Books like 'Harder than Words'
Readers who enjoyed Harder than Words by Carrie Ann Ryan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary multicultural suspense friends to lovers m-f black-mc
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The Cartel by Ashley Antoinette, JaQuavis Coleman
The port of Miami brings in millions of dollars worth of cocaine every year, and The Cartel controls eighty percent of it. The Diamond family is a force to be reckoned with, but all hell breaks loose when they lose their leader. The most ruthless gangster Miami has ever seen, Carter Diamond leaves behind a wife, twin sons, a daughter, and a secret. The secret is his illegitimate son, Carter Jones... -
Thugs and the Women Who Love Them by Wahida Clark
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsEssence® bestselling author Wahida Clark is all too familiar with the terrifying truths of ghetto life. The first novel in her gritty, gripping series takes you on into a world where a wrong choice could be the last choice a person ever makes. In a 'hood boiling over with sex, brutality, and crime, three friends are at a turning point... -
State of Suspense by Marie Force
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsA high-profile murder has Sam and her team chasing an elusive killer…Just back from their anniversary trip to Dewey Beach, there’s no slow roll back to work for the first couple as Sam is immediately thrust into a baffling new case that has everyone on edge. The FBI wants in on this one, and she’s determined to figure out what happened before they can take over her investigation... -
Chasing Fortune by Brittney Sahin
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsEcho Team has a new addition—a K-9, and he’s in need of training . . .Eight-plus years as Echo Three and Chris Hunter is still as mission-focused as ever, continuing to fight for his country as part of a secretive team of operatives serving the President.When Chris decides to rescue a dog for the team, he soon discovers he and the guys are far from K-9 whisperers, and they need help... -
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Tainted by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFormer Navy SEAL sniper Matthew Kessler thought his life was charmed. He was wrong. He thought his father had amassed the family’s wealth through hard work. He was wrong again. He thought the battlefield had taught him everything he needed to know about strength and courage. He was absolutely wrong. In the blink of an eye, everything he thought he knew about his family became a lie... -
State of Denial by Marie Force
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsDenial: refusing to admit the truth or reality of something unpleasant… His mother has been arrested, his government is under new threat, the relentless media is driving him mad, and denial becomes the word of the day for President Nick Cappuano. Meanwhile, his wife, DC Metro Police Lt. Sam Holland Cappuano has caught a big new case with suspects everywhere she looks... -
State of Shock by Marie Force
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThey never saw this coming… Hold on to your hat for the next First Family book, coming December 20, 2022... -
Forever Paired by Kathleen Brooks
Rated: 4.77 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsLandon Davies had worked hard to start his own restaurant. It was a very different path than most of his family had taken. He was one of the few family members that were not military or law enforcement. But his hard work had given him a restaurant that was beginning to take off when a woman’s scream in the alley outside his kitchen changed everything... -
The Final Hour by Brittney Sahin
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsTrained to fight and born to lead, Emilia can handle anything the sexy Irishman throws her way—except love.Sean McGregor, the handsome and protective Irish billionaire, was once the king of one-night-stands, but when a beautiful and courageous Italian comes into his life, everything changes. He only wants her—the one woman he can’t have... -
My Friend the Billionaire by Maggie Cole
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI’m keeping Chase Monroe in the friend zone. He’s doing everything possible to move me out of it. He's the living embodiment of the billionaire playboy—richer than God, sexy as sin, and charming as hell. With a full calendar of friends-with-benefits. His strict no-relationships policy means I’d be another notch on his bedpost. Not happening. But our friendship is hard to keep...Categorized as:
suspense m-f friends to lovers multicultural contemporary super rich hero dual-pov angst -
Ignite by Chelle Bliss
Mammoth Saint always had the brotherhood and the wind.Then he found Tamara Gallo and nothing else mattered.And when he decides to leave the MC, trouble follows.But when you love a Gallo, you never fight alone.Ignite is the fifth book in the new steamy romance Men of Inked: Heatwave series by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss... -
For Your Love by Beverly Jenkins
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsNAACP nominee and bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns to Henry Adams, Kansas—an unforgettable place that anyone would want to call home—with a story of family, friends, and the powerful forces from our past that can irrevocably shape our future...Categorized as:
suspense multicultural black-mc m-f contemporary small town historical african-american -
Leo by Maryann Jordan
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHe had no complaints… Great job, great boss, great co-workers. And a best friend he’d known for years.Okay, almost no complaints… The women he dated paled in comparison to his best friend.She had a lot of complaints… A job she hated, a tyrant for a boss, working with people that got on her last nerve. And no time for love. Plus, the guys she dated couldn’t come close to her best friend...Categorized as:
friends to lovers suspense m-f mystery military contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Be Your Everything by Catherine Bybee
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes a romance about childhood friends who marry in Vegas and embark on a wild ride to find their happily ever after.With two protective older brothers and a traditional Catholic Italian mother, it’s surprising that Chloe D’Angelo can manage a date without someone in the family naysaying her romantic choice...Categorized as:
friends to lovers suspense m-f contemporary christian siblings-bff length-medium audiobook -
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Damaged Goods by April Wilson
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsWhen martial arts expert Liam McIntyre spies a vulnerable young woman working the streets of Chicago, his chivalrous nature kicks in. She shouldn't be there, doing what she's doing. So, like any hero, he steps in. He pays to keep her off the streets for the night so they can talk. He learns who she is and what brought her to this point in her life... -
The Real Thing by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsWhat happens when a pretend boyfriend wants more than make-believe? Find out in this Westmoreland novel from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson! No red-blooded man turns down the chance to escort gorgeous Trinity Matthews—and Adrian Westmoreland is definitely red-blooded. For her, he'll pretend to be her man. But keeping his hands to himself? That is impossible...Categorized as:
black-mc multicultural m-f contemporary african-american fake relationship length-short audiobook -
Stone Cold Surrender by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsTwo classic Westmoreland novels from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Brenda JacksonStone Cold SurrenderBestselling thriller writer Stone Westmoreland can think of plenty of ways to describe the stranger he meets on a flight to Montana. Tantalizing. Whip-smart. And completely unaware of how good it feels to give in to your wilder impulses... -
This Much Is True by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWhen celebrity Laina Kelley bolted from her small hometown church on her wedding day, she ran to the first place that came to mind—the home of the local farrier, a gorgeous playboy who just so happens to be her first love … and biggest frenemy... -
The Problem with Falling by Brittainy C. Cherry
Willow Kingsley is everything I don’t need in my life. She’s sunshine and chaos dressed in a flower crown. She’s a wildflower in a world I’ve spent years trying to keep simple and quiet. She talks too much, smiles too easily, and doesn’t understand the meaning of personal space. Worst of all, she’s staying in my house for the summer, turning my carefully guarded world upside down...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers black-mc multicultural m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine bwwm -
Dirty Dozen by Liliana Hart
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn the twelfth installment of the J.J. Graves mystery series from New York Times Bestselling Author Liliana Hart, winter has moved into Bloody Mary with a vengeance. But so has a killer who's bringing a modern flair in his imitation of Jack the Ripper. It's up to J.J. and her husband, Sheriff Jack Lawson, to hunt the hunter and bring justice to the victims...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers m-f mystery contemporary heroine sleuth length-medium audiobook -
Hero's Prize by Janie Crouch
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen a deadly accident leaves extreme sport superstar Colton Harrison questioning what his future holds, he decides to take a timeout in his hometown of Oak Creek.He knows the mountains and wildness of Wyoming will help him heal.But he has no idea how he’s known sweet Ella O’Conner all his life but is somehow only really seeing her for the first time now... -
A Man's Promise by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsA man's word is his bond. His family is his strength. His heart is his own. Superstar musician Caden Granger has spent years running from love, commitment and family. Yet despite his fame and fortune, he knows the kind of respect and adoration he needs can only come from one person—the very woman who wants nothing to do with him... -
Secret Love by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsCelebrity actress Diamond Swain needs a peaceful place to hide out from the news-hungry paparazzi—a place like Whispering Pines. And yet from the moment she arrives at the remote Texas ranch, Diamond finds herself at odds with its rugged owner, Jake Madaris—a man who challenges her to care about more than making it to the top. Jake doesn't have time to babysit some Hollywood star...Categorized as:
multicultural black-mc m-f contemporary african-american famous heroine length-medium audiobook -
Sealed With A Kiss by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat’s a girl to do when her celebrity crush needs her to be his fake girlfriend?Keep her damned feelings to herself, of course. Child TV star turned adult wallflower Naomi LeClaire has vowed never to return to the spotlight.But when she’s stuck in a storm with Donovan Foster, the hot, charming, wild-life rescuing internet sensation, and she finally gives in and kisses him..Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers black-mc m-f contemporary humor secret-relationship bwwm -
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Whispered Promises by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEven a once-in-a-lifetime love When Halston Parker calls his daughter Caitlin to his deathbed, she's shocked to discover that her ex-husband, Dex Madaris, has been summoned as well. It's been four years since Caitlin felt the heat of Dex's touch, the urgency of his kisses and the promise of an everlasting love that never was...Categorized as:
multicultural black-mc m-f contemporary secret child african-american length-medium audiobook -
Avenging Devil Part 2 by Manda Mellett
Rated: 4.86 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsNiranSaffie’s past was darker than I’d ever expected, and now I’m embroiled in the thick of it. I’m fully prepared to forfeit my life if it means I save hers, but I have no idea how I’m going to achieve that objective. I do all that I can, lying to convince them I’m one of their kind despite having the wrong skin colour... -
Jared's Counterfeit Fiancee by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsPretending to be Jared Westmoreland's fiancée wasn't high on Dana Rollins's list of priorities. But she owed him a favor, and Jared's persuasive charm and sinful masculinity--not to mention his sizzling kisses--were impossible to refuse... -
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All of Me by Tiffany Patterson
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBook 2 in the Townsends of Texas Series.Lena I have one goal in mind: Write another album. The completion of my next album would grant me freedom from my record label. A label owned by my scheming, lying, and manipulative ex-fiancé. Too bad writer’s block has had a death hold over me for months... -
A Legal Affair by Maureen Smith
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLet the affair begin . . . Hot, brooding law professor Caleb Thorne has always been the personification of a chick magnet. But he’s never crossed the line with a student . . . until beautiful Daniela walks into his lecture hall. There’s something intriguing about her—with her keen intellect, angelic eyes, and a body that would make any man weak in the knees... -
Possession: An Interracial Romance by T.K. Leigh
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSometimes the right path isn’t the easiest one.Weston Bradford entered my world in a whirlwind. Or, more accurately, during a torrential downpour. After our brief encounter, I didn’t think I’d ever see the attractive man with mesmerizing blue eyes again. Not in a city the size of Atlanta... -
Sinatra versus Gabrini: Family at War by Mallory Monroe
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA shocking death in the Sinatra family and a Gabrini is to blame. Mob boss Sal Gabrini and his uncle, boss of all bosses Mick Sinatra, find themselves on opposite sides of a deadly battle when Mick the Tick will stop at nothing to avenge what he views as cold-blooded murder. The Gabrinis stick together. The Sinatras stick together... -
Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCreator of the bestselling "Welcome to Wishing Bridge" and "At Home in Wishing Bridge" award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne invites readers back to the little town with the big heart with "Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge". Being a supermodel isn't just hard... -
Dark Reign : A Dark Mafia Romance by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI am going to restore my reign over both worlds.First, with a pen.Next, with a knife.Remind them who sits on the throne of this concrete jungle.Repair the structure that was shattered when my Mia Bella was stolen from me.Revenge will be had.Restitution received.And for me to reestablish order, I will do whatever is necessary.For there is no cost that is too great... -
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Cross My Heart by Logan Chance, Lilypad Lit
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Logan Chance comes a riveting tale about friendship, love, and lies. This scorching romance shatters the boundaries between love and make-believe.Thanks to podcaster gossip, my firm thinks I’m not a good fit for the high-profile case of my dreams. They want someone in a committed relationship...Categorized as:
friends to lovers suspense m-f forced proximity contemporary super rich hero length-short audiobook -
Teddy Sinatra 1: Chains For Love by Mallory Monroe
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPressure is the new normal for Teddy Sinatra. As the oldest son and heir-apparent to take over the Sinatra Crime Family, the underworld, his men, and his siblings all expect perfection from him. His father, the king of mob bosses Mick Sinatra, is very much still in the game and expects his son to be worthy to someday take his place... -
Inked Devotion by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Montgomery Ink saga from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with a road trip romance between two friends running from their past.Brenna Garrett watched her best friend fall in love with another woman all the while keeping his darkest secrets from her. Now she’ll have to figure out who she is without him while not letting the rest of the Montgomerys see her break...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers m-f contemporary new adult siblings-bff length-medium audiobook -
Edge Of Reason by Freya Barker
Brotherhood and beer meets single mom and apple pie. I am a riding contradiction. A scholar, a cynic, a brother, and a biker. My name is Trunk . I'm smart enough to recognize the chip on my shoulder, and cautious enough to keep it right where it is. I am a misguided romantic. A mom, a daughter, an agent, and a survivor My name is Jaimie...Categorized as:
suspense multicultural black-mc contemporary single-mother explicit-open-door audiobook -
Five by J.A. Huss
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFifty million books ago I promised you a love story about Five and his Princess. This is their story. Five Aston has known Rory Shrike for as long as he can remember. He played with her in the sandbox. He went to every damn horse show just to be supportive...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers m-f multicultural new adult contemporary length-short east-asian-mc -
Whiskey Undone by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsTwo best friends follow a dangerous and seductive path in the final standalone novel of the bestselling Whiskey and Lies series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan. Ainsley Harris has always kept a secret from her best friend. She’s stood by his side, helped him raise his daughter, and tried to keep her distance even though she’s been in love with him for years... -
Seized by Kaylea Cross
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsShe’s strictly off limits. Carmela Cruz has wanted the same man for over a year, and now that he’s finally free, he’s fair game. But just when it seems like everything is about to click into place for them, he puts on the brakes. For her, the decision is simple. He either wants her or he doesn’t. She’s tired of his mixed messages and done with waiting for him to make up his mind... -
New Beginnings by D. A. Young
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe gang is all back in Whiskey Row for another adventure filled with love, life and laughter as the year comes to an end. With the New Year drawing closer nothing is certain, except the knowledge that every day brings a chance for a new beginning. This is book 2 in the Men of Whiskey Row Series and a novella. It is important to read book 1 before reading this book. Must be 18+ to read... -
Where We Found Our Home by Natasha Bishop
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsLincolnI had my chance at love and I threw it away. I don’t deserve another. I’ve dedicated my entire life to my community. There’s no time for anything else. But then I met her. Ciara Jeffries is everything I told myself I didn’t want, but she might be everything I need. If I can just hold on to her. CiaraIf I don’t get out of this town, I’ll lose my sanity, my loved ones, and my life...Categorized as:
black-mc friends to lovers suspense m-f from hate to love men in uniform contemporary found-family -
Infatuation by Jane Henry
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI'm in love with Timeo Montavio.If only it were that simple.He's my best friend. Practically my brother-in-law...And a cold-blooded killer.I mourned his loss when he vanished from my life six months ago.But now he's back, and he's no longer the boy I once knew.There's a darkness in his eyes that chills me to the bone...Categorized as:
friends to lovers suspense m-f contemporary new adult super rich hero mafia length-medium -
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The Gutshot: A Small Town Romance by Giulia Lagomarsino
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Gutshot is the final book in the series A Good Run Of Bad Luck and should be read in order. It was just another day in the life of being a small town cop.I’m a protector at heart, and always have been.Which is why I stepped up immediately after finding out I had a kid.Well…to be honest, I didn’t believe it at first...Categorized as:
multicultural suspense friends to lovers black-mc contemporary humor bad boys from hate to love -
Her Unflinching Warrior by Caitlyn O'Leary
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWill These Enemies To Lovers Survive Long Enough To Realize They’re Perfect for One Another?Navy SEAL Gideon Smith never expected to run into Jada Harlow ever again, and that was fine with him. The woman drove him out of his mind. Unfortunately, fate had other plans... -
Quarantine and Chill by Kenya Wright, Lacy Laurel
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBestselling author Kenya Wright returns with a standalone multicultural forced proximity romance that’s a beautiful escape with a huge happy ending.News of the coronavirus hit New York City, and LA-native Jade is stuck dog sitting in her best friend’s Brooklyn apartment. Her bestie Zora is on her honeymoon in the Maldives, but may now be stuck there too. The island has canceled all flights...Categorized as:
friends to lovers multicultural suspense black-mc contemporary forced proximity alpha male cheating -
Love Above Law by Sandy Alvarez, Crystal Daniels
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAgent Lex Taylor My assignment—take down human and drug trafficker Miguel Santino and rescue Leyna Martinez, the sister of an outlaw MC member. One look. That's all it took. My center of gravity shifted, and I knew; she was going to be mine. I take down criminals; the rats of society. I eat, sleep and breathe the law, but I'm willing to risk it all—my badge and my life to protect her...Categorized as:
suspense multicultural m-f contemporary virgin heroine men in uniform latinx-mc length-short -
Branded by a Song by L.J. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHas this country-rock legend finally met his match? A woman who can fill the aching void for “more” that’s been missing from his life? Brady O’Neil tells the world he’s temporarily returning to upstate New York to help his sister. While it’s the truth, he’s also searching for the soul his music has lost... -
Kandie Shoppe by Kenya Goree-Bell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Dirty ass cop.”It’s sheriff but fine whatever.Kandie Love is a fũcking mess.The town tipsy,The town baker,The town gossip,The town —It doesn’t matter because her little nosey ass has rolled up on something that’s not her business but definitely interferes with mine.So now I have to put my foot on her throat to keep her from telling everyone what she thinks she saw...
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