Books like 'An Independent Wife'
Readers who enjoyed An Independent Wife by Linda Howard also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary second chances pregnancy cruel hero marriage of convenience virgin heroine alpha male age difference other-man-woman possessive hero
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ALLURE by Nina Lane
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 36 ratings"We both want this so badly. I can feel it resonating between us like the hot pull of our first attraction, tangible and intense." After lies and betrayal almost destroy their marriage, Dean and Olivia West reignite their blissful passion. The medieval history professor and his cherished wife are determined to fix their mistakes and fall in love all over again... -
![Time to Bounce by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Time to Bounce by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLoneliness is overwhelming in its intensity. There are times you think you can cope, that you can make it despite the hollow feeling in your chest. Then there are the times when you realize you can’t breathe through the pain of loss. When Gable Buchanan Carter walks into Athena’s life, it’s like a light is switched on inside her chest. Suddenly she can breathe... -
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![Big, Bossy Problem: An Accidental Baby Romance by Lilian Monroe]()
Big, Bossy Problem: An Accidental Baby Romance by Lilian Monroe
Being a dog walker isn’t as glamorous as you might imagine.Unless, of course, you’re walking a tech billionaire’s German shepherd mix... -
![The Billionaire's Salvation ~ Max by J.S. Scott]()
The Billionaire's Salvation ~ Max by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsBillionaire Max Hamilton thought he was finally starting to find contentment, more than two years after losing his wife Mia in a tragic drowning accident. He'd been reunited with a sister he hadn’t realized existed. Finally he had family again, a reprieve from the pain and loneliness that had haunted him since his devastating loss...Categorized as:
alpha male super rich hero possessive hero cruel hero sweet heroine contemporary length-short m-f -
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![The Accardi Twins: A Mafia Romance Duet by Siobhan Davis, Kelly Hartigan (XterraWeb)]()
The Accardi Twins: A Mafia Romance Duet by Siobhan Davis, Kelly Hartigan (XterraWeb)
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA dark mafia romance duet from the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Siobhan Davis. Includes exclusive brand-new BONUS CONTENT. Cold King of New York - Summary An emotionally detached mafia don must guard his heart from the beautiful, feisty rookie spy assigned to seduce their enemy before he breaks all his self-imposed rules and places her in greater danger... -
![Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens]()
Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlexander Palomino is a man defined by the ghosts of his past, of which there are his parents, his daughter, his wife…, and Jess.He’s a man defined by the promises he’s made. To never be like his abusive father, to never love again, never trust again, and to sever their ties for good.In the wake of their heart-wrenching end, Alex’s rash decision throws lives into chaos, including his own... -
![Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens]()
Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlexander Palomino is a man defined by the ghosts of his past, of which there are his parents, his daughter, his wife…, and Jess.He’s a man defined by the promises he’s made. To never be like his abusive father, to never love again, never trust again, and to sever their ties for good.In the wake of their heart-wrenching end, Alex’s rash decision throws lives into chaos, including his own... -
![Wedding at the Riverview Inn by Molly O'Keefe]()
Wedding at the Riverview Inn by Molly O'Keefe
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsAn emotional tale of a magical inn, a wedding gone terribly wrong and a woman searching for a second chance.Alice has hit rock bottom. Once a Michelin-starred chef, she is now drowning in debt, working the line at a chain restaurant and drinking too much. The last person she ever expected to come knocking with a job offer and a fresh start is her ex-husband, Gabe... -
![Innocent by Addison Jane]()
Innocent by Addison Jane
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI escaped a brutal past.Created a life I loved.But when your fake proposal with your one-night stand ends up plastered all over the internet, suddenly you’re right back where you started.Fighting for my life and the future I deserved.Only this time, I wasn’t sure I’d survive.Drake wasn’t just a tattooed CEO of a billion-dollar company.He was protective.He was passionate...Categorized as:
suspense strong heroine super rich hero age difference alpha male contemporary bikers length-medium -
![Breaking Trey by Amelia Shea]()
Breaking Trey by Amelia Shea
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFormer MC club girl, Dahlia Carter has her sights set on a new career path, and the opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time. Her roommate just bailed before paying next month’s rent, and her bank account registers almost a zero balance. Her only shot at survival lies in the hands of a man she can’t resist.Trey Serra is everything Dahlia is not...Categorized as:
boss & employee angst forced proximity alpha male age difference suspense mafia insta-love -
![When Hearts Surrender by Victoria Lum]()
When Hearts Surrender by Victoria Lum
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA cold, reclusive billionaire, a dark family curse, and an arranged marriage with the one woman he’s forbidden to love.All my life, restlessness has haunted me, as if a piece of my soul were missing. Then, I met him.A mysterious, charismatic bad boy in a leather jacket who whisked me away on the ride of a lifetime.For the first time, I felt truly alive... -
![Love's Trusting by Maryann Jordan]()
Love's Trusting by Maryann Jordan
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratings***Due to language that some will consider crude and sexual scenes of an explicit nature, readers need to be 18+ *** When trust is broken by loss and grief, can it ever be repaired? High school sweethearts and young lovers, Brad and Suzy had vowed to stay together forever. “I’ll always be here for you. Trust me,” Brad promised but loss separated the young lovers...Categorized as:
suspense virgin heroine second chances pregnancy alpha male contemporary length-medium -
![Cruel North by J.B. Salsbury]()
Cruel North by J.B. Salsbury
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsCruel North is an angsty second-chance, enemies to lovers romance where the most hated man in the North Brothers world finally gets brought to his knees.A teenage girl with my eyes and a familiar glare, strolls into my life and she’s calling me Dad. Vanessa was my high school girlfriend and the smartest person I knew. She had a plan, a future, and she swore nothing would get in the way... -
![The Set Up by Ainsley St. Claire]()
The Set Up by Ainsley St. Claire
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHe's a single dad, billionaire CEO, and father to twin terrors. She's desperate to support her daughter. Falling in love with the nanny is complicated.Scarlett:I have less than $2,000 in my checking account and I need a job.My ex took off with his assistant and millions of dollars that he stole in a Ponzi scheme...Categorized as:
super rich hero boss & employee alpha male age difference contemporary length-medium -
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![Tangled Up by Tia Louise]()
Tangled Up by Tia Louise
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHe's broody, he's driven, and he's coming back to claim what's his.“First, do no harm…”It’s the start of my oath as a doctor, and breaking that oath is how I began my career.Only I didn’t just do harm, I watched a man die right in front of me.And not just any man—a man I hated.I thought his death would bring me peace, but it haunts me to this day...Categorized as:
super rich hero suspense second chances alpha male angst christian contemporary length-medium -
![Secret Baby Next Door by K.C. Crowne]()
Secret Baby Next Door by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWe met on a bumpy flight.But it was nothing compared to the night we shared. No regrets. Except one. I didn't get her contact info.Now Piper's my new next door neighbor.And her sweet little girl has my eyes. As a surgeon I crush all obstacles.But I'm falling for a woman I barely even know - all over again.Her smile, her lips, the way her luscious curves make my mouth water... -
![Save Me by Amanda Heath]()
Save Me by Amanda Heath
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsSave Me can be read as a standalone. “I don’t care! Do you hear me? I don’t care Pierce!” She screams at me. She is pissed and breathing fire. She has never looked so beautiful to me. Well when I can see her face and she isn’t turning away from me. “You care. You can pretend you don’t, but you do. You came all the way out here.” I pause grabbing her hand and swinging her around to face me... -
![Kiss Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Kiss Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsLast night, he was a sexy stranger I couldn't get enough of.Today, he's my new boss, who I can't seem to please.Bad luck seems to follow me. Last night, I grabbed a drink at the bar near my new workplace.I met the most sophisticated man when he “stole” my table. We bantered and danced, and I went home with a stranger for the first time in my life... -
![Broken Bridge by Nana Malone]()
Broken Bridge by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne miscalculation.One misstep had cost me everything. I lost my sister and my wife.I will burn down the world to get them back. Even if I have to become someone they fear.Forget vows, forget brotherhood. All I have left is rage. I have made promises I intend to keep.I will right the wrongs of The Elite, ensure vengeance for Emma, even if it cost me my soul... -
![Close Call by Amelia Wilde]()
Close Call by Amelia Wilde
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSometimes, the greatest danger comes from those who are closest of all...Jameson Hill is no stranger to a prison cell—but this one feels strangely worth it. He might have released Lily Hayes into the arms of her relieved family, but she wasn’t theirs anymore. Not really. And there’s no way she can be his, either. Not now.. -
![Play Pretend by Claire Brooks]()
Play Pretend by Claire Brooks
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA year ago, I told a lie...now, it's haunting me. Ronan Caldwell is my grumpy, too-handsome-for-his-own-good neighbor. He’s the town’s brooding sheriff...and my fake boyfriend.I’ve been lying to my family about dating him for the past year, convinced no one would ever know. But then they dropped a bomb—they’re coming to visit. Desperate to keep my story straight, I beg Ronan to play along... -
![Dare You by K.L. Shandwick]()
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... -
![Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs]()
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:
super rich hero from hate to love grumpy sunshine forced proximity suspense contemporary humor m-f -
![Broken Pieces by Yinn Quirós]()
Broken Pieces by Yinn Quirós
AriaMy life’s nowhere near perfect. Sure, being a top curator in the industry should be a big deal, but it’s like walking a tightrope between my true passion and trying to pick up the broken pieces of my life.Then there’s Damian Romano, the source of my frustration. He’s an arrogant, self-centered, ruthless businessman... -
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![Listed: Volume III by Noelle Adams]()
Listed: Volume III by Noelle Adams
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis is Volume III of a six-volume serial novel. A marriage of convenience has never been like this. Just before her eighteenth birthday, the doctors tell Emily she has three months to live. Not much time to complete the bucket list she's had since she was twelve. The first item is the hardest--"Get married"--so she turns to the only man she knows who can help...Categorized as:
marriage of convenience bad boys alpha male virgin heroine contemporary length-novella -
![Second Chance Love by M. Robinson]()
Second Chance Love by M. Robinson
From Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author M. Robinson comes an enemies to lovers, grumpy single dad/nanny second chance standalone romance.The one-night stand with my best friend’s little sister wasn’t my biggest mistake…Pretending like I didn’t know her the next day was. I had no idea who she was when we met. When I showed her around town … or when I bent her over my desk... -
![Burning Steel by Kat Bammer]()
Burning Steel by Kat Bammer
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHe will fight for a second chance, but he will burn down the world to keep her safe.Thirteen adrenaline-fueled years as a Navy SEALtaught Peter to protect those unable to defend themselves.He gave it his all.Now, it's time for a new mission.To come home to Moon Lake, serve as a deputy sheriff,and settle into uneventful small town life...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love forced proximity angst alpha male military contemporary length-medium -
![The Proposition by Amelia Wilde]()
The Proposition by Amelia Wilde
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRetribution (verb): inflict hurt on someone for an injury or wrongVengeance. It runs through Mason Hill's veins. Except the person who walks through his office door isn't his enemy. It's the man's daughter.Charlotte Van Kempt tempts the worst part of him. He wants to use her.He forms a new plan for revenge...He'll take out every past hurt and dark memory on her sweet body...Categorized as:
suspense super rich hero from hate to love virgin heroine contemporary length-novella -
![The Marriage Auction: Season One, Volume One by Audrey Carlan]()
The Marriage Auction: Season One, Volume One by Audrey Carlan
What would you do for three million dollars? Four young women enter into a clandestine auction to be married to the highest bidders. For no less than a million dollars a year, for three years, each woman will do what it takes to secure her future. Entangled in a high-stakes game of money, lust, power, and the hope for absolution, this group of women becomes a sisterhood unlike any other... -
![More Than Promises: A Small Town, Billionaire Romance by Loren Beeson]()
More Than Promises: A Small Town, Billionaire Romance by Loren Beeson
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAs if broody billionaire, Rowan Kendrick, wasn't causing enough chaos in my small town, now he's on the hunt for a wife, and I just became his top candidate.Here's the catch: I'll play fake fiancée to a rich, downright sexy CEO for a couple of months...Categorized as:
marriage of convenience forced proximity suspense super rich hero small town contemporary -
![One Bossy Date by Nicole Snow]()
One Bossy Date by Nicole Snow
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsAn accidental date brings together two instant enemies in this hilarious and steamy grumpy boss romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow.Never sweat the small stuff, they say.How about when you wake up with a giant stranger showering in your hotel room?There's nothing tiny about Brock Winthrope.He even roars like a lion when he sees me. I scream back...Categorized as:
super rich hero grumpy sunshine bad boys from hate to love angst age difference alpha male suspense -
![Lion's First Roar! by Roxie Rivera]()
Lion's First Roar! by Roxie Rivera
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsafter Nikolai IIFree read from website - http://www.roxieriverawriter.com/news.. -
![Lyon's Angel by Jordan Silver]()
Lyon's Angel by Jordan Silver
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsColton Lyon the tough talking pierced, tattooed biker has fallen for the young Kat Sloan as soon as she moves to town and starts working for him. When he finds out about an attack in her past Colt does the only thing a man in his position can do; he handles it... -
![Marked by Him by S.R. Jones]()
Marked by Him by S.R. Jones
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHis ink on my skin. His ring on my finger. His protection for life. My heart as payment. Nikolai: She came to my territory to spy on me. No one does that and lives. But this girl, she’s a rare beauty, beyond any I’ve seen. I want her under me, not under the ground. She’s a temptation I have to conquer, and so I make her an offer. My mark, on her skin... -
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![The Mistake by R.G. Angel]()
The Mistake by R.G. Angel
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe was my best—and worst—mistake... All I wanted was one night. A single, hot encounter with the sexy stranger who made me feel things I’d never felt before. What could possibly go wrong?Everything.Turns out my one-night stand, Hugo St-John, is also my best friend Ethan’s estranged brother. And that’s not the worst of it. Because my best friend? He’s also my fake fiancé... -
![Bossy Billionaire by M. Robinson]()
Bossy Billionaire by M. Robinson
A workplace, billionaire, second chance standalone romance from Wall Street Journal & USA Bestselling Author M. Robinson“I need you to let me go…”What was supposed to be only a three-year career choice in London turned into me losing the love of my life. For the past seven years, I became the successful multibillionaire I sacrificed her for... -
![Wood You Rather? by Daphne Elliot]()
Wood You Rather? by Daphne Elliot
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy new fake boyfriend? I can’t stand him. Pascal Gagnon is a broody lumberjack with a pine tree stuck up his self-righteous ass. He needs my help investigating his father’s accident, and I need the work to help my PI business get off the ground. We’re total opposites—he’s an uptight control freak, and I’ve been described as a hurricane... -
![Struck Love by Lucy Darling]()
Struck Love by Lucy Darling
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI struck gold on my land. An overnight millionaire with a criminal record, a bad attitude, and a motorcycle club to run. Even with all that, I think I have my life under control.But then I see her. That’s when I realize what it’s truly like to find something priceless. Olivia is a woman I never saw coming, not when her father is the reason I caught charges all those years back... -
![Mick by C.M. Steele]()
Mick by C.M. Steele
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“I’d die for you…” As the “Princess” of the Steele Riders, Morgan Steele is untouchable. A mere tattoo artist isn’t worthy of her, but Mick’s going to do whatever he can to win her love. Morgan wants her man and is going to do whatever she can to get Ewan “Mick” McMann to claim her body and soul... -
![Wrathful Union by Ivy Davis]()
Wrathful Union by Ivy Davis
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI hated him but he claimed me anyway… Known as the Ice Princess of the Bratva,I have never let a man get close to me.That is until Nikolay Volkov entered my life.Second in command of the Bratva,He has almost as much power as I do.He says he can melt the ice around me.I won’t let him.As I’m married off to him,I worry that he will change me.For the first time in my life,I feel unhinged... -
![The Lying Game: A sweet grumpy/sunshine, small town romcom by Sara Jane Woodley]()
The Lying Game: A sweet grumpy/sunshine, small town romcom by Sara Jane Woodley
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGetting trapped in a rundown motel with a grumpy stranger wasn’t how this night was supposed to end, but at least I’ll never have to see him again. Until he becomes my new roommate…When a dating disaster leaves me heartbroken, muddy, and stranded on the side of the road in the pouring rain, the last thing I expect is for an impossibly hot (and impossibly grouchy) man to offer me a ride home... -
![The Tyrant's Fake Fiance by Lizzy West]()
The Tyrant's Fake Fiance by Lizzy West
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDamonI made my nightclub the hottest spot in Chicago all on my own.But since a scandal rocked the club’s reputation, I’ve found myself crawling back to my father for help.His expectations are clear – I have to find a wife, fast.When I meet a green-eyed spitfire working as one of my waitresses, I know I’ve found the right woman.Now I just need to tame her... -
![Temporary Love by W. Million]()
Temporary Love by W. Million
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA slow burn, steamy, and heartfelt marriage of convenience featuring a billionaire and his temporary nanny.Ever since my sister died and left me in charge of her infant daughter, I’ve been drowning in debt and on the verge of homelessness... -
![My Beautiful Poison by T.L. Smith]()
My Beautiful Poison by T.L. Smith
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI forgave him for the lies he told. And I forgave him for breaking my body with his touch. But I couldn’t forgive myself for staying. Until I met you… my antidote. I knew I couldn’t keep forgiving him, when I could be safe in your arms. With your touch, there were no tears. With your kisses, I could finally breathe. You might be the villain in everyone’s story... But not mine... -
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![Cinderella's Jilted Billionaire by Lucy Monroe]()
Cinderella's Jilted Billionaire by Lucy Monroe
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSicilian business tycoon Carlo Messina is used to getting his way, so when his supposedly biddable fiancée leaves him standing at the altar he's shocked...and furious.Annette has spent her entire life trying to be worthy of her family's love, but she's never measured up... -
![Cruel Offer by Stella Gray]()
Cruel Offer by Stella Gray
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsI’ll make her the most desired woman in NY…but that means letting her go.The Agency was always going to choose Piper-Lily’s husband.Her father’s name opened doors, but he needed the money a good match could bring. Turns out, no amount of money was going to fix the Ponzi scheme he was running. Overnight, Piper-Lily went from my most anticipated client to persona non grata...Categorized as:
age difference super rich hero forced proximity virgin heroine contemporary length-long -
![Lawyer by Lena Little]()
Lawyer by Lena Little
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSilas I’m a damn good attorney. But my firm is doing nothing to show me they appreciate or value my work, so I was already thinking that big changes were in order when I met her. I worked cases pro bono to help enhance my resume and profile but wasn’t expecting to meet a woman who would change the entire course of my life... -
![Ruthless Mountain Man by Jenika Snow, Kelsey King]()
Ruthless Mountain Man by Jenika Snow, Kelsey King
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI moved to the mountains to get away from everyone and everything. All I want is peace and quiet and it’s worked well for me over the last decade. But then she moves in next door and disrupts my solitude. Kylie—my new neighbor—with her smart@ss mouth and destructive dog... -
![Hostile Hearts by K.E. Osborn]()
Hostile Hearts by K.E. Osborn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsStep up and be a man…That’s what I had to do when my father walked out on my mother, sister, and me for the other family he had on the side.He left us with nothing.So I had to become something—someone better than he thought I could be.I made it, despite my father—because of my father.All I need now is that one huge client for my business to soar, to rocket me into the stratosphere where I belong... -
![Colt by Jules Ford]()
Colt by Jules Ford
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWelcome back to Hambleton, home of the Speed Demons MC, where dark forces are at play, and nobody is who they seem.ColtThe day I left the military, I found the Speed Demons MC, and discovered the family I’d always craved. Along with the club came the president, John Stone, who taught me more about being a good man than my blood relatives ever did...
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