Books like 'Valley of Gentians'
Readers who enjoyed Valley of Gentians by Margaret Rome also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary cruel hero friends to lovers marriage of convenience
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Shaker by Teagan Brooks
Shaker: I didn’t do relationships. Because I had been burned. I didn’t do repeats. Because I was burned, again. I slipped and allowed a repeat. And I was burned for a third time. Then I found her. Beaten and bruised. I knew only I could protect her. And I wanted to. As a friend. I wouldn’t fall in love with her. I couldn’t fall in love with her. But I did... -
![Saving You by Kelly Elliott]()
Saving You by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhat happens when your head and heart contradict each other regarding the one person you’ve always wanted? Growing up, Luke Johnson and Libby Hayes thought they would be best friends forever. One kiss changed everything. Fearing his love for Libby could cost him their friendship, Luke chooses to listen to his head—instead of his heart...Categorized as:
friends to lovers cruel hero contemporary new adult cowboys college length-medium m-f -
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![Un-Shattering Lucy by Terri Anne Browning]()
Un-Shattering Lucy by Terri Anne Browning
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsThe conclusion to USA Today Terri Anne Browning’s The Lucy & Harris Novella Series. Shattered. That was how Lucy Thornton felt in the aftermath of her breakup with Harris Cutter. Her family thought the best thing for her to do was to put the length of the country between her and Harris. Reluctantly, she went...Categorized as:
cruel hero friends to lovers new adult contemporary rich heroine found-family length-short -
![Missing Hart by Ella Fox]()
Missing Hart by Ella Fox
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsMy life has been built on a mountain of secrets, lies and half truths. For a long time I wasn't able to let anyone get close to me. But then I met my Prince Charming. The man who saved me from myself, who showed me what true love was. If only I'd been honest. If only I'd been stronger. If only I could forget...Categorized as:
friends to lovers cruel hero contemporary forbidden love pregnancy alpha male abuse length-medium -
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![Part of Me by Kelly Elliott]()
Part of Me by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFishing for the TruthSeasiders,News on the docks is Sutton Bradley may be adding new stock to her little boutique store, Coastal Chic, on the square. Now, I can neither confirm nor deny that it is sexy lingerie, but seeing as Ms. Bradley has been seen on more than one occasion in the company of Brody Wilson, who, let me remind you, was voted as the catch of the season... -
![Thrust & Throttle by Emma Slate]()
Thrust & Throttle by Emma Slate
My childhood best friend is a big, bad biker—and an animal in the bedroom.I should know because we’ve been hooking up in secret for weeks.We crossed a line we swore we’d never cross, but the lust we’d buried for years finally culminated in a night of heated passion.I know the taste of Duke’s lips, but this is more than just desire. When we’re together I see the promise of forever in his eyes... -
![Conflagration by Tessa Teevan]()
Conflagration by Tessa Teevan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsIt isn't just a few flames; it's an especially large and destructive fire that causes devastation. Branson Wellington? The name, my name, is usually followed by fucking prick or self-serving bastard , and I can't say I haven't earned those titles. It's true. I'm not the good guy. I'm not the boy next door. I'm definitely not your Prince fucking Charming. Not even close...Categorized as:
cruel hero friends to lovers contemporary alpha male possessive hero college humor super rich hero -
![The Contract by Jess Mastorakos]()
The Contract by Jess Mastorakos
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe's got a bad roommate situation in the barracks and I have to clear my father's debts before it's too late.So we strike up a deal and prepare to give Oscar-worthy performances to everyone we know. We'll get married, solve both of our issues thanks to the benefits we'll get as a dual military couple, and then when it's over we'll go our separate ways.There's just one problem... -
![Aidan by L.K. Shaw]()
Aidan by L.K. Shaw
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAt twenty-eight, I’m not supposed to be raising my three orphaned siblings and trying to run our family’s pub alone. When dangerous men come to collect on Da’s debt—one I can’t pay—I go to the only person who might be able to help. My closest friend, Aidan. Only he’s not who he says he is...Categorized as:
friends to lovers marriage of convenience mafia single-mother dual-pov suspense angst contemporary -
![Beneath the Desert Sun by Kaylee Ryan, Lacey Black]()
Beneath the Desert Sun by Kaylee Ryan, Lacey Black
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFaithGraduating from college is bittersweet. I’ve accomplished my dreams, obtained my teaching degree, and am ready to find my dream job. However, I never realized how difficult or stressful it would be to find a position.That’s why I jump at the chance to visit Chad, one of my best friends, on base in California...Categorized as:
marriage of convenience friends to lovers military contemporary new adult length-medium -
![Crazy Beautiful by Jessica Prince]()
Crazy Beautiful by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTheir marriage was nothing more than a business transaction. Or at least that was what they told themselves. Poppy Weston had been burned enough times by undeserving men to know her heart was best left under lock and key. She was content with her life, even with the lack of romance. Then Jase Hyland walked into Redbud Inn and offered her something she couldn't refuse... -
![A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott]()
A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsI live for happily ever afters.And I'm finally meeting my favorite romance author in person! Only, all this time, I thought author, Amelie De Pierre, was a woman. It turns out, Pierre Toussaint is the man behind the books that make me weak in the knees.He could be the consummate book boyfriend with his dreamy hazel eyes, strong jawline, and those black-rimmed glasses. Not to mention that accent... -
![Pining For You by Marika Ray]()
Pining For You by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve been in love with my best friend since the day I met her freshman year of high school. She was a halo of sunshine on a rainy day, pulling me out of the shadows and making me feel like life was one big roller-coaster ride of excitement. Until the day we graduated and she left on the back of a Harley with some guy who didn’t deserve her, middle fingers in the air...Categorized as:
friends to lovers marriage of convenience contemporary forced proximity humor length-short m-f -
![Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton]()
Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFirst comes a lifelong crush, then comes . . . a marriage of convenience to her sister?Marrying Lois Jones was the only future Bram Baxter ever planned for. Until she returns home from Europe with another man’s ring on her finger. Devastated, Bram struggles to envision a different future for himself... -
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![The Backpack Bride by Dulcie Dameron]()
The Backpack Bride by Dulcie Dameron
Marry a stranger, adopt my nephew. Sounds easy enough...right? After my brother’s untimely death, I’m left brokenhearted and fighting for a teenage nephew who doesn’t seem to care whether he’s out on the streets or tucked into bed at night.Maybe I’m not the most responsible person to raise Axel, but I’m all he has left... -
![Lie to Me by Angela Verdenius]()
Lie to Me by Angela Verdenius
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsRyder Montague and Dee Miller have been striking sparks off each other for years. They’ve blown hot and cold, argued, laughed, and clashed. Half the townsfolk wonder if they’ll kill each other, the other half if it will turn to romance... -
![Attached At Heart by Amelie Rhys]()
Attached At Heart by Amelie Rhys
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsWhen best friends Delaney and Blake get married in order to satisfy a clause in Delaney’s inheritance, their long-ignored chemistry is suddenly so much harder to deny, especially when they travel abroad for a steamy fake honeymoon. Blake London, after finishing his cardiology fellowship, moves to Boston with a single hope: fix as many hearts as he possibly can…including his own... -
![Falling For Sarah by Cate Beauman]()
Falling For Sarah by Cate Beauman
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWidow Sarah Johnson struggled to pick up the pieces after her life was ripped apart. After two years of grieving, she’s found contentment in her thriving business as photographer to Hollywood’s A-list and in raising her angel-faced daughter, Kylee... until bodyguard and long-time friend Ethan Cooke changes everything with a searing moonlight kiss...Categorized as:
friends to lovers cruel hero contemporary suspense pregnancy alpha male california north-america -
![Baked Inn Love by Erin Branscom]()
Baked Inn Love by Erin Branscom
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFriend’s to lovers, fake marriage, epic road trip, millionaire, single parent, different worlds.Things have been rough for frazzled single-mom Allie. The only bright light in her life is her son, four-year-old Caleb, who’s now healthy after a lifetime of being chronically ill. She finally feels like she can breathe again. Until she’s unexpectedly fired from her job... -
![Tapout by J.C. Valentine]()
Tapout by J.C. Valentine
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsHistory brought them together. Circumstances may keep them apart. Alyson Blake’s past left her with scars. Scars that she tried to fix the only way she knew how—by helping others. But actions have consequences, and Alyson is about to find out that being naïve is no excuse. Fighting is Jamison Weston’s passion. Alyson is his obsession...Categorized as:
friends to lovers cruel hero contemporary bad boys alpha male athletes fighters sports -
![The Love Losers by Angela R. Casella]()
The Love Losers by Angela R. Casella
Finding a gold-digger is harder than it looks.AnthonyAfter my fiancée left me for my college friend, the last thing I want is romance. But if I don’t get married by New Year's Eve, I'll lose my trust fund. That’s why I’ve hired the Love Fixers, a business that assists the romantically challenged, to help me find a woman who'll agree to a sham marriage... -
![It Takes a Woman by Piper Sheldon]()
It Takes a Woman by Piper Sheldon
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJust because she’s getting married doesn’t mean she’ll fall in love.Unapologetic bombshell Gretchen LaRoe is happy to play matchmaker to everyone else content in knowing she once had true love. When the best friends of the Scorned Women’s Society take it upon themselves to interfere in Gretchen’s love life, they shouldn't be shocked to learn Gretchen already has a plan of her own...Categorized as:
marriage of convenience friends to lovers contemporary strong heroine humor length-medium -
![My Favorite Mistake by Claudia Y. Burgoa]()
My Favorite Mistake by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUSA TODAY BestsellingAuthor Claudia Burgoa brings us a brand new hockey romance about missed opportunities, accidental weddings, and found family. What happens in Vegas might go viral!The first time I met Caspian Spearman, we had the perfect night.The second time, I was on the arm of his biggest rival.The third night… was a string of mistakes... -
![Baby For The Playboy Prince by Holly Rayner]()
Baby For The Playboy Prince by Holly Rayner
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s the playboy prince, who needs a bride in name only,She’s the old friend, the most convenient candidate…The relationship might be fake,But things are about to get very, very real… Lily Campbell is American royalty. Born into a life of expectation, she was willing to honor her parents’ wishes, even if it meant marrying a man she didn’t love... -
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![My Best Friend and I Need Therapy by Camilla Evergreen]()
My Best Friend and I Need Therapy by Camilla Evergreen
*Read the warnings in the author’s note, please.*Wait. Wait. Wait. We’re best friends . We’re not supposed to star as the leads in a marriage-of-convenience rom-com.We don’t need to share healthcare, or get a citizenship, or win a game show. There is no logical reason for Sean to blackmail me into marrying him just because his father told him to.And yet.Here I am.Moving in with the monster... -
![Baked Inn Love by Erin Branscom]()
Baked Inn Love by Erin Branscom
Friend’s to lovers, fake marriage, epic road trip, millionaire, single parent, different worlds.Things have been rough for frazzled single-mom Allie. The only bright light in her life is her son, four-year-old Caleb, who’s now healthy after a lifetime of being chronically ill. She finally feels like she can breathe again. Until she’s unexpectedly fired from her job... -
![Just Say When by Elizabeth Bright]()
Just Say When by Elizabeth Bright
I promised my best friend I’d take care of his hellion of a sister. A sham marriage probably wasn’t what he had in mind.Growing up, the three of us were inseparable. Now the only time she speaks to me is to tell me to get lost. Fair enough. Maybe I do go out of my way to make her mad, but I’d take her hate over her indifference any day... -
![Kiss Me by Samantha Chase]()
Kiss Me by Samantha Chase
Saying “I Do” to her boss seemed like a harmless solution to a potentially harmful problem.But the only problem now is that she wants the marriage to be real.When Marissa Barrett finds herself in a dangerous situation with her family, she needs help. Fast. Normally the queen of problem solving, this is one instance where she just can’t seem to find a solution on her own... -
![Falling For You by Hope Ford]()
Falling For You by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFalling For Alpha Hero 2 An Alpha Man, Curvy Woman Romance Terry She was my friend’s wife. When he died, I tried to help her out. I told myself it was for him. But really it was for her. I fought my attraction for her… until I couldn’t anymore. When she finds out something that will change her life forever, I step in. I do the right thing, heck it’s the only thing… and then I fall in love... -
![One Wealthy Wedding by Sophia Travers]()
One Wealthy Wedding by Sophia Travers
Theo Archer is New York’s most notorious billionaire. He might hate me…but he’s still the man I have to marry. I was once a pampered heiress, and Theo Archer was my housekeeper’s handsome son. But now? The boy who stomped on my heart at nineteen is a wicked billionaire... and I'm about to be disinherited... -
![Lord of the Desert by Diana Palmer]()
Lord of the Desert by Diana Palmer
Sheltered, small-town girl Gretchen Brannon was out of her element when she aligned herself with Sheikh Philippe Sabon. They came from two different worlds, yet she found a soul mate in the powerful, sensual man who'd suppressed his passions for far too long —and harbored a secret anguish. Nevertheless, he made Gretchen aware of her courage.. -
![Lick of Fire by Clara Elroy]()
Lick of Fire by Clara Elroy
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsYou can’t escape fate, no matter how fast you run. That was a lesson hard learned for me.I spent years trying to bury my past, but my future held skeletons bleaker than the ones I'd left behind.Darkness follows me everywhere I go, hanging over my shoulders like a scythe. A byproduct of my bad karma.For so long, I refused to even look at my hometown on a postcard...Categorized as:
friends to lovers cruel hero contemporary mystery suspense angst forbidden love from hate to love -
![Year's Happy Ending by Betty Neels]()
Year's Happy Ending by Betty Neels
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCould she settle for less than love?Professor Gideon Beaufort tried Deborah's good nature severely. He reviled her future as a trained nanny, destined to settle for a permanent post caring for other people's children.But was his proposal any more enticing, when all he wanted was a substitute for his young daughter and nothing more? "I won't pretend," he told her candidly... -
![Whiskey by Nat Logan]()
Whiskey by Nat Logan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter Whiskey and his brothers are all hurt by women, they vow to not let their hearts be involved ever again. They should have learned the lesson their dad did -that women can’t be trusted. A late-night poker game at their bar and too much to drink have he and his brothers deciding to make dating a game. No feelings, just good times... -
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![Penn by Jennifer Millikin]()
Penn by Jennifer Millikin
The entirety of Olive Township is looking forward to the fast-approaching day when Daisy St. James will say ‘I do’ to the town golden boy.There’s just one little catch. Daisy isn’t in love. Her impending nuptials are transactional in nature, and that suits Daisy just fine... -
![Small Town Pretender by Brighton Walsh]()
Small Town Pretender by Brighton Walsh
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAsher McCoy can win over a crowd with a husky note and a strum of his guitar, but proving to a judge he’s responsible enough to gain custody of his niece and nephew? Not so easy. His big idea—a fake marriage. And who better to play his doting bride than his longtime best friend? He just needs to get her home first...Natalie Haven couldn’t get away from her suffocating hometown fast enough... -
![Honeyed by Carrie Aarons]()
Honeyed by Carrie Aarons
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGrowing up in a house full of brothers, it’s not a surprise that Alana Ashton is the princess of Hope Crest.Being the only female of the small town’s founding family means that while she usually gets her way, she has to work doubly hard to earn and keep respect...Categorized as:
friends to lovers marriage of convenience suspense humor dual-pov contemporary sassy heroine angst -
![Crave by Megan O'Brien]()
Crave by Megan O'Brien
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI didn’t realize I was falling, not until my heart was lost in love with him. After years of close friendship with former Marine and security specialist, Sid Masters, Samantha McAllister finds herself grappling with feelings far beyond friendship. After a line is crossed, Sam’s heart is broken in the process... -
![You're The One by Layla Hagen]()
You're The One by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsIt all starts as pretend… My best friend, and one of the most powerful men in New York, needs my help. Our first kiss is unexpected—but it still makes my skin sizzle, my knees go weak. The next one is in front of his tight-knit family. We have to be convincing. But it’s so wicked hot, it almost fools me too... -
![27 Truths: Ava's Story by M.J. Fields]()
27 Truths: Ava's Story by M.J. Fields
From USA Today Bestselling author, MJ Fields, comes a gripping story of love and it's many truths. Ava Links was raised seeing the different sides of love. The beautiful and the broken. Through it all, she knows the journey she is taking will lead her to the man she is destined to be with. The man she has always loved, Luke Lane...Categorized as:
cruel hero friends to lovers military new adult angst love triangle contemporary other-man-woman -
![Like You Love Me by Adriana Locke]()
Like You Love Me by Adriana Locke
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsTwo childhood friends are playing house—and maybe playing for keeps—in this sexy, and unpredictable marriage-of-convenience romance.To save her Tennessee bed-and-breakfast, Sophie Bates needs a fast-cash miracle. Holden McKenzie, her childhood best friend, needs to prove to a prospective employer that he’s a committed man. Their fortunes on the line, Holden proposes…a solution... -
![Safe With You by Claire Cain]()
Safe With You by Claire Cain
Tristan Donnelly has been my far away support system since he became the soldier my family “adopted” years ago. I’ve written to him about everything from my hopes for my future to my grief during deep loss. He’s secretly been my rock from afar, but now I’m calling in a favor... -
![An Unexpected Roomie by Laura Langa]()
An Unexpected Roomie by Laura Langa
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat’s a little marriage of convenience between friends?Claire Winesett never expected to be sleeping on her best friend’s brother’s couch. But the last nine years as a solo-travel influencer has been anything but predictable. Luckily, Claire thrives on spontaneity, and after all, it’s only temporary... -
![Southern Storm by Natasha Madison]()
Southern Storm by Natasha Madison
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBuried secrets never stay hidden in the South. Savannah I’m the one who broke up the golden couple. The woman people still whisper about, point at, and give dirty looks to. Did I sleep with the prom king? No. Did I sleep with the town's golden boy on vacation from college? Yes. Did I believe that he was going to marry me? Wholeheartedly. Did he? Not even close... -
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![The Nothingness of Ben by Brad Boney]()
The Nothingness of Ben by Brad Boney
Ben Walsh is well on his way to becoming one of Manhattan’s top litigators, with a gorgeous boyfriend and friends on the A-list. His life is perfect until he gets a phone call that brings it all crashing down: a car accident takes his parents, and now he must return to Austin to raise three teenage brothers he barely knows...Categorized as:
friends to lovers cruel hero contemporary m-m anal sex open-door single-father queer -
![The Accidental Countess by Emma Hart]()
The Accidental Countess by Emma Hart
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAn earl and an artist walk into a bar, and the barman says—never mind. They’re in a church, and they’re married now. Oops.My name is Evangeline Astley, and the only thing you need to know about me is that I never imagined this was how my life would go.I was supposed to devote all my time to painting gorgeous things to eventually open my own art gallery... -
![Luck and Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz]()
Luck and Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
They have a second chance at love, but there are some rough seas ahead in the new contemporary romance from the acclaimed author of Love, Lists, and Fancy ShipsCommitment-phobe Nina Lejeune lives by two rules: 1. Always have fun. 2. Don’t rely on anyone but yourself.The first rule is easy; the second, she’s only broken once... -
![Breakfast in Bed by Robin Kaye]()
Breakfast in Bed by Robin Kaye
"DELIGHTFULLY FUN, WITTY ROMANCE... A WRITER TO WATCH." -- Booklist From Romance Writers of America GOLDEN HEART AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR Robin Kaye, the third funny, sexy, contemporary romance from a fresh new voice in romance fiction. He'd be Mr. Perfect if he wasn't a perfect mess.. -
![Wrecked by Sherilee Gray]()
Wrecked by Sherilee Gray
Rated: 3.98 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe's driving her crazy... Piper West is finally on her own, and it's time to get crazy. Except that her overprotective big bro has enlisted his ex-cop best friend to keep an eye on his baby sister. With every move monitored and reported back, Piper's life has gone from "going crazy" to "being driven crazy...Categorized as:
cruel hero friends to lovers alpha male new adult suspense contemporary bodyguard-hero length-short -
![Coming Apart at the Seams by Jenna Sutton]()
Coming Apart at the Seams by Jenna Sutton
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom the author of All the Right Places, a sweet and sexy romance about finding the right words and the perfect fit...Love can take some time to break in... Teagan O’Brien, heiress to the Riley O’Brien & Co. denim empire, is anything but a spoiled rich girl. She’s worked hard to secure her place in the family business and can hold her own, in and out of the office...
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