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... -
Summer Nights at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland
Welcome 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 · 27 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... -
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... -
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Only for You by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 26 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... -
When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor
Evie told herself not to fall for her pro-hockey crush. But when she sees him holding her baby girl, all bets are off.When Evie moves South to the same mountain town where her childhood crush plays pro-hockey, she arms herself with all the reasons why she can’t fall for him again.Number Alec is her best friend’s much older brother... -
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... -
Your Tempting Love by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsChristopher Bennett is a persuasive man. With his magnetic charm and undeniable wit, he plays a key role in the international success of his family’s company. Christopher adores his family, even if they can be too meddling sometimes… like when attempt to set him up with Victoria, by recommending him to employ her decorating services...Categorized as:
m-f single-mother humor contemporary super rich hero insta-love strong heroine cheerful heroine -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f contemporary humor christian insta-love forced proximity audiobook -
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... -
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... -
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... -
Collide by Piper Lawson
My 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...Categorized as:
age difference m-f contemporary new adult humor forbidden love length-short audiobook -
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A Fake Fiancée for Christmas by Ava Gray
My 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... -
Falling In The Mountains by Olivia T. Turner
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 26 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 -
Mountain Man's Lucky Charm 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 -
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... -
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 -
A Greene Family Christmas by Piper Rayne
Preparing 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 -
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 -
Takedown by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMila Pregnant and married at the young age of eighteen, I settled into my life not knowing there could ever be more. Until Mason, with his sexy smirk and magnetic baby blue eyes. With a single look and a few words, he made me feel sexy and alive. But as quickly as he came into my life, he was gone, leaving me wanting more... -
The Last Love Note by Emma Grey
You may never stop loving the one you lost. But you can still find love again.Kate is a bit of a mess. Two years after losing her young husband Cameron, she’s grieving, solo parenting, working like mad at her university fundraising job, always dropping the ball—and yet clinging to her sense of humor... -
Paging Dr. Summers by Jennifer Peel
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSummer fling or the real thing? My mom’s last gift came with two an unexpected inheritance from the father I never knew, and one unforgettable summer in Aspen Lake. Her only request? Complete the bucket list she left for me. Simple enough—until I saw that item written in HAVE A SUMMER FLING... -
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Dirty Little Midlife Secret by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 14 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... -
Faking it with the Bad Boy Bikers by Summer Haze
One fake date. Three alpha bikers.My rules? Don’t fall.Their rules? I’m theirs.I only agreed to one night of pretending.A fake date to keep my past in the past.But with three ex-military bikers in my corner, pretending is getting harder.They’re looking at me like I’m theirs to keep.Woodrow, with his commanding presence and deep brown eyes.Henry, whose teasing grin melts all my defenses... -
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...Categorized as:
age difference m-f contemporary humor sports friends to lovers length-short audiobook -
Her Secret by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsI’ll admit it. I messed up. Mistake #1: Asking Peter Barnidge for a job. Mistake #2: Accepting his offer instead of throwing it in his face like I planned. Mistake #3: In the interest of stopping before #99, I’ll pretend the only other mistake was withholding one, tiny little nugget of truth during my interview...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f super rich hero humor new adult contemporary length-short audiobook -
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 Perfect Fit by Kellan McKnight
Ella Gardner is a high school English teacher and former volleyball star who lost out on her chance to play in college when she became pregnant with her daughter in her senior year of high school. Fed up with the direction of her life, she acknowledges her sexuality at thirty-five and decides to try online dating...Categorized as:
age difference single-mother humor f-f queer length-long contemporary third-person-pov -
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 forced proximity grumpy sunshine humor office glimpses-kisses -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 6 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Chako works hard every day to take care of Isshin’s tea farm. One day, a huge typhoon hits the Kanto area! A pole blown off by a strong wind falls on Chako as she is checking the farm alone... -
Kiss Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsLast night, he was a sexy stranger I couldn't get enough of.Today, he's my new boss, who I can't seem to please.Bad luck seems to follow me. Last night, I grabbed a drink at the bar near my new workplace.I met the most sophisticated man when he “stole” my table. We bantered and danced, and I went home with a stranger for the first time in my life...Categorized as:
age difference m-f contemporary humor super rich hero forced proximity alpha male possessive hero -
A Very Vegas St. Patrick's Day by Kayley Loring, Connor Crais
You might think the problem would be waking up in Vegas, hungover,next to a beautiful woman who’s wearing your boxer briefs and finding out ya married her in the middle of an epic drunken night of festivities.But you’d be wrong.I, Nolan Cassidy, international charmer and maker of mischief have fallen head over heels for Cora Delaney. I want to be married to the lass...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f contemporary humor bad boys insta-love length-medium explicit-open-door -
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Pretty Little Mess by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 13 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 -
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... -
Dirty Little Midlife Disaster by Lilian Monroe
Sizzling-hot and seriously funny. Who said your forties couldn’t be both?Recent divorcée and single mother of two Katrina Viceroy isn’t looking for love. She’s definitely not looking for a hot, motorcycle-riding hunk to drive off into the sunset with her.No, sir-ee.She’s done with all that nonsense.Call the convent; Trina’s officially a nun.When she gets a flat tire, Trina’s no damsel in distress... -
Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 17 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 -
Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 20 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... -
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... -
His Bride: The Complete Series by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSix gorgeous, bossy older men will change the lives of these feisty heroines forever in this series of sweet and spicy short romances.Meet the Titans of Tennessee – Men of industry (and music!) who work hard, love harder…and go to ridiculous lengths to claim the sassy women meant for them...Categorized as:
age difference m-f virgin heroine alpha male contemporary insta-love curvy heroine humor -
Somebody Like You by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s rich, talented and way out of her league. Now he’s making her an offer she can’t refuse…Football has always been Cam Hartson’s life. When he's forced to retire following an injury, he slinks back to his small home town, planning to lie low and lick his wounds. Until he meets Mia Devlin. The beautiful single mom of two tearaway boys has no interest in love... -
Washed Up by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsIt was just another day in the Emergency Department -- until she was wheeled in through the doors.Amanda Parks, my childhood best friend's mom who I may or may not have secretly kissed before leaving for college.I haven't seen her in over a decade, and in so many ways, she hasn't changed. Same killer curves.Same hypnotizing eyes.Same reaction from my heart when I see her... -
Never Say Forever by Donna Alam
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFrom the French countryside to Manhattan, falling for my one-night stand wasn’t supposed to be the plan.Dear Mr Hayes,I’m sorry you found me floating in your bathtub last night.And that you didn’t realize I was housesitting.I’m also sorry I crept out of your bed five years ago without leaving my name . . .My secret one-night stand... -
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Never Fall for the Bride's Father by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsPower outages. Runaway brides. Collapsed wedding cakes. Tainted caviar. Handsy grooms. And the always jealous MILs who wear white.No wedding catastrophe can faze Katie Gallagher, because when you plan for the worst, you deliver the best.The best wedding ever.Her company, Wedding Protectors, Inc., promises happily ever afters. Guaranteed. Whatever it takes...Categorized as:
age difference m-f sassy heroine from hate to love humor contemporary length-medium audiobook -
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... -
My Not So Wicked Boss by Jennifer Peel
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"I had a feeling their story would be my favorite, and it is. This is the perfect ending to this series!" - Kathy Jo from KJ's Book Nook "I love everything Jennifer Peel writes, but this book--this book is in a class by itself! It's everything romance is meant to be." - Whitney Dineen, Number One Bestselling Author of The Relatively Series Love knows no contract...Categorized as:
single-mother m-f humor contemporary anthologies length-medium single-father boss & employee -
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
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