Books like 'Just a Heartbeat Away'
Readers who enjoyed Just a Heartbeat Away by Cara Bastone also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny age difference friends to lovers single-father slow burn competent heroine sweet-hero independent heroine working class hero
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If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear.I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out.Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy...Categorized as:
single-father friends to lovers dual-pov found-family m-f competent heroine sweet-hero slow burn -
![That Swoony Feeling by Meghan Quinn]()
That Swoony Feeling by Meghan Quinn
USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn brings more humor and heart with the fourth novel of her Getting Lucky series: a story about breaking curses and finally finding that swoony feeling. I'm single . . . so single it's painful. Yup, ladies, Brig Knightly--that's me--is still a lonely bachelor, stumbling through the streets of Port Snow, looking for the girl he's supposed to end up with... -
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![There's Something about Scarlett by Hannah Ellis]()
There's Something about Scarlett by Hannah Ellis
Three years of marriage, then they’ll go their separate ways…Scarlett Mercer dreams of starting her own publishing company. But with no way to finance university, she might be stuck working in her aunt’s café indefinitely.When a chance encounter leads her to an extreme solution, she’s desperate enough to go through with it. Even if it means marrying a guy she’s only just met...Categorized as:
third-person-pov dual-pov competent heroine independent heroine sweet-hero m-f new adult humor -
![Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster]()
Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster
She’s a romance writer who, against her better instinct, is finding love in the friend zone in a fun, sexy, and unpredictable romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who... -
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![Craft by Adriana Locke]()
Craft by Adriana Locke
They’re not quite enemies. Not really friends. More like frustrated balls of sexual tension and neither will give in. Lance Gibson drives Mariah Malarkey absolutely crazy. He uses her office like a phone booth, takes cupcakes from the corner of her desk like she baked them just for him. She didn’t... -
![Filthy Little Midlife Fling by Lilian Monroe]()
Filthy Little Midlife Fling by Lilian Monroe
She's about to discover exactly what this hunky, small-town mechanic is hiding under the hood...I’m having a bad week.First, I get a call from my scumbag ex-husband asking for a favor. He wants to hire me to organize his new house.The house he’s sharing with his new wife.The one he cheated on me with.But the worst part? I’m so broke I might have to take the job... -
![First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison]()
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
A hopeless romantic meets a demoralized radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle-inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.Aiden Valentine has a secret: he's fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore's romance hotline, that's a bit of a problem... -
![Time by Penny Reid]()
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 m-f sweet heroine dual-pov humor new adult contemporary second chances -
![The Space Between by Sarah Ready]()
The Space Between by Sarah Ready
The love we choose can change everything.A fateful night in Central Park leads Andrea and Jace to one life-changing conclusion-they're meant to be.Andrea Leighton-Hughes is no stranger to wealth-she's the daughter of one of the richest men in Manhattan and has been used as a chess piece in her family's business empire since she was born...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov found-family m-f contemporary humor love triangle new adult -
![Bayou With Benefits by Erin Nicholas]()
Bayou With Benefits by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThey are friends. Without benefits. Unfortunately.Michael LeClaire is small-town Louisiana. A firefighter. A single dad.And Amelia Landry is New York City. A social media influencer. A model.Sure, she’s his son’s favorite person on the planet...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference slow burn single-father m-f contemporary firefighter multicultural -
![She Loves Me by Melissa Foster]()
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
friends to lovers independent heroine m-f humor contemporary sassy heroine strong heroine -
![The Arrangement by Adriana Locke]()
The Arrangement by Adriana Locke
“Meet me in the conference room.”I was on the verge of losing everything when the gorgeous CEO of Brewer Air hired me as his executive assistant.Beyond getting to stare into his deep brown eyes, the pay is excellent, and the position has fantastic benefits with flexible hours. I’ll even be close enough to check on my ailing grandmother during my lunch hour.The job is perfect.And so is he... -
![Forever With The CEO: A fake-marriage romance by Layla Hagen]()
Forever With The CEO: A fake-marriage romance by Layla Hagen
It began as a fake marriage. It became so much more. I’m Nick Whitley, CEO of Whitley Sports Industries. I’m a bonafide bachelor, and never intended to settle down. But I’m also a dependable kind of guy and do what’s right when I can.So when my best friend and his wife pass away, leaving behind their twins, I do everything possible to help out their aunt—Allison... -
![The Village of Lost and Found by Alison Sherlock]()
The Village of Lost and Found by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsScandal hit party girl Lucy Conway needs to leave London fast, so she packs her bags and escapes to the sleepy village of Cranbridge to take care of her beloved Uncle Frank.But the country village isn’t quite as idyllic as she remembers. To make matters worse, her Uncle’s pride and joy, The Cranbridge Times, is close to going out of business... -
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![Once Upon a Wild Fling by Lauren Blakely]()
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... -
![Flirt by Adriana Locke]()
Flirt by Adriana Locke
WANTED: A SITUATION-SHIPI’m a single female that’s tired of relationships ruining my life. However, there are times when a date would be helpful. If you’re a single man, preferably mid-twenties to late-thirties, and are in a similar situation, we might be a match.Candidate must be handsome, charming, and willing to pretend to have feelings for me (on a sliding scale, as the event requires)...Categorized as:
friends to lovers office dual-pov competent heroine working class hero sweet-hero m-f contemporary -
![Trouble by Adriana Locke]()
Trouble by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsShe wants something real. He wants something now. Together they’re trouble in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s sexy and funny twice-in-a-lifetime love story. With his shameless grin and let’s-play swagger, carpenter Penn Etling leaves women wanting in Dogwood Lane. What do they get? Avery Perry knows: a one-night stand. She’s been there...Categorized as:
friends to lovers independent heroine m-f humor new adult contemporary length-medium -
![Hot Stuff by Max Monroe]()
Hot Stuff by Max Monroe
Have you ever seen a fireman who’s so insanely sexy you’d actually consider DIY-ing a little at-home arson just so he’d show up at your front door?Dramatic, I know, but hear me out...Categorized as:
single-father m-f working class hero career professional dual-pov humor contemporary firefighter -
![Flipping Love You by Erin Nicholas]()
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 independent heroine working class hero m-f contemporary humor small town insta-love -
![Happily Letter After by Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward]()
Happily Letter After by Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward
From New York Times bestselling authors Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward comes a love story about taking chances, and the surprises that come with them.My love story all started with a letter.Only it wasn’t from the man I’d eventually fall in love with. It was from his daughter. A sweet little girl named Birdie Maxwell who’d written to the magazine that I worked for...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers sweet heroine office single-father dual-pov m-f humor -
![Late Nights & Love Lines by Avery Maxwell]()
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... -
![Here For The Cake by Jennifer Millikin]()
Here For The Cake by Jennifer Millikin
A spicy, sassy, and swoony fake dating romantic comedy from Amazon Charts bestselling author Jennifer Millikin. A week on an island sounds like the stuff of beach dreams, but for Paisley Royce, it's a nightmare. Her little sister is marrying her ex-college sweetheart, and Paisley is serving as maid of honor. To add insult to injury, nobody will let Paisley forget she’s single... -
![The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis]()
The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis
What makes life sweet?When Harper Shaw’s life falls apart, she knows it’s time for a change. She removes everything that doesn’t spark joy—from her soul-sucking job to eating kale to making lists—and sets off for the last place she was happy, Lake Tahoe (who wouldn’t feel good there, right?) to fulfill her dream of opening her own bakery... -
![Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae]()
Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae
A single text message can change everything! Flirting has never been Denny’s strong suit, but so what if she’s too shy to ask women out? She’s content with her simple life, working as a cashier and helping her sister raise her niece... -
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![Merry Little Midlife Matchmaker by Lilian Monroe]()
Merry Little Midlife Matchmaker by Lilian Monroe
She’s my best friend’s little sister. A curvy single mom with a smile made of sunlight. The first woman that’s made me look twice since my divorce. The one woman I can never have.And, unfortunately, she’s also my new matchmaker...Categorized as:
mature couple dual-pov m-f sweet heroine single-father working class hero humor explicit-open-door -
![Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott]()
Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott
A vintage VW van. Four friends. A cross-country road trip.It will be the best adventure of my life, if only I can shake the feelings I have for Cameron .Cameron Reeves is as gorgeous as his name makes him sound.He’s about six feet tall, which is the height I always wrote in my ideal man list in my journal. Yes. I have a list of qualities I want in a man... -
![Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne]()
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... -
![The Redo by Max Monroe]()
The Redo by Max Monroe
Put a finger down if you’ve ever been a single woman who got stuck in a New York City elevator in the middle of a summer blackout with your former high school sweetheart—whom you haven’t seen in years—while pregnant with a baby that isn’t biologically yours... -
![Rhode Trip by L.B. Dunbar]()
Rhode Trip by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe road less traveled by a sexy silver fox and a restless woman might be the path they need to restore both their hearts.Lindee FoxMy entire adult life has been a road trip, and I’m ready to put the brakes on the wanderlust in my veins. So, I bought a motel. The irony isn’t lost on me... -
![Salt Love by Marika Ray]()
Salt Love by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you do when you find out your husband’s cheating on you, your aunt just passed away in Florida, and your boss gave the promotion to your work nemesis, so you threaten him with bodily harm in the middle of a board meeting?Well, after getting escorted out of the building by security, I fly straight to Sunshine Key to deal with my aunt’s estate...Categorized as:
office found-family mature couple m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine humor length-medium -
![Under the Radar by Melanie Moreland]()
Under the Radar by Melanie Moreland
When two new roommates discover their mutual crush, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Moreland takes us on a journey of falling in love.One of the Donner boys. Troublemakers.That was the reputation that followed Chase his whole life. Until he grew up and realized he could do better. Be better.But that choice cost him. His freedom, his family, his chance at love...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov found-family m-f humor forced proximity suspense contemporary -
![Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan]()
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan
From the author of My Oxford Year, Julia Whelan’s uplifting novel tells the story of a former actress turned successful audiobook narrator—who has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accident—and her journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance when she agrees to narrate one last romance novel... -
![Dating-ish by Penny Reid]()
Dating-ish by Penny Reid
There are three things you need to know about Marie Harris: 1) She’s fed up with online dating, 2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and 3) She knows how to knit. After the most bizarre and irritating first date in the history of human kind, Marie is looking for an alternative to men... -
![John by Jenna Myles]()
John by Jenna Myles
I never planned on getting out of prison. I did what I did to keep my brother safe, and I could live with that.But now I'm out, and I don't know what the hell I'm doing. Everything is too loud, too busy, too overwhelming. And for a man who's used to every decision being made for him...well, let's just say I'm on the verge of doing something stupid to get sent back.Until she walks in, that is... -
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![Dirty Little Midlife Dilemma by Lilian Monroe]()
Dirty Little Midlife Dilemma by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA hot, hilarious fresh start! Nora’s forties begin with a bang…or rather, a crash.What’s worse than bumping into a parked motorcycle and tipping it over?Easy. It’s bumping into a motorcycle, tipping it over, and sending it crashing into an entire row of bikes like horrible, slow-motion dominos.What’s even worse than that?Nora knows the answer... -
![Hotshot Doc by R.S. Grey]()
Hotshot Doc by R.S. Grey
A full-length STANDALONE romantic comedy from USA TODAY bestselling author R.S. Grey. Dr. Russell has a bad reputation around our hospital. The scrub techs say he’s cold-blooded, the nurses say he’s too cocky for his own good, and the residents say he’s the best surgeon in the world— really, just a swell guy! —on the off chance he’s within earshot...Categorized as:
office dual-pov slow burn independent heroine sweet heroine career professional m-f age difference -
![Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins]()
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... -
![Between the Lines by Olivia Hayle]()
Between the Lines by Olivia Hayle
The mysterious stranger I spent an unforgettable night with is the billionaire who ruined my life… and now I have to live with him. He's all green eyes, mussed hair and a dirty mouth. He’s good at strip poker, and even better at what comes after.Two weeks later, I walk into a meeting in LA with the subject of my next memoir... and it’s him.Aiden Hartman... -
![Suite on the Boss by Olivia Hayle]()
Suite on the Boss by Olivia Hayle
Fake dating my billionaire boss to get revenge on my ex? Yes please. But falling for him? That’s something I vowed never to do again. Isaac Winter is the fourth-generation owner of the legendary 5th Ave hotel that bears his last name. He’s at the top of New York high society… and I’ve just left it behind... -
![An Unexpected Chance by Melanie Moreland]()
An Unexpected Chance by Melanie Moreland
Simon Fletcher is a busy single dad. Between bringing up his daughter and moving cross-country to start a new life, he’s focused on making a fresh start for them.Amy McNeil isn’t in his plans.But the pretty, wild, and free woman who has caught his eye is so different from his cold, removed ex-wife, he can’t help himself. He’s drawn to her. Her warmth. Her light... -
![Just One More Temptation by Carly Phillips]()
Just One More Temptation by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a grumpy single dad who's serious and uptight.She’s a younger free spirit who's sunshine and light.Fallon Sterling’s one experience with a rich, older man ended in heartbreak. So when twin nine-year-old girls wind up in her gallery, followed by their oh-so-hot dad, she refuses to notice how sexy he is. And she will not let herself fall for his broody charms. Or his adorable daughters... -
![Tussle by Jacob Chance]()
Tussle by Jacob Chance
“Why haven’t we had sex?” When Jesse Gunn, one of the biggest stars of World Class Wrestling, voiced that million dollar question, yet again, I was stunned. After turning him down countless times, I thought eventually he'd give up. Unexpectedly thrown together for a work project, my mind went to places I’d never allowed... -
![The One I Want by Chelle Sloan]()
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 age difference office friends to lovers sports contemporary humor forced proximity -
![Not As Planned by Harlow James]()
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... -
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![The Chameleon Effect by Joe Arden]()
The Chameleon Effect by Joe Arden
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLights. Camera. Action…I've got everything it takes to make it in Tinseltown: confidence, charisma, and a killer chin. Now all I need is a chance.But Los Angeles is full of hot, young hunks, and talent might not be enough to separate me from the cookie-cutter crowd.Well, you know what they say: fake it till you make it.So I devise a wild scheme to get noticed... -
![Mourning Wood by Heather M. Orgeron]()
Mourning Wood by Heather M. Orgeron
She’s hard up.He’s just hard…After an ill-fated one-night stand, Wyatt Landry was the last person I ever expected to see again.By design, mind you, as I spent the last two years avoiding him.He was only ever meant to be a good time—a really good time—and now, thanks to one teensy little mistake, he’s back in my life and wielding an entirely different set of tools...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov office independent heroine working class hero sweet-hero new adult humor -
![Chance Encounters by Jessica Prince]()
Chance Encounters by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 17 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... -
![One Last Play: A Sporty Romantic Comedy by Annah Conwell]()
One Last Play: A Sporty Romantic Comedy by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShe could be the one. I’ve spent twelve years caring for my niece Maddie who I adopted after my sister died. Having a daughter has made me picky when it comes to the women I spend time with. Not to mention dealing with the pressure of being a college football coach. But when I spot MJ at a mutual friend’s wedding, something draws me toward her...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference m-f teacher-heroine single-father teacher-hero dual-pov sports -
![Because of You by Samantha Brinn]()
Because of You by Samantha Brinn
I have known Hallie Evans for my entire life.I was eighteen years old when I first realized I was in love with her.For more than a decade, I have kept my feelings a secret, afraid to risk the friendship that means so much to me and the close-knit bonds between my family and hers.But eleven years of waiting is my limit.At a career crossroads, Hallie has some secrets of her own... -
![Work Song by Danielle Allen]()
Work Song by Danielle Allen
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen society tries to put you in a box, knock the walls down. –Tati Green “You have a pretty face” is such a back-handed compliment. It’s like telling me that my face is beautiful, but the rest of me is not. Despite what society says, my curves are hot. My love life, on the other hand, is not. My mom says I’ll never find love because of my weight...Categorized as:
office friends to lovers slow burn working class hero sweet-hero humor contemporary new adult
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