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... -
Conquered by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsDylan Welsh was the last man standing…until Sawyer Glasgow brought him to his knees. Dylan wasn’t ready for Sawyer. He wasn’t ready to confront the truth of his past. He wasn’t ready to admit he’s fallen in love with the sweet, sexy woman who captivated him from the moment he saw her. He’s especially not prepared to face the hurt he’s caused Sawyer. But to keep her, he must do all three... -
The Midnight Hour by Brenda Jackson
Sexy, dangerous, unforgettable. . .the Madaris family and their unlikely band of friends captured readers’ hearts and souls. Now, in The Midnight Hour, bestselling author Brenda Jackson brings us another breathtaking novel featuring the Madaris family and friends. One, CIA agent Sir Drake Warren gave his heart to a woman—a fellow Marine whose death in an explosion left him aching for justice... -
The Final Hour by Brittney Sahin
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 26 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... -
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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... -
Dirty Minds by Liliana Hart
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsCoroner J.J. Graves and Sheriff Jack Lawson are in a race against time as they hunt down a sniper who is taking the law into his own hands. No one is safe, and everyone is a target...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers m-f mystery contemporary humor heroine sleuth length-short -
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... -
Thorn's Challenge by Brenda Jackson
Thorn Westmoreland was not enough to convince Tara Matthews to risk her heart in love again...or was it? The beautiful pediatrician and the hard-riding motorcycle tycoon mixed like oil and water. Why, then, couldn't Tara burn the sexy racer from her head or the memory of his passionate caresses from her body? Thorn had wanted Tara since the day they'd met... -
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... -
Together Under a Snowy Skye by Lisa Hobman
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAfter the heartbreak of a secret unrequited love, Millie Treadaway has finally found someone to spend her life with.Harry Rose is handsome, successful and treats her like a princess. That is until Millie presents her fiancé with a surprise birthday gift, and their future is suddenly doomed...Categorized as:
friends to lovers m-f suspense christmas contemporary small town humor length-medium -
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 -
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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... -
Heart of Gold by Beverly Jenkins
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNAACP nominee and bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns to the charming town of Henry Adams, Kansas—a place that always feels like home—in this heartwarming story of family, friendship, and the surprises hidden in our lives. Henry Adams has had its fair share of drama ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town with her divorce settlement...Categorized as:
multicultural black-mc m-f contemporary new adult christian african-american length-medium -
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... -
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 -
A Brother's Honor by Brenda Jackson
The Granger brothers left behind their family's Virginia estate—and the bad memories it holds—years ago. But their dying grandfather's request brings them home: to a failing business, a legacy of secrets and a deathbed promise to make things right...Categorized as:
suspense black-mc m-f contemporary african-american mystery length-long explicit-open-door -
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 -
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... -
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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... -
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 -
Loved Enough by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsEven though they’d never dated, Lily Shaw always just assumed she’d eventually end up with Ben, the boy who’s been her bestie since they were toddlers. So she’s understandably shocked to learn he’s getting married—and having a child with his fiancée. Shocked…but not terribly upset. The truth is, she's been feeling butterflies every time she’s near a particular horse trainer on her parents’ ranch... -
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... -
Quit Bein' Ugly by Lani Lynn Vale
There’s a crush, and then there are the type of feelings that Croft Cruisie evokes from a person.He’s everything that any straight woman would want: tall, handsome, charismatic, muscular, and sweet...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers m-f contemporary military humor length-short explicit-open-door -
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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... -
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... -
Detroit by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’d always liked her from afar.Sure that nothing could ever happen between them, though, he kept that to himself.Until one morning, when Detroit witnesses his estranged brother arresting Everleigh for a crime he knew she didn’t commit. Determined to prove her innocence, and protect her from the real criminals, Detroit jumps into action to get her free, then move her into the clubhouse... -
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... -
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Niro by Jessica Gadziala
* You do not need to read the OG Henchmen to read this new series *Joining the MC had never been a question.Raised by an ex-cage-fighting member, Niro hadn’t seen any future for himself that didn’t involve bikes, guns, violence, and the brotherhood he’d learned to revere above all else. But joining the Henchmen meant he couldn’t have the only other thing in life he wanted.Andi... -
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... -
Playboy in a Kilt by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA notorious former playboyAs heir to Ardinmuir, Connor MacKean had one job: fulfill the marriage pact that's held his family captive for three-hundred years. Except his sister's the one who took the plunge, and now there's nothing standing in the way of him finding a real and lasting love...Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers m-f contemporary cowboys abuse length-medium fake relationship -
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 -
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... -
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... -
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 -
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... -
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Quarantine and Chill by Kenya Wright, Lacy Laurel
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 22 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 -
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 -
Rogue Survivor by Patricia D. Eddy
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsConnor Davis After a beating that almost killed me, I’m one failed fitness test away from losing my FBI career. I should be focused on grinding out the reps to rebuild my broken body. Not on the pretty brunette at the gym.Sparkling brown eyes, a laugh like birdsong, and curves for days. I never thought a beauty like her would notice a busted-up guy like me. But she does...Categorized as:
multicultural suspense m-f contemporary abuse length-short mature couple single-mother -
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...
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