Books like 'Not How I Saw That Going'
Readers who enjoyed Not How I Saw That Going by Jenessa Fayeth also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny single-mother grumpy sunshine men in uniform tortured hero independent heroine cold hero m-f class difference
-
Rewriting You by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsI’m a mom to teenagers… I’m also my late husband’s executioner.He was an abusive man on the fast track to devastation. He hung me from a fancy chandelier to die. Had my saviours driven the long way home, I wouldn’t be here today to tell my story. It’s been a long road since then, but my children and I have finally moved back to town. It’s time to lay some ghosts to bed... -
Put Out by Lani Lynn Vale
Angie is a survivor. Anything you could throw at her, she could overcome. After her father left her like a pile of unwanted trash, she began fighting. Fighting to build a life. Fighting to keep her child. Fighting to matter. She thought she had it all figured out. Then Bowen Race Tannenbaum walks into her life, turning it into a flurry of confusion, hope, and then ultimately despair...Categorized as:
independent heroine poor heroine single-mother m-f humor suspense pregnancy alpha male -
Resolution by Adriana Locke
From USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a workplace romance between a grumpy, alpha architect and his new client—who just so happens to have the blueprint to bring him to his knees. Romance is not in Wade Mason’s portfolio. This is tragic...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine cold hero m-f contemporary humor super rich hero christian cheerful heroine -
The Lost Letters by Brittney Sahin, Joseph Cannata
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom Joseph Cannata and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brittney Sahin comes the love story of Jesse and Ella told from a unique perspective in this companion novella to the international bestselling novel The Broken One.Step back into the Falcon Falls Security world and experience it like never before...Categorized as:
military tortured hero m-f humor sassy heroine contemporary friends to lovers length-short -
-
Law & Beard by Lani Lynn Vale
Winnie thinks she has the perfect life. Two beautiful, healthy children. A police officer husband. A job that she loves. Oh, and let’s not forget that she’s a nationally ranked marathon runner. Fast forward six months, and her perfect life has imploded. Winnie finds herself in a completely new world, and this new world is a brutal bitch. In this new life of hers, her husband is gone... -
Only for You by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsLove only works when your heart is in the right place. Hers could be right next door… Single mom Bridgette Dalton doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses—not even in her own flower shop. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t noticed Bodhi Booker. Her ruggedly handsome next-door neighbor would be the perfect candidate for a no-strings fling... -
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... -
Forever Notorious by Kathleen Brooks
Rated: 4.81 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAbigail Mueez knows all about being something you’re not. Everyone knows she works security in Washington D.C., but that wasn’t exactly the truth. There are many layers of deception in Abby’s life from her job to the man she’s with—a man she doesn’t have time to fall in love with when her life and so much more was on the line. Too bad she didn’t tell her heart that... -
Bishop by Marie James
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn the grand scheme of things five years isn’t a very long time. It goes by in a blink, literally. Waking up with no recollection of the last five years is devastating. The woman I remember loving is with someone else. The only family I had is gone, and I’m forced to relive those losses all over again... -
Charlie Foxtrot by Giulia Lagomarsino
Rated: 4.73 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMummies.Yeah, you heard me right. That’s my next job—protecting a mummy.It wouldn’t be a problem, except someone doesn’t want this particular mummy to make it to the museum.Not to mention one of my teammates thinks this particular mummy is cursed.On top of this ridiculous job, I’ve also met the most gorgeous woman in the world... -
Fire and Icing by Savannah Scott
Talk about making a bad first impression.The rookie at Waterford’s fire station literally hauled me out of my own home—over his shoulder. Was my kitchen on fire? Yes. Did I have it nearly contained? Also yes.And now he’s been tasked with making up for his overzealous rescue attempts by showing up to my bakery to grovel daily. And beg for my donuts... -
One Day Fiance by Lauren Landish
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsI’m Poppy Woodstock.Romance author and wholehearted believer in Happily Ever Afters.A terminal case of writer’s block should be my biggest worry. Then I crash into him—literally—and fall into the most gorgeous pair of blue eyes I’ve ever seen. Connor Bradley.Thief, rebel… and my new neighbor.One slip with the bad boy next door, and my life becomes stranger than any fiction I could ever write... -
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 men in uniform cold hero 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 cold hero humor contemporary super rich hero friends to lovers -
-
Engaging the Billionaire by Ivy Layne
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIf we can’t outrun the past, we won’t have a future. The rock on her hand is real, but our engagement is a fake. Once upon a time, I dreamed of buying her a ring, until everything blew up in my face. That was the past, and this is business. At least, it is until I kiss her. It's supposed to be part of the act — and it is — right until my lips touch hers. I forget where we are... -
Join the Club by Lani Lynn Vale
There are a few lessons one has to learn for themselves. Then there are the lessons that most people don’t have to learn because it’s just not done. For instance, most people know instinctively that they shouldn’t crave the mother of their brother’s child. Bourne Pena isn’t most men... -
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 men in uniform cold hero humor mystery suspense -
The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 24 ratings"The perfect escape for readers wanting to get away."—Booklist One woman takes the vacation of a lifetime in this poignant and heartwarming story about the threads that hold a family together from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.Single mom Robyn Caldwell needs a new plan for her future. She has always put her family first. Now, with her kids grown, she yearns for a change... -
Cocky Origins by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA period-piece novel to charm the pants right off of you... New to the series? A prequel is a great place to start. Fan of the series? Oh boy, are you going to love this. Miss May Eloise Kearns meets for the very first time the young and oh-so-handsome Jerald Daniel Cocker, a submarine planesman for the Navy on special leave in Georgia, U.S.A., at the end of World War II... -
Hot SEAL, Silent Knight by Kris Michaels
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsForced to take his 'Use or Lose' vacation days, Romeo Platoon Leader Ted (Bear) Black begrudgingly heads home to Hope City and all the nonsense surrounding Christmas. He'd rather stay in San Diego and spend his downtime working, especially when he's unexpectantly reunited with the woman who was the star of the worst date he'd ever experienced.Noel Laurent is heading home for Christmas... -
Happily Evan After by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s scared to fall. He’s ready to catch her.MARLEYIt was one night.No names. No strings.Just the kind of reckless escape I never let myself have—until him.Now he’s standing in my clinic, smiling like he doesn’t remember me.Which is fine. Because Evan Cartwright is too young, too charming,and way too dangerous to my heart.EVANI knew it was her the moment I saw her... -
Mountain Man's Lucky Charm by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 15 ratings"You're the only family these babies have."Life is gravy until a call turns it all around.1. My idiot brother's behind bars.2. He's the father of two little girls.3. And some fool in charge assigns ME as their legal guardian.I'm ready to give the judge a piece of my mind.But the minute I see my nieces for the very first time...I'm speechless...Categorized as:
military single-mother m-f contemporary new adult humor super rich hero single-father -
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... -
Dangerous Fling by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHe's her rock star crush, her go-to fantasy, and he's offering to make all her dreams come true... Rock star Malcolm Strong is used to being in control. Of the band. Of his feelings. Of the woman he has tied to his bed. He never gets close enough to get hurt. He never wants to. Until Lacey. The sassy brunette is working on the band's latest music video... -
-
The Billionaire's Angel by Ivy Layne
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHe thought the fight was over until his heart was on the line. I thought coming home would solve all my problems. I’ve never been more wrong. After a decade in the military, I’m more at home in the desert than the mansion where I grew up. I want to pretend that six months as a captive didn’t change me, but ever since I escaped, I haven’t slept. Nightmares. Flashbacks... -
Takedown by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMila Pregnant and married at the young age of eighteen, I settled into my life not knowing there could ever be more. Until Mason, with his sexy smirk and magnetic baby blue eyes. With a single look and a few words, he made me feel sexy and alive. But as quickly as he came into my life, he was gone, leaving me wanting more... -
Dirty Little Midlife Secret by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 14 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... -
A Player's Guide to Catching Feelings by Ava Wakefield
A billionaire shortstop, a waitress who loathes him, and a disaster that has them stuck under one roof.AveryIt's bad enough I work doubles at Clearway Park just to raise my baseball-obsessed brother.The last thing I need is Nash Fontaine—Chicago's most entitled athlete—as his new mentor.And imagine the horror when our house is on the fritz and he offers his mansion as a temporary fix...Categorized as:
m-f class difference grumpy sunshine independent heroine poor heroine single-mother sports baseball -
One Big Little Secret by Nicole Snow
One wild night and a surprise reunion sends a moody billionaire spinning into fatherhood in this heartwarming and steamy romance by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow.I guessed wrong.A little reckless fun with a stranger never hurts.A drunken one-night stand doesn't leave you pregnant.A savage twist of fate won't make your baby daddy your new boss... -
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:
grumpy sunshine found-family m-f contemporary office mature couple humor length-medium -
Undeniable Temptation by Eden Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHaunted by a kiss. With his destructive marriage behind him, Ryan Bennett can no longer deny his insatiable attraction to the one woman in control of his future. He needs her. Craves her. She’s the only glimpse of happiness through the building drama in his life and yet one drunken kiss has pushed her further away. Tormented by what’s at stake... -
Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy
I can't believe I'm at the point in my life where I need to convince a stranger to pretend to be my fiancée. My publicist came up with the idea to hire a fake fiancée to improve my bad-boy reputation and “win over the hearts and minds of fans.” But I'm the one who impulsively decided to bring one home with me for my brother's vow renewal... -
Fired Up 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...Categorized as:
military single-mother men in uniform m-f christian contemporary humor first-person-pov -
Hello Tease by Kelsie Hoss
Men view love as a game. One you can walk away from.At least that’s what the men in my life have taught me. My dad ran off when I was young, and just when I thought I was getting my own happily ever after, my ex left me on my own with two kids.Trying to pick up the pieces, I move to a small town where I can have help from my children’s grandparents...Categorized as:
single-mother grumpy sunshine m-f dual-pov humor contemporary suspense length-medium -
-
Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a giant of a man who grunts for words and barks out orders, yet circumstances require I be his fake girlfriend and spend the weekend with him in an isolated cabin.And of course there’s only one bed. Just my luck…But I need this commission check that only Boston can guarantee me...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine military m-f forced proximity contemporary from hate to love humor small town -
Suddenly Engaged by Julia London
Single mother Kyra Kokinos spends her days waiting tables, her nights working on her real estate license, and every spare moment with her precocious six-year-old daughter, Ruby—especially when Ruby won’t stop pestering their grumpy next-door neighbor. At first glance, Dax Bishop seems like the kind of gruff, solitary guy who’d be unlikely to offer a cup of sugar, let alone a marriage proposal...Categorized as:
cold hero single-mother m-f independent heroine working class hero humor contemporary shy-hero -
Bayou Sweetheart by Lexi Blake
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSparks fly in Louisiana's Butterfly Bayou when a Hollywood starlet falls for a local deputy in a small-town contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake. After leaving the military, Major Blanchard moved to Papillon, Louisiana, to be with his aging father, where he's taken a deputy position with the sheriff’s department... -
The Roomie Rulebook by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOliver is my best friend's older brother. He's brooding, bossy, and painfully off limits. But all rules are off when I move in as his new roommate. When I need a place to crash, I go straight to the guy I know best. My best friend's older brother, Oliver. Who's right in the middle of enjoying his alone time. No big deal, right? It's not like I'm going to die of embarrassment... -
Dirty Little Midlife Disaster by Lilian Monroe
Sizzling-hot and seriously funny. Who said your forties couldn’t be both?Recent divorcée and single mother of two Katrina Viceroy isn’t looking for love. She’s definitely not looking for a hot, motorcycle-riding hunk to drive off into the sunset with her.No, sir-ee.She’s done with all that nonsense.Call the convent; Trina’s officially a nun.When she gets a flat tire, Trina’s no damsel in distress... -
Auctioned to the Mountain Man by Kali Hart
AlidaI would never have agreed to this auction if I wasn’t desperate.One night in exchange for some financial freedom seems like a small price to pay.But on my way, I end up stranded on the side of the road.And that man who finds me is the last man I ever wanted to see again.FoxWhen I caught wind that my late buddy’s sister was putting herself up for auction, I had to intervene... -
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... -
Somebody Like You by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s rich, talented and way out of her league. Now he’s making her an offer she can’t refuse…Football has always been Cam Hartson’s life. When he's forced to retire following an injury, he slinks back to his small home town, planning to lie low and lick his wounds. Until he meets Mia Devlin. The beautiful single mom of two tearaway boys has no interest in love... -
Captivating In Love (The Maverick Billionaires) by Bella Andre, Jennifer Skully
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGideon Jones came back from war a changed man. Though the Maverick Billionaires claim he’s one of their own, he knows he doesn't deserve to be part of their tightly knit unit. Just like he doesn't deserve Rosie Diaz—an amazing mother…and an utterly captivating woman that he can't stop dreaming about... -
Never Say Forever by Donna Alam
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFrom the French countryside to Manhattan, falling for my one-night stand wasn’t supposed to be the plan.Dear Mr Hayes,I’m sorry you found me floating in your bathtub last night.And that you didn’t realize I was housesitting.I’m also sorry I crept out of your bed five years ago without leaving my name . . .My secret one-night stand... -
-
Enforce by M. Malone, Nana Malone
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI am the shadow that haunts the night. I am a hunter, a protector...a force for good...I am Jonas Castillo. And now that she’s mine, I’m never letting her go. If only she would let me protect her...Seeing the fear in her eyes, makes me want to do the one thing I’ve vowed never to do again… kill. But I’ll do anything to protect what’s mine. ** The finale of The FORCE Duet... -
Hot for the Handyman by Whitley Cox
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's got just the right tool to fix her broken heart ...Welcome to Seattle, the Emerald City and home to The Single Moms of Seattle. Three sexy single ladies who drink a ton of wine every Saturday night, bitch about life, have each other's backs, are the ultimate mama bears, and hope to one day, just maybe find love again.This is Bianca’s story ...Bianca’s life is insane... -
In The Trenches by Giulia Lagomarsino
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOPS is a spin-off of the Reed Security series and picks up from book one, Sinner. Some storylines do overlap, but you do not need to read Reed Security to understand this series.I stalk my prey, never taking my eyes off the target. I'm a sniper by trade, but I'm so much more than that.My rifle is an extension of me.I am the bullet.I am a Hunter of Gunmen... -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 9 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Roa invited Chako and Isshin to her parents' house as a thank-you to Isshin for protecting her from an attacker at the tea festival in Fukuoka. While there, Chako gets drunk and sneaks into Isshin's room, wearing pajamas borrowed from Roa... -
Sin by M. Malone, Nana Malone
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’m a bodyguard . I walk softly and carry a big...stick . Too bad I have no idea how to use it. I know what you’re thinking. How the hell do you end up a virgin when you live in a city known for easy access? But my focus is protecting the women of New York...not fulfilling my every desire. Then I meet her... -
Marry Christmas by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s the one who got away. The one I’ve never been able to forget. The one who can never forgive me for the mistakes I’ve made. Now, it’s my grandmother’s dying wish to see Maggie and I married. If we can stay married for year, there’s a fortune on the line.But first we have to spend Christmas with my family and convince them we’re in love...
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.

