Just One More Dare by Carly Phillips
Runaway bride Samantha Dare escapes her wedding after discovering her fiancé’s betrayal. She seeks refuge in the arms of her brother’s friend, Dex Sterling. Though Dex is overwhelmed with the chaos of retiring from football and transitioning to broadcasting, he can’t resist Samantha. She brings her own brand of chaos. As they navigate forced proximity and intense chemistry, they explore whether this second chance at love can lead to their happily ever after. Enjoy this light, spicy, forbidden romance as book 2 in the Sterling Family series or as a standalone.
What people are saying: “Scrumptiously addictive! Carly Phillips is delighting long-time readers with the long-awaited story of Samantha Dare as book two in her Sterling Family series and the drama, passion and heart of her book did NOT disappoint!” – LynnB, B&N Reviewer
Encore by Helen Hardt
A near-tragic moment makes Brianna Steel and Jesse Pike realize they’re destined to be together. However, for Brianna’s cousin, David Simpson, and Jesse’s sister, Madeline Pike, the event prompts deeper reflections. Dave, needing a break after dealing with family troubles, joins his cousins on Dragonlock’s European tour. He finds himself drawn to Maddie. Yet, confronting mortality makes him question his path. Maddie seeks a deeper connection to the world, but she’s unsure of Dave’s feelings. She struggles to maintain distance despite their sizzling chemistry. Ultimately, a family member’s illness and a near-fatal accident test their bond.
What people are saying: “I read the whole Steel family, from start to finish. What a beautiful way to end the series. I cry laugh through the whole series. Thank you Helen Hardt for a wonderful series” – Racer12, B&N Reviewer
Honey Cut by Sierra Simone
Isolde’s sole task in her arranged marriage is to seduce her husband. As the heiress to a transatlantic fortune, she’s been groomed for discipline, endurance, and devotion to her god and church. However, the real danger lies in falling for the man who once broke her heart. It’s a mistake she can’t afford to repeat. Further complicating matters is Tristan Thomas, her husband’s green-eyed, emotionally scarred bodyguard, whose salt-soaked kisses once stole her heart. In Lyonesse, where suspicion and secrets intertwine with vows, Isolde, Tristan, and Mark are ensnared in a web of jealousy and desire. Her husband’s secrets and the church’s machinations reveal a darkness far deeper than her own twisted longings. Mark Trevena’s games cut deeper than any blade, leaving Isolde always craving more. “Honey Cut” is the second book in the Lyonesse Trilogy.
What people are saying: “Fall into a forbidden world of desire, list, love, secrets and deceit with this whole series.” – Kris107, B&N Reviewer
Hard to Fake by Piper Lawson
What people are saying: “The chemistry between these two is HOT! I can’t wait for the next book in this series to find out if they figure out how perfect they are for each other!” – Whitjdew, B&N Reviewer
When the Viscount Seduces by Darcy Burke
When Gwendolen Price, a bookish and clumsy young lady, faces a disastrous Almack’s debut, she resolves to improve her reputation. And make her parents proud. Viscount Somerton, her brother’s friend and one of Society’s most eligible bachelors, offers to help. Except he’s exactly the type of rake she has vowed to avoid. Lazarus Rowe, the handsome and unserious Viscount Somerton, has a secret: he struggles with reading. Desperate to prepare for a speech in Parliament, he strikes a deal with Gwen—his presence as her escort in exchange for her tutoring. As their lessons spark growing attraction, Gwen is determined not to fall for a rogue, while Lazarus starts to reconsider his rakish ways. When a woman from Lazarus’s past reveals a shocking secret, their budding relationship is put to the test. Will Gwen retreat to her books, or will they find a chance at a real happily ever after?
What people are saying: “I loved this book. The friendship between the women is fantastic. When Lazarus helps Gwen at a ball it brings on a friendship, love and trust for each other that they can’t ignore. But scandal can break them apart if they are not careful.” – Rita0285, B&N Reviewer
Marked: Big Bad Boss by Renee Rose, Lee Savino
Adventures of a Bookworm: Paige Turner Series #1 by Kathleen Brooks
Paige Turner and her book club friends escape into the lives of romance book characters while living unremarkable lives in New York City. However, a New Year’s resolution to lose her virginity propels Paige out from behind her beloved books and into real-life romantic adventures inspired by her favorite romance tropes. Along the way, she discovers that billionaire bosses can be irresistibly attractive, meet-cutes aren’t always charming, furries can substitute for shifters, and sometimes a sexy cop really does mean trouble. From virginity auctions to secret clubs and even emergency room visits, Paige embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. Throughout her journey, she learns that being the heroine of her own story means finding inner strength, determination, and confidence. As she navigates these challenges, Paige hopes to fulfill her resolution without getting arrested or fired, and maybe even find love and herself by year’s end.
What people are saying: “I loved this book; it was easy to read, had wonderful characters, and had plenty of laughs. A reminder that while books are an escape, we do need to live life outside of books.” – Julie Booklover, B&N Reviewer
Savage Ice by Cynthia Eden
Beau LeBlanc, known for his dangerous reputation and irresistible charm, has been watching over Avalon Trahan since he saved her from a fire when they were young. Scarred physically from that night but emotionally marked by Avalon, Beau’s obsession with protecting her has only intensified over the years. Without her knowledge, he has eliminated numerous threats to her safety, staying in the shadows. When Avalon unexpectedly walks into his bar, their mutual desire ignites into a fierce passion. As a new and deadly threat emerges, Beau must step out of the shadows to save Avalon from a killer who is determined to finish what he started years ago.
What people are saying: “…The drama and intensity of it, along with the resulting consequences and actions that followed, were all things I never knew would hook me so fast and keep me turning pages.” – Carvanz, B&N Reviewer
Till Death Do Us Part by Aleatha Romig
As the only daughter of the Kansas City capo, Mia was married off at eighteen to the son of her father’s consigliere, a union meant to secure her family’s future. However, her husband turned out to be a traitor and is now dead, leaving Mia a free but childless widow. Her freedom is short-lived when her brother, the new capo, informs her that she is to be married again, this time to Aléjandro Rodríguez, the son of the leader of the Roríguez cartel, to strengthen the Mafia/cartel alliance. Having only met Aléjandro a few times, Mia already knows she doesn’t like him, let alone love him. After enduring a loveless marriage once, she is determined not to repeat the experience, especially with someone as dangerous as Aléjandro.
What people are saying: “I loved reading Mia and Alejandro’s story. I devoured this book once I started it. Another arranged marriage between the mafia and cartel families. The Brutal Vows series is a wonderful series!! I can’t wait wait for book three to be released.” – Annette E, B&N Reviewer
Savage Beauty by Isabel Jolie
Max Hawkins, a former SEAL and black ops security expert, is used to getting the job done, and rescuing scientist Sloane Watson from a dangerous situation was no exception. However, Sloane, a brilliant but socially awkward scientist, insists on returning to the crime scene, believing the job is far from over. Against his instincts, Max agrees to help her. As they work together to uncover deadly secrets, they must navigate their vastly different approaches—Max’s code of duty and honor versus Sloane’s strict adherence to science. Their partnership requires unexpected compromises and forces them to redefine success beyond their careers, putting their lives and hearts on the line.
What people are saying: “I loved reading Mia and Alejandro’s story. I devoured this book once I started it. Another arranged marriage between the mafia and cartel families. The Brutal Vows series is a wonderful series!! I can’t wait wait for book three to be released.” – Annette E, B&N Reviewer
All of these titles are parts of series, so you should have plenty of spice for the rest of the season. BUT – if you’re still looking for more, be sure to check out our huge selection of Steamy Romance Indie Novels here: Indie Books, Steamy Romance, Romantic Fiction Themes | Barnes & Noble
Enjoy the rest of your Summer!!!