Books like 'Essence of Desire'
Readers who enjoyed Essence of Desire by Brenda Jackson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary single-mother m-f
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Beard Up by Lani Lynn Vale
Ghost [gohst] noun: the soul of a dead person, a disembodied, vague, shadowy spirit wandering among or haunting living persons; a mere shadow or semblance; a trace. That noun sums up Ghost and what his life has become with painful precision. He is barely living, merely existing but never thriving. There wasn’t much that could pull him from the darkness he willingly inhabits…except one thing... -
![Benching Brady by Samantha Christy]()
Benching Brady by Samantha Christy
FAST BALLS. FAST CARS. FAST WOMEN. They are how I've learned to cope. But then life throws me a curveball. And I may never play the game I love again. Then I meet her. She represents everything I've lost. In the best and worst of ways. She may be the only one who can get me back into the game. And I'm not just talking about baseball... -
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![Pooh by Lola Wright]()
Pooh by Lola Wright
Pippa: Owning and operating a home for victims of domestic violence doesn’t leave a woman wanting a man in her life. Not a permanent one anyway. Having been a victim myself, I chose to open this refuge to help others that are in a similar situation that I had been. I was one of the lucky ones because my foster mom was always my rock, my safe haven. It was never me alone against the world... -
![Summer Nights at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland]()
Summer Nights at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWelcome back to The Starfish Café for a glorious summer, but with a few dark clouds on the horizon...A new beginning...As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.A fragile heart.. -
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![Rewriting You by Emilia Finn]()
Rewriting You by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsI’m a mom to teenagers… I’m also my late husband’s executioner.He was an abusive man on the fast track to devastation. He hung me from a fancy chandelier to die. Had my saviours driven the long way home, I wouldn’t be here today to tell my story. It’s been a long road since then, but my children and I have finally moved back to town. It’s time to lay some ghosts to bed... -
![Consolation by Corinne Michaels]()
Consolation by Corinne Michaels
Natalie My life wasn’t supposed to be like this. I had a loving husband, a baby on the way, and a beautiful home. One second was all it took to destroy it all. One knock on the door ripped my perfect world apart. He said he’d come back. He lied. Then Liam returned and one night changed everything... -
![Maximus by Riley Edwards, Operation Alpha]()
Maximus by Riley Edwards, Operation Alpha
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhat happens when a woman who’s done the unthinkable needs protection—can a man who’s lost his belief in humanity keep her safe? Max Brown doesn’t trust anyone but his team. The former SEAL learned early in life that people let you down—they lie, they steal, and they lie some more. Love is a word that is used to manipulate. Family is meaningless. Max is an island and he prefers it that way... -
![Daughtry by Cee Bowerman]()
Daughtry by Cee Bowerman
Daughtry Forrester has a good life. He loves his club, his family, and working on custom builds. What he doesn’t love is the pressure the women in his life have put on him to hire a female mechanic. While trying to juggle health problems and a camera crew who’s always underfoot, Daughtry doesn’t put much faith in his new hire...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f contemporary alpha male bikers length-short explicit-open-door first-person-pov -
![Where It Begins by Helena Hunting]()
Where It Begins by Helena Hunting
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting comes a new story in her Pucked series. The untold story of Skye and Sidney, and the origin story where Vi and Miller are teens when their parents start dating and fall in love…I accidentally grabbed the wrong drink at the coffee shop. On the upside, the hot guy it belonged to chased me down to kindly swap with me...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f single-father sports dual-pov contemporary explicit-open-door humor -
![Stay for Me by Corinne Michaels]()
Stay for Me by Corinne Michaels
From New York Times Bestselling author Corinne Michaels comes the final poignant love story in the Arrowood Brothers Series.Hollywood taught me everything I know about relationships—except how to be in one. As an actor, I became an expert at faking it. Faking that I wasn't affected by my childhood. Faking that I was okay. Faking that I knew how to save the day, the girl, the whole damn world... -
![When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor]()
When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor
Evie told herself not to fall for her pro-hockey crush. But when she sees him holding her baby girl, all bets are off.When Evie moves South to the same mountain town where her childhood crush plays pro-hockey, she arms herself with all the reasons why she can’t fall for him again.Number Alec is her best friend’s much older brother... -
![Ember by Chelle Bliss]()
Ember by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsINKED PROTECTOR REUNITES WITH A SINGLE MOTHER.Rocco Caldo is tall, dark, and handsome, but not interested in love. Loyal to a fault, he can’t turn away an old friend in need or a beautiful woman on the run…especially when they have unfinished business.Rebel Bishop is a single mom, looking for shelter, not a handout... -
![Deserving Henley by Susan Stoker]()
Deserving Henley by Susan Stoker
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsYears of adversity have molded Henley McClure into the attentive, conscientious psychologist she is today. She lives for her daughter, Jasna, and her work at The Refuge, an exclusive retreat for victims of PTSD. Her life is fulfilling…if a little lonely. But the only man who’s captured her interest, the most standoffish of the mountain retreat’s seven owners, lives in self-imposed isolation...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f military contemporary suspense men in uniform tortured hero age difference -
![Mace by Cee Bowerman]()
Mace by Cee Bowerman
Mace is the opposite of his brother Angus in most ways. He’s easygoing, quick to laugh, and a man who isn’t afraid to voice his opinion. A favor for his sister-in-law puts him in just the right place to meet a woman who looks like everything he’s dreamed of. A long afternoon chat in a bookstore leaves him wishing for just a little more of her time. Reba is a single mom who can do it all... -
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![Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe]()
Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBrooding, grumpy Des has a problem. He needs a date to his family's Thanksgiving reunion for reasons he'd...rather not say.Single mother and all-around hot mess Mia has an even bigger issue: She can't afford her rent, and her new landlord Des is a major you-know-what.So, they make a deal. One simple weekend away in exchange for a serious rent reduction... -
![Hearts at Play by Melissa Foster]()
Hearts at Play by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBrianna Heart has a six-year old daughter and a twelve-year plan to keep her life as simple as possible until Layla turns eighteen. That means swearing off relationships and the drama that goes along with them, working two jobs, and being the best damn mother she can be... -
![Only for You by Melissa Foster]()
Only for You by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsLove only works when your heart is in the right place. Hers could be right next door… Single mom Bridgette Dalton doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses—not even in her own flower shop. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t noticed Bodhi Booker. Her ruggedly handsome next-door neighbor would be the perfect candidate for a no-strings fling... -
![Soar High by Cherise Sinclair]()
Soar High by Cherise Sinclair
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsShe survived.Kit survived her abusive husband. Survived imprisonment and beatings from the Patriot Zealots. Now free and healing, she can make a new life for herself and her son…except he has attached himself to a terrifying, scarred, tattooed ex-mercenary.Women take one look at him and flee.An ugly childhood and combat left Hawk with scars, a rasping voice, and an aversion to talking... -
![Stay Anyway by Kaylee Ryan]()
Stay Anyway by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsStella Getting pregnant in college wasn’t part of the plan, but I’ll never regret giving birth to the best part of me. Even if my parents did disown me for it. A fresh start in a small town seems like a good idea, until a handsome stranger shows me a little kindness and has me feeling things, I thought I’d never feel again… things I have no business feeling about a man I just met... -
![Blood & Bones: Shade by Jeanne St. James]()
Blood & Bones: Shade by Jeanne St. James
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA past that defined a future... Shade has a secret.One he’s hidden most of his life.Secrets created in his past.Of a broken family. A little boy lost.Of broken dreams. With only nightmares left in their wake.As a prospect, his MC nicknamed him Shady because he’s quiet and keeps to himself.As a patched member of the Blood Fury, he changed it to Shade, because that’s what he prefers.. -
![Rescuing Wendy by Susan Stoker]()
Rescuing Wendy by Susan Stoker
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsAspen “Blade” Carlisle is the last of his Delta Force team to find love…and he’s pretty bummed about that fact. Which might explain why he finds himself chatting up a telemarketer as if she’s a long-lost friend. But Wendy is surprisingly easy to talk to, so when they go from occasional calls during her work, to nightly conversations on their cells, it somehow feels right... -
![Searching for Elsie by Susan Stoker]()
Searching for Elsie by Susan Stoker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsOnce upon a time, Elsie Ireland thought she’d found the man of her dreams, only to learn her fairytale romance was just another cautionary tale. Beyond a perfect family image, her husband had little interest in Elsie, and even less in their son. Years later, she and nine-year-old Tony have landed in Fallport, Virginia...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f military suspense contemporary men in uniform friends to lovers age difference -
![Charmer by Kayley Loring]()
Charmer by Kayley Loring
NICOShe serves me coffee late at night when I come around to write lyrics,but it’s not the caffeine I’ve gotten addicted to.We’ve got the spark, but she’s the only woman in townwho seems to be immune to my charms.When it’s time for me to leave for my cross-country tour,I just can’t imagine not seeing her for months.So I offer her a job on the road with me...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f humor contemporary length-medium explicit-open-door actors rockstars -
![Reckless by Adriana Locke]()
Reckless by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 26 ratings“How did you get in here?”That’s not what you want to hear when you’re staring into the sea-green eyes of the hottest man you’ve ever seen. Yet I suppose it’s a fair question, considering I’m an uninvited stranger standing in Boone Mason’s kitchen.If you think that’s bad—just wait. It gets worse... -
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![Swept Into Love by Melissa Foster]()
Swept Into Love by Melissa Foster
The Ryders are a series of sexy stand-alone romances. These hot contemporary romance novels feature alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women's fiction. It’s been years since Sally Tuft’s husband died and she was left to raise her teenage son alone... -
![My Heart's Home by Kris Michaels]()
My Heart's Home by Kris Michaels
Forty years old and starting over. And not sure where home was going to be.Chief Master Sergeant Cameron Freeland had a few job prospects but nothing that sparked much interest. And now… his flight was grounded, and he was stranded in an airport. At least, he could kill time in the USO...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f suspense military open-door past-abuse contemporary third-person-pov -
![Tempted by Love by Melissa Foster]()
Tempted by Love by Melissa Foster
Jack "Jock" SteeleEnjoy heart-meltingly beautiful and toe-curlingly sexy romance in Tempted by Love, an emotionally riveting story about a man who has lost it all and carries a torturous secret, a divorced single mother who has everything to lose, and the little girl who helps them heal...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f humor contemporary super rich hero friends to lovers new adult found-family -
![Path To Restoration by TheFeveredBookaholic]()
Path To Restoration by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsNate Hunter; aspiring boxer, brother to five younger sisters, and...stripper. Yeah, you read that right. After his twin sister went through an abusive relationship, Nate fought to restore her honor by starting a chain of nightclubs that hire and help victimized women get back on their feet... -
![Join the Club by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Join the Club by Lani Lynn Vale
There are a few lessons one has to learn for themselves. Then there are the lessons that most people don’t have to learn because it’s just not done. For instance, most people know instinctively that they shouldn’t crave the mother of their brother’s child. Bourne Pena isn’t most men... -
![Down & Dirty: Dawg by Jeanne St. James]()
Down & Dirty: Dawg by Jeanne St. James
Welcome to Shadow Valley where the Dirty Angels MC rules. Get ready to get Down & Dirty because this is Dawg's story… She has a secret. But little does she know, so does he... -
![Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas]()
Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers.She's got a lot of baggage...literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real.For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but... -
![Edge Of Reality by Freya Barker]()
Edge Of Reality by Freya Barker
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHorsepower and green thumbs meets justice and flip-flops.I’m a late bloomer.A geek, an introvert, an enigma, and a watchdog. My name is Paco.I’m determined enough to bide my time, yet too clever to pass up on opportunity. I’m a steadfast rebel.An outcast, a defender, a hothead, and an eccentric.My name is Mel.I’m resolute enough to carve my own way, but not too blind to see a better path... -
![Igniting Ivy by Samantha Christy]()
Igniting Ivy by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThey call me a hero.I save people. It's what I do.It's the only thing I've ever wanted to do. Then I meet her - the girl with the sad eyes. She's lost everything. Twice. And I know she's using me to forget her past. Just when things seem perfect, that past threatens with the unimaginable. They may call me a hero. But she's the one person I can't save... -
![Mountain Man's Lucky Charm: A Single Dad Romance (Mountain Men of Liberty) by K.C. Crowne]()
Mountain Man's Lucky Charm: A Single Dad Romance (Mountain Men of Liberty) by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 15 ratings"You're the only family these babies have."Life is gravy until a call turns it all around.1. My idiot brother's behind bars.2. He's the father of two little girls.3. And some fool in charge assigns ME as their legal guardian.I'm ready to give the judge a piece of my mind.But the minute I see my nieces for the very first time...I'm speechless...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f contemporary new adult military humor super rich hero single-father -
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![Knocking Boots by Jordan Marie]()
Knocking Boots by Jordan Marie
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsI’ve always heard, don’t fall in love with a cowboy. I just didn't listen. I've sworn off men. They’ve never given me much in life, except a bun in the oven and grief. My kids are my life and all that truly matter. Until him. Jansen Reed is a living fantasy straight from the old west. Sexy drawl, tight jeans and that glint in his eyes that make my knees weak... -
![Static by Cathleen Cole, Frank Jensen]()
Static by Cathleen Cole, Frank Jensen
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHe'll break every law known to man to keep her safe…StaticAs a lawyer and prospect in a motorcycle club, I walk the line between two worlds.But when I met Gwen, a single mother with a heart of gold and a past full of pain, everything started to change.I no longer care what side of the law I’m on, I’ll do whatever it takes... -
![Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar]()
Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLife might be a highway but the last thing this grumpy silver fox expected was a cross-country road trip with a ray of sunshine."My sister is driving to California. She could give you a ride.""What?" Tucker Ashe and I say in unison.Mae FoxSurely, my older sister has lost her mind. There is no way I'm driving her insufferable – albeit sexy silver fox – boss two thousand miles...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f contemporary from hate to love age difference grumpy sunshine curvy heroine humor -
![Stone Vows by Samantha Christy]()
Stone Vows by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsShe's alone, scared, and I think she's in trouble. From the moment I see her, I know she's different ... special somehow. My whole life has been about one thing - becoming a doctor. I've spent years living and breathing hospital life. Then she comes into my ER, and I've never wanted to help anyone more. My need to protect her is all consuming... -
![Bear's Beloved by Ciara St James]()
Bear's Beloved by Ciara St James
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBear has lived more than half his life for his club. He’ll gladly do it again. He has never regretted starting this club with Bull and a few others years ago. However, seeing his brothers finding love and settling down to have families when he knows he’ll never have that is taking its toll on him. He takes off to get his head straight... -
![Engulfing Emma by Samantha Christy]()
Engulfing Emma by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSingle dad.Firefighter.Hero. On the heels of divorce, Lt. Brett Cash never expected to meet the woman of his dreams. Especially not during a robbery gone bad. But just because she's the woman of his dreams does not mean he's the man of hers . Emma is a child of a 9/11 hero taken far too soon. And she's not about to let her own daughter go through the same hell she did... -
![Dirty Little Midlife Secret by Lilian Monroe]()
Dirty Little Midlife Secret by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLily Viceroy arrived in Heart’s Cove with a suitcase by her side and two eensy weensy secrets tucked into the corners of her heart.Well, that’s if “eensy” and “weensy” are code for “terrifying” and “dire.”Clearly, the only thing for Lily to do is to engage in a good ol’ bout of denial... -
![Wicked Whiskey Love by Melissa Foster]()
Wicked Whiskey Love by Melissa Foster
Fall in love with Bones Whiskey in WICKED WHISKEY LOVE, an emotionally riveting, sexy new standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. A magnificent love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, families, bikers, babies, and more! In WICKED WHISKEY LOVE..Categorized as:
single-mother m-f humor contemporary alpha male abuse length-medium explicit-open-door -
![Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec]()
Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 19 ratings“Hawks fans still in shock after centerfielder, Shepherd Oliver, sustained season-ending injury last night in the 5th inning of the playoffs against Chicago.”Two years ago, I was a pretty big deal. I thought I had it all, until a blast from my past popped up on my social media feed, keeping my ego in check and reminding me how basic I am. Except sassy Wren Bennett isn’t just a blast from my past... -
![Her Secret by Penelope Bloom]()
Her Secret by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsI’ll admit it. I messed up. Mistake #1: Asking Peter Barnidge for a job. Mistake #2: Accepting his offer instead of throwing it in his face like I planned. Mistake #3: In the interest of stopping before #99, I’ll pretend the only other mistake was withholding one, tiny little nugget of truth during my interview... -
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![Always Earned, Never Given by Bella Matthews]()
Always Earned, Never Given by Bella Matthews
Learning how to fly stole my childhood, and accomplishing my dreams took my parents. After my parents’ death, taking care of my little brother and running my dance studio are the only things I’ve got time for in my hectic life.Until Declan Sinclair.As the number one draft pick for the Philadelphia Kings, he’s not afraid of putting in a little hard work to get what he wants. And he wants me... -
![A Family Affair in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk]()
A Family Affair in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMr. Right-Next-Door Single mom Chelsea Workman has learned to embrace the unexpected. When her beloved Aunt Barbara suddenly passes, leaving Chelsea her beautiful bungalow, Chelsea feels it’s a sign. Barbara had always known what Chelsea needed, and a fresh start in Good Hope, WI could be the answer to her prayers. It’s been several years now since child psychologist Dr... -
![Measure of a Man by Molly McLain]()
Measure of a Man by Molly McLain
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWe found ourselves by finding each other…RachelLeft blindsided and hurt by my ex, I'm slowly making my way back to me, discovering what I want and how to be more than "just a mom".When Jinx comes into my life, I’m sure he's exactly the reckless distraction I need. Only, he insists on being just friends…Friends with a few benefits.JinxReputations are hard to change. I know from experience... -
![Southern Seducer by Jessica Peterson]()
Southern Seducer by Jessica Peterson
I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff in my life. But sleeping with my best friend tops the list. Annabel and I have been close since college. When I left school to play pro football, she was there. While I collected Super Bowl rings and cars worth more than the house I grew up in—she was there. I always assumed we’d end up together. Everyone did... -
![Just Say Yes by Rosalind James]()
Just Say Yes by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsSome fires warm you up. And some burn you down. Kevin McNicholl may be a brutal force on the rugby field, but off the field, the star New Zealand All Black is a famously nice guy. His new tenant, though, arouses more than his protective side. She sets him on fire. Pity he’s evicting her. Every woman deserves her dreams. Chloe Donaldson can’t afford dreams, so she's given them up... -
![Crossing the Line by Jessica Prince]()
Crossing the Line by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSome lines are meant to be crossed.Trent Montgomery knew all about loyalty and responsibility. Tracking down his friend’s long-lost sister and making sure she was safe was just another job, a favor from someone he cared about. He wasn’t supposed to get attached. But when he started to fall for the woman who had been hiding from the world, things got a lot more complicated than he ever expected...
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