Book picks similar to
The Beast & the Beauty: A Bad Boy Romance Inspired by the Classic Fairy Tale by Nikki Steele
contemporary
romance
bad-boys
stand-alone
Sea Witch
Sarah Henning - 2018
A mermaid, a prince, a true love’s kiss. But before that young siren’s tale, there were three friends. One feared, one royal, and one already dead.Ever since her best friend, Anna, drowned, Evie has been an outcast in her small fishing town. A freak. A curse. A witch. A girl with an uncanny resemblance to Anna appears offshore and, though the girl denies it, Evie is convinced that her best friend actually survived. That her own magic wasn’t so powerless after all. And, as the two girls catch the eyes—and hearts—of two charming princes, Evie believes that she might finally have a chance at her own happily ever after.But her new friend has secrets of her own. She can’t stay in Havnestad, or on two legs, unless Evie finds a way to help her. Now Evie will do anything to save her friend’s humanity, along with her prince’s heart—harnessing the power of her magic, her ocean, and her love until she discovers, too late, the truth of her bargain.
A Thousand Beginnings and Endings
Ellen OhAlyssa Wong - 2018
These are the stuff of fairy tale, myth, and folklore that have drawn us in for centuries. Fifteen bestselling and acclaimed authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate. Compiled by We Need Diverse Books’s Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman, the authors included in this exquisite collection are: Renee Ahdieh, Sona Charaipotra, Preeti Chhibber, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette de Bodard, Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Rahul Kanakia, Lori M. Lee, E. C. Myers, Cindy Pon, Aisha Saeed, Shveta Thakrar, and Alyssa Wong. A mountain loses her heart. Two sisters transform into birds to escape captivity. A young man learns the true meaning of sacrifice. A young woman takes up her mother’s mantle and leads the dead to their final resting place. From fantasy to science fiction to contemporary, from romance to tales of revenge, these stories will beguile readers from start to finish. For fans of Neil Gaiman’s Unnatural Creatures and Ameriie’s New York Times–bestselling Because You Love to Hate Me.
Off-Limits
Ava Storm - 2019
I fell for my brother's best friend. Forbidden but so exciting... He was totally off-limits. And my brother would kill both of us. But we're both adults now. And I'm a widowed single mom. But he needs me and my brother more than ever. Because him and his dad are in grave danger. And my brother is the only one who can help. But will he, knowing his best friend already claimed me?
Dark Fairy Tales
C.J. RobertsCelia Aaron - 2020
But the party isn’t all glamor. Villains lurk in dark corners, evil deals are struck, and starcrossed loves are born.FAIRY TALES INCLUDED:The Ugly Duckling by CJ RobertsBeauty and the Beast by Willow WintersCinderella by Aleatha RomigLittle Red Riding Hood by Karina HalleJack & the Beanstalk by Marley ValentineSnow White by T.M. FrazierRumplestiltskin by Celia AaronKing Midas by Skye WarrenKing Thrushbeard by Cora ReillyPrincess and the Pea by Sierra SimoneSwan Princess by Natasha KnightAttend the ball, wear a red cloak, lose your shoe, spin straw to gold, or fall prey to a witch. In these fairytale retellings from bestselling authors, you will find a prince, but you might choose your happily ever after with the beast.DARK FAIRY TALES is a limited-time anthology of modern fairy tales containing all NEW novellas. Download your copy and tell a book-loving friend, because it won't last long.
Never Say Never
Taylor Holloway - 2018
Never hesitate. Never get emotionally involved.Words I've lived by. Until her.I'm a fixer.I fix bad, embarrassing, illegal problems, for the right price.My clients are rich, famous, powerful, and very dangerous.Now I’ve got a problem of my very own: Eva Martin. She just happens to be both my best friend’s little sister, and at the center of the most explosive problem I’ve ever faced. As the body count rises around us, I’m falling for the one woman that’s totally out of bounds. Her wide innocent eyes, perfect curves, and sexy, smoky voice—she’s a liability and a weakness, but I'm unable to resist.Eva’s a risky distraction for a man like me. I'm going to make her mine, and I'll use everything in my arsenal to keep her safe.Even if it means everyone else—including me—becomes collateral damage.
Love & Other Mushy Stuff: Would you take one for the team?
Lyndsey Gallagher - 2021
Thorn
Intisar Khanani - 2012
A destiny all her own.Between her cruel family and the contempt she faces at court, Princess Alyrra has always longed to escape the confines of her royal life. But when she’s betrothed to the powerful prince Kestrin, Alyrra embarks on a journey to his land with little hope for a better future.When a mysterious and terrifying sorceress robs Alyrra of both her identity and her role as princess, Alyrra seizes the opportunity to start a new life for herself as a goose girl. But Alyrra soon finds that Kestrin is not what she expected. The more Alyrra learns of this new kingdom, the pain and suffering its people endure, as well as the danger facing Kestrin from the sorceress herself, the more she knows she can’t remain the goose girl forever.With the fate of the kingdom at stake, Alyrra is caught between two worlds and ultimately must decide who she is, and what she stands for.Includes The Bone Knife, a bonus short story set in the world of Thorn.
If the Shoe Fits
Julie Murphy - 2021
When a spot on the show needs filling ASAP, Cindy volunteers, hoping it might help jump-start her fashion career, or at least give her something to do while her peers land jobs in the world of high fashion.Turns out being the only plus size woman on a reality dating competition makes a splash, and soon Cindy becomes a body positivity icon for women everywhere. What she doesn't expect? That she may just find inspiration-and love-in the process. Ultimately, Cindy learns that if the shoe doesn't fit, maybe it's time to design your own.
4 Men of the House
Daphne Dawn - 2018
We want her for her body. Now she’s gotta decide which of us to call Daddy. Megan. Pretty little vixen in the black silk Dolce & Gabbana. Tries to act the good girl till we slip it off her. Then tempts and teases us in her red La Perla. She was sent to spy on us. Gather dirt and destroy us. What she didn’t know was she’d fall in love. But it’s not just her. The four of us are now her world. Protect her with no doubt. Take her at night. Watch as her eyes close while she screams out. As she takes us in with those hips. While our teeth sink into her lips. We’ll save her from the scumbag who sent her to destroy us. When he comes looking for her, we’ll be waiting. Heaven help him if he tries to hurt her. We’ll take down anyone he brings. Afterwards, its just us. Always and forever. Happily ever after for the five of us. And in nine months, make it six.
Sugar Bright
Ali Dean - 2021
Too bad he's not who she thinks he is. Complete with unforgettable characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a dash of Dean's signature sports writing, this small-town romance delivers an uplifting vibe that will make your heart happy.Mia’s plans implode when, on their three-year anniversary, her boyfriend announces that he’s moving to the other side of the country instead of proposing like he was supposed to. She had a vision of small-town bliss that included marriage and children and now she’s fallen off her timeline. Fortunately, Mia’s friends have a tried-and-true breakup recovery process that will get her back on track. Unfortunately for Mia, training for a marathon relay is part of this process. She’s used to being the clumsy nerd amongst super athletes, but if it means the hot new guy in town is going to coach them, Mia is willing to subject herself to the torture of training.When Jamie escapes big city corporate life to take over as the P.E. teacher in rural Vermont, he isn’t sure he’ll fit in. To his surprise, the locals welcome him with open arms, and he starts to think this might not be a temporary hiatus after all. Once he meets Mia, Jamie can even see himself in Sugarville for the long haul, with her at his side. However, Jamie is hiding a secret that not only threatens to make him an outcast in town, but will destroy any chances of a future with Mia. What happens when Mia finds out Jamie isn’t who she thinks he is?
The Italian Billionaire's Kidnapped Mistress
Kyra Radcliff - 2020
until her fiancé, Cesare, broke her heart and left her at the altar. When she discovers Cesare is to marry another woman, shecrashes the wedding, determined to call it off.Enter Alfonso Marchese, the handsome billionaire brother of Cesare’s new bride. Alfonso will do anything to protect his family, and the last thing he wants is to see Cesare’s ex ruin his sister’s wedding. Convinced Tori is nothing but a selfish gold- digger, he kidnaps her and whisks her away to a remote island paradise ...Alfonso vows to hold Tori captive until she forgets all about Cesare. But as sun-drenched days lead to steamy tropical nights, the handsome billionaire is drawn to her beauty and fiery will. What begins as a seductive challenge soon blazes into a passionate affair.Soon, Tori finds herself having to deal with all of the formidable Marchese family … not just the tantalising Alfonso, who’s as confusing as he is intoxicating.And as they sink deeper into each other, Tori realises that a broken heart could be the least of her worries ...
Where the Irises Bloom
Will Lowrey - 2019
Life on the streets can be tough for a kitten. Between neighborhood hooligans, trains and traffic whizzing past, unforgiving weather, and grumpy raccoons competing over scraps of food in the garbage cans, every day is a struggle to survive. Although lost and afraid among the tall, glimmering buildings and their shadowy alleyways below, Fern soon discovers she’s not alone. She’s seen him before, huddled in the cold by the old tavern. Mother taught her to be wary of the people, but when she takes a chance on him, she learns he has a story, too. Together, they just might save each other. From the author of the acclaimed novel Chasing the Blue Sky comes the compelling, poignant tale of the unusual bond between a stray kitten and a homeless man.
Hustler
Meghan Quinn - 2016
I make my living as a hustler, and I’m great at it.I don’t have a single tell and I use that to my advantage to manipulate any situation.I’ve always known what a person is about to do before they’ve even decided.That is, until I met Penelope.I can’t get a read on her, and what’s worse, she doesn’t want anything to do with me.Which only makes me want her more.Now I’m in for the hardest hustle of my life.Somehow I have to convince her she belongs with me.Good thing I’m always up for a challenge.
Perfect Match
Alexis Alvarez - 2017
She’s the matchmaker…he’s her sexy client. What could go wrong? L.A.-based matchmaker Fia Martin has a tough competition: Find the perfect woman for arrogant, handsome TV-host Dylan Chambers, before her rival, Connie Birnbaum, can do it––on national television. If Dylan declares her the winner, Fia’s business will skyrocket.Dylan is picky. He’s smug. He reminds Fia that he’s only doing this competition at all because he lost a bet to his TV co-host, and he doesn’t believe in true love. He’s polite on dates picked out by Connie, but the ones Fia sets up? Those seem to end in complete disaster. And every time she tells him to behave, he flirts with her shamelessly.A stolen kiss turns to a night of unbelievable passion, but Fia knows that Dylan’s not interested in anything more than a fling. How could it mean anything when he’s still going on dates for the TV challenge like nothing happened?When Dylan chooses Connie’s company for his final dream date in Hawaii, to a woman who looks perfect on paper, Fia figures she can pretty much kiss the trophy goodbye. The problem is, she won’t just be losing the competition. She’s about to lose her heart, too…to the one guy who’s completely unavailable.Perfect Match is a full length 75K word romance novel with a very high heat level, poetic prose, and some laugh out loud moments. Like all of my books, it has a wonderful HEA. This one has some mild kink...not a lot of pain, but a whole lot of pleasure!First published Sept 26th, 2017 inside the box set Hot and Sinful Nights - a box set which hit the USA Today Best Sellers List. It will come to Amazon and KU on Nov 6, 2017.
Curses
Lish McBride - 2021
She will be forced to live as a beast forever, unless she agrees to marry a man of her mother's choosing before her eighteenth birthday.Tevin Dumont has always been a pawn in his family's cons. The prettiest boy in a big family, his job is to tempt naïve rich girls to abandon their engagements, unless their parents agree to pay him off. But after his mother runs afoul of the beast, she decides to trade Tevin for her own freedom.Now, Tevin and Merit have agreed that he can pay off his mother's debt by using his con-artist skills to help Merit find the best match . . . but what if the best match is Tevin himself?