Book picks similar to
Reluctant to Love (Written in the Stars, #1) by Rebecca Gallo
romance
avoid
arc
cheating
Gabe
Evan Grace - 2015
When she graduates from college as valedictorian with a degree in social services, her friend and mentor Jill Swanson offers her a job, but with one condition. She has to take two weeks off and just have fun. Taking the instructions to heart, Jasmine goes to a club called Debauchery and has a sizzling encounter with a sexy stranger. Ex-pro football player Gabriel Johnson is done playing the field. Gabe is tired of meaningless relationships, but when he meets a mysterious, beautiful, blue-eyed blonde at Debauchery and the chemistry is undeniable, he knows he’s finally found the one. What he didn’t expect was for her to freak out and run off. Jasmine thought she made a clean getaway, so needless to say, she’s shocked when she finds herself face to face with the hot guy from the club once again. He’s Jill’s. Half. Brother. Gabe wants to pick up right where they left off and doesn’t waste any time convincing her. Jasmine’s blown away by the intensity of their relationship. How can she control something that makes her feel so wild and uninhibited? But Jasmine can’t handle the pressure. First, she’s confronted with old insecurities. Then suddenly, her brother has a secret he’ll only share with Gabe, the father who abandoned her shows up—at Gabe’s instigation—and a professional tragedy is the last straw. What happens when it all falls apart?Is being with Gabe more than she can handle?
Reining Her In
Katie Ashley - 2019
James was at our rehearsal dinner. That was shortly before he jilted me at the altar. To avoid the swarm of whispers and finger pointing every time I dared to show my face in public, I fled two hours south to Atlanta and never looked back. Over the last decade, I’d planned hundreds of scenarios about how our next meeting would go down. The expletives I’d hurl at him. Which knee I might use to annihilate his balls. Which dimpled cheek on his ridiculously handsome face I would send a stinging slap across. But being elbow deep in a cow’s ass was not one of them. Normally, I didn’t get up close and personal to a bovine’s rectum. At least not since veterinarian school. But desperate times found me back home to attend my grandfather’s funeral, who happened to be the town’s large animal vet. Those two facts had left me wading through manure in Roy Wallace’s pasture to care for a distressed heifer. While time and maturity seemed to have changed him from the boy I knew, I still wasn’t falling for his charm. Or his hard, chiseled body. Or ass you could eat dinner off of. No, I wasn’t going back down that street again. Unfortunately, Declan didn’t seem to get the message. Instead, he seemed as stubborn as he ever was and ready for a fight. It’ll be the fight of his life for me to let him back in my heart.
The Forgotten Wife
Christine Michelle - 2021
The man I was to marry, he was even less keen to walk down the aisle with me, but he had his own risks to weight in all of this.I didn’t expect a perfect marriage.I didn’t even believe they existed.What I didn’t expect was to say, “I do” and then be completely forgotten....At least, that was how it started out.It just got more complicated from there, until it wasn’t.Happiness was just around the corner, and maybe even, in time, the perfect marriage too.
Tumble
Adriana Locke - 2019
Her plan? Relax, reset, and head back up the corporate ladder. There’s just one unexpected step. Neely’s back in Dogwood Lane for barely a day when she sees the man she ran from nine years ago: the bad boy next door who was her first kiss, her first love, and her first heartbreak.Devoted single dad Dane Madden knows he hurt Neely in the worst way. He’s got a lot to make up for. And as passionate as their reconnection is, it’s a lot to hope for. Having her back in his arms feels so right. But falling in love all over again with a woman who wants to live a world away is bound to go so wrong.What’s it going to take for Neely to give him—and Dogwood Lane—just one more chance?
Shelter Me
Kathy Coopmans - 2014
She had the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, and a bright future ahead of her. That is, until one day he just disappeared, leaving a note as his only goodbye. With her heart shattered and broken, Shayne did the only thing she could. She left her small town on the shores of Lake Michigan to start her life over, needing to distance herself from the memories she and Luke had made. At that time, she vowed to herself that she would never return to her hometown again. Seven years later, Shayne realizes that fate is not on her side as she returns home for her aunt’s funeral, bringing back the one secret she swore to protect. Luke Schavone has regretted every day that he had to leave Shayne behind. Though he didn’t have a choice, his heart still bore the scars from the impact. After five years, Luke returned only to find that Shayne was gone. His best friend was the only lifeline he had to finding her, but Adam wasn’t talking. When the one thing Luke has wanted everyday for the past seven years runs right into him one night, he becomes determined to make sure he doesn’t lose her again. At first, Shayne is hesitant. She wouldn’t be able to survive losing him again, but the pull toward him is so fierce, she can’t deny herself the chance. With the decision to start over, Luke and Shayne must admit truths and come to terms with the events that forced them apart in the first place. When secrets are revealed and old threats come to pass, will Luke be able to shelter Shayne from the destruction, or will she become lost to him forever?Shelter Me is a full length novel. You will notice that the story ends at approximately 75%. The remaining 25% you will be able to enjoy the first few chapters from four incredible Authors: Kristin Kitchen, A.M. Madden, Kate Stewart and A.D. Justice.
Who Needs Air
Cassie Graham - 2017
He wrote a book about it at twenty. She watched him walk away at twenty-three. And he made the New York Times Best Sellers list at twenty-four. Campbell ‘Cam’ Potter stood idly by as August Wyatt took over the world one word at a time. Chapter by chapter, people fell in love with the story he created – the events she lived. And now the book was being made into a movie, it was only a matter of time before August was back in their small hometown in Georgia. The problem was, when August left five years ago, Cam made a promise to herself. The ending in his book would be the conclusion to their story. There was no sequel, no second chance, no possibility of ever seeing him again. He obliterated her heart and she was determined to never let it happen again. That is, until Cam gets a late night text from the heartbreaker himself. New chapters are written, fresh storylines are explored and Cam and August find a familiarity in one another. Sometimes THE END doesn’t mean it’s over.
Only Ever You
Siobhan Davis - 2019
He’s the hot-as-sin rocker hiding a secret that would devastate his fans. She’s the only girl he’s ever loved, but keeping her safe means he had to walk away… RYDER My entire life is a lie, propelled by one wrong decision that altered my fate. If fans knew the truth, they’d run away screaming. But all they see is Ryder Stone, moody guitarist and lead singer of Torment, and a potential notch on their bedpost. Only two people know who I really am. My manager has a vested interest in keeping my secret, and the girl I was forced to leave behind doesn’t even know the true extent of my shame. Losing Zeta is both my biggest regret and my proudest moment. But she was the glue keeping me together, and I’m struggling to survive without her. Especially when demons from my past continue to haunt me and the threat of disclosure is ever present. When she reappears in my life, this time, I’m too weak to push her away. Her love has the power to save me. Mine has the power to destroy her. ZETA I’ve worked hard to forget my past. To rise above my messed-up childhood and make something of myself; however, there’s no forgetting him. Ryder’s gorgeous face and drool-worthy body are plastered over tabloids and TV screens, reminding me I’m still in love with the boy who captured my heart in juvie. When he failed me, I thought I’d never again experience such heart-crushing pain. But watching him fall out of clubs with a succession of different girls renews the agony, resurrecting countless unanswered questions. Now my boss has sent me to interview him. It’s a massive scoop for the magazine, and turning it down would kill my career. So, I delude myself into thinking I can handle this. Perhaps this is the closure I need to finally move on. Except I’m terrified nothing has changed and one look into those soulful eyes will suck me in again. Ryder almost destroyed me last time. This time, he could ruin me forever. Full-length standalone title. Due to sensitive content and possible triggers, this book is recommended to readers aged eighteen and older. Please refer to the note at the start of the book (Click Look Inside).
What Happens After
Portia Moore - 2015
'We' never should have happened. Him and me... Our constantly crossing paths changed the unthinkable to the inevitable. It was magical, exhilarating, and life defining... despicable, and it ruined everything. It destroyed me. It destroyed us. He and I are what happened before. And everything else is what happened after… ~If you are turned off from themes dealing with infidelity this book is not for you. This book features flawed people that make imperfect decisions.~ ~This is a Stand Alone full-length novel that does not contain a cliffhanger.~
Love, Hate & Us
S.P. West - 2017
K-I-S-S-I-N-G… We grew up thinking that our future was set in stone. We were wrong. Turns out there is a thin line between love and hate. Then there is us. Brooke never imagined a life away from Emmerton. She never pictured a life without her childhood sweetheart, Brody. But when Brody does the unthinkable Brooke’s world is turned upside down. Unable to watch as Brody moves on with his life, she decides to start afresh. Unfortunately, leaving her past behind is not a easy as she thought, especially when her past wants her back. This novel contains adult situations and some swearing.
Until Forever
Shaniel Watson - 2018
She fell in love once, at sixteen, with a man she thought would be her forever. He was her first kiss---her first everything. But one horrific night took everything from her, leaving her broken and alone, with lifelong responsibilities.Landon Jessup's life revolved around Lacey, but when the unthinkable happened to her, it all fell apart. Unable to make things right, he did the only thing he could. He ran. And he's regretted it for six long years.Now fate has brought them back together. The moment their eyes meet it's as if time has stood still--the attraction, the pull, the love--it's all still there. But so are complications, new and old. Can this second chance at love deliver the future they've always wanted or will the pain of their pasts destroy them again?**A standalone second chance romance. Contains possible triggers.**
Breaking Beauty
Stella Andrews - 2020
Sebastian Stone - the boy I grew up with. My best friend who I confided in and trusted more than anyone. The boy who stuck up for me at school and filled my days with laughter and happiness. The boy who turned into a man who slipped into my bed at night and made me into a woman while the rest of the house slept. He awakened feelings in me I never knew I had and promised never to leave me. In return, I gave him my innocence and his kisses brought new life to a soul I had surrendered to the Devil many years ago. However, this sleeping beauty woke up to find her Prince was a monster in disguise because he turned his back on her and chose her sister instead. When I heard they were to marry I left and fell down the darkest rabbit hole I could find. But now I'm back and he won't like what I've become. He's about to learn this Princess went over to the dark side and now the only thing on her mind is revenge. It's time to face my past and change the future - the hard way. Early Reviews *****Fantastic Read I really enjoyed this book. Angel (Angelica) was a strong female character and I loved how she made Sebastian work to gain her forgiveness. These two were great together and had sizzling chemistry. I loved Ryder and all the characters of the Twisted Reaper MC. The story was well-developed, well written and had an engaging storyline. This was a fantastic read and I can't wait to read Tobias and Anastasia's story. - Tammy (Booksprout) *****Love this book! By Lilith Angel returns home after 5 years. Angel is very hurt by the past. Sebastian wants her back. Good book, well written! *****All I can say is WOW By Brenda L. I read this book as soon as I downloaded it and just finished in one sitting. The characters and plot are excellent. There is anger, sadness, family dynamics, and heat. It also moves at a fast pace. Totally recommend this book. *****Angel Gets Her Story - what a wild ride! By Auburn1234 Can't get enough of the Reapers? This is Angel's story, and it's great. When her father dies, she returns for the funeral, and big surprises! Reuniting with her family and the man she lost is just the beginning. Great story!!!!
Have Mercy
N.E. Henderson - 2019
It's hard to get over that kind of betrayal. It leaves a mark on the heart. A slow bleed that never goes away. She was my girl. We were supposed to be partners. She was going to be the mother of my children down the road. The only girl to warm my bed. She was my forever girl. Until she ran away. I thought she felt the same. But if she did she wouldn't have ditched me like I didn't matter. All the plans we made meant nothing to her. She disappeared without so much as a goodbye. Those cuts are the deepest. A gaping hole that can't be sealed. I could've stomached anything else—a meaningless one-night stand, drifting apart, vanishing love. But abandonment is a deadly strike that can't be forgotten. It sticks with you forever. Three months later she showed up, expecting me to welcome her back with open arms. Excuses, lies, not even her crying eyes could make me believe the manipulative bullshit coming out of her mouth. For months I felt like I was burning alive. She shattered my heart and stole my soul. I moved on. Now, eighteen years later, a nightmare unfolds. Every detail makes my stomach churn. Lies come to the light. The truth is uncovered. And the people I thought I knew become strangers. The heartbreak I felt was only a scratch compared to the sliced open heart in my chest. Winning her back seems like an impossible feat. She may never forgive me, because the thing about mercy—you have to give to receive. ***Have Mercy is a 107K word standalone, second chance love story.***
Catch Me Twice
Charmaine Pauls - 2019
I learned the hard way. I had Jake Basson’s baby. He left to chase his dream. Now he’s back, demanding a second chance, but why should I give him anything after four years of nothing? No correspondence, no news. I finally have my life back on track. Jake has never been uncomplicated. He never follows the rules. I should’ve known he’d play dirty. He caught me once. I’m not going to let him catch me twice.
The Other Woman
Patricia Kay - 2001
From the Amazon.com review of the print edition of THE OTHER WOMAN: Family obligations, including his mother's tenuous health and his father's desperate financial straits, kept lawyer Adam Forrester from marrying the woman he loved. Now, almost twenty years later, when Adam literally bumps into children's book editor Natalie Ferrenzo on the street in Manhattan, he cannot bring himself to leave her again to return to his empty, unfulfilling marriage to the daughter of his overbearing boss. And Natalie is equally incapable of saying goodbye to the only man she ever loved--and still loves. But Adam's manipulative wife Julia connives to keep Natalie and Adam apart, playing on Adam's over-developed sense of responsibility and guilt. Years pass with Adam and Natalie managing to content themselves with stolen hours and illicit meetings while they count their blessings. However, Natalie receives life-changing news and she knows she can no longer continue her relationship with Adam as it stands. Once more the lovers are separated by circumstance. Will true love triumph or will Adam be compelled to continue to sacrifice his and Natalie's happiness on the altar of familial loyalty? Kay weaves a captivating tale full of moral gray areas and characters you love to hate. You won't want to put this one down! --Alison Trinkle PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR PATRICIA KAY: "A stunning book from a master storyteller. Patricia Kay writes from the heart about matters that touch us all." -- Susan Wiggs, NY Times bestselling author "A beautifully written compelling story you won't be able to put down." --- Georgia Bockoven, USA Today bestselling author "If you love LaVyrle Spencer, you'll love Patricia Kay." --- Deborah Smith "Wonderful . . . (a) sparkling romance." --- Eileen Goudge "Kay's writing is solid, and her narrative swiftly reaches a satisfying finish." -- Publisher's Weekly "Patricia Kay writes from the heart about people we come to love." --- Christina Dodd, NY Times bestselling author "Heartrending and touching . . . Ms. Kay never fails to deliver this kind of story." -- Amanda Kilgore, Huntress Reviews "This marvelous story is full to bursting with winning characters, special moments, and most of all, hope, faith, and the rejuvenating power of love." --- Romantic Times Magazine "An intriguing story of love at first sight." --- Houston Tempo Magazine "There are deep questions about relationships and serious character growth evident in this story, which is also warm, sensuous, and excellent entertainment." --- Rendezvous magazine "A warm, tender, beautifully written love story with an emotional punch that only Patricia Kay can deliver." --- Amanda Stevens, USA Today bestselling author PATRICIA KAY is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 50 novels of romance and women's fiction. Her December, 2000 novel, THE WRONG CHILD, was nominated for a RITA award, which is the most prestigious award given to romance/women's fiction writers by the Romance Writers of America. An acclaimed teacher who taught writing classes at the University of Houston, she now teaches exclusively online. Born in Ohio, she and her husband have lived in Houston, Texas since 1969. To find out more about her, her books, and her writing classes, visit her website at www.patriciakay.com.
The Long Way Home
Jasinda Wilder - 2017
For you. For touch. For a kiss. For the scrape of your hand down my stomach. For the slide of your lips across my hipbone. The sweep of your thigh against mine in the dulcet, drowning darkness. For the warm huff of your breath on my skin and the wet suck of your mouth around me and the building pressure of need reaching release...I am mad with need.Wild with it.I cannot have you. I have lost you, as I have lost myself. And so I go in search. Of myself, and thus the man who might return to you, and take you in his arms.I loathe each of the thousands of miles between us, but I cannot wish them away, for I hope at the end of my journey I shall find you. Or rather, find myself, and thus…you. Myself, and thus us. I am taking the long way home, Ava. ***Christian,I’m losing my mind, and I don’t know how to stop it. I shouldn’t be writing to you, but I am. I’m friendless, loveless, and lifeless. You’re out there somewhere, and still you’re all I really have. I hate my reliance and dependence on you, emotionally and otherwise, and that reliance is something I’m coming to recognize. I hate that I can’t hate you as much as I want to. I hate that I still love you so much. I hate that there’s no clear solution to our conundrum. Even if we could forgive each other, what then? I hate you, Christian. I really do.But most of all, I don’t. It’s complicated. Complicatedly (still) yours,AvaTHE LONG WAY HOME is the story of a married couple, Christian and Ava, both writers, as they cope with the loss of their son and the damage that loss causes to their marriage. This moving story, alternately heartbreaking and heartwarming, is the first in a brand-new contemporary romance series by bestselling author Jasinda Wilder.