Books like 'Hero'
Readers who enjoyed Hero by Lauren Rowe also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny single-mother insta-love men in uniform alpha male multicultural secret-relationship forbidden love independent heroine
-
Scenes from the Hallway by Penny Reid
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsYou know who I am. I swear too much, I crack too many jokes, and I got a thing for Kat Tanner; a messy thing, a distracting thing, a getting-in-the-way-of-everything thing; a thing that makes being in the same room with the woman torture. Sometimes it's the good kind. Mostly, it's not. What you don't know is how it all started... -
Stone Cold Kiwi by Rosalind James
Let's inventory, shall we? State of my professional life: Brilliant, if counted in terms of sales of eight Poppy Cantwell children's books starring my often-confused blue hippo, Hazel; the very substantial proceeds from selling my Kiwi Adventures New Zealand glamping business; and any number of glossy magazine articles about my charmed existence...Categorized as:
multicultural competent heroine single-mother curvy heroine sunny hero sweet-hero m-f caretaking -
Colton by Jenna Myles
Love men who fall first? Like strong curvy heroines? How about I throw in a high rise full of billionaires and a hero with some serious golden retriever energy?Evie did the right thing, she saved a life, and it cost her almost everything. I'm going to make damn sure she's made whole again.So I've been carrying her picture around with me for a couple of months... -
Inferno by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsStone Gallo has lived life like every day is a party. No attachments, no responsibilities, and absolutely no falling in love. He spent his days at Inked and his nights wherever he pleased. But when Stone rescues a beautiful woman in need, his entire world gets turned upside down, and he’ll never be the same.Opal hasn’t had much luck in life. No family, no friends, and absolutely no love...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers sweet heroine insta-love contemporary suspense humor length-medium -
-
Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen
“No one does banter, humor, or spice as magnificently as Danielle Allen! She’s one of the most unique, sizzling voices in romance, and I am obsessed with the way she combines sexual tension, comedy and truly empowering stories..Categorized as:
black-mc multicultural office secret-relationship curvy heroine independent heroine m-f praise-kink -
Just a Little Secret by Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde
He’s not just a bachelor up for auction …He’s her sexy birthday gift for the weekend.But will she be able to forgive him when she finds out he’s hiding more than a little secret?Georgia Brooks had no intention of bidding on a bachelor at the charity auction, but her sister has other ideas and gifts her with a man for her birthday weekend. But not just any man . . . Drew Daniels...Categorized as:
forbidden love office sweet heroine friends to lovers insta-love alpha male m-f contemporary -
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... -
Katy, My Impact by Danielle Norman
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThey always say that two wrongs don’t make a right...Well, she was wrong for breaking into a house that didn’t belong to her; even if she and her daughter had nowhere else to go.And, I was wrong for watching her on the surveillance camera as she moved through the house and climbed into bed.So I offered her a job and a home. Her smile…Her curves…Wrong has never felt so right... -
Van by Melanie Moreland
Vince Morrison, known to most people as Van. Good with his hands, be it crafting a piece of wood, playing his guitar, or pleasing a lover—he excels at them all. Friendly, flirty, and talented, he’s cool under pressure, and hot everywhere else. But he keeps his heart closed, even as his interest and emotions are tested. Olivia Rourke works alongside him at BAM... -
This is Dangerous by Kennedy Fox
Logan Knight is a real life knight in shining armor. A detective godsend in a sleek black suit has me thinking less than secretive thoughts. Brooding and mysterious, he’s the kind of guy every girl instantly notices. Between his seductive smirk and charming good looks, it’s no wonder I can’t help the way he makes me feel whenever I’m near him. Too bad he’s unavailable—or so he says... -
Mail Order Groom II by A.N. Boyden
Life for Zane and Nina is going better than expected. The couple symbolically ties the knot on Zane's former eviction date and discovers a few months later that they are expecting Zane Jr. The nursery is outfitted, the maternity photos are framed, the baby shower invitations are in the mail, and the couple is looking forward to the future. However, life rarely goes as planned.Zane Jr... -
Sealed With A Kiss by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat’s a girl to do when her celebrity crush needs her to be his fake girlfriend?Keep her damned feelings to herself, of course. Child TV star turned adult wallflower Naomi LeClaire has vowed never to return to the spotlight.But when she’s stuck in a storm with Donovan Foster, the hot, charming, wild-life rescuing internet sensation, and she finally gives in and kisses him..Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers secret-relationship black-mc bwwm m-f contemporary humor -
The One I Love by Chelle Sloan
A Sexy, Friends to Lovers, Secret Relationship, Small-Town Romance by bestselling author Chelle Sloan.I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved my childhood best friend, Amelia.Her big brown eyes and beautiful smile have had a hold on me since we were teenagers.Hell, I even love her kids as if they were my own.Now, she’s divorced, and after twenty years, it’s time to make my move... -
The Bravest Hero by Twyla Turner
He's a hero who needs saving... Royal King is the motorcycle-riding rocker chick of the Curvy Girls Club, who stopped caring about what other people think long ago. McKennon 'The Mack' Carter is a firefighter and fitness model, whose life revolves around trying to be perfect for everyone. One night on a dark freeway, their lives collide... -
-
The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini
How many weddings does it take to fall in love?One year ago, Amelie had it all.Almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant: her life was exactly what she’d ordered.Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, popped up out of nowhere and proved she might like something off menu.***One year later, Amelie has lost it all... -
The Last Sad Love Song by Kimberly Brown
“When wounds are healed by love, the scars are beautiful.” —David BowlesCalliope “Callie” Palmer is one year fresh out of a relationship with a heartbreaking end. Since she decided to focus on herself and her bakery, the last thing Callie was looking for again was love. When her best friend recruited her for a photoshoot with her fiancé, Callie had a feeling she was being set up...Categorized as:
m-f insta-love black-mc independent heroine sweet-hero length-short contemporary humor -
Zane's Rebel by Loni Nichole
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFor once in his life, this strait-laced attorney is ready to throw caution to the wind. Too bad his sassy, rebellious soulmate refuses to take the risk.ZaneI take on the sassy-mouthed heiress’s case because she needs a good defense. She’s being sued by her father’s former business partner, who wants to destroy her. The odds in this small-town are stacked against her...Categorized as:
friends to lovers alpha male curvy heroine m-f contemporary humor virgin heroine length-novella -
Slow Burn by Blue Saffire
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHush 2: Slow Burn Book 2 in Series Shannon’s whole world changed seven months ago. She has never felt more lost. All the insecurities she has grown up with and tried to hide are roaring to the forefront as she feels like her identity has been rubbed from her. Luca knows he is making a mistake. He is running from his future because of his past... -
Love Me by Tiffany Patterson
“...give me three months.” “Three months for what?” “To make you love me.”For years I’ve withheld my feelings for my best friend, Monique. After dating losers, she needs a man who’s docile, safe … a nice guy. I’ve never been that. When we were younger, I couldn’t control my temper when it came to keeping her safe. My loss of control forced the only woman I loved to move hundreds of miles away... -
This is Beautiful: Logan & Kayla, #2 by Kennedy Fox
Kayla Sinclair is a saint and real life Angel. She wears her heart on her sleeve and inspires me to be a better person. Rescuing dogs, feeding the homeless, volunteering at the local food pantry are just a few of the ways she gives back to others, although no one has ever been there for her. Falling for her was inevitable, losing her will destroy me... -
Boone by Sawyer Bennett
Boone Rivers uses his fame and fortune as a professional hockey player to his advantage, but not in the way most people would think. Volunteering as often as his busy schedule will allow, Boone meets one brave young boy who turns his world upside down.As a first-line right winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, I thrive on the thrill of the game... -
Sweet Destiny by K.C. Lynn
RecipeIngredientsThree cups of a long-standing rivalry between two families and a wedding that will force them all under one roof.Two tablespoons of a bride and a groom whose love is put to the test when they find themselves caught in the middle.A slice of a secret that will change the course of their lives forever.A pinch of fate.A dash of friendship.A sprinkle of seduction...Categorized as:
alpha male m-f sweet heroine competent heroine possessive hero sweet-hero humor contemporary -
Holding on to Chaos by Lucy Score
“I want to be upfront with you. No surprises, no secrets. I want you, Eva. And I think you might be it for me.” Eva is a hot mess running from her past and doesn’t mind telling a fib or two to protect her secrets. It’s too bad that she moved to the nosiest small town in the world with Sheriff Sexy—the tall, built human lie detector...Categorized as:
insta-love men in uniform possessive hero m-f sweet-hero tortured heroine humor contemporary -
Love, Delivered by A.N. Boyden
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo years ago, Noah Porter would have been described by his closest family and friends as charismatic, outgoing, the life of the party, and a social butterfly. That all changed when Noah became the victim of a mass shooting at a popular nightclub. Noah escaped with his life, but his two best friends weren't so lucky.Noah now suffers from PTSD, agoraphobia, anxiety, and depression... -
-
Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy Bwwm Holiday Romance) by Kenya Wright
This is A Christmas Carol with an erotic romantic twist.Bestselling author Kenya Wright is heating the holidays up with a steamy standalone novel full of magic. _______________Leaning forward, Saint put his mouth close to mine. “Your kisses are my favorite part of Christmas. My favorite part of you.”“Why?” I whispered.“Because they’re the first door to your body...Categorized as:
multicultural black-mc bwwm curvy heroine alpha male possessive hero humor contemporary -
Stella & Nine by Kennedy B.
Stella is inches away from the title of lonely cat lady. What’s even more tragic is she doesn’t realize she’s lonely until a concussion and a tow truck driver inserts himself into her life.Nine is mean, callous, and short tempered…until he meets a woman who he can’t seem to stay away from.Sugar cookies and synergy seal their fate, creating the perfect recipe for the perfect mismatched pair...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f caretaking insta-love praise-kink competent heroine independent heroine sweet heroine -
Charming CEO by Lila Monroe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"He's the bane of my existence... and my brother's best friend!" Fall for a new trope-tactic off-limits rom-com book from USA Today bestselling author, Lila Monroe! Flynn McCord is ruggedly charming, impossibly annoying, and… my brother’s best friend. He’s been driving me crazy as long as I can remember - and not even in a sexy, fun ‘oh my god, don’t stop’ kind of way... -
Bargaining with the Librarian: BWWM Enemies to Lovers by A.R. Williams
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJasper Stockton did the unimaginable and slept with his daughter-in-law’s mother, Gayle Turner, whom he dubbed “the red dragon.” From the moment he met her, she drove his blood pressure through the roof, aggravated him repeatedly, and made him want to gag her holier-than-thou mouth on several occasions... -
Madly Yours by Nichole Rose
He's hot, bossy…and loves to snuggle?? How did hiring a bodyguard turn into the craziest adventure of this curvy girl's life?Zion CarmichaelGuarding a social media model was not on my agenda.Then again, neither was losing half my hearing in a bomb blast five years ago.Fate has a way of doing what it wants in my life. I just roll with the punches... -
In Her Jam Jar by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRevenge is best served cold, but Weston is smoking hot!Bullies never get what’s coming to them. Instead they lead charmed lives while their victims continue to spiral into an anxious ball of junk food and wine fueled self-care. No just me?Probably because I had to move back to my small home town with only broke and reeking of failure... -
Can't Resist Him by Molly McLain, Sommer Stein
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 12 ratings*** SPECIAL PRE-ORDER PRICE OF $2.99!*** Sometimes what you want and what you need are two very different things. Always relegated to the "friends with benefits" corner of small town River Bend, Jenny Riley is done giving the milk for free. Falling hard for a bad boy? Not in the plan, either. Sexy, emotionally-wounded Marine Reservist Brody Nelson just needs someone to lend an ear... -
Kissing A Stranger by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDeckerIf you ask my family, I’m wasting my life. If you ask me, I’m living it to the fullest. Am I capable of doing more? Absolutely. However, slinging drinks at the resort makes me happy. At least for now. Not that my family would understand.It’s just another night behind the bar, until it isn’t. She’s everything I never knew I wanted wrapped up in one breathtaking package... -
Love Letters to Christmas by Camilla Evergreen
He's the best mail lead around, and I'm just his childhood friend turned roommate...I've spent my life battling to manage my parents' impossible expectations and trying to catch the eye of Brian Single, a man whose head only turns for mail...Categorized as:
office friends to lovers m-f insta-love sweet heroine tortured heroine sweet-hero sunny hero -
The Bloody Prince by Edwina Darke
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShould your true love drive you crazy?Katie Warray knows that heroes rarely live up to expectations. Especially not the charming, roguishly handsome, thriller writer she’s had a crush on since she was a teenager. It’s disappointing that Tristan Prince turns out to be more frog than fairytale. But Katie doesn’t have to like the man to be his new editor.Tristan Prince doesn’t take much seriously... -
-
Mollify by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsDean "Mr. O" Kellar has been following closely in the footsteps of his famous adopted father for years, but when Megan Davis pops back into his life suddenly he starts following him in a new light. She was the girl who saved Dean when they were children and the girl he needs to save now... -
Saving Zane by Kaci Rose
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe's fighting the silence; she's painting his world with color again.ZaneBattled, broken, and branded by war, I came to Oakside seeking refuge, not redemption.The blast took my hearing and tossed my world into silence.Now I’m a grizzled former Navy SEAL battling with my demons and the silence of my world, until I stumble upon Carlee... -
AWOL: Absent Without Love by Charity Shane
When you are handed a life line you grasp it tightly. For seventeen years, the Army has been Nakara Dakota Willer’s saving grace. Dakota has excelled, ranked and changed her life for the better. As a decorated Chief Aviation Officer, she encompasses the skillsets and fortitude to handle any challenges, except, Him.Omari Kreed is legacy...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f forbidden love hurt-comfort insta-love secret-relationship praise-kink office -
Lunchtime Chronicles: Spice Cake by Keta Kendric
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRenata: My sweet personality is one of my best attributes. At least, that’s what I thought until my friends staged an intervention on my behalf and demanded I attend racial sensitivity training. What? The suggestion filled me with special, individually wrapped curse words for each of them…until I met Rook. Rook: My caring and unselfish ways were often complimented... -
Tease by Camilla Stevens
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“Hello, neighbor. Going down?” Miss PinkThat’s what I call her.Her “real” name is too ridiculous to repeat.Besides, my nickname for her is more than apt. Everything about her is pink, from the pink champagne she gets delivered by the caseload, to the tiny pink feathers I find randomly breezing down the hallway of our apartment building in her wake.It’s ridiculous…in the most addictive way... -
WRAPPED by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Following a painful divorce, all pastry chef Shae Kenney wants for Christmas is one good date that doesn’t end in disaster. When Aidan Meyer, a smoking hot hunk from her past, matches with her on a dating app, Shae asks Santa for the strength not to screw it up...Categorized as:
multicultural bwwm curvy heroine black-mc friends to lovers sweet heroine sunny hero m-f -
Just My Type by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsLive in the best small town in the world? Check. Have the greatest job ever working on my family's pumpkin farm? Check. Marry the town pharmacist and have a nice, quiet life with our son? Check-check. "Oh, I'm sorry...Categorized as:
friends to lovers insta-love single-mother m-f humor contemporary cold hero length-short -
Thick by Scott Hildreth
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBOBBI - Tate Reynolds was muscular, tattooed, and handsome. Seeing beyond his physical attributes allowed me to understand that the man beneath all the muscles was a compassionate, kind, and understanding romantic. I wanted him so bad I could taste it. There was only one real problem. He was an inmate in prison. And, I was a prison guard. TATE - Bobbi Madden was gorgeous... -
Her Fake Date for Christmas by Hailey Shore
What do you do when the dates are fake but the feelings are real? Hope for a Christmas Miracle…Almost everyone in Calico Cove knows how I feel about Mari…well, except for Mari. Truth is, I’ve had a serious crush on her since high school but I’ve been friend-zoned... -
Sweet, Sexy Heart by Melissa Foster
Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster's writing and see why millions of readers have fallen in love with the fiercely loyal and sassily sexy characters in the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. All Love in Bloom books can be enjoyed as stand-alone novels or as part of the larger series.In SWEET, SEXY HEART.. -
-
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... -
Hard Knock Hero by Hannah Shield
He's nobody's hero...except hers.Out of all the diners in all the small towns, he had to walk into mine.Aiden Shelborne has left his Army days long behind. He’s out of the warrior business. And he never meant to stop in Hartley, Colorado at all. But when trouble comes for a woman he’s just met, he finds himself stepping in.Jessi Novo didn’t ask Aiden to play her savior... -
The Ex Effect by Karla Sorensen
The headline could write itself: Matthew Hawkins, star defensive end, comes out of retirement to play for the Washington Wolves. Which is perfectly fine by Ava Baker—it makes her job as publicist for the team easier. There’s only two problems. This particular football player was her first crush. The bigger problem: Matthew Hawkins was once engaged to her older sister...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forbidden love office secret-relationship m-f sports humor contemporary -
Misconception by Julia Wolf
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI know rock stars. I grew up in the business, and now I make a living managing their tours. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.Lots and lots of ugly.All that ugly is why I’ve sworn off dating rockers, but sleeping with them, well...I’ve been known to make the occasional exception.One sultry night in Vegas, Mo Aronson, lead singer of Unrequited, becomes one of those exceptions...Categorized as:
multicultural secret-relationship m-f contemporary humor age difference length-medium -
Whiskey Kisses by Lena Hampton
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCountry music’s bad boy falls for a straight laced plus sized accountant.Wilder Mann is accustomed to sneaking out on groupies before they wake up, not chasing them down the hotel hall barefoot in his boxers to keep them from leaving with a part of his heart. Then again, Serenity is no groupie. She’s not even a fan...Categorized as:
multicultural curvy heroine black-mc bwwm humor african-american contemporary length-short -
On Ice by Stella Stevenson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last thing Quinn Cooper needs is romance. Between her job and her dad’s diagnosis, she doesn’t have any extra time or need any added stress. She doesn’t have time for a hockey game either, but a favor finds her sitting in the stands as The Arctic takes the ice. Of course she’d end up sitting next to a man she can’t ignore, even if he’s cheering for the wrong team...
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.

