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Looking Past by Katharine E. Smith


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She Hates Me Not


F.E. Greene - 2022
    Although it's an ocean away from her childhood home in the bayous of Louisiana, Stratford offers something which St. Charles Parish doesn't: safety from a threat that Lou never helped to create.But one impulsive choice jeopardizes Lou's "safety first" world. After agreeing to go on a blind date in exchange for money to pay her sister's medical bills, Lou is required to attend the Stratford Gala with a man she hates - even though they've never met.It turns out that Kip Richmond, "Britain's most uncatchable bachelor," is anything but easy to hate. And Kip feels nothing but love for Lou. Can Lou make room in her life for a man she's supposed to hate, especially when his every move may end up on tomorrow's front page?Set against the delightful backdrop of Stratford-upon-Avon, She Hates Me Not blends heartwarming romance with mild suspense as Lou and Kip confront their troubled pasts in the hopes of loving again. It is the seventh novel by F. E. Greene and first in the Richer in Love romance series.Romance Heat Scale: Mild/PG.

Destiny: Our Forever Love


Elise Quinn Larson - 2017
    The story of wild Johnny Larson and quiet Elise Quinn begins with a stolen kiss and ends with . . . well, read it and see. Johnny Larson is a star football player and a one-night stand guy who lives for wild parties, casual sex and his NFL dream. But when he impulsively kisses his brother's girlfriend one rainy afternoon, their sexual attraction ignites a passionate affair that won't be denied. Johnny calls it their destiny. Elise calls it love. Their happiness is complete when Johnny is picked in the first round of the NFL Draft, but it ends when he drives drunk after his draft party and kills a pedestrian, turning their dream into a nightmare. When Johnny's struggle with a corrupt prison system leads to his conviction for aggravated murder, Elise joins a desperate legal battle to save him from the death penalty. But does love have the power to overcome destiny? One reviewer wrote: "This book is a must read! Not only is it well researched and factual, it will have you wondering what's to come with each page you read. Sex, love, death, commitment, prison life, football, childbirth and final goodbyes; it's all here. An excellent book you won't want to put down. Enjoy." This is not your traditional Happily Ever After love story. You will need tissues as you read this sweeping saga of sexual passion and desire, criminal conspiracy and legal injustice, capital murder and death row, terminal illness and assisted suicide. Get ready for an emotional experience that will confirm your belief in the power of undying love. For ages 18+ due to sex scenes, adult situations and sensitive issues.

Given to Fly


K.L. Montgomery - 2017
    That's what her family and church have been telling her since she was a little girl. But when her marriage turns rocky, and she struggles with her weight and infertility, she fears the childhood dream thrust upon her will never come true.Then she meets Trek Blue, the father of a little girl in her preschool class. After losing his wife to cancer, he's moved to Indiana with his two young children to seek a fresh start. In need of a friend, Trek is immediately drawn to Annelise, who begins to think of him as a confidant and bright spot in her otherwise dreary life.But when the two grow close enough to raise eyebrows, she is forced to make a choice. Will Annelise honor her faith, family, and wedding vows? Or will she spread her wings and fly away?

It Started With A Kiss


Lindy Dale - 2010
    Nate and Georgie had been the only peas in the pod growing up and in the twelve years since they’ve seen each other, neither of them seems to have forgotten. Over a cup of coffee and a series of shared recollections, Georgie and Nate begin to rekindle the embers of the love they lost. But can they save the relationship or will their one night of passion bring the closure they never had? This is one romantic short story you won't be able to put down! "'It Started With a Kiss' is the latest ROMANTIC COMEDY from Lindy Dale, and everything we’ve come to expect from Aussie’s CHICK LIT QUEEN. You’ll want to clear your calendar, grab a cuppa, and curl up with this little gem, which comes complete with romance, laughter…and a smear of dog pooh!" - Lee Murray. OR WERE YOU LOOKING FOR OTHER TITLES BY Bestselling Romantic Comedy Author, Lindy Dale? Try these: Thin Girls Don't Eat Cake: Fall in love with Olivia and Cole as they fall head over heels for each other in this humorous romance. Literally. Storm in a B Cup: The #1 bestselling romantic tale of Sophie and Jared as she fights Breast Cancer. Expect laughs, love and hope. The Taming of the Bastard: (Bastard Tales Book 1) - Lovable rogue, Sam likes nanny Millie .Millie, of course, likes Sam. But Millie thinks Sam needs a makeover in the manners department.

Trophy Life


Elli Lewis - 2016
     Meet Amy, the world's most improbable trophy wife. She has a degree, ambitions and something resembling a mind of her own. The trouble is, she just doesn't use it anymore. Married to handsome aristocrat, Harry Green, Amy’s world is a whirlwind of luxury, labels and lunches. But amidst the peerages and polo of the privileged few lie wolves in minks' clothing. Before she knows it, Amy's perfect existence is plunged into chaos by the poshest of plots. Ominous heiresses, simpering starlets and a terrifying mother-in-law abound as Amy faces up to some harsh realities. Can Amy survive life in the upper crust? Or is high society an all new low?

The Spindle Chair


Shellie Arnold - 2015
    And she is usually able to overlook her husband’s moments of quiet sadness. If only God would give them a child … Pierce wants a child as badly as Laurie and has spent years praying alongside her. But he has no idea that a "yes" from God will unearth long-buried memories and bring their marriage to the brink of catastrophe. In The Barn Church trilogy's first novel, The Spindle Chair, Shellie Arnold explores what happens when "happily ever after" becomes more than one couple can handle.

Dodging a Bullet


Desiree Douglas - 2017
    Young Kelli had visions of having it all, but instead is left homeless and shattered by the heartless playboy. Unbelievably, Trish is forced to help Kelli get back on her feet. Meanwhile, Trish meets Jake Abbott, a widower with a six-year-old daughter, and imagines herself as part of his family. But that's not likely when Jake seems to be falling for her best friend, Laney. When things can't get any worse, her New Age, kooky parents drop in for a visit, and due to their interference, her love life dies an embarrassingly public death. A fast-paced, fun read with a sweet romance, this intriguing story will keep you turning pages as Trish heads toward her unexpected happily-ever-after.

Summers' Love


Stu Summers - 2013
    With rapes, robberies, and domestic violence on the rise, the nation's capital is a ripe market. But Kate's stun gun party implodes when her guests demand she sweeten the deal by providing autographed copies of In Heat, the latest best-selling novel by Stu Summers. With creditors breathing down her neck, Kate drives to Page Me Books, where adoring fans clamor for an autograph with the New York Times sexy and single romance writer. Stu expects the flirty smiles and women fawning praise, but when his editor phones to inform Stu that his latest manuscript failed to impress the publishing board, his carefully crafted career begins to unravel. Stu has one week to deliver a complete rewrite that meets his reader's demanding standards. And he would if only he could write. But he can't. Not a lick. For years Stu has paid a church secretary to ghostwrite his novels.Only now Hattie May Hall feels God calling her to write paranormal prairie Amish thrillers with an evangelical, Cinderella twist. With Stu's career on the line and Kate's big taser sale in jeopardy, an unlikely pair of hearts collide, providing a shocking climax at the world's biggest stun gun ball.

Initiation


Phil M. Williams - 2016
    Carter Lynch didn’t care about the slogan, the prestige, or the tradition. He was an outsider, a foreign invader from a foreign land. The army brat transfer didn’t join the football team to make friends. He didn’t care about anything but taking a starting spot and earning a scholarship. He had what it took to be a star. He was focused, talented … violent. He was ready for the game. The initiation and the aftermath … that’s a different story. Adult language and content.

Mom of the Year


Denise Pischinger - 2013
    You'll laugh, cry and phone a friend about Mom of the Year--the debut title from the new literary genre, Script Lit. Janie Parker rules the school at Parkside Elementary, though she’s not even a student. She’s a volunteer room mother, tirelessly pouring her blood, sweat and tears into every perfect detail of every party or project for her daughter’s class. And she does it all for…GASP…the glory. Her over-the-top antics alienate her daughter, Kelsey, who isn’t anything like her mother. So when Janie’s husband, Greg, announces the family must relocate to Houston in the middle of the school year, Kelsey sees the opportunity to start over. Janie, however, sees the end of her legacy as the most fabulous, glorified volunteer in the history of public schools. As if that isn’t horrifying enough, the family’s move to Houston forces Janie to live in the same town as her own mother, Helen, whom she despises. When they arrive at Kelsey’s new school, Bear Branch Elementary, Janie discovers some silver lining – their new school district annually crowns a “Mom of the Year.” Janie soon meets her match in Lanette Middleton, the class room mother and reigning Mom of the Year. Lanette makes it clear there is no room for Janie at Bear Branch. After one too many insults, Janie fights back...and the competition is ON!

Back to You


Inés Saint - 2016
    Tony the Town Terror). Now he’s back as the town’s pediatrician and the single ladies find him terrifying in a whole new way: He’s gorgeous, he’s good with kids, and he knows exactly what he wants out of life. Tony isn’t too surprised to discover he still has feelings for his long-ago babysitter. What’s a four-year age difference to a man who knew his heart at the tender age of eight? But Samantha won’t take him seriously. Just when Samantha is ready to take an important new step in her life Tony, the spirited boy she used to babysit, and her ex-husband Brad come back to teach her about old dreams and new realities. Short Read; about 50 pages (reduced cast of secondary characters and faster resolution)

Here We Go


Jessica Goodwin - 2011
    Joe, Alex, and Nick are the men in their lives, and each of them wants to be more than just a friend.Samantha doesn't really give romance much thought until her high school sweetheart shows up unexpectedly at her door after a decade-long absence. As much as Sam would like to put the past behind her, she finds herself suddenly trying to choose between whether or not to give her old flame a second chance or to finally take things to a new level with a good friend.When Julia's longtime boyfriend suddenly reveals that he is in love with someone else, Julia reverts to the carefree, reckless behavior of her college days. Julia goes from party girl to pregnant and alone, making Samantha wonder if Julia is the best person to turn to when it comes to seeking advice for matters of the heart.

We Were Here


Daisy Prescott - 2016
    
This is the story of seven friends. We met in college, completely free for the first time in our lives and determined to enjoy every minute of it. For four years, we gossiped and flirted, partied and road-tripped. We were inseparable. Each of us has our own story of falling in or out of love. Of finding out who we are. Of growing up. We thought we knew everything. We knew nothing. We Were Here is where the Modern Love Stories begins, in a standalone that perfectly captures the humor, angst, and sheer chaos of college.

The Letter: Kitty's Story


Eliza J. Scott - 2018
    Until the day she (literally) bumps into her first love, the handsome and easy-going Ollie Cartwright – someone she’s done her best to avoid for as long as she can remember. Looking into Ollie’s eyes awakens feelings for him she thought she’d buried deep years ago, and he clearly feels the spark, too. As she walks away, Kitty can’t help but wonder what might have been… Dan senses that his marriage is on shaky ground and knows he needs to win his wife round. He turns on the charm, skilfully using their two children, Lucas and Lily, as bargaining tools. But Kitty’s older brother, Jimby, and her childhood best-friends, Molly and Violet, have decided enough is enough. For years they’ve had to watch from afar as Kitty’s been browbeaten into an unrecognisable version of herself. They vow to make her see Dan for what he really is, but their attempts are no match for his finely-honed courtroom skills and, against her better judgement, Kitty agrees to give her husband one last chance. But, all-too-soon, a series of heart-breaking events and a shocking secret throw her life into turmoil… Will she stand by Dan, or will Kitty be brave enough to take the leap and follow her heart to Ollie? Life is anything but peaceful in the chocolate-box pretty village of Lytell Stangdale, where life unravels, and hearts are broken. Full of heart-warming moments, this book with have you crying tears of joy, laughter and sadness.

Waiting for You


Heather Huffman - 2014
    She has a successful career and a promising engagement, but when she meets the compelling and creative Aidan Donnelly, his down-to-earth charm provides the wake-up call Karise badly needs. Moving cross-country to start over, Karise devotes herself to her work, convinced she needs to be independent. But with handsome Aidan just down the road and a mischievous group of friends determined to set her up, Karise must face her concerns about life and romance head-on.Waiting for You is the eleventh installment in the surprisingly warm and funny series The Throwaways, twelve novels that don’t shy away from the dark corners of this world but always shine the light of hope. At the core of the series is a group of strong but often unlikely heroes and heroines coming from all walks of life whose lives intertwine as they fight for justice, for love, and to leave their indelible mark on this world.Immerse yourself in a world of friends, laughter, and love with The Throwaways.