Books like 'Not As Planned'
Readers who enjoyed Not As Planned by Harlow James also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny single-mother m-f found-family dual-pov first-person-pov age difference height-difference competent heroine
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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:
dual-pov found-family m-f competent heroine sweet-hero single-father 20th century friends to lovers -
Pooh by Lola Wright
Pippa: Owning and operating a home for victims of domestic violence doesn’t leave a woman wanting a man in her life. Not a permanent one anyway. Having been a victim myself, I chose to open this refuge to help others that are in a similar situation that I had been. I was one of the lucky ones because my foster mom was always my rock, my safe haven. It was never me alone against the world... -
Kitty by Cee Bowerman
Marler ‘Kitty’ Barnes has always been the fun guy who doesn’t stick around after the fun is over. Even in his old profession, he was always quick to take off once the job was done. After his release from prison, he focused on other things but never lost that urge to run as soon as things got serious...Categorized as:
m-f found-family single-mother independent heroine dual-pov first-person-pov contemporary suspense -
Luke by Cee Bowerman
Luke’s life was spent serving his country, but when the unthinkable happens, he’s forced to retire and come home to his family in Rojo, TX. Even though he’s been away for years, he remains a long-standing member of the Texas Kings MC. Luke arrives home to find that almost everything has changed...Categorized as:
m-f age difference dual-pov first-person-pov contemporary betrayal length-short explicit-open-door -
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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:
dual-pov competent heroine independent heroine sweet-hero m-f new adult humor contemporary -
Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBrooding, grumpy Des has a problem. He needs a date to his family's Thanksgiving reunion for reasons he'd...rather not say.Single mother and all-around hot mess Mia has an even bigger issue: She can't afford her rent, and her new landlord Des is a major you-know-what.So, they make a deal. One simple weekend away in exchange for a serious rent reduction... -
Falling for Mr. Bad by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsShe’s a badass musician and mechanic with no patience for overinflated egos. He’s a billionaire with no time for drama. Going head-to-head has never been so much fun...or so dirty. Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and loads of heart make this sexy enemies-to-lovers, close proximity, forbidden, workplace, small town standalone romance unputdownable... -
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... -
Rooster by Cee Bowerman
Rooster Mannin is happy with the life he’s created. He should be happy surrounded by family in the place where he grew up, but lately, he has started to feel like something important is missing...Categorized as:
dual-pov first-person-pov m-f contemporary humor length-medium explicit-open-door bad boys -
Royal by Cee Bowerman
A favor for his twin brother put Royal Conner under the spotlight. The highest bidder won and she’s nothing like he thought she’d be. One look and he’s smitten, one conversation and he’s intrigued, one kiss and he’s lost. Paula has too much on her plate to deal with a man... -
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... -
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:
dual-pov found-family m-f contemporary humor love triangle friends to lovers new adult -
Rest In Pink by Jennifer Crusie, Bob Mayer
From the NY Times Bestselling duo that wrote Agnes and the Hitman, the second book in a new trilogy.Liz Danger is a ghostwriter, stuck in her old hometown for the summer, and trying to get her widowed ex-boyfriend off her leg. Good thing she has Vince Cooper, her recurring one-night stand living down by the river in his old diner car...Categorized as:
m-f found-family dual-pov first-person-pov independent heroine contemporary humor mystery -
Tempted by Love by Melissa Foster
Jack "Jock" SteeleEnjoy heart-meltingly beautiful and toe-curlingly sexy romance in Tempted by Love, an emotionally riveting story about a man who has lost it all and carries a torturous secret, a divorced single mother who has everything to lose, and the little girl who helps them heal...Categorized as:
single-mother found-family m-f humor contemporary super rich hero friends to lovers new adult -
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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:
dual-pov first-person-pov competent heroine sweet-hero m-f friends to lovers office contemporary -
Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens
A hilarious love story about a disillusioned divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker.Columnist Anna Appleby has left her love life behind after a painful divorce. Who needs a man when she has two kids, a cat, and uncontested control of the TV remote? Besides, she’d rather be single than subject herself to the hell of online dating...Categorized as:
single-mother age difference m-f height-difference contemporary office humor from hate to love -
Never Been Worse by Morgan Elizabeth
Harper Abbott’s reputation has never been worse. The one time she tries to be spontaneous ends with her and her two best friends getting arrested for a prank gone wrong. Now, her cheating ex and his new girlfriend are on a mission to ruin her fledgling career as a fashion designer... -
One In Vermillion by Jennifer Crusie, Bob Mayer
From the NY Times Bestselling duo that wrote Agnes and the Hitman, the third book in a new trilogy.Liz Danger is stuck in her hometown of Burney, Ohio, because her insane employer has rented a house there for the summer, which means she has three more months of trying to get a copy edit done, babysitting a seven-year-old, and figuring out what to do with three hundred and ninety-two teddy bears...Categorized as:
m-f found-family independent heroine dual-pov first-person-pov humor mystery suspense -
Breaking the Speed Limit by Melanie Moreland
Single, but unsettled, Stefano Borelli, spends his days creating masterpieces loved by his clients. Surrounded by family and friends, his loneliness still plagues him.Until she bursts into his life. A stubborn woman with too much baggage, too much to say, and a child in tow.Far too much trouble.Except, he likes her spark. The way she refuses to listen. How beautiful she is with her son...Categorized as:
single-mother found-family m-f sweet-hero first-person-pov dual-pov humor friends to lovers -
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... -
Come Back to Bed by Kayley Loring
Dear grouchy neighbor: I’m considering your offer and need clarification before proceeding. Despite being an artist, I think you know that as a busy New Yorker, I am also practical and straightforward. That said, I need to make sure you know that this could never turn into anything serious...Categorized as:
m-f independent heroine first-person-pov dual-pov humor contemporary friends-benefits length-medium -
Knocking Boots by Jordan Marie
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsI’ve always heard, don’t fall in love with a cowboy. I just didn't listen. I've sworn off men. They’ve never given me much in life, except a bun in the oven and grief. My kids are my life and all that truly matter. Until him. Jansen Reed is a living fantasy straight from the old west. Sexy drawl, tight jeans and that glint in his eyes that make my knees weak... -
No Cap by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsYou know when you see that big red flag, and you think to yourself, I should probably not go anywhere near there? Yeah, Quincy Carter ignored that big red flag. He walked right up to that red flag, waving blatantly in the wind, and kissed the holy hell out of her. Sure, he probably should’ve arrested her for breaking a restraining order...Categorized as:
first-person-pov dual-pov m-f contemporary suspense humor military from hate to love -
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 independent heroine sweet-hero dual-pov length-short explicit-open-door contemporary humor -
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Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLife might be a highway but the last thing this grumpy silver fox expected was a cross-country road trip with a ray of sunshine."My sister is driving to California. She could give you a ride.""What?" Tucker Ashe and I say in unison.Mae FoxSurely, my older sister has lost her mind. There is no way I'm driving her insufferable – albeit sexy silver fox – boss two thousand miles...Categorized as:
age difference single-mother m-f contemporary from hate to love grumpy sunshine curvy heroine humor -
LOUT by Cee Bowerman
After a lifetime of taking care of everyone around him, Lout prepares to take on even more responsibility. A chance meeting at a friend's house introduces him to a beautiful woman he can't get off his mind...Categorized as:
m-f dual-pov first-person-pov competent heroine multicultural humor bikers length-medium -
The Foul Out by Jenni Bara
A bad play shouldn’t cause a media meltdown but I’m Kyle Bosco and I’m a competitive jerk. So of course I couldn’t just shut up. Now I must atone for my comments. Somehow that includes working at a daycare with seven year old Piper who thinks I’m her best friend. But Piper is not the one who has me tied up in knots. That job is reserved for Harper Wallace- her mother... -
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 m-f contemporary humor small town insta-love pregnancy -
Attachment Theory by Kayley Loring
An actor, a model, and a younger man walk into a therapist’s office… They’re all Dylan Brodie. It’s only funny if you aren’t the single mom therapist he can’t stop flirting with. Dear Mr. Brodie, I hope this email finds you well. Your well-being and personal growth are of the utmost importance to me, as a therapist...Categorized as:
age difference single-mother sweet-hero m-f contemporary humor insta-love forbidden love -
That First Flight by Jenn McMahon
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsSomething tells me, nothing I do can stop myself from feeling things for my roommate.I’ve always wanted to be a chef.But the same day two pink lines showed up on the test, was the day I gave up chasing my own dreams to put my daughter first.I didn’t expect that to lead to a life of being scrutinized by my parents for every single move I made.After years of it, I was done... -
Dirty Little Midlife Secret by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLily Viceroy arrived in Heart’s Cove with a suitcase by her side and two eensy weensy secrets tucked into the corners of her heart.Well, that’s if “eensy” and “weensy” are code for “terrifying” and “dire.”Clearly, the only thing for Lily to do is to engage in a good ol’ bout of denial... -
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... -
A Guy Like Him by Amanda Gambill
Skylar is the kind of girl who knows exactly how many seconds it takes to read this summary. She knows exactly what her perfect future looks like and how to get there because her dad has already defined it for her and her older sister has already paved the way... -
The Shake Off by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsMy name is Ace Watson, and I’m having an existential crisis.I finished last season as one of the league's best pitchers. Baseball’s smooth-talking boy wonder. The future of The New York Lions.I'm starting this season as the worst.And I don't want to sound dramatic, but the fault lies entirely with Payton Lopez...Categorized as:
dual-pov found-family age difference m-f sports baseball contemporary grumpy sunshine -
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Controlled Burn by Marie James
As the mechanic for Blackbridge Security, when I make a mistake things don’t work properly.Correcting that mistake is the only way to get things operational.I meet issues in my personal life with the same mindset.How was I to know the woman I’ve been flirting with at the gym is the same woman I called a noise complaint on?I got her kicked out of her condo.My first response: Move in with me... -
Stolen by the Master Chief by Fiona Davenport
Arrow Hamlin was being a good samaritan when he stopped to help someone with a flat tire. He never expected his act of kindness would lead him to the woman who was meant to be his. Or that she’d be on the run from a dangerous situation.Sage Elsher was stunned by a violent encounter in her own home. She had no idea who to trust until Arrow came to her rescue... -
Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese three women are the toughest juries they’ll ever have to plead their case to.THIS BOX SET INCLUDES…Clean Slate (Charity Case #0.5)Moving two thousand miles away wasn’t my plan, but when family needs you, you come. Before I can head back to my hometown of Chicago though, I have two men to say good-bye to. Neither one of them will be happy to hear the news... -
Accidental Sugar Daddy: A Single Mother, Billionaire Romance by Kaci Rose
An accidental meeting. An unconventional offer. An undeniable attraction... Ellie wasn’t looking for a Sugar Daddy. The second she realized she had accidentally stumbled into a mixer of Sugar Babies looking for daddies, she started for the door. Then the sizzling hot guy at the bar caught her eye. What started as a simple dinner date turned into an offer too tempting to resist...Categorized as:
age difference single-mother sweet-hero dual-pov contemporary humor super rich hero new adult -
Rags to Royals by Erin Nicolle, Erin Nicholas
A small-town single mom like me has no business believing in fairy tales.But the very handsome, charming, dirty-talking prince (yes, seriously) I met nineteen months ago now has his fine ass and panty-melting grin planted on my front porch.He’s been searching for me ever since I snuck out after our hot, fantasy-filled weekend together.And, dammit, that’s a little romantic...Categorized as:
single-mother found-family age difference m-f sweet-hero dual-pov first-person-pov contemporary -
Boomerangers by Heather M. Orgeron
Boomerangers [boo-muh-rang-ers] noun, informal: an adult that moves back home to live with a parent after a period of independence. Spencer I love sex. I love the power, the intimacy, the euphoria it brings. Too bad I’m not having any . . . You’d think as New Orleans’ most renowned sex therapist that I’d be swimming in single men. In a way, I am . . -
Dirty Flirty Enemy by Piper Rayne
He’s the arrogant Manhattan realtor with billboards advertising his six-pack more than his expertise in negotiations. I’m the competing broker who stupidly moved across the hall from his office. From day one, I’ve been his sworn enemy. Okay, so I might have accidentally stolen one of his clients... -
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:
dual-pov found-family m-f friends to lovers humor forced proximity suspense contemporary -
Fired Up: A Single Parent Medical Romance by K.K. Allen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThrough smoke and fire, she’s all I see.Nothing gives me a bigger rush than when I’m responding to an emergency call.As a firefighter EMT, my mission has always been clear.Until I arrive at the scene of an accident and a dark-haired vixen, quite literally, trips into my life.I quickly learn there’s more to the gorgeous photographer than meets the eye... -
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...Categorized as:
m-f competent heroine sweet-hero dual-pov contemporary humor super rich hero forced proximity -
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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... -
The Fall Out by Jenni Bara
Let me tell the story of how I fell in love with a woman who had no idea that we were even dating. The ridiculousness started when she stole my beer, and trust me, my grumpy self doesn’t normally share. But somehow, Avery Wilson is the exception to every one of my many rules.Unfortunately, I’m not hers... -
The Wedding Forecast by Nina Kenwood
Anna was never going to have an easy time at her best friend’s wedding. She’s the bridesmaid; her ex, Joel, is a groomsman. But she’s determined to get through the festivities with a smile on her face. Despite the fact that Joel is bringing his new partner, Bianca. Despite the fact she’s stuck sharing a house with the newly in-love couple... -
Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner
A 6'5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life...no, this isn't the start of a bad joke.I had a chance encounter in a dimly lit bar that led to an earth-shattering kiss with a beautiful stranger.But then the next morning my world is rocked again--when I walk inside my team captain's house and see her...Categorized as:
m-f age difference competent heroine independent heroine sweet-hero dual-pov contemporary humor -
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:
m-f competent heroine sweet-hero dual-pov humor contemporary alpha male explicit-open-door -
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...
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