Books like 'The Best Kept Secret'
Readers who enjoyed The Best Kept Secret by Tawna Fenske also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny friends to lovers second chances single-father
-
The Beard Made Me Do It by Lani Lynn Vale
He’s only a friend. Those words had haunted him from the moment Jessie James had heard them muttered from the one girl, above all others, that he thought had his back. Sixteen years later, he still feels those words like a brand on his soul... -
F*ck It by C.M. Owens, S.M. Shade
What’s a woman supposed to do after watching her cheating ex's wedding implode?Apparently, the answer is get fired.And evicted.And move to another state to start over as an independent woman who would rather stick her tit in a beehive than get into another relationship.It’s fine. Really.The only thing messing with my new, badass single girl life is an encounter with my childhood crush... -
Love Notes & Lifelines by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThe job was simple. Always answer the phone—no exceptions—then solve the caller’s catastrophe as efficiently as possible.The rules were simpler. They contact you, not the other way around. Never give them your real name, number, or any personal information not required to help a newly single dad keep his head above water.And never, ever get involved with a caller... -
The Night by May Archer
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsOne night in Vegas I gave him my heart… one day later, he broke it. Look, I’ve never claimed to be a nice guy. I don’t do pretty words, I don’t give polite smiles, and I refuse to be sucked into the sappy bucket of sentimentality that is Christmas in small-town O’Leary. Smiling neighbors, overly decorated trees, a town parade, a Santa contest ? Ho ho no...Categorized as:
single-father second chances m-m humor firefighter christmas contemporary insta-love -
-
Time by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid A (brokenhearted) physicist. Now an infamous (who is LITERALLY EVERYWHERE!! UGH!) musician. The worst has already happened. Mona has learned that she has nothing figured out and plans are meaningless. After leaving her in Aspen, Abram is now breaking sales-records, rising to rock star fame almost overnight. Mona can’t seem to escape him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances humor new adult contemporary m-f sweet heroine dual-pov -
Once Upon a Wild Fling by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThere are a million reasons why Miles Hart isn't the man I should date but allow me to enumerate the top three. He's friends with my brother, he's a single dad, and he's a sexy, in-demand rock star. He might as well wear an off-limits, totally unavailable, and don’t-even-attempt-to-ride-this-ride sign. And there’s one more, little itty-bitty thing -- he's never asked me on a date...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-father humor contemporary new adult male-pov dual-pov siblings-bff -
Crave by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsHadley Jacobs is over Machlan Gibson. Sure, she’ll always be a little weak to the dimple in his right cheek and the way his five o’clock shadow makes him ruggedly handsome. But that’s not enough to cover every other thing about him because they all drive her nuts. Like how he won’t admit he’s wrong even when he knows it and how he drives his stupid car a million miles an hour on wet asphalt...Categorized as:
second chances friends to lovers christian humor contemporary new adult siblings-bff length-medium -
Late Nights & Love Lines by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe job was simple. Answer the phone, solve the single dad's dilemma, and move on.I'm the temporary solution.The fill-in.The short-term Single Dad Hotline Helper until a more suitable one can be found.I don't get attached, I don't stick around, and I certainly don't fall for the single dad.Until the job said, "Hold my beer," and tipped my world upside down... -
Scarlett and the Big Bad Billionaire by Tru Taylor
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn my expert opinion, every woman who’s been left at the altar should follow up that singularly humiliating experience by spending a week in paradise with a totally inappropriate—and totally sexy—stranger.Even better if you meet him at the bar of the resort hotel where your destination wedding and honeymoon were supposed to take place... -
Inflame by Tessa Teevan
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsEasy going soldier Kale Montgomery, a self-proclaimed ladies man, has no plans of settling down, especially not with his best friend- the sexy, sassy schoolteacher Lucy Dawson. Their relationship, though unconventional, is mutually beneficial, and they wouldn't have it any other way...Categorized as:
second chances friends to lovers humor military contemporary alpha male men in uniform pregnancy -
This is Dangerous by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLogan 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... -
Patty's Potent Potion by Robin Alexander
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Shawna Haydel was sixteen years old, she dropped Ashton Guidry’s name into a potion that would supposedly make Ashton fall in love with her. She knew it was silly, but she clung to one irrational thread of hope their friend Patty’s concoction would grant her heart’s desire... -
Without You by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTuckerI spend my days brewing beer for the popular Brew Crüe Beer Company and my nights devoted to being a dad. Raising a young child with special needs can be tough and stressful, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. He’s everything to me, and the reason I keep going. It’s him and me against the world, and I have no intention of changing that.Then, Kinsley McGregor walks back into my life... -
Reputation by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsCoy Mason is a jerk.If there is one truth that Bellamy Davenport knows, it’s that. Hands-down. (Well, that and the fact that she didn’t mean to hurt him. Physically. Coy can’t be hurt emotionally because he doesn’t have a heart.)Coy is not just the small-town, literal boy-next-door... -
-
Just One Tease by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s the last single Dare sibling standing.She’s his lost love who disappeared.Now she’s back, bringing secrets and danger. Hadley Stevens is on the run with her younger sister—again—but this time, she’s in control. Zach Dare might hate her, but she knows he’d never turn away someone in need. He’s the only man she trusts. The man she’s never gotten over. Even if she left him without a word... -
Second Chance by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsAnother romance for the over 40. Can one sexy silver fox face the woman he once left behind but never let go? Her. A widow at forty-four, her husband left her a letter. Contact Denton. Once upon a time, the three of them had been best friends. Mati Rath isn’t sure she should look back. Her heart isn’t ready, or so she thinks. Him. A pleading phone call forces him to make a decision... -
Christmas at Valentine Inn by Jennifer Peel
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWith a name like Isabelle Valentine, one would think I was destined to find true love and believe in the ridiculous notion of soul mates. Don’t get me wrong: I’m all about love. I even own an inn with my sister where each room is named after our favorite romantic couples. But soul mates? It seems highly implausible there is that one person, your person, meant only for you... -
Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley
He’ll break all her rulesNora Lakes is sophisticated, successful, and happily single. Career problems aside, her life is fine the way it is, thank you very much. Sure, her best friends are all moving into a new season of life—full of husbands and babies and white picket fences. But that’s not what Nora wants. Neither is the gruff, tattooed guy next door. Tattoo artist Dex St... -
Finding Faith by Bridget E. Baker, B.E. Baker
★ Like mother, like daughter? Mary sure hopes not. ★Two decades ago, Mary's mom walked out. A few days later, her dad started drinking. He never stopped. Mary swore off alcohol. She also decided she'd never have kids, just in case she took after her parents.A year ago, Mary's boyfriend dumped her because she didn't want to have any children... -
Knocked Down by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsGriffinAfter years of struggling as a single father to make ends meet, I’m finally content.Until my son and I are barreled over by a puppy and its gorgeous owner.The dog knocks my son down-literally-while the woman knocks me down-figuratively. With her adorable accent and her taco-loving t-shirt, she has me reevaluating my life and wondering how content I really am.AvaNo-strings.Simple fun... -
Forever Red by Carina Adams
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsNot afraid to speak his mind or make a scene, Nathaniel Kelly has made a name for himself as country music’s ultimate bad boy. Covered in tattoos, singing songs about drugs, drinking and heartache, Nate acts more like an out of control rock star than the grandson of one of the genres most influential and legendary stars. Every man wants to be him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances humor contemporary musicians alpha male angst bad boys -
This is Beautiful: Logan & Kayla, #2 by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsKayla 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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-father humor new adult contemporary alpha male length-short -
Cabin Fever with My First Flame by Madison Love
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI'm a chef who can handle the heat. He's a firefighter that can douse a flame. But when sparks reignite between us and old fires begin to burn, dialing 9-1-1 is the last thing on my mind.After my divorce, I got the better end of the deal with three sassy daughters, my food truck, and what was left in the bank account...Categorized as:
single-father friends to lovers christmas christian humor betrayal single-mother contemporary -
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... -
-
Love You More by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsColleen Luview's love life is cursed. No—really. The small-town nurse is notorious in her touristy mountain community. After every third date she's ever had, the guy ends up in her emergency room.She's untouchable now, and it's not her fault...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-father small town humor contemporary forced proximity length-long usa -
Her Delta Force Protector by Sandra Owens
Everyone thinks Harper Jansen is dead.She is not, and she wants her life back.When Harper—very much alive but terrified—calls Kade Church, he does what is programmed in his DNA: he protects. Delta Force operator Kade and Duke, his military K-9 school flunker, have the skills to keep Harper safe...Categorized as:
second chances friends to lovers suspense contemporary military humor mystery open-door -
The One I Want by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs a professional football player, I had a playbook for everything on the field. Then I retired and found out there’s no playbook for life—especially when the one you thought was perfect gets flipped upside down. There’s no play for suddenly becoming a divorced, single dad. There’s no plan for moving your family back to the town you grew up in...Categorized as:
single-father friends to lovers sports age difference contemporary humor office forced proximity -
Watch and Learn by Rebel Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNateAll I wanted to do was be me, for one night. I didn’t want to be the number one quarterback in the league. I just wanted to be Nate. I couldn’t tell you exactly what made me stop at that dive bar on the outskirts of town, but it changed my life.Our connection was instant and undeniable. Our night together was explosive, which led to another, and then another. No strings...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances sports contemporary humor friends-benefits new adult length-medium -
Summer Hate by Melissa Ivers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe was the last person I wanted to see on my girls trip, let alone share a room with.Donovan Fitzroy is grumpy. Irritable. Annoyingly perfect. And as handsome as he is uptight. He’s also my best friend’s older brother.My bestie promised me a relaxing week at her family owned resort, but when I got there all I got was an apologetic phone call and a promise that her brother would take care of me... -
Uncomplicated Choices by Cara Dee
When life gave you lemons, you learned who stayed and made lemonade with you. Or something to that effect. And the day Ellis Hayes kidnapped me—or, he borrowed a yacht and didn’t know I was on board—he'd definitely been handed too many lemons. We faced a dilemma when I woke up hungover in the middle of the ocean...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-father humor m-m age difference contemporary queer queer-awakening -
Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWelcome to the Circus is a brand-new series that centers around a family that owns a circus, 6 sisters and one brother. This is book 1 featuring Val & Felix...Categorized as:
single-father friends to lovers contemporary suspense humor athletes insta-love sports -
No Strings by Nikki Ash
From USA Today Bestselling Author Nikki Ash comes a brand new, contemporary, stand-alone romance about a single dad who thinks he has everything figured out... until he meets her.SavannahA sexy, single dad and his teenage son weren’t a part of my white picket fence fairy tale, but if life has taught me anything, it’s that things don’t always work out according to plan... -
50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover by Kelly Siskind
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom Kelly Siskind comes a slow-burn romantic comedy about one man’s creative attempt to win back his high school sweetheart after a change in fortune gives them a second chance at love.Growing up, I had it all—my art, close friends, a gorgeous girlfriend who owned my heart—but then my life exploded.Turns out my father was laundering money, and my whole family got shoved into witness protection... -
Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins
One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back. Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges... -
-
After All by Kristen Proby
The last sizzling novel in Kristen Proby's Romancing Manhattan series finds a widower falling deeply in love again with a woman who has scars of her own. When Carter Shaw’s wife died five years ago, he was left to pick up the pieces not only of his own broken heart but also that of his devastated eight-year-old daughter, Gabby—leaving him with no time for anything else, let alone dating...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances humor contemporary pregnancy open-door length-medium -
My Scorned Best Friend by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsXavier and Clara kissing in a tree…When your best friend growing up is a girl, that’s the song your classmates taunt you with over and over again. But it was never like that… until now.It’s always been Clara and me. She’s the only one who truly knows me. After I was drafted into the NFL and ended up the starting quarterback for the San Francisco Kingsmen, I begged her to come with me...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances sports contemporary humor from hate to love sassy heroine athletes -
After All by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe last sizzling novel in Kristen Proby's Romancing Manhattan series finds a widower falling deeply in love again with a woman who has scars of her own. When Carter Shaw’s wife died five years ago, he was left to pick up the pieces not only of his own broken heart but also that of his devastated eight-year-old daughter, Gabby—leaving him with no time for anything else, let alone dating...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances single-father contemporary humor new adult pregnancy length-medium -
My Sister's Flirty Friend by Piper Rayne
I broke the cardinal rule and slept with my sister’s best friend.Granted, I’d just found out that I was now a single father to a three-year-old little girl and was low on willpower.It should also be noted that there’s been sexual tension between us for years. There’s no way it would be a surprise if anyone in our small town found out. That is if we were telling people, which we’re not... -
The Heart Remembers: a friends to lovers romance by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAn alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.Our history had been defined by kisses.The one he stole from me at 17.The one I gave to him at 20.The one we shared when I was 27 changed the course of everything.I’d had a crush on Levi Walker my entire life, but he always saw me as a child. A little girl running around the yard, dancing under sprinklers, and dreaming of princes... -
Once Again at the Falls by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn one day, London Walsh finds out her ex is going to be her boss and that her parents are getting a divorce—and they want her to referee the situation. So when she’s offered the chance to spend the holidays in her old hometown of Christmas Falls, far away from all the drama, she jumps on it. But the quaint town doesn’t feel quite like the home it once was... -
Christmas With a Crank: A Sweet Holiday Romance by Courtney Walsh
A second chance with your first crush.Doesn’t happen often.For Liam Fisher, that first crush was his next door neighbor, Olive Witherby.Childhood was lazy summers, treehouse stargazing, and endless games of hide and seek at Pine Creek, the Christmas tree farm that’s been in Liam’s family for generations... -
The Friendship Pact by Jill Shalvis
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a powerful, moving story about a young woman on a quest to find the truth about her father who learns the meaning of true love along the way... -
How the Light Gets In by L.H. Cosway
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsHe came back to me 16 minutes and 59 seconds into Beethoven’s Symphony no. 7. We parted amid tragedy, so it seemed poetic. Dylan O’Dea, my childhood sweetheart, had once meant everything to me. Now we were strangers, and honestly, after eleven years I never thought I’d see him again. I lived in the world of the average, of getting paid by the hour and budgeting to make ends meet...Categorized as:
second chances friends to lovers humor new adult contemporary poor heroine length-short -
Rules of Engagement: A Single Dad Romance by Mika Jolie
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRule #1: Don’t fall in love. As a single dad, my life revolves around my daughter. No complaints…until my ex-wife forces my hand over custody. I needed a cover story. In steps Katharine Morello. My best friend’s sister is ready and willing to be my fake fiancée. Overnight we’re engaged. A temporary arrangement. No sex. No strings attached. No complications... -
-
Not A Player by R.C. Stephens
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLilianaHooking up with an annoyingly handsome stranger on vacation isn't the best idea, but I could use a little bit of careless fun before my fresh start.We said no last names, no strings. With law school on the line, it’s all I can offer. I just don’t expect everything to feel so easy— or so right. Too bad I’ll never see him again...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances new adult humor sports insta-love contemporary forced proximity -
Right Guy, Wrong Word by Jewel E. Ann
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsDo books have souls?Anna Black has the perfect novel choice for her book club. She also has a sexy new neighbor who jumps at the opportunity to join fellow bookworms in discussing her pick for their summer read. It’s lust at first sight and the marriage of two literary souls...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances contemporary humor sassy heroine angst dual-pov length-medium -
Flopper by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Vegas Venom turn up the heat in this brand new standalone hockey romance series from USA Today Bestselling Author Colleen Charles!As one of the top goalies in hockey I live a sweet Vegas lifestyle: VIP treatment at all the hottest spots in town – ushered past every velvet rope – and all the puck bunnies I can handle...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-father sports humor new adult insta-love contemporary bikers -
Red, White, & Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWyatt Landry is back in town...for one night only. At least, that's the plan. In spite of the big Fourth of July party, and his cousin’s plan to set him up with a friend of hers, and how much he wishes things could be the way they used to be.But they're not. And he's hitting the road as soon as the sun sets.Until he sees her. The woman in the red dress...Categorized as:
second chances friends to lovers contemporary military humor insta-love dual-pov length-novella -
The Rest of Forever by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDoes love stand a chance between two very different long-time friends? Mike Dombruso’s life is anything but glamorous. He’s a shy, nerdy accountant and a widower with three young sons, whose world revolves around his kids. In many ways, Yoshiro Miyazaki is Mike’s polar opposite... -
Tempting the Baller by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing a running back for the Charleston Pirates and a single father doesn’t allow for much free time. But an invite to spend the Fourth of July weekend in the Hamptons with friends is an offer too good to refuse.While there, the opportunity for a no-strings hookup with a stunning brunette presents itself and I jump at the chance...Categorized as:
second chances friends to lovers single-father sports contemporary humor christian sassy heroine
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.