Books like 'Unexpected'
Readers who enjoyed Unexpected by Lindsey Cord also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary from hate to love grumpy sunshine single-mother
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Billionaire Unreachable ~ Wyatt by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat happens when the man you think you despise turns out to be a completely different guy beneath the surface? I didn't like Wyatt Durand. He might be my friend's older brother, but he was unpleasant, sarcastic, and the grumpiest guy on the planet. It didn't matter to me that he was a breathtakingly gorgeous, ultra-wealthy billionaire with the very prestigious Durand last name... -
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... -
Wicked Heart by Ivy Layne
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFinn Sawyer hates everything about being back in Sawyers Bend. He walked away from his family years before, living off his wits and skills in the kitchen, refining his craft as he worked his way across Europe. Then the father who left him for dead is murdered, and the will offers Finn a chance at his dream... -
Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks
From the acclaimed author of The Longest Ride and The Notebook comes an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change—or even make our peace with—the path we’ve taken.Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone . . -
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Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers.She's got a lot of baggage...literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real.For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but... -
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA knight in shining armor? Hardly. More like my worst enemy wrapped in a swoon-worthy tux… When Brooks Salinger saves me from heartbreak at a wedding, I never expect to see him again—let alone find him back in my life, set to destroy my family’s bookstore.But when he offers me a wild deal—pretend to be his girlfriend at a ritzy wedding in exchange for saving the store—I reluctantly agree... -
The Grump by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsI love my job. So when a grumpy grouch wants to shut us down, I’m ready for the fight of my life.I was heading for serious career burnout until my dream job came true. Making pralines for a living has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. So it comes as quite a shock when I find out that the owner wants to shut down the LeBlanc-Broussard confectionery because it’s not profitable... -
Anger Banger by S.M. Shade
The residents of Happy Haven Trailer park have been waiting for this for a long time. The slumlord who abandoned this place and let our homes deteriorate has been court ordered to live here while making repairs. Imagine our surprise when the guy who shows up to move in to the dilapidated trailer across the street isn't the sixty year old man we expected, but his son... -
Their Unlikely Protector by Meghann Whistler
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTo give two little boys a home… She must take a chance on forgiveness.The last person Valerie Williams expects to rescue her and her toddler twin brothers from a fiery blaze is Brett Richardson, her high school nemesis. But with her house burned down, Valerie is forced to stay at the same inn as Brett and work together on the town festival...Categorized as:
single-mother from hate to love christian contemporary found-family small town length-short -
Jerk It by Lani Lynn Vale
Mavis always assumed that she would be in a hospital with the good drugs when her time came. Not in the middle of the road, with no one around but the damn town mechanic that hated her.But there she was, having a rock star’s baby, with no one to rely on but the one that let it be known around every turn that she was a horrible person... -
Scrooge and the Girls Next Door by Melanie Jacobson
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhen the sunniest woman in Creekville buys the house next to the grumpiest man on the street, sparks fly . . . and not just because she keep blowing his fuses...Paige Redmond has done everything the hard way, from her wild child past to being a single mother raising her own delightful wild child now. But since landing in Creekville, she's turned it all around...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love single-mother contemporary age difference christmas humor clean -
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... -
Semantic Error 1 by Soori Jeo
Is this an Error or Love? Sangwoo Choo is a stickler for rules. So when his classmates free-ride on a group project, he doesn't credit them. But this prevents one senior, Jaeyoung Jang, from graduating. And like oil and water, Sangwoo and Jaeyoung don't mix. Can Sangwoo debug Jaeyoung — a semantic error in his perfect life? This volume collects episodes 01-15 of the webcomic Semantic Error... -
A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Audrey Carlan comes a new story in her Marriage Auction series…“’Tis the Season,” some people say, as if the month of December could somehow magically make the world a better place. Fat chance of that happening in Sin City.In my world, nothing is merry and bright. More like dark and dank... -
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The Gruff Loner's Bargain by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBrook:I might be down on my luck, but I’m determined to open the best all-inclusive wedding venue in the U.S. But first, I have to scope out the competition. The only problem is I need a fake fiance to pull it off. Even worse, the only man available to do the job is the annoying handsome Landry Hendricks. Because of course I need the help of the one man in town who hates me... -
Not Without Your Love by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsReturn to Jackson Harbor for the story of two people who never thought to hope for their own happily ever after.Colton McKinley has turned his life around—no more booze, no more drugs, no more self-sabotage. With a new business to run and old promises to keep, the last thing he needs is wild, impulsive Veronica Maddox disrupting his world... -
Stay Here With Me by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Wilder Brothers from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with a secret romance that East and Lark never saw coming.The world thinks I only write songs about my ex-boyfriends.They study each lyric to point a finger at which man broke my heart—even if I’ve never met him.Only the man I refuse to write about is the one who is so tangled in my mind that I know I can never be with him... -
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain? I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary friends to lovers forced proximity m-f -
A Co-Worker's Crush by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt took me a long time to realize I shouldn’t date the women I work with. It cost me three tattoo guns, a job, five motorcycle tires, and I’m not even counting the t-shirts I never got back. It feels different with Frankie but she comes with a little daughter and a crap load of other baggage. I’m not the guy you take home to your parents, let alone your child... -
Kind of a Hot Mess by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI'm a hot mess single mom with no time for players…or anything else. He's a wounded NHL star stuck in the small town he's fought to escape. So we strike a deal to become roomies--Aaron will babysit my little boy to help me through the busiest catering season of the year. In exchange, I'll give him a place to heal away from his overbearing family... -
The Burns We Carry by Marae Good
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOnce burnt, twice shy...Shay Davis is desperate for a fresh start — not just for her, but for the new life growinginside of her. But when she arrives in the quiet mountain town of Wallowpine, Arizona, thecold, unforgiving forest ranger who pulls her over seems intent on running strangers out oftown... -
Grumpy Billionaire Playboy by Ava Nichols
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy brother’s best friend is my worst enemy… Now, he’s also my fake fiancé who just took my v-card.Drake Bennet is a handsome, arrogant, Real Estate shark who always has women throwing themselves at him.But I can’t stand him; we’ve always fought and bickered growing up.His mom has been badgering him to settle down, so he asked me to be his fake fiance... -
Set My Heart Bonfire by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe's a dashing millionaire who thinks everything in life is one big joke, probably because he bathes in piles of money each morning. He’s also my new neighbor, and after a humiliating experience in the cemetery that is my backyard, he becomes my shadow, showing up everywhere just to annoy me.I’m not a fan of happy people...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary super rich hero humor small town length-medium m-f -
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt was supposed to be a quick meeting.I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone... -
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녹색전상 1 by JAXX, 잭스
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 19 ratings초고층 빌딩으로 가득한 섬. 조각 전공생 매튜 레이너는 우연히 마주친 진청우에게 작품의 모델이 되어 달라 제안한다. 조직을 일으켜 세운 사나운 개, 섹스 중독자. 진창을 구르며 끊이지 않는 통증과 불면에 시달리던 신해파 간부 진청우. 맹목적으로 달려드는 매튜에 기이한 호기심을 느낀 진은 제안을 수락하는 대신 조건을 내건다. "모델을 서 주는 동안, 넌 내 말에 무조건 복종한다." 두 남자는 서로 다른 욕망을 감춘 채 거래를 시작한다... -
Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn my defense, I never claimed to be professional...At least that’s my excuse for why I mistook a billionaire for a waiter, made off-color comments and accidentally dumped a plate of food all over him.Embarrassing myself is a daily occurrence, just like my unpaid bill notices.But being in a wedding instead of planning one is not...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine contemporary super rich hero humor forced proximity suspense m-f -
The Atelier Assignment by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHer assignment is to not fall in love with him…Zeke Brooksbank is in need of a wake-up call. One that shakes him out of the grump he’s permanently in and turns him into a reasonable human being.I’m not staying at his country residence to tame the beast. I’m meant to be cataloguing his art collection, not fangirling over his own paintings, or becoming attached to his little daughter... -
You've Got To Be Kidding by Ali Parker
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe last time I saw my baby daddy, we were in the backseat of a limo at his brother’s wedding.Making magic—or a kiddo.No judging. There was a lot of liquor involved and the man is a god.He passed out before I could tell him my name, but payback is hell.I stole his pants for good measure. I’m sure he enjoyed that.It was supposed to be one night of fun...Categorized as:
from hate to love single-mother humor contemporary secret child pregnancy length-medium -
Tripped by Love by L.J. Evans
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a broody bodyguard with secrets he can’t share.She’s a busy single mom with a restaurant to run.They’re just friends until a little white lie changes everything. Marco Hernandez is the somber trainer here only to bend my body into shape, but when the perfectly sculpted man holds my son in his arms and smiles, I’m a goner. Weak legs. Pounding veins... -
Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones
When 26 year old Reese accepts a position as a grad assistant, she has no idea an unpleasant encounter with a student will lead to the discovery of what she calls “the trifecta”: fine, intellectual, and a little bit rude – three qualities she finds irresistible in a man. She has no intention of doing anything with that discovery – nothing long term, at least...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine new adult contemporary cold hero open-door length-short -
Hard Fall by Brenda Rothert, Kat Mizera
The St. Louis Mavericks are having the best season in team history. On pace for a pro hockey record, the unexpected death of their captain and star player knocks them off course in ways they never expected.WestonMy world was turned upside down the day Ben Whitmer died. Best friends since junior hockey, Ben was like a brother to me. My voice of reason and a grounding force on and off the ice...Categorized as:
from hate to love single-mother contemporary sports sweet heroine behind-doors hockey length-medium -
Secret Baby Daddy by Josie Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSeeing your ex again after six years is one thing,But hiding his secret daughter is a whole new level of complicated…My bestie hooked it up with an all-inclusive vacation, so naturally I said YES.But I should have peeked at the guest list beforehand.Now I’m stuck in paradise for two weeks with the guy who knocked me up and broke my heart... -
Hate You Up Close by Morgan Paige
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHate You Up Close is a STANDALONE novel following Love You From Afar. A new job. A new city. This was supposed to be a fresh start for me.I expected the move to come with challenges, but no one could have prepared me for him. My new boss - Elliot Thompson.He’s cold, selfish, miserable, and the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I hate that he smells of whiskey and leather... -
Implode by Victoria Dawson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNicI should have stayed away from her. Even I know this.I used to convince myself that I’m irreparable. But what if the one woman I shouldn’t crave is the only person who can mend my jaded heart?Claire Nettles is hiding more than just her feelings from me. And when I find out what has her so scared, I’m never allowing her to walk out of my life again... -
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All This Time by Zee Irwin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShe’s a book nerd and a cat whisperer. He’s scarred and intimidating. Can the beautiful, quirky bookstore owner tame the beast in the detective?♥Lily Young♥I admitted the book boyfriends by the dozen in my Cat’s Cradle bookstore had taken precedence over dating in real-life... -
For The Love of Easton : A Single Parent Romance and Sequel to For The Love of English by A.M. Hargrove
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat could be more humiliating than your father telling an almost perfect stranger that you’re single?I’ll tell you what—proposing MARRIAGE to him!That’s exactly what my father did.He basically tried to barter me off like a horse.Admittedly, said single dude was a veritable smoke show. Besides being exceptionally panty-melting, he was also a complete jackass...Categorized as:
from hate to love single-mother new adult christian humor contemporary cheerful heroine length-long -
Two for Charging by Lasairiona E. McMaster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDedicated. Driven. Divorced.Coach Elliott Swift is under pressure from all sides. His players are counting on him to return the team to championship success despite his recently graduated star players. His toxic ex-wife dogs his every move, and his sickly, aging parents require constant care... -
Love Inn Books by Erin Branscom
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe doesn’t believe in love.She’s a romantic at heart.He’s her sworn enemy…and her new boss.Preston Steele is a buttoned up, Ivy League lawyer from an affluent prominent Boston family.He ditches the city life and moves to small town Freedom Valley to start over where he finally feels like he belongs.His new friends think he could use some fun and love in his life... -
Things I Forgot About by Kelsey Humphreys
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratings"He is off limits. Complicated. Not right for me at all. He's trouble, wrapped up in an expensive navy suit. But I never could stay out of trouble..."Kat Canton is a woman with a plan. Though a rebel at heart, she’s had to stay focused since becoming a single mom at seventeen... -
Love à la Mode by Kali Hart
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsLove á la Mountain Men of Caribou Creek Book 6A Small Town Mountain Man Curvy Woman RomanceAuroraIt’s not that I’m trouble as much as trouble follows me everywhere.Especially when it comes to the Caribou Creek police chief, Garrett Bradley.Every time I cross paths with the man too sexy for his own good, trouble follows.Which is why I should know better than to speed through town... -
Isabelle and the Beast: A Sweet Rom-Com Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Marie Soleil
It was supposed to be a quick meeting.I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone... -
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Breanna Lynn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis Christmas, rockin' around the Christmas tree has a new meaning. Lilah Evan Andrews is a grinch. I don’t know why he hates me so much, but I have no problem giving just as good as I get from him.And that includes kissing me senseless.Now that he has, I won’t let it stop there. Good girls may end up on the nice list, but the naughty ones get Os for Christmas... -
Luca & Ivy and the Four Calling Birds by Ellie Hall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWould you rather be stranded in a snowstorm with Miss All-things Christmas or the Grinch?IvyIf you ever find yourself on the run, do not, I repeat, do not drive off the road and into an icy pond. Should you have such an accident, do not wander into the woods to a chalet with a blazing fire. But if you lose feeling in your toes and go inside to warm up, do not, I repeat, do not, doze off...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love christmas contemporary forced proximity humor length-short -
Nanny for the Grump by Kate Lovelace
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHe’s a smoking-hot single dad and a world-class grump. I’m a runaway bride in need of a job. Being his nanny is my only option.On the surface, it doesn’t seem like the worst job in the world.He’s a total hunk with an adorable, eight-year-old son, and a huge house in the middle of nowhere.It’s the perfect spot to disappear...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary suspense abuse age difference length-short -
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Something Beautiful: A Small Town Love-After-Loss Romance by Kait Weaver-Smith
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsIn the aftermath of an unimaginable loss, Olivia Brooks is thrust into the challenging role of single motherhood, her life forever altered by the sudden, tragic loss of her husband... -
A Risk on Forever by N.S. Perkins
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhen Matthias Phillips imagined the new caretaker for his mother with ALS, the last thing he had in mind was a gorgeous twenty-something who didn’t look like she had a day of experience in the field. However, his mother has always been stubborn, and despite his objections, she’s insistent: it’s Adelaide Samson she wants him to hire... -
How the Grinch Stole My Heart by Annabelle Costa
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsSingle mom Noelle can’t stand her crotchety next-door neighbor. She’s never met the man in person, but Mr. Grieder, a.k.a. Mr. Grinch, leaves her nasty notes whenever her son plays in the hallway. He complained until their doorman got rid of the beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby. He even slammed his door on the Girl Scout Carolers... -
The Joy of Us by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat happens when your rental cabin ends up being a scam and you’re forced to stay with a sexy lumberjack? You try to avoid him and his annoying Christmas spirit because the last thing you have time for is love. The Joy of Us is a reverse grumpy/sunshine, close proximity romance... -
Between Hate and Desire by Brooke Fox, Brooke Montgomery
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI saw her first.Blonde. Gorgeous. Feisty.I was captivated.But it doesn’t matter because hours later, she walks out of my roommate’s bedroom half naked, and I know I’ve lost my chance.Now, we’re forced to live together and constantly bicker about everything. Though I purposely get under her skin, I can’t stop thinking about her in all the wrong ways... -
A Fake Love Deal by Zoey Locke, Z.L. Arkadie
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSure he's a billionaire. Sure he's tall, dark, and handsome to the extreme. But he's more so crabby, frigid, and a regular storm cloud. And yes, he's my new fake fiancé.The rumor is true, yet if asked, I'll deny that I am marrying Achilles Lord for the money.Shocking… I know.And yes, I'm an heiress.Newsflash. Not all heiresses are rich and fabulous...
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