Book picks similar to
Starting Over in Maple Bay by Brittney Joy


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contemporary-romance
romance
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A Fighting Chance


Kat Savage - 2021
    Since then, she's been avoiding certain things at all costs—like small-town setbacks, her family’s farm, and suffocating under too many expectations. Oh, and love, of course—but that's one thing eluding her. Aside from that, things are wonderful for her in Boston—the big city she chose to run to. That is, until her heartbroken little sister beckons her back to the very place she ran from: Whitney Farms. Lyla braces herself to be there again—but only temporarily. Only through her sister's impending divorce. What she doesn't expect is the newest—and hottest—resident at the farm. Newly single and free to do as he pleases, Gentry Bodine meets Lyla and at once, she rises to the very top of that list. His craving for her is demanding, undeniable. With an attraction so palpable, even the inexperienced and gun-shy Lyla can't resist—especially when lured with poetic, seductive notes from the unexpected southern charmer.But when they fall into temptation—of what appears as fleeting summer fun—both must decide: Will they give love a fighting chance?

Five Minutes Late


Rich Amooi - 2014
    Cedric Johnson is that man. But even though he’s got just about everything he can wish for, Cedric is still missing one thing in his life: someone special. Fate may be on his side, but he encounters a few distractions along the way—like almost being killed by a UPS truck. Oh, and a little case of blackmail.Ellie Fontaine is a walking Wikipedia with clear professional goals, but when it comes to landing Mr. Right, she doesn’t know jack squat. She even gives online dating a shot and ends up with an unappetizing buffet of unibrows and losers. What’s a girl to do?After Ellie saves Cedric’s life, serendipity takes over as they continue to run into each other. Their connection grows stronger with each meeting, even though he embodies her number one pet peeve: he’s always late. But even if they can get past their issues and misunderstandings, Ellie’s ex-boyfriend, an unscrupulous cop, will do anything to keep them apart. Five Minutes Late is a hilarious fast-paced romantic comedy, full of snappy dialogue and fun, quirky characters, guaranteed to warm your heart.

6-Pack Rancher


Em Petrova - 2019
    But when their worlds collide… there’s no dialing down the heat. Actor Bellarose Abbott finds herself completely out of her element the minute her private jet touches down in rural Washington State. The big hats and boots speak volumes that she isn’t in Hollywood anymore. But the producer of her latest TV series wants authentic ranch scenery as well as action, which means Bellarose must learn to… ride a horse? Kingsley Yates, known by those that matter as King, has spent a lifetime dreaming of establishing his own thoroughbred horse bloodline on his ranch. To do that he needs one hell of a horse—with one hell of a price tag attached to it. Just when he thinks his dream’s out of reach, an offer lands in his lap that could mean the cash he needs. And a huge pain in his backside. Having a famous actor shadowing his every move on the ranch is irritating enough, but does Bellarose have to be drop-dead gorgeous too? At every turn, he’s thinking of having his way with her when he should be teaching her the ropes to earn that cold, hard cash. Bellarose has dated a lot of gorgeous men, but those pretty boys have nothing on King. Could she be smitten with the hardened rancher or is this all from working closely? One thing’s certain—she’s never had a kiss, on or off-camera, as hot as King’s.

Whispering Pines


Kimberly Diede - 2017
    Days meant swimming and sun, nights meant ghost stories and campfires. Best of all, Whispering Pines meant time with Celia, her favorite aunt. Through the years, Celia would remain Renee's most steadfast confidant, but trips to Whispering Pines would fade to memories. Raising kids alone and a demanding career consumed Renee's life.Now Celia is gone and Renee’s career is in shambles. Promising herself she’ll look for a new job in January, Renee is determined to make the most of her unexpected time off. But when mysterious events begin to swirl around her kids, her worries compound.A spontaneous trip, meant to lessen the growing pressures and soothe Renee's battered pride, could turn out to be so much more when she finds herself alone on a moonlit beach, half-a-world away, with a handsome stranger.How can Renee keep her family safe as she works to rebuild their lives? Does she dare take another chance at love?Celia's final gift may provide answers, but there are risks. Renee wishes she could seek comfort and advice from her dear aunt, but Celia's recent death has left a void. Why can't things be simple, the way they were when she spent summers at Whispering Pines?Whispering Pines, the first book in Kimberly Diede’s uplifting Celia’s Gifts series, will introduce you to a special place and a remarkable family.Discover how Celia’s legacy can live on if her family is willing to seize the opportunities she leaves to each of them.

Bride in Trouble


Serenity Woods - 2018
    She doesn’t remember her father passing away. She doesn’t remember opening the Bay of Islands Brides shop with her mother and sisters. And she definitely doesn’t remember Rafe Masters, the gorgeous firefighter who tells her that they’re due to be married on Valentine’s Day in ten days’ time.Rafe insists they’re madly in love, but the thought of saying ‘I do’ to a complete stranger makes Phoebe want to run for the hills. Her family suggests she postpone the wedding until her memory returns. But Rafe’s determined not to give up on their marriage before it’s even started. He has ten days to convince Phoebe that he’s still her Mr. Right, and he’s determined to win her all over again, no matter what it takes.

Fall for Me


Heather Slade - 2017
    When his plane was shot down months later, right before the birth of their daughter, Liv’s world shattered. She returned to her parents’ isolated ranch in Colorado to raise her daughter alone. One year led into the next, and before she knew it, her daughter was grown and gone—leaving Liv bored and cranky. She finds herself spending too much time on social media feeds, cyber-stalking the hot guitar player she met at a concert over the summer.Ben Rice recognized her as soon as he saw her sitting at the bar. Liv, that was her name, and fate kept bringing them together. The first time he saw her, after his band CB Rice opened at Red Rocks, he watched her. She loved music—and she felt it. Not everyone did. She danced, she laughed, she smiled, she lived. That was why he remembered her name when he introduced himself at the end of the show. “I’m Liv,” she’d said. And he was ready to. He’d endured too many struggles in the last few years. He’d worked hard to keep the band going, and he wasn’t going to give up. With a new record about to be released, this was their year—he could feel it. Used to getting what he wants, Ben pursued the reluctant Liv. But knowing he wanted more from her than she was willing to give, she told him following a man around the globe wasn’t in the stars for her. Been there, done that, retired the t-shirt. She had her own stars to chase this time.When those stars fall around her feet, and Ben refuses to let her sweep them up alone, how could a girl not love him? And when she does, how can she let him go? A better question is how can she ask him to stay when she sees how bright his future could be without her?This is book can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger.

Not So Broken (Love Grows Series Book 1)


Renee Regent - 2019
    An independent woman. When they collide, love grows in a most unexpected way! A bitter divorce from my cheating ex-husband left me reeling, but I forged a new life on my own. Now on the verge of a promotion, everything I want is in reach—except a family. I’ve all but given up on ever having a child.So I decided I would adopt one on my own.Then one wild night changed everything. I was swept away by Gibson, a hot-looking handyman who was, well, pretty good with his hands. And then some.But there were unintended consequences from our tryst. Now he and I are forever connected, and it turns out Gibson was not at all what he seemed to be. We barely know each other, and now he is in my life forever. Maybe we can make this work if we stay platonic.That will be easy, right?The Love Grows Series- Strong, protective heroes. Feisty, independent heroines. When they meet, Love Grows in unexpected ways.

Falling for the Single Mom


Alie Garnett - 2021
    Not only is her coworker arrogant, annoying, and a monumental pain, he’s also—unfortunately—sexy as sin. Still, it takes every ounce of her willpower to deny her attraction to him, even to herself. Charged with heading up an internal investigation of a harassment claim made against him, Sera must push her infatuation aside to uncover the truth. That becomes far more challenging when Harrison turns on the charm. He’s great with her kids, not to mention being shockingly sweet and attentive. But is his interest genuine? Or, is the notorious playboy simply trying to sway the investigation? Author Alie Garnett delivers a sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance sure to leave readers swooning in Falling for the Single Mom!

Colorado Takedown


Cricket Rohman - 2018
    Romantic. Nothing will stop a McAllister cowboy from protecting the woman he loves. Hannah Hudson has a distorted view of home and family due to her odd, impoverished upbringing. She longs for her own Happily Ever After, but she’s willing to settle for escaping the Phoenix heat and her dreary job. Then, along comes a miracle. Luck crash-lands in her lap. With a new, improved To Do List, and a heart filled with hope, she heads for a ranch in the cool hills of Colorado. At last, she’s loving life. Shortly after arriving, her luck runs out. A tragic accident occurs, and a troubling reality sets her reeling. She’s alone. There is no Dairy Queen, no Circle K, not even a hospital along the winding mountain road that links the remote ranch to the nearest town. The seclusion of her new world is frightening. Reluctantly, she teams up with Trace McAllister, a wise, local cowboy, who helps her learn the ropes around the ranch and in the bedroom. Love is in the Rocky Mountain air. A brilliant cattle dog and an intuitive palomino horse add fun and excitement to their days. But their fast-blooming chemistry is fraught with conflict, secrets, and a relentless, unidentified evil. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING … “The descriptions of Hannah’s interactions with Oatie, the dog, and Lewissa, the horse, were delightful and satisfying.” “There was a bit of Bonanza in the story that appealed to my TV past, especially in the scenes that took place at the Lucky Seven.” “An excellent, believable account of one character’s claustrophobia.” “Loved the main characters, Trace and Hannah, and the supporting characters were fascinating and unusual, adding twists and turns.”

Rescued


Jill Burrell - 2021
    Stranded and desperate, she finds herself at the mercy of a handsome, brooding mechanic. When he offers her help, she accepts, knowing too well the pain that comes from trusting others.Widower and grieving father, Ben Young, fixes cars and avoids people. He can’t stand to see the pity in their eyes. There’s something different in Amy’s eyes, though, and he’s driven to help her—for her little girl’s sake. But helping means caring, and that’s not something he’s capable of. Not anymore.Just when it looks like a relationship might be possible between Ben and Amy, she realizes her breaking down in this small town wasn’t an accident. She holds the key to what happened to Ben’s family. But will her quest for answers cost her everything?

Her Billionaire Co-Nanny (Candyman Sweet Family Billionaires, #1)


Shanna Delaney - 2021
    Her new job as a summer nanny to the ultra-wealthy could make all the difference.Richard manages international relations for his family’s massive candy company, and coming back to the family’s New Hampshire lake house for the summer is like coming home. But this time the house contains more than just family—his sister has brought along a nanny. A cute nanny.When circumstances pull Richard’s sister back to the West Coast, Richard and Emma agree to share responsibility for the kids.As attraction flares, Emma and Richard have to face their differences and decide: Is this just a summer sizzle, or can they each change perspective enough to make whatever’s between them last?

The Best Friend's Billionaire Brother


Bree Livingston - 2019
    It’s been five years, and she’s over him. Only, her heart hasn’t gotten the message. Wyatt is taller, more rugged, and even better looking than when she left home…and he’ll never be hers. Wyatt West can’t believe how much Gabby has changed since he last saw her. He’s always considered her an extra little sister—and off limits—but now the feelings he’s having aren’t brotherly at all. Between his uncertain future in the rodeo and struggling with his growing feelings for Gabby, his plans for a restful holiday have vanished. It’ll take more than a little mistletoe for these two hearts to come together. Other books by Bree Livingston: The Clean Billionaire Romance Series: 1. Her Pretend Billionaire Boyfriend2. Her Second Chance Billionaire Sweetheart3. Her Broken Billionaire Boss4. Her Fake Billionaire Fiancé5. Her Stranded Billionaire Mix-Up6. Her Secret Billionaire Roommate A Sweet Fake Marriage Romance Series: 1. The Cowboy's Fake Marriage2. The Star's Fake Marriage3. The Bodyguard’s Fake Marriage4. The Matchmaker’s Fake Marriage5. The Beast’s Fake Marriage A Clean Army Ranger Romance Series:1. The Ranger’s Chance2. The Ranger’s Peace3. The Ranger’s Heart4. The Ranger’s Hope5. The Ranger’s Forgiveness A Clean Scottish Romance Series: 1. Mending the Billionaire Movie Star2. Mending the Billionaire Scotsman3. Mending the Billionaire Brother A Caprock Canyon Romance Series: 1. The Best Friend’s Billionaire Brother Stand Alone Romances: Love and CharityThe Mistletoe Game: A Clean Christmas Novella

Runaway Summer


Ruth Saberton - 2015
    It’s only when a volatile relationship threatens to destroy all she holds dear that Summer finds herself returning to the place she knows so well.Jake Tremaine has travelled the world but reluctantly finds himself drawn back to Polwenna Bay to run the family marina and take care of his unruly siblings. While Jake knows his attention should be on the rescuing the business, determined Ella, daughter of a wealthy hotelier, is set on working her way into his affections and beneath his sheets. The last thing Ella will tolerate is the reappearance of a rival…As the holiday season approaches and seaside life gathers pace, Jake suspects that Summer is keeping a huge secret from him. But Summer is not the only person in the village with something to hide. Is she just an echo of Jake’s past or are there far more important matters at stake?

Show Me a Marriage of Convenience


Alexa Verde - 2020
    The last thing he wants is for his son to become a bargaining chip between a con artist grandfather and a ruthless ex trying to get their hands on the family fortune. So Kade agrees to a crazy proposal from the woman his child adores. But as a former foster kid, Kade learned to walk away before getting hurt. Can he now learn to stay and love?Heather Johnson dreams of a real marriage with the man her sister abandoned, not a fake one. But the rumor is Kade might leave their small town again and take her darling nephew with him. She's reluctant to trust a womanizer-husband or not. If she allows love for him to ignite her heart, will her marshmallow-soft heart become roasted and burned?Cowboy Crossing Romances series set in a small town in the Show Me State is about curvy forty-something women and the swoon-worthy single dad cowboys who love them, though sometimes those rugged handsome men might need a nudge-or a push.

Coming Home to Heritage Cove


Helen J. Rolfe - 2020
    After an absence of five years, her return isn’t going to be easy, especially when she bumps into Harvey, the love of her life and the man she’s never been able to forget. For reasons he couldn't explain at the time, Harvey changed his mind about going with Melissa to start afresh as they'd planned, and life moved on for the both of them. But with Melissa back in the village and determined to stick around to help Barney, they can't avoid each other forever. Melissa knows she let so many people down by staying away for so long, but she and Harvey blame each other for what happened and neither of them is willing to admit to being in the wrong.When Barney insists on cancelling the Wedding Dress Ball, the charity fundraiser he holds every year in the stunning barn on his property, Melissa and Harvey realise they’re going to have to pull together. Otherwise the man they once knew might be gone forever. And when they unearth a secret Barney has never shared with anyone, they go in search of answers to not only ensure the ball runs this summer, but to bring back the Barney they know and love. Back in the cove after all this time, Melissa gets to see the life she left behind and it’s time to deal with what it was that drove her away in the first place.Beneath the summer sunshine in Heritage Cove, the sea sparkles, the heat rises and new love, reconciliations and the answers to an old love story could bring changes for everyone. Perfect summer reading for fans of Sarah Morgan, Holly Martin and Jill Mansell