Books like 'Starter Wife'
Readers who enjoyed Starter Wife by Bethany Lopez also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny m-f age difference single-mother
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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... -
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... -
Burn in Hail by Lani Lynn Vale
One look at the sixteen-year-old, prim and proper town goody-two-shoes, Hennessy Hanes, and Tate Casey knows he’s in trouble. He knows he should stay away from the preacher’s daughter, but there’s something about her he’s drawn to, and he can’t resist the pull. The more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that something isn’t right... -
Law & Beard by Lani Lynn Vale
Winnie thinks she has the perfect life. Two beautiful, healthy children. A police officer husband. A job that she loves. Oh, and let’s not forget that she’s a nationally ranked marathon runner. Fast forward six months, and her perfect life has imploded. Winnie finds herself in a completely new world, and this new world is a brutal bitch. In this new life of hers, her husband is gone... -
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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.. -
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... -
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 -
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... -
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... -
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... -
Falling In The Mountains by Olivia T. Turner
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsNew town. New job. New Me. New boyfriend? At least that’s what the hot Mountain Man staring me down with hungry eyes seems to think. Julian works in Search and Rescue in the Greene Mountains. He also owns the bungee jump, and that’s where I meet him. Those beautiful possessive eyes stare me down as he straps the cord around my ankles...Categorized as:
age difference m-f military contemporary insta-love virgin heroine alpha male new adult -
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 -
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... -
Double Play by A.K. Landow
LAYTONEveryone thinks I have it all. The all-American superstar baseball player. The golden boy of Philly. The notorious playboy.In reality, I’m just a lonely man who knows his career is hanging on by a thread.Then an opportunity presents itself. My team is sold, and the new owners want to keep me around... -
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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 -
Dare by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAustin Moore found his purpose in the military, but there was always something missing. He wanted what everyone in his family had…someone to call his own. But his life didn’t make it easy to find a soul mate, someone to be his forever.Sage Hill enlisted to follow in the footsteps of her father, but never wanted to be in his shadow...Categorized as:
age difference m-f military alpha male sassy heroine humor friends to lovers contemporary -
The Bodyguard (Silver Spoon MC) by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsEven giants fall…and the last brother standing will fall like a ton of bricks when he meets the feisty curvy girl meant to complete him.Cormac "Giant" CarmichaelFor the last year and a half, I've watched my MC brothers drop like flies.I almost gave up on finding my one.And then my dad called in a favor for a friend of a friend.His daughter is in trouble and needs my help...Categorized as:
age difference m-f alpha male humor contemporary suspense virgin heroine virgin hero -
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 -
Flipping Love You by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s the tattooed bad boy her mama warned her about. She’s his hot mess — but mostly hot — next door neighbor. Until a two-night-stand gives them the surprise of a lifetime... Jillian Morris is a workaholic who forgets to watch the time. And to eat. And to change her shoes. And to keep even a house-plant alive. And to have any kind of a personal life...Categorized as:
age difference m-f contemporary humor small town insta-love pregnancy independent heroine -
A Greene Family Christmas by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsPreparing a Christmas to remember is no small feat with a family the size of the Greenes. Especially, when the woman who has always been the planner down to every minute detail falls ill, only five days before the holiday.The family has no choice but to scramble to ensure that nothing is amiss. Cookies need to be decorated, gingerbread houses assembled and decorations to be hung...Categorized as:
age difference m-f christmas contemporary humor friends to lovers grumpy sunshine length-novella -
Tanner by Jeannine Colette, Lauren Runow
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWe’re two strangers on a train, knowing whatever we decide in the next moment might dictate our fate for the rest of our lives.“A kiss was all I needed.”“Looks like you got what you wished for.”“Yes. About that…”My plan: find a finely dressed businessman, have a one-night stand, and forget about my failed relationship.Like a bad joke, my ex walks into the bar...Categorized as:
age difference m-f contemporary suspense insta-love super rich hero mystery second chances -
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... -
Attachment Theory by Kayley Loring
An actor, a model, and a younger man walk into a therapist’s office… They’re all Dylan Brodie. It’s only funny if you aren’t the single mom therapist he can’t stop flirting with. Dear Mr. Brodie, I hope this email finds you well. Your well-being and personal growth are of the utmost importance to me, as a therapist...Categorized as:
age difference single-mother m-f contemporary humor insta-love forbidden love strong heroine -
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... -
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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... -
Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese three women are the toughest juries they’ll ever have to plead their case to.THIS BOX SET INCLUDES…Clean Slate (Charity Case #0.5)Moving two thousand miles away wasn’t my plan, but when family needs you, you come. Before I can head back to my hometown of Chicago though, I have two men to say good-bye to. Neither one of them will be happy to hear the news... -
A Fake Fiancée for Christmas by Ava Gray
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsMy sister is the reason I’m in this mess, and on the hunt for a fake fiancée to show off to our grandmother… “Jace has a girlfriend.” She just had to say those words, didn’t she?Oh, I hate her. But I think I love Bailey… the matchmaker I thought would introduce me to my fake fiancée.She agreed to play the role herself, just for Christmas... -
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... -
She Likes It, Hey Micah by Dana LeCheminant
Micah Taylor is an eternal optimist, but with every first date that fails, her faith in true love weakens. When offered the chance to help reopen the lodge where her parents were married, Micah is determined to prove her worth and show her boss that she has what it takes to be a great event planner...Categorized as:
age difference m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine forced proximity office humor length-medium -
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:
age difference single-mother m-f contemporary from hate to love grumpy sunshine curvy heroine humor -
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance Wanted A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
Scrooge and the Girls Next Door: A Holiday Rom Com by Melanie Jacobson
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhen the sunniest woman in Creekville buys the house next to the grumpiest man on the street, sparks fly . . . and not just because she keep blowing his fuses...Paige Redmond has done everything the hard way, from her wild child past to being a single mother raising her own delightful wild child now. But since landing in Creekville, she's turned it all around...Categorized as:
age difference single-mother contemporary grumpy sunshine christmas humor from hate to love clean -
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... -
Collide by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMy hot professor’s past tore us apart. But he won’t give up on our future.I thought I knew who Sawyer Redmond was. I was wrong.But he’s fiercely determined to keep me, and I can’t avoid him. He’s everywhere—in class, at events, in my head.He forces me to discover a side of myself I never knew. One that terrifies me almost as much as it excites me.He says our secrets can bring us closer... -
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Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe pro football player I’m faking a relationship with has the perfect solution to my career woes. He’s encouraging me to lean into the pseudo-celebrity life I was born into instead of trying to outrun it, and for the first time in my life, someone sees me for me.I feel like he’s falling for me, too.And then my ex shows up... -
Pretty Little Mess by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFalling for her grumpy mountain man boss was not part of this sunshiney hot mess's plans for Galentine's Day.CordeliaWelcome to Winthrop, WA. Population: Screwed.When I answered Deacon Cromwell's ad for an assistant, roughing it with a mountain man was not what I had in mind.But I'll give anything a shot. Just so long as it doesn't shoot back.When my grumpy new boss finds out he hired...well, me...Categorized as:
age difference m-f humor boss & employee contemporary insta-love curvy heroine praise-kink -
Sterling Brick by L.B. Dunbar
Love wasn’t part of the blueprint when high school sweethearts reunite in their small town. But this former military man never forgot the girl he left behind and he’s more determined than ever to rebuild their relationship brick by brick and heart by heart.Getting locked in the men’s restroom during my mother’s funeral wasn’t exactly how I expected to run into my high school sweetheart... -
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... -
Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens
A hilarious love story about a disillusioned divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker.Columnist Anna Appleby has left her love life behind after a painful divorce. Who needs a man when she has two kids, a cat, and uncontested control of the TV remote? Besides, she’d rather be single than subject herself to the hell of online dating...Categorized as:
single-mother age difference m-f contemporary humor from hate to love office united-kingdom -
The Love Interest by Kayley Loring
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsDear Fiona,I hope this letter finds you well—and by well, I mean significantly less infuriated than you were yesterday. I’ve wanted to continue our conversation from the night we met, but there are so many things I can’t say or do, now that I’m your professor.As an anonymous letter writer, I can give you some idea of what I have planned for us, once the year is over...Categorized as:
age difference m-f contemporary humor grumpy sunshine secret-relationship length-medium -
Curveball by E.J. Blaise
Cass Morgan is used to hitting home runs.Sunday Lane is the strike he never saw coming.An MLB legend and a single mom.Ordinarily, their paths would never cross. But when a career-threatening injury and a cross-country move put them in each other’s paths, two pink lines forever entangle their lives.One night.One drink.One encounter that changes everything...Categorized as:
single-mother age difference pregnancy sports dual-pov forced proximity contemporary new adult -
Just in Queso by Karla Doyle
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA small town, single dad, age gap, feel-good, steamy instalove romance with a guaranteed Happily Ever After!PHOEBESince I was a little girl with a toy kitchen set, I dreamed of owning a restaurant. Now it’s a thriving reality. Everyone loves my fun, high-energy, taco place... -
Flutter by Carrie Aarons
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe can’t stand her, and best believe, the feeling is mutual. Her life is the complete opposite of what he desires. So, why can’t they keep their hands off each other? Forrest Nash is a smug know-it-all... -
Lost In Him by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s a single dad. She’s the nanny he shouldn’t want…Chris Vaughn doesn’t want to be seen as Hollywood’s sexiest bad boy anymore.He wants to make the movie he’s dreamed of ever since he was a child.And the pretty beach town of Angel Sands is the perfect place to do it.There’s one small problem. He needs a nanny for his six-year-old daughter. And fast.Enter Chelsea Kennedy... -
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Two Wrongs Made Right by Ali Parker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJust because my brother found love doesn’t mean I have to.I’d rather focus on other things.Like money.It never gives you sleepless nights that drive you insane.But the single mom I hooked up with at my brother’s wedding?She’s got me sweating.I can’t get her out of my head.Those curves.That smart mouth.She’s the right kind of trouble.But I’m the wrong kind of guy.Or not.She’s been wronged before... -
Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe end of my marriage was the beginning of my happily ever after. What happens when you hear your husband putting dents in your mattress with another woman?Leave and never look back!Easier said than done when you're a stay-at-home mom, share two kids with the no-good cheater, and have a savings account that laughs in your face on the daily...Categorized as:
age difference single-mother found-family sports forced proximity contemporary black-mc humor -
Give & Take by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI shouldn’t be thinking about him.Even though he tells me he can’t stop thinking about me.I’m turning 41.He’s 26.I’m a serious person.He’s fun-loving and carefree.It’s all wrong. But every time Raphael LaForest looks at me, it feels so, so right. Just a glance and my whole body melts. The simple brush of his hand on mine and every last nerve ending is on fire.But that’s not all...Categorized as:
age difference m-f single-mother small town contemporary humor length-long boss & employee -
Tight Spot by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI don’t date football players.I’m not interested in the ones who are a decade older than me. I want nothing to do with the ones who play on the same team as my brothers, and I certainly avoid the ones who spend more time in strip clubs than kids’ clubs... -
Not As Planned by Harlow James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“So you’re single?” “Are you seriously hitting on me right now while I have breastmilk all over my shirt?”When Grant Thomas, the handsome stranger standing in front of me in line at the coffee shop, stripped his uniform shirt off and handed it to me, I could have sworn I was on an episode of Punked...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f age difference contemporary humor found-family length-long dual-pov -
Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me.Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods.It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago...
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