Books like 'Heartwood'
Readers who enjoyed Heartwood by J.H. Croix also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary sports m-f second chances friends to lovers office small town independent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero
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The Start of Something Wonderful by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsAutumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn't appear to be the answer... -
A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe BRAND NEW uplifting novel from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland Rosie feels like there's something missing in her life.She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District... -
Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsPre-order the BRAND NEW romance from Alison Sherlock She drives a tractor. He arrives in a red Ferrari. What could possibly go wrong? Flora Barton is desperate to save her family home Strawberry Hill Farm. She only needs one thing - a great business idea to keep the farm afloat!So, when Nico Rossi arrives from Italy with a crazy plan to save the farm, Flora should be overjoyed... -
Pretty It Up by Cee Bowerman
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDescriptionSometimes love just isn’t enough, or is it?Lana Gold, one of the Donovan triplets, found her one true love in college but lost him when the life he’d dreamed of became reality. Being an outsider looking in and so far away from her family and hometown took its toll on Lana and her marriage until she’d finally had enough and left it all behind...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers second chances contemporary alpha male multicultural length-short -
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Heading Home to Lavender Cottage by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWith nowhere else to go, Harriet Colgan has returned to the sleepy village of Cranfield to sell her beloved aunt and uncle’s cottage, the only place she ever called home.When she arrives at Lavender Cottage, Harriet discovers plans to replace the beautiful lavender fields, her uncle’s pride and joy, with an industrial warehouse... -
The Billionaire's Secrets by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFormer rock star Xander Sinclair may be out of rehab, but he’s not out of the woods. Still haunted by his parents’ murders, he has secluded himself in his Amesport mansion and dodges any attempted contact from his two brothers. Struggling not to fall into relapse, he believes he’s battling his demons alone. That is, until Samantha arrives to work as his live-in housekeeper...Categorized as:
independent heroine sweet heroine m-f contemporary super rich hero length-medium audiobook -
Twenty-Two by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWhen Lucas Brooks was traded to the Nashville Assassins over a decade ago, he was a brash, brawling hothead without an anchor. Well, four kids and a smokin' hot wife will weigh you down real fast, but Lucas wouldn't change a minute of his happily ever after... -
Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBack home is the best place to start over in a heart-stirring Texas romance about friendship, second chances, and small-town scandals by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.Riverbend, Texas, doesn’t look like the crossroads of anywhere. But for four high school besties reuniting after twenty years, it’s a place to unpack a lot of baggage... -
Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor
My requirements for a man are simple. Must love books. Must NOT love hockey. Which is why I will never be interested in my neighbor, the aloof and mysterious Felix Jamison, no matter how many books I see him hauling into his apartment. Unless he loses his pro hockey skates, I’m out. But then he shows up at my symphony concert. And I catch the sweet strains of Dvorak floating across the hall... -
The Consolation Duet Books 1-2 by Corinne Michaels
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLiam wasn't supposed to be my happily ever after. He wasn't even on my radar. He was my husband's best friend-forbidden. But my husband died and I fell in love with Liam only to be left shattered into a million pieces. Again. I want him. I need him. I yearn for him, but he's gone. Now I have to decide if it's him I love or if he was just the consolation prize all along... -
Season for Love by Marie Force
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsHis idea of permanence is the VW van that takes him from one gig to the next. . . Owen Lawry has made a living as a traveling musician and enjoys his footloose and fancy free lifestyle... -
Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsTyler Maxwell's story will be released on January 18th.As the leagues’ top goalie for the Chicago Blades, I stay disciplined and follow three principles:1. Keep a pristine image.2. Play smart and hard on the ice.3. Stay out of relationships... -
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsPrepare to fall in love with MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland's treasured Hedgehog Hollow series. 'I loved my trip to Hedgehog Hollow. An emotional read, full of twists and turns' Heidi SwainCan love really be found when you stop looking for it...?As Samantha Wishaw watches the love of her life marry another woman, she’s ready to give up hope of finding her happy ever after...Categorized as:
friends to lovers small town office m-f contemporary death mature couple length-medium -
Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsOnce upon a time, I fell in love with a boy.A beautiful, broken boy who had his own world of struggles. People warned me against our love, but I didn't listen.We looked weak. Young, foolish. Dangerously in love. We didn't care.In order to keep our hearts protected from the opinions of others, we became each other’s secret. We shared stolen moments. Tender touches. Secretive embraces... -
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At the Edge with You: A Small Town Hockey Romance by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI never thought I’d see her again.Fable Winthrop was my only partner on the ice. I’d been the hockey player turned figure skater overnight, and she was the prim, proper ice princess who didn’t take my crap.I did everything to make her smile, I worked hard to get her the gold, and I loved every moment of it... -
Not a Strong Enough Word by Allie Samberts
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsScarlett Frye was once a literary genius. With two bestselling novels, a million-dollar book deal, and a love story of her own, she had it all—until the pressure broke her. Five years ago, she canceled her book tour, shredded her contract, and disappeared. She left everything behind, including Ryan Whitlock, the editor who believed in her… and the man she loved... -
In the Crease by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsJensen Monroe is a unicorn. As handsome as any model, as polite as can be, a goalie of unmatched skill, and the best friend anyone could ask for. But he longs for a particular special someone to make his life complete. He’s been in love with Wren since he was a teenager, but as his best friend’s sister, she’s always been off-limits...Categorized as:
sports pregnancy friends to lovers m-f hockey contemporary rich heroine siblings-bff -
Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo
Stella Brooks is a woman who knows what she wants. From her first glimpse of Paris Fashion Week at the tender age of eleven, she has only ever wanted to be a designer. Hardworking and dedicated, she knows she can make a success of it. Until…she is driven to trade fashion for frosting, a move that makes her soul sing but shakes her confidence in her decision-making to her core... -
Changing Lines by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsClaire and Jude Sinclair have been living the perfect life for the last ten years. Blissfully in love, professionally successful, happily married… They have everything they want—except a baby to make their family complete... -
Tacker by Sawyer Bennett
I am not okay. Fifteen months ago, my life was turned upside down when the plane I was piloting went down. Injured and trapped in the wreckage, I had to watch my fiancée die a painfully slow death, which is something that can really mess with your head. Since that day, I’ve had little desire to do much of anything. Except play hockey, that is... -
Path To Realization by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAsher Pryce hides behind a wall of secrets he's spent most of his life building up. How else is the adopted child whose birth parents run a drug cartel supposed to fit in? He's notorious for his overconfident swagger and total lack of patience for bullshit - a master of masks. The one thing in his life he can't fake? His feelings for his best friend's twin sister... -
Captive by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsTwo years ago, Jason and Kate Ryker were brought together by grief and bound to one another by love. Now married, they’re confronting their fears together. But heartbreak finds them again, and the ties that bind Kate and Ryke are tested as she struggles against fear and sadness. As a grief counselor, Kate understands all too well the pain of her clients... -
A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne chalet in the Smokies. Four loving families. While all the grandbabies are on Santa’s Nice List, a few of the adults are getting coal in their stockings. But no matter their status with the man in the red suit, Elli Adler will spoil each and every one of her favorite people with love and holiday cheer... -
Spiked by Love by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsAllison Titov and Asher Brooks have been best friends their whole lives. Brought up together as part of the Assassins family, they might as well be related. But... Ally has never felt anything sisterly toward Asher.In love with Asher since she was a teen, Ally has gone pro at keeping her feelings a secret. It’s been easy.. -
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I Want to Hold Your Hand by Marie Force
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsFor the Abbott siblings, the Green Mountain state has always been an idyllic place to call home... -
Wild Heart by Beth Ehemann
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFor Lawrence “Viper” Finkle, hockey isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life. Since the first time he stepped onto the ice at just eight years old, he knew what he was meant to do, and he does it well. When his career takes an unexpected hit, and his relationship is pushed to the breaking point, he’s left sidelined and wondering what his future holds... -
Juicy Rebound by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsChandler Moon’s career as a defensemen for the IceCats is on fire. However, his marriage has gone up in flames…literally. He’s resigned himself to the single life and being the best dog dad he can be, but he still holds out hope that one day he’ll find “The One.” So, imagine his surprise when he runs into “The One Who Got Away.” Amelia Justice. His best friend’s baby sister... -
The Chase is Over by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsYou are cordially invited to the wedding of Shelli Adler and Aiden Brooks…Shelli has been planning her wedding to Aiden in her scrapbook since she was old enough to wield a glue stick. And now that day has finally arrived... -
Affirmation by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThings are off, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. Some things, however, are the same. For example, the sex with Matt is just as nuclear and consistent as it always has been. Still… I feel like I’m holding onto Matt with my fingertips, like he’s on the verge of slipping away and I don’t know what to do... -
Irresistible Revenge by Amanda Bentley
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsYou’re going to think I’m a shitty person, and I can’t say I’d even blame you. But before you make a snap judgment, let me help you understand.You see, I slept with my coworker.Now, I know what you’re thinking. Okay…and?Well, I slept with my coworker, but I still had a boyfriend.“How could you?”“That is WRONG.”“(insert choice expletives here)!”I know.You’re right.It is... -
Second Time Around: Made for Loving You / When You Got a Good Thing / You Were Meant for Me by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSettle in for a major binge read of this collection of second chance romances!MADE FOR LOVING YOUWhen Paisley becomes the target of malicious harassment, the police have no suspects, no leads, no way to make her feel safe. As her stalker escalates, she turns to the one guy she knows can protect her...Categorized as:
friends to lovers pregnancy m-f contemporary anthologies super rich hero length-long -
Long Shot by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWelcome to Fort Lauderdale... where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter.Jace:I never expected to make it up to the big leagues. But now that I’m here, I’m never going back down. I will out-work, out-train, outdo every other guy on the Knights if that’s what it takes. Not even a shark attack will get in my way… but the sexy surfer chick who rescues me just might... -
Savor You by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIn the next sizzling romance in Kristen Proby's New York Times bestselling Fusion series, two celebrity chefs compete in a culinary competition, but resisting each other will prove to be the greater challenge. Cooking isn't what Mia Palazzo does, it's who she is. Food is her passion . . . her pride . . . her true love...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances pregnancy contemporary alpha male length-medium audiobook -
Chaos by E.J. Blaise
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLottie Jackson is not a good person.Reckless, bad-tempered, and perpetually mad at the world, she’s no stranger to making bad decisions. When the worst of them gets her kicked off her family’s ranch, it takes one just as bad to get her back.Except this time, she isn’t the resident grumpy little sister making a mess of her life—she’s the resident grumpy ranch hand fighting to get it back on track... -
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Face-Off at the Altar by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsMarkus Reeves is sucking. Big-time. Toiling away on a minor-league hockey team hundreds of miles away from home, he's watching his dreams of an NHL career fade away. Add in the lingering guilt he has over the dramatic demise of his relationship with college girlfriend, Mekena, and he's a mess on and off the ice. But the family of his heart, the Sinclairs, won't let Markus suffer any longer... -
HOLDING by Alexandria House
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsChildhood neighbors, enemies, best friends, lovers, enemies, Sires lineman Terrence Ford and his ex-wife, Krystle, have meant all these things to each other. Once believing their union was indestructible, they find themselves unhappily apart. Maybe what they see as an ending is really the beginning of a stronger bond and a deeper understanding of what love really is...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers m-f hockey black-mc contemporary love triangle length-short -
ICED by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOliver Ice, one of Boston University’s notorious hockey players, has been on my radar since I slammed into his rock-hard body during my first week of college, three years ago. He helped me to my feet, muttered an apology, and ran off after his girlfriend, dashing my hopes of a happily ever after. Now, he’s the bartender where I work, and this time, very much single... -
Mitigation by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsI’ve seen a new side to Matt Connover. He’s proven to me that there is something inside him other than icy control and masculine force. I’ve seen care… tenderness… even protectiveness. I’ve seen vulnerability. But Matt Connover’s issues run deep. I know Cal hurt him deeply, and he keeps himself protected because of that... -
STRIKE by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsA summer job. That’s all it was supposed to be. It never crossed my mind that I was about to collide with a man who would obliterate every plan I ever made. My mother has always warned me that love is like a lightning bolt and it strikes without warning. But I had no intention of getting struck by either lightning or love... -
Foul Play by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Phantoms are back with a vengeance… and the City of Angels will never be the same. When the world's top supermodel’s friend zones you, what's a determined hockey player supposed to do? Change her mind. But it’ll take more than a trick play to convince her. Cheyenne is more than a stunning beauty; she's a part of my life, my bed, and now my heart... -
Van by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTemptation could destroy everything he’d spent his career building…Professional hockey player Jean-Michel Vander is living the dream…. And the Las Vegas strip is a long way from the small town in Quebec where he grew up. He works hard but he plays harder, especially in the off-season. The sexy redhead he spots doing a striptease in a Paris nightclub is all kinds of fun...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hockey friends-benefits contemporary new adult length-medium -
The Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDiscover the series that led Violet Duke to rave, “Sawyer Bennett never fails to deliver heroes I fall hard for and heroines I adore.” Featuring the chiseled bad boys of the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team, these electrifying romances are melting hearts, one reader at a time... -
Hot Shot by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to Fort Lauderdale—where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter.Wolf:I’ve been in love with the same girl since we were seventeen. Back before our careers took off and pulled us away from one another. No amount of fame, money, or puck bunnies could ever replace Scarlett. But she has a mind of her own, and dreams that don’t include me...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers pregnancy hockey contemporary alpha male athletes length-medium -
Blizzard by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAn arctic blast is coming… Fleeing to the wintry town of Caribou was always meant to be temporary, BearPaw Resort just a place to hide. Never in a million years did I expect that running back to the past would bring me face to face with my future. But it did, and now everyone I love is in danger. I’ve already escaped death three times, and I know my luck is running out... -
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Smokeshow by Raine Miller
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBe "just friends" with a smokeshow like her? That's pretty much a p#cking impossible ask.—Tyler Lockhardt, VEGAS CRUSHI'm just over here minding my business playing hockey for the Crush when the SMOKESHOW of my dreams turns up and seriously rocks my world.For real.Beautiful, smart, and so incredibly sweet I cannot help myself from wanting to get to know her a whole lot better... -
Slammed by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNot every goalie plays it safe... As a publicist for the San Francisco Thunder hockey team, Dixie Braddock is too busy rescuing the players from trouble to get into any of her own. Except, of course, when it comes to the super hot new goalie... -
That One Touch by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHe’s a single dad. The father of her student. And the chemistry is off the charts… After an accident ends her big city ballet career, Cassie Simons is ready for a brand new start, moving to a small town to help run her best friend’s dancing school. From the moment she meets her new students she knows she’s made the right choice... -
Winning Whitney by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHot shot hockey player Jake Curruthers has a plan – focus on his game and avoid distractions. He's succeeding at the first. The Alaska Blizzard has been on the upswing lately, but his focus shifts when the heart-stopping blonde from his past shows up in Anchorage. Yeah, his head is definitely not in the game anymore... -
Chance Encounters by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThere are three kinds of nerdy women in the world. - The Sexy Nerd - The Confident Nerd; and - The So-Socially-Awkward-it’s-Painful-to-Watch Nerd. You can probably guess which one I am. After witnessing me making a fool of myself, Chance Hoffman decided to take pity on me. He’s smart, sexy, charming, and totally out of my league… and for some unexplainable reason, he wants to help me... -
Forget Me Not by Brenda Jackson
Brenda Jackson welcomes you back to Catalina Cove, where love is waiting to be reclaimed…Ashley Ryan never doubted that her husband, Devon, was the love of her life. Even now, three years after Devon died in a car wreck while on a business trip, Ashley can’t bring herself to move on...
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