstead to be her future husband, she begs her father for another option. He arranges for her to meet Peter Havensham, who quickly proves himself a good and kindhearted gentleman, completely different from Mr. Broadstead, and utterly undeserving of a forced engagement. Eleanor cannot bring herself to prey upon Peter’s honor, but neither can she imagine a life with Mr. Broadstead. What is a lady to do when faced with such an impossible choice?A SECOND CHANCE, by Heather B. Moore: Virginia needs a new start in order to recover from her broken marriage and vicious gossips of her neighborhood in Boston, so when her best friend Millie invites Virginia to Chicago, she goes to live with her friend’s family. But when Millie asked Virginia to participate in a double-date, Virginia knows she’s not ready to start dating again. Reluctantly she agrees, only to find out that Max might just be the man who can repair the cracks in her heart.Three Contemporary Romance Novellas:BRAELYNN’S BLIND DATE, by Victorine E. Lieske. When Braelynn agrees to go on a blind date, she thinks she’s hit the jackpot. Tyler is gorgeous and the perfect gentleman. Of course she should have known it was too good to be true. It turns out that Tyler really wasn’t Tyler, but a random stranger who went along with Braelynn’s mistaken assumption. So, she chalks it up to a dumb mistake until she gets to work Monday morning and discovers that her gorgeous blind date is now her new boss.BIANCA’S HOPE, by Rachel Branton: A blind-date-gone-wrong is not the way Bianca would have chosen to celebrate the news that she might be losing her business, but saying no to the sister who took care of her after their mother’s death proves impossible. So for one date, one torturous evening, she’ll endure the company of an infuriating, heartless man she has no intention of ever seeing again. She doesn’t expect her heart to have other plans. Bianca soon learns that sometimes the unexpected is not only what you need, it’s exactly what you’ve been waiting for all along.BLIND SPOT, by Sariah Wilson: Ria has prepared most of her life to meet her prince, trouble is, her mother keeps yanking her back to reality. So when Ria reads about a country teeming with princes, she drops everything and applies to grad school. But every blind date goes wrong, and while Ria commiserates with her roommate Tessa and Tessa’s totally un-prince-like brother Paolo, Ria discovers that all the things she thought she wanted in a man are far from what she really needs.

Loving the Mountain Man


Jeanette Lewis - 2020
    Ledger Price spends his days doing what he loves–hiking, fishing, hunting, and exploring the mountains around his hometown of Tamarack Ridge, Montana, all while filming for his popular MyHeartChannel, Montana Mountain Man. The only downside is his daughter, Aubrey, who loves to come on his excursions, but also yearns for someone with a feminine touch. But Ledger is not relationship material; he tried with Aubrey’s mom discovered marriage is not worth giving up his freedom. Brynn Ramsey is building a successful career as a real estate agent to the wealthy in San Clemente, California. Sure, it’s stressful, but Brynn figures it’s all part of paying her dues. When she starts having debilitating panic attacks, her mentor sends her home to Tamarack Ridge for some R&R. It’s only supposed to be for six weeks and then she’ll be back to the sunny beaches of Southern California. But when she reconnects with Ledger, her dreams begin to shift from palm trees to pines. As their relationship grows more serious, Brynn and Ledger have to make a choice. Is love worth any sacrifice?

Lovers and Madmen


Nichole Van - 2018
    Summer, 1982. Judith Campbell prides herself on her level head. She’s a scientist with a ten-year plan, a well-managed bank account, and clear understanding of what she wants out of life. Currently, that means a summer of fun touring Europe with her friends. She intends to see some amazing scenery, flirt with a cute guy or two, and return home ready to settle down for good. Falling madly in love with an Italian playboy is definitely not on her life goals to-do list. But then her eyes meet those of Cesare D’Angelo across a crowded piazza. Cesare is everything Judith never knew she wanted. Handsome and charismatic, he challenges her assumptions and forces her rethink her logical approach to everything. Case in point—Judith finds herself falling for him, hard and fast. Definitely not her most carefully thought-out decision. But Cesare keeps devastating secrets that will challenge Judith’s very understanding of reality. And soon Judith finds herself facing the most difficult decision of all— Would you still chose to love someone even if your time together would be brief? Would you accept a relationship, knowing that only heartbreak and grief awaited you in the end? Lovers and Madmen is a prequel novella for the Brothers Maledetti series. Lose yourself in Judith and Cesare’s story and understand where it all began.

Saving Sycamore Bay


Cami Checketts - 2017
    A southern belle in need. Can they rescue her home together? Harrison Jackson graduated from Auburn University with his master's in accounting and thought he was leaving the world of college football and adoring fans to crunch numbers and make money. Little did he know his boss has other plans for him--a beautiful southern belle and her family's mansion that are both in need of rescue and more than a little TLC. Grace Addison lost her mother and daddy within a year of each other, she is not going to lose the only home her family has known. Her ex-boyfriend and lawyer are trying to talk her into selling and she has no money to fight anyone, but she has her determination and her pride. When the most handsome and strong-looking man she's ever seen shows up on her doorstep, claiming he's been sent to help her, she thinks he's salvation and an angel combined. When she finds out he's an accountant, she laughs in his face. Someone is determined to take or burn Grace's home no matter how hard she and Harrison fight. Can she trust Harrison to protect her or should she give up her dreams? Books in the Destined for Love: Mansions Collection —Kiss Me in the Rain by Lindzee Armstrong —Roping His Heart by Jaclyn Hardy —The Princess and the Pizza Man by Cassie Mae —Mending Fences by Lorin Grace —Love Me at Sunset by Lucinda Whitney —Saving Her Plantation by Cami Checketts

Roommaid


Sariah Wilson - 2020
    That means getting out from under her family’s wealth and influence by saying no to the family business, her allowance, and her home. But on a teacher’s salary, the real world comes as a rude awakening—especially when she wakes up every morning on a colleague’s couch. To get a place of her own (without cockroaches, mold, or crime scene tape), Madison accepts a position as a roommaid. In exchange for free room and board, all she needs to do is keep her busy roommate’s penthouse clean and his dog company. So what if she’s never washed a dish in her life. She can figure this out, right?Madison is pretty confident she can fake it well enough that Tyler Roth will never know the difference. The finance whiz is rich and privileged and navigates the same social circles as her parents—but to him she’s just a teacher in need of an apartment. He’s everything Madison has run from, but his kindhearted nature, stomach-fluttering smile, and unexpected insecurities only make her want to get closer. And Tyler is warming to the move.Rewarding job. Perfect guy. Great future. With everything so right, what could go wrong? Madison is about to find out.

All That Stands Between Us: A Clean Enemies-to-Lovers Romance


Annette K. Larsen - 2019
     Julie has lived next door to the Martins her entire life, but the days of backyard barbecues and lake vacations ended six years ago. That’s when the feud began. Now, returning to her hometown for the holidays, she has to face not only her parents’ exhausting bitterness, but the agonizing realization that the irresistible guy who just asked her out is in fact a Martin, and therefore off limits. Left to choose between family loyalty and a man who just might be perfect for her, Julie decides she can date Drew as long as they keep things under wraps. But secrets have a way of coming out and love for her family may require the sacrifice of what her heart wants most. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet (but without all the death), the sweet, romantic story of Julie and Drew’s relationship will make you laugh out loud on one page and make your heart ache on the next. It’s a story about loving family, loving yourself, and loving your soulmate—and choosing which one to put first. All That Stands Between Us is a clean and wholesome contemporary romance novel for both teenagers and adults. If you’re looking for an inspirational read about a new adult returning from college for the holidays, this romantic comedy is a great read and promises to be a favorite best seller. Annette K. Larsen is one of the most popular sweet romance authors of recent years. Writing for teen and tween girls, young adults, and women alike, her books can be shared from mother to daughter to grandmother. Any book of hers would be a great gift idea for the book-loving women in your life. Whether she’s writing a historical fantasy series about princesses, or a romantic suspense thriller full of action and adventure, all of her novels have a guaranteed happy ending and plenty of swoon-worthy kisses.

Minor Adjustments


Rachael Renee Anderson - 2011
    But Ryan's solicitor, Stella Walker, won't take no for an answer. Little does Devon know this "minor" adjustment will grant him a future he never expected to have. Told in a fast-paced, poignant, and witty style, Minor Adjustments will take you on a journey of humor, growth, romance, and love.

Welcome to Last Chance


Cathleen Armstrong - 2013
    But as she encounters the people who make Last Chance their home, it’s her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life for Lainie’s comfort-especially since she’s on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.Yet in spite of herself, Lainie finds that she is increasingly drawn in to the dramas of small town life. An old church lady who always has room for a stranger. A handsome bartender with a secret life. A single mom running her diner and worrying over her teenage son. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little hick town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?Cathleen Armstrong pens a debut novel filled with complex, lovable characters making their way through life and relationships the best they can. Her evocative descriptions, observational humor, and talent at rendering romantic scenes will earn her many fans.

Her Reluctant Boss


Sarah Gay - 2019
     Simon Grant, one of seven billionaire brothers, returns home to Sun Valley to find the woman of his dreams working at his family’s restaurant, but she turns him down. When he finds out that she is Hannah Fields, a neighbor girl who he’d crushed on as a boy, his affection and admiration for her only increases. He sets out on a mission to win Hannah’s heart, even if it means upsetting his brother in the process. When a mutual friend gives Simon Hannah’s bucket list, he will do what it takes to help her realize those goals. What he doesn’t know is that what he has is not her bucket list, it’s a list of her worst fears. Hannah Fields, recently home from law school, is ready to start her career in her favorite place on earth, Sun Valley. When she interviews with Grant and Grant, she assures the owner of the law firm, Simon Grant, Senior, that she will not date any of her co-workers. She regrets her promise the moment she lays eyes on one of the most attractive men she’s ever met, the eldest son in the billionaire empire, Simon Grant, Junior. She wants Simon to commit to her, but every time she lets down her guard, he withdraws and has her doing things that scare her to death. Will he ever come around, or will her fears keep them apart? Her Reluctant Boss is the first book in the Grant Family Romances by Sarah Gay. The second book in the Grant Family Romances is The Billionaire Patriot Also in the Billionaire Boss Series by bestselling authors Cami Checketts and Jennifer Youngblood: Her Dream Date Boss by Cami Checketts Her Prince Charming Boss by Cami Checketts Her Blue Collar Billionaire Boss by Jennifer Youngblood Her Last Chance Boss by Jennifer Youngblood

Under the Mistletoe Collection


Cindy Roland Anderson - 2015
    Six contemporary novellas, all adding sweet romance to the Christmas season.

Always You


Lucinda Whitney - 2019
    He wishes he could tell her it’s him. Can they come to the truth before it’s too late? Simon Ackerley arrives in Lisbon for his temporary job as a consultant, not expecting to find his secret penpal easily. After all, he doesn’t know what she looks like or what her real name is. But when a biking accident reveals that Simon’s prickly co-worker Isabel is the elusive Amélie, he has to win her trust before he can confess his true identity. Isabel Antunes is content with her life as director of the English Academy in Lisbon, until the chairman hires a consultant without her knowledge. Despite Simon Ackerley’s repeated assurances to the contrary, Isabel believes he’s after her position, and she won’t hand it over without a fight. As if dealing with him at work isn’t enough, he shows up at her book club as well. Her only solace is writing to the penpal she knows simply as Elliot. As they work together, Isabel realizes Simon is nothing like her first impression and a tentative friendship grows between them. But how can she explore the possibilities when her heart belongs to Elliot? Always You is a sweet secret relationship romance and it can be read as a standalone. *Part of this story was previously published as One Small Chance. It has been rewritten and expanded to include new content and a swoony epilogue.* Falling For You Romance series: Book 1— Always You Book 2— Truly You Book 3— Only You A companion series to the Romano Family series.

EveryDayLove!


Lucy McConnell - 2018
     Daisy Covington has dreamed of having her own line of cosmetics since she was a fourteen-year-old girl with a beauty channel. Her channel has grown over the years to be one of the top two beauty channels on the MyHeartChannel site and her dream is within reach. She just needs a segment that will put her over the top. When Beckett Kingsly, Daisy's older brother’s best friend and career humanitarian, crashes on her couch for a couple days, she comes up with a plan. She’ll do a fundraiser for the charity Beckett works for in exchange for the chance to give him a makeover on her show. His worn-out cargo shorts, unruly beard, and man bun are all on the chopping block. After some pressure from his boss—FreeWater could use the exposure to Daisy’s eleven million subscribers—Beckett reluctantly agrees. But as Daisy works to transform Beckett, she realizes that her crush from long ago hasn’t faded. She’s falling for him even though he’s waiting for orders to leave town. Though Beckett seems like the perfect guy, Daisy wants to settle down with a man who will actually be in the same country for more than a couple weeks. If She can’t find a way to make it work, she'll miss her chance at a truly beautiful life.

Summer Holiday


Nancy Campbell Allen - 2017
    Tessa would love to be the first female supervisor ever to work at the Sommerpool, but her competitor is cheating at every turn. Discouraged, Tessa agrees to let David Bellini, a family friend and Italian Conte who is new in town, help her. When she discovers that he’s the new owner of Sommerpool’s, but wants to evaluate the employees unobserved, Tessa has mixed feelings. She soon realizes that she’s falling for David, but what chance does a working-class woman like her have with an Italian Conte?HOWEVER LONG THE WAIT by Sarah M. Eden:Carina Herrick says goodbye to the man she hopes to marry, knowing their separation will be temporary. Grant Ambrose is off to follow his dream and become established in business so that he can provide for Carina and a life together. He promises to write; she promises to return his letters. Yet, only a few months pass and already their letters become shorter and fewer. Finally, Carina is forced to give up on Grant if only to protect her breaking heart. Her parents are dead set against her becoming a spinster and insist she accept the proposal of the odious Mr. Baskon. With no hope of another marriage proposal, Carina is forced to make a difficult decision, one that can lead her either to happiness or misery. THE LAST SUMMER AT IVY HOUSE by Annette Lyon:Every summer Sarah travels to Ivy House in London as one of the household servants to the Millington family. This summer, she’s particularly looking forward to seeing Jacob, a servant who lives at Ivy House year-round. They’ve been exchanging letters since the previous summer when their friendship deepened. But when Sarah arrives at Ivy House, Jacob seems more reserved around her and less forthcoming. Has she put greater meaning in their budding relationship than she should? When Sarah discovers that Jacob has a dark secret and wants her to give up her dreams in exchange for helping him, she’s not sure if she’s willing to make the sacrifice.

In the Market for Love: A Small-Town Romance Novel


Megan Squires - 2019
    Running both a thriving flower farm and successful Farmers’ Market, she’s living out her dreams in the idyllic Northern California town of Fairvale. While Sophie might be able to create stunning bouquets, she withers when it comes to romance. Content with her single status, she resolves to focus on her work, until a lost piece of luggage lands a handsome stranger on her porch. Landscape architect, Cole Blankenship, has always lived in his father’s shadow. When he’s selected as the designer for a popular backyard contest, a trip out west offers an opportunity to finally prove himself. He meets the charismatic florist who farms the same plot of land and tensions grow, along with unexpected feelings. But any sort of relationship is prohibited and could cost Cole the first place title and Sophie, her livelihood. Will Sophie and Cole let a contest dictate their love lives? Or will they discover that love grows best when you follow your heart and not the rules?