Books like 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This'
Readers who enjoyed Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary friends to lovers m-f love triangle angst forced proximity hurt-comfort slow burn small town competent heroine
-
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... -
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce
Estranged exes must stick close together to save their best friend’s wedding after a string of disasters in this swoony and steamy second-chance romance from the USA Today bestselling author of You, with a View .Georgia Woodward lives by her lists, none more so than the one about her ex, Eli Mora...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f friends to lovers sweet heroine sweet-hero angst strong heroine slow burn -
Awakened by Sin by Mia Knight
Carmen Pyre had it all until her husband was murdered by a madman who threatened everyone she loved. Now that her husband has been avenged, it's time to move on... she just doesn't know how. Two men who fill her husband’s former roles offer to help her move forward with her life...Categorized as:
love triangle competent heroine independent heroine angst m-f suspense contemporary mafia -
Untaken Twin by Samantha Christy
A forbidden romance.There’s only one thing worse than your fiancé dying . . .It's having to look into his face every single day.Or should I say - the face of his twin.So I left.I never knew promises were made. Then broken.And I surely never expected those promises to be about me.When I return to my hometown and see his face, the heartache I’ve been running from is front and center...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity angst m-f tearjerkers contemporary new adult open-door -
-
Talk Nerdy To Me by C.M. Owens
Despite the fact it seemed like Base Masters was all over Sterling Shore, I'd never really known much about him, aside from random factoids. Things like...he's a semi-estranged cousin of one of my brother's friends, plays guitar in a local band, and he doesn't get mentioned much unless he's on stage. Until.. -
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... -
Heading Home to Lavender Cottage by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWith nowhere else to go, Harriet Colgan has returned to the sleepy village of Cranfield to sell her beloved aunt and uncle’s cottage, the only place she ever called home.When she arrives at Lavender Cottage, Harriet discovers plans to replace the beautiful lavender fields, her uncle’s pride and joy, with an industrial warehouse... -
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 27 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 strong heroine m-f humor contemporary sassy heroine audiobook -
Seven Summers by Paige Toon
Six summers to fall in love. One summer to change everything. Liv and Finn meet six summers ago working in a bar on the rugged Cornish coastline, their futures full of promise. When a night of passion ends in devastating tragedy they are bound together inextricably. But Finn’s life is in LA with his band, and Liv’s is in Cornwall with her family—so they make a promise...Categorized as:
love triangle friends to lovers m-f contemporary other-man-woman new adult audiobook -
Love Notes & Lifelines by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThe job was simple. Always answer the phone—no exceptions—then solve the caller’s catastrophe as efficiently as possible.The rules were simpler. They contact you, not the other way around. Never give them your real name, number, or any personal information not required to help a newly single dad keep his head above water.And never, ever get involved with a caller... -
The Billionaire's Secrets by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsFormer rock star Xander Sinclair may be out of rehab, but he’s not out of the woods. Still haunted by his parents’ murders, he has secluded himself in his Amesport mansion and dodges any attempted contact from his two brothers. Struggling not to fall into relapse, he believes he’s battling his demons alone. That is, until Samantha arrives to work as his live-in housekeeper...Categorized as:
independent heroine sweet heroine m-f contemporary super rich hero length-medium audiobook -
Swept Into Love by Melissa Foster
The Ryders are a series of sexy stand-alone romances. These hot contemporary romance novels feature alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women's fiction. It’s been years since Sally Tuft’s husband died and she was left to raise her teenage son alone... -
The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFamily, wounded hearts, and a Texas bed-and-breakfast are in need of repair in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s inviting novel about down-home comfort and second chances.Cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae are due for a change...Categorized as:
small town friends to lovers forced proximity m-f contemporary humor christian audiobook -
Moonraker's Bride by Madeleine Brent
Born in a Mission in China, Lucy Waring finds herself with fifteen small children to feed and care for. The way she tackles this task leads to her being thrown into the grim prison of Chengfu, where she meets Nicholas Sabine - a man about to die. He asks her a cryptic riddle, the mystery of which echoes through all that befalls her in the months that follow.. -
-
That Secret Crush by Meghan Quinn
USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn brings more humor and heart with the third novel of her Getting Lucky series: a story about breaking curses and laying your heart on the line... -
The Last Second Chance by Lucy Score
What would it take to get one last chance? Joey Greer is done having her heart broken. Eight years ago, after a horrific car accident, Jackson Pierce—her high school sweetheart—abandoned her. Abandoned his family. Abandoned the town they'd both grown up in, and fled to Hollywood. He never looked back, and she never forgot him. Or forgave him... -
Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsOnce upon a time, I fell in love with a boy.A beautiful, broken boy who had his own world of struggles. People warned me against our love, but I didn't listen.We looked weak. Young, foolish. Dangerously in love. We didn't care.In order to keep our hearts protected from the opinions of others, we became each other’s secret. We shared stolen moments. Tender touches. Secretive embraces... -
The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini
How many weddings does it take to fall in love?One year ago, Amelie had it all.Almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant: her life was exactly what she’d ordered.Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, popped up out of nowhere and proved she might like something off menu.***One year later, Amelie has lost it all... -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers strong heroine independent heroine sweet-hero slow burn sweet heroine m-f angst -
Hate to Love Him by J. Saman
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA gorgeous, brooding rock god. An unstoppable chemistry we fight to ignore. Desperate passion I want indelibly inked on my soul...Jobless and financially destitute, I have no choice but to see this tour through. Even with my boss hating my guts.A fact he goes out of his way to prove every chance he gets.Lucky for me, the best part of Jasper Diamond is his daughter... -
Reset by Janet Elizabeth Henderson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFormer soldier Ryan Granger’s life has become all about numbers:13 months since he was shot in the head7 months spent in a coma6 months since he woke, a changed man5 hours since he’d been kidnapped4 minutes since he’d opened his eyes in an underground cavern3 minutes since he’d heard a woman calling for help…Two strangers trapped together.One impossible way out... -
Moonstruck by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWith his knack for bad luck, Liam isn’t surprised when he’s awarded house arrest after protecting a fan at his last show. What he didn’t expect was the girl of his dreams showing up with his lunch delivery and turning his confinement into an unexpected friendship... -
Wheels Down by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more. Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year . But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity hurt-comfort m-m contemporary queer length-medium -
-
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson
My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn.Talk about life being unfair.I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay... -
Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations by Sophie Andrews
Death is an awkward matchmaker…When my brother suddenly passes away, shattering my family, I’m left to pick up the pieces.Then Vince Mancini knocks on my door. My brother’s best friend from high school—and the boy I loved—is a funeral director, and he promises to answer whenever I call... -
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:
friends to lovers forced proximity m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine from hate to love -
Flat-Out Matt by Jessica Park
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 47 ratingsMatt is a junior at MIT. He’s geeky, he's witty, he's brilliant. And he’s also very, very stupid. When beautiful, cool, insightful Julie moves in with Matt’s family, why (oh why!) does he pretend to be his absent brother Finn for her alleged benefit? It seems harmless enough until her short-term stay becomes permanent. And until it snowballs into heart-squeezing insanity...Categorized as:
friends to lovers slow burn angst sweet-hero m-f contemporary virgin heroine college -
Fling by Adriana Locke
CONTEST: WIN A DATE TO MY HONEYMOONI realize that a social media post isn’t the usual way to secure a date to your honeymoon—for obvious reasons—but here we are.My wedding was canceled. What’s not canceled is the nonrefundable, ten-thousand-dollar all-inclusive vacation at a luxury resort, and I’m not about to let it go to waste.I’m packed and ready to hit the beach... -
Wright with Benefits by K.A. Linde
A feisty stand alone friends with benefits romance from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde. With new characters set in the bestselling world of the Wrights, this is a perfect jumping on point for new readers! I shouldn’t have hooked up with my one night stand... again. To be fair, I was having the worst day of my life. I was sure that nothing else could go wrong. Then in walks Jordan Wright... -
The Deeper I Fall by Erika Kelly
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe's a rough and rugged hockey player. She's a posh British princess. To win an enormous inheritance, they’re forced to live together.This is not going to go well.When his former hockey coach passes away, Declan Cadell is shocked to learn the man left him a cattle ranch. Well, not exactly. He’s got one little hurdle to jump first... -
Every Chance With You by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen I met Alec Hayes in Vegas, I thought I'd stumbled into a love affair with the man of my dreams. Alec's sexy, confident, and charming.Our night together was full of laughter and the kind of toe-curling kisses that tempted me to believe in fate for the first time in years.Until I flew out to LA to surprise Alec and ran into the unnamed half-brother he'd admitted to despising... -
Dare You by K.L. Shandwick
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThis book and series have been rebranded to Chasing Love Billie in the Wild Romance Saga by Kelly Shandwick on Goodreads for clarity of reading order. Chasing Love Billie is book one in the series... -
Can't Bucking Wait by Elle Thorpe
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’ve wanted to be a big city doctor my entire life. I studied hard. Got into Harvard. Then moved across the other side of the country, leaving my family’s small-town ranch and bull riding school behind. I’ve hated every moment since. My older sister’s wedding is the perfect excuse for an extended trip back home...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst forced proximity cowboys contemporary length-medium audiobook -
-
Blue by M.L. Nystrom
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsBlue’s life is in shambles.He has to fight off his MC brotherhood on a drug problem threatening his town, balance his time as a father while dealing with a vicious custody battle with his ex, and somehow manage the huge load of responsibilities of his job. All the while, he is fighting his attraction to the quiet shopkeeper who lives just across the street from him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers tortured hero sweet heroine angst bikers contemporary single-father length-short -
Moonlight Road by Robyn Carr
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsWITH HER BELOVED YOUNGER SIBLINGS SETTLED AND HAPPY, ERIN FOLEY HAS EMPTY NEST SYNDROME. AT AGE THIRTY-FIVE. So she's hitting the pause button on her life and holing up in a secluded (but totally upgraded --- she's not into roughing it!) cabin near Virgin River. Erin is planning on getting to know herself ... not the shaggy-haired mountain man she meets...Categorized as:
slow burn small town sweet-hero m-f contemporary military virgin heroine length-long -
Forget Me Not by Brenda Jackson
Brenda Jackson welcomes you back to Catalina Cove, where love is waiting to be reclaimed…Ashley Ryan never doubted that her husband, Devon, was the love of her life. Even now, three years after Devon died in a car wreck while on a business trip, Ashley can’t bring herself to move on... -
Doors by Clover Down
Levi He is a professional cuddler. He’s always been good with people and after a rough youth, he understands loneliness and pain. Or he thought he did until he knocked on Noelle Shaw’s door. He could never have prepared for meeting her—not for the storm in her eyes or the way she constantly surprises him.Levi thought he was there to help her, but maybe he had it backward... -
The Guy at The Wedding by Katherine Center
It's the story of the night Jake and Helen (the main characters in Happiness for Beginners) first met.The first time Jake ever sees Helen, he's crashing her wedding with her little brother, Duncan—and Jake glimpses her for the first time as the boys burst into her dressing room without knocking just as Helen is adjusting the garter under her wedding dress... -
Retreat by June Gray
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsReturn to the place where it all began… Elsie surprises Henry in California in the sexiest way possible, and inadvertently reveals the secret of their relationship to their families. But just when she thinks everything is finally falling back into place, a revelation changes everything… ~ RETREAT is a 13,000 word erotic romance novelette. FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY PLEASE...Categorized as:
friends to lovers tortured hero m-f contemporary men in uniform military length-novella -
Wreck My World by Victoria Ashley
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“The feeling I have in this very moment, after not seeing her for so long, will haunt me forever, reminding me why I left to begin with.” For as long as I can remember, Easton Crews has been off-limits. As much as it kills me, that’s never going to change. After his little disappearing act three years ago, then suddenly showing up out of nowhere, I shouldn't want anything to do with him... -
The Henry Sessions by June Gray
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsPART FOUR OF JUNE GRAY'S DISARM SERIESIn eighteen days, a life can change... Henry talks about the past during his therapy sessions but one night puts everything into question, including his relationship with the woman he's loved all his life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers tortured hero m-f contemporary men in uniform military length-novella -
Tabitha in the Moonlight by Betty Neels
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHer Prince Charming? Sister Tabitha was an efficient nurse, but when it came to matters of the heart she was less sure of herself. So when she fell in love, she had no idea how to deal with her feelings. Was that why the Dutch surgeon Marius van Beek called her Cinderella? If only Marius would ride up on a white horse and ask for her hand in marriage... -
The Billionaire's Desire by Scarlett Avery
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is an alternate cover edition for B00U1Y8PLG The sizzling adventure continues in this alpha billionaire romance series. The scintillating, steamy and passionate romance between Ciara and Nikolaj picks up where the last book ended. The only difference is that Ciara discovers Nikolaj’s true penchant for domination and to her surprise, she relishes submitting herself to him... -
-
Whispers at Seaside by Addison Cole
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSweet with Heat: Seaside Summers features a group of fun, flirty, and emotional friends who gather each summer at their Cape Cod cottages. They’re sassy, flawed, and so easy to relate to, you’ll be begging to enter their circle of friends! IN WHISPERS AT SEASIDE.. -
Only Mine by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’m not your girl next door.They call me loud, blunt, and too gorgeous for my own good.A woman who can’t be tamed. Until Archer.The problem? He’s my brother’s best friend. My new roommate. And off-limits.Until we spend a wild night between the sheets. But secretly dating isn’t easy.Our pasts collide with the present.And the only man who can save me is the one I shouldn’t want... -
When Sky Breaks by Ashley Alexander
Can the ultimate betrayal be forgiven?For five years, I’ve thrived.From my fantastic job to dating someone who encourages me to try new things, I’ve had the strength to cut ties with those who lied and move on.Or so I thought.Circumstances out of my control call me back to a place I vowed I’d never to return to…my hometown... -
When Fate Breaks by Nikki Witt
Do you believe in fate?It’s a simple question…unless you’re a strict life planner and serial overthinker like Annie Jacks. It’s a good thing she finally has it all figured out. Now twenty-eight and two months away from her wedding, Annie has found herself moving into the home of her dreams with her fiancé. The only issue with the move? The house has an old dilapidated greenhouse in the backyard...Categorized as:
friends to lovers small town slow burn forced proximity sweet-hero suspense humor contemporary -
Cruel King by K.A. Linde
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA new stand alone fake relationship romance set in the glitz and glamour of the Cruel world from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde...The most eligible bachelor in New York City just asked me to be his fake fiancé.Gavin King is six and a half feet of delectable billionaire with a devil’s smile that says he knows exactly what he’s going to do to me later. Because he has...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst forced proximity m-f contemporary alpha male new adult super rich hero -
Love Me by Jenn Plummer
HannahWhen my parents give me an ultimatum to settle down with my daughter’s father or they’ll sell the family business, which I’d hoped to inherit, my life crumbles around me. The man they expect me to marry? He has a secret life with a pregnant girlfriend in another city and zero interest in marrying me or stepping up as a father for our child...
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.