Books like 'The Island Between Us'
Readers who enjoyed The Island Between Us by Wendy Hudson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
lesbian romance forced proximity second chances queer
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Just Three Words by Melissa Brayden
Sometimes the one you want is the one you least suspect... Accountant Samantha Ennis craves order and structure. As the bookkeeper at the boutique advertising agency she owns with her three best friends, it’s her job to apply logic to the chaos. When one of those best friends, laid back Hunter Blair, moves in to share her loft apartment, Sam’s carefully organized world is thrown wildly askew...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer f-f contemporary bisexual friends to lovers length-medium open-door -
If I Don't Ask by E.J. Noyes
Rebecca Keane has it all figured out. With a successful career as an Army surgeon and a fresh promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, she loves her life leading a surgical team. Even if that life means she’s spent years hiding her sexuality and ignoring her desires under the Army’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer f-f contemporary military boss & employee forbidden love first-person-pov -
She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat, Vol. 4 by Sakaomi Yuzaki
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsKasuga has realized she’s in love with Nomoto―and after the blast they had at their curry party, the two grow closer than ever! With Valentine’s Day approaching, Nomoto bakes up a storm and Kasuga hits the shops as they prepare the perfect treats to give each other, and they both turn to a friend for advice on expressing their feelings... -
The Flaw in Our Design by Monica McCallan
Olivia Carver’s life in Lake Cabot, New York is simple. That’s how she likes it, even if she can’t stop the town she loves from being overrun by wealthy tourists each summer. When she’s not working at her family’s paddleboard shop or spending time with her lovable but infuriating brothers, she puts her energy into writing professionally, a dream that has yet to materialize... -
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Western Shores by Lise Gold
Madison Wilson, a marine biologist, has recently graduated and is ready to start her adult life with her first job as a research technician in Santa Cruz. After moving to Capitola, a sweet and colorful beach town in Northern California, she is immediately enchanted by her new house, as well as her beautiful landlady, Ally... -
Open Me Carefully: Emily Dickinson's Intimate Letters to Susan Huntington Dickinson by Emily Dickinson
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFor the first time, selections from Emily Dickinson's thirty-six year correspondence to her neighbor and sister-in-law, Susan Huntington Dickinson, are compiled in a single volume. Open Me Carefully invites a dramatic new understanding of Emily Dickinson's life and work, overcoming a century of censorship and misinterpretation... -
Then & Now by Monica McCallan
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsLily Connor has focused all her energy into becoming a successful wedding planner, and after five years, she’s on the precipice of taking on more responsibility at Southerland Wedding Company. When the chance finally presents itself, it comes with a complication she couldn’t have dreamt up in her worst nightmares... -
Mutual Benefits by H.P. Munro
Coming out to your loved ones is stressful, so when Hannah Melville’s family not only accept but celebrate her accidental announcement, it should be a relief. Which it would be, if Hannah was gay.Ashley West isn’t looking for a relationship. When she’s set up by her mother on a blind date, she’s ready to nip any expectations in the bud. She’s less prepared for her love interest to be straight...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer f-f contemporary humor fake relationship length-short friends to lovers -
Along The Mystic River by Lise Gold
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsRiley, a New-York workaholic, has health issues and that leaves her no choice but to move to a small town to lead a calmer life. She hates the huge mansion she bought on a whim and stands out like a sore thumb in the cheery community of Mystic.Quinn, a Mystic-based contractor, has once again missed out on purchasing the house her family built... -
A Dangerous Prize by Persephone Black
Natalie Miller thought she could gamble with my heart.But she's about to learn I always make the final play.Released on bail, I'm a woman on the warpath. But vengeance will have to wait. First I need to reclaim my crown—and outplay my own Family.But Natalie is a wild card I can't ignore. She fooled me, seduced me, and betrayed me.I hate her...Categorized as:
queer forced proximity f-f mafia from hate to love mystery length-short explicit-plentiful -
Casting Lacey by Elle Spencer
Coming out is easier when you’ve got someone by your side. At least that’s how the hyper-private Quinn Kincaid sees it. When her publicist suggests a good old-fashioned sham of a Hollywood relationship, Quinn reluctantly agrees...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer f-f age difference angst from hate to love length-medium open-door -
The Fifth Surgeon by Faith Prize
Nadia Keating has barely started her cardiothoracic fellowship training, but she already has the archetype nailed—she’s direct, uncompromising, and suffering from a God complex.Before she can focus on her impressive research, deeply closeted Nadia has a personal project: getting her inconvenient attraction to women out of her system. She picks a stranger online for a one-night stand...Categorized as:
queer second chances forced proximity f-f cold heroine office length-medium contemporary -
Separate Like Stars by Diana Kane
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsOn paper, Jordan Cohen has it all. With numerous bestsellers under her belt, a number of blockbuster movie adaptations to her credit, and a high profile relationship with one of Hollywood’s most prominent stars, what more could she possibly ask for? Maybe for Olivia Bradley, the only woman to ever break her heart, to exit her life as quickly as she’d re-entered it...Categorized as:
second chances queer f-f angst friends to lovers from hate to love length-medium audiobook -
The Devil Inside by Ali Vali
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBrains, guts, and ruthless ambition should be enough to come out on top in any fight. Except when the battle is over love, all bets are off. Derby Cain Casey was groomed from birth to take the reins of the Casey family enterprises, which just happens to be one of the major crime organizations in New Orleans... -
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French Kissing: Season Three by Harper Bliss
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsASIN B079Y3G6HS moved to the more recent edition Paris... City of lights, City of love... City of drama! It has been six months since Dominique and Steph came out publicly... -
Patty's Potent Potion by Robin Alexander
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Shawna Haydel was sixteen years old, she dropped Ashton Guidry’s name into a potion that would supposedly make Ashton fall in love with her. She knew it was silly, but she clung to one irrational thread of hope their friend Patty’s concoction would grant her heart’s desire... -
Separate Like Stars by Diana Kane
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOn paper, Jordan Cohen has it all. With numerous bestsellers under her belt, a number of blockbuster movie adaptations to her credit, and a high profile relationship with one of Hollywood’s most prominent stars, what more could she possibly ask for? Maybe for Olivia Bradley, the only woman to ever break her heart, to exit her life as quickly as she’d re-entered it...Categorized as:
second chances queer f-f angst friends to lovers from hate to love contemporary audiobook -
If It's Meant to Be by Skye Von Triessen
Dr. Alexandra Edison lives a life that many would be envious of. A beautiful world-famous fiancée, more money than she could spend, and a career that she loved. To honor her grandfather’s wishes, she moved from L.A. to Seattle to take over one of her family’s hospitals. When her perfect life fell apart, the last person she expected to be there to help her pick up the pieces was Dr. Blake Westmore...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer f-f office boss & employee poly length-medium explicit-plentiful -
Spin Serve by Nicole Pyland
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSports Series Book #8. This series is related by a sports theme, not by characters.Aspen Ashley had been a beach volleyball star on the court for years now, but due to an issue with a previous partner, this was her first real shot to represent the US at the Olympics... -
When We're Meant to Be by Skye Von Triessen
When Dr. Alexandra Edison’s world was ripped apart, the last thing she expected was to end up in a casual affair with Blake Westmore. Soon after she was forced to choose between her past and her present, when her strong sense of obligation forced her to leave the woman whom she shared one of the most unforgettable experiences with, and head back to L.A. to help the woman who broke her heart... -
Sparks Like Ours by Melissa Brayden
Gia Malone wants one thing and one thing only: to be the best surfer in the world. Her biggest obstacle is the annoyingly perky Elle Britton. Not only is Elle number one in the rankings, she’s also a fan favorite. But there’s a lot about Elle that Gia never noticed, like her surprising sense of humor and picture-perfect mouth. Elle Britton is tired...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer sports contemporary f-f from hate to love cheerful heroine heroine athlete -
Go Around by E.J. Noyes
Avery Weston is doing fine.Sure, she’s not doing as fine as her ex―award-winning actress and current television It Girl, Elise Hayes―but Avery enjoys her work as a Federal Air Marshal and also enjoys almost being over Elise walking out on their relationship fifteen months ago. Then Elise is seated next to her on a flight, and the emotional progress Avery thought she’d made is reset in an instant... -
Loser of the Year by Carrie Byrd
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMattie Belman’s life has gone from dismal to desperate. After the loss of her acting career, her marriage, and her usual optimism, she’s back home teaching high school theater. Maybe it’ll be a fresh start.St. Rita’s arrogant soccer coach Jillian Reed sees Mattie’s musical as an outrageous distraction for her champion players. When Jillian declares war, Mattie is far too stubborn to back down...Categorized as:
queer forced proximity from hate to love contemporary f-f office cold heroine sports -
Hers to Keep by Anna Stone
Lindsey had big plans for her post-art school life--a successful art career, excitement, adventure, meeting the man of her dreams. She never expected she'd end up joining a sugar baby website to pay off her crippling debt. And she definitely didn't expect that her first client would be a charming, vivacious woman named Camilla...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer f-f bdsm queer-awakening length-short explicit-plentiful audiobook -
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At Seventeen by Gerri Hill
Madison Lansford and Shannon Fletcher met when they were ten years old. Madison—daughter of wealthy parents and Shannon, daughter of their live-in maid and cook—became fast friends, yet both knew their place in life.There was never a doubt that they would become lovers . . . there was also never a doubt that Madison would marry and maintain her social standing in the community...Categorized as:
second chances queer contemporary f-f angst friends to lovers length-medium explicit-open-door -
The Fireworks by Nicole Pyland
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis is book #3 in the Holiday Series.Aria Bancroft had been in love exactly one time. It didn’t go well, and ever since, she’s been floundering. Choosing sex over relationships and working as a freelance editor more to have something to do than anything else, worked for a time... -
The Misperception by Nicole Pyland
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is book #5 in the Holiday Series.Paisley Hill cared about one thing – she was building her company from the ground up without accepting any money from her wealthy family to do it. That was important to Paisley, and she took her job as a consultant seriously, wanting to help companies grow and get more efficient because of her ideas... -
Rekindled by Erica Lee
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter getting married right out of college, Jordan and Spencer Barlowe were sure their love would last a lifetime. Unfortunately, life didn't work out that way and they've spent the last ten years apart. The only connection they have left is their teenage daughter... -
Lasting Impressions by Michele L. Rivera
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFifteen years ago, Bryce Keating and Cameron Shapiro met for the first time on the worst blind date of their lives. They ended the night hoping to never see each other again and went their separate ways.Unfortunately for Bryce and Cameron, fate had other plans. Over a decade later, the two women randomly run into one another. It’s disastrous and stirs up mixed feelings for them both... -
Donegal's Wish by JA Armstrong
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNo one should have to wait until December for a dose of holiday cheer! Meet Abby Turner and Bess Riley. Abby Turner is a dedicated nurse and mother who spent her life in New York City until the death of her longtime partner, Connie. Abby’s adjusting to a new, quieter life in suburban Connecticut. Most days she finds the change refreshing... -
Heart of the Storm by Ally McGuire
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSometimes a storm is just what you need to clear the skies ahead.When Amber Archer inherits a mysterious house from relatives she thought were long-dead, she sees it as her ticket out of the current chaos consuming her New York life. A little time out in the sticks can’t hurt, can it?Nestled in the middle of nowhere is The Willows, the premier racing stables in Kentucky owned by Rowan Payton... -
French Kissing: Season Five by Harper Bliss
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsASIN B07S73K4SR moved to the more recent edition Paris... City of lights, City of love... City of drama! With a year remaining on Dominique's first presidential term, the Laroche camp is gearing up for her re-election campaign. Dominique herself, however, doesn't seem so keen on going through it all again.Aurore and Solange's relationship has been on and off so many times, nobody can keep count... -
A Life Worth Living by Monica McCallan
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsNora Gallagher can begrudgingly admit that she and Gray Ferris are both stellar Philadelphia real estate agents, but that’s the beginning and the end of the similarities between them.Nora’s life has been in a self-imposed holding pattern for half a decade. Depending on people in her personal life only leads to disappointment, and she has no plans of making that mistake again...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer contemporary f-f office from hate to love age difference length-medium -
Next Time by Robin Alexander
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsPayton Foret agrees to play wingwoman for her best friend. She never dreamed that when she walked into the bar that night that she’d meet her soul mate. Though their only physical contact was a simple handshake, Payton begins to believe in love at first sight. There’s only one problem—the woman of her dreams is already in a relationship with someone else... -
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The Trip by Robin Alexander
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWho wants to take a road trip with two old, bickering women and a complete stranger? Not Jill Savoy. She finds herself behind the wheel of her father’s sacred Winnebago anyway, responsible for her grandmother and adopted aunt, both of whom are mischievous teenagers in old bodies, and then there’s Shay. The last thing on Shay Macaluso’s mind was a vacation... -
Body Check by J.J. Arias
To win it all, rivals will have to get dirty and play together Fabiola Santos never expected to be back on Cutthroat Island, the reality competition show she lost six years earlier. But when the opportunity to redeem herself and win half a million dollars comes along, she can’t pass it up...Categorized as:
queer forced proximity second chances from hate to love f-f contemporary length-long audiobook -
All the Love Songs by Nicole Pyland
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPeyton Gloss is the world’s most famous and popular singer/songwriter known for her chart-topping hits as well as her famous girl squad and July 4th events, inviting all of her famous friends to celebrate. This year, she did something even more extravagant than ever and invited her friends to join her for a week-long adult summer camp experience... -
Passionate Rivals by Radclyffe
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOnetime lovers, unexpected rivals...Emmett McCabe never expected to see Sydney Stevens—a woman with whom she'd shared a brief, incendiary connection before it all went up in flames—again. Luckily, ascending the cutthroat ladder of a high-pressure surgery residency to reach the top spot makes it easy to ignore what's missing in her life. Then Sydney reappears after nearly five years... -
Shameless Expectations by Adrian J. Smith
Escaping the past is hard. Living in the present is harder.Monti Schroeder is on a quest for peace. She has been since the moment she was born, but peace has remained elusive. Living as a nomad, she takes work where she can get it. When her sister calls with a favor for her neurotic boss, Monti agrees for a few extra bucks. What Monti finds when she arrives is a woman just as broken as she is...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer age difference f-f length-medium explicit-open-door audiobook -
Scaredy Cat by Robin Alexander
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBlake Taylor isn’t the queen of horror, but she’s certainly a member of the royal court. Blake has made a career out of writing novels that make her readers want to leave the lights on at night. What Blake’s fans and very few people realize is that Blake Taylor is scared of her own shadow and just about everything else... -
Dare to Stay by Georgia Beers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWelcome to Junebug Farms, a successful, well-known animal shelter in upstate New York, where every day brings something new—love, stress, heartbreak, warmth—and not just from the animals. Since inheriting Junebug Farms from her grandmother, Jessica Barstow’s life revolves around it, and she has no time or energy for much else. Not hobbies. Not fun. Not love—certainly not love... -
Take Two by T.B. Markinson, Miranda MacLeod
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey were the perfect couple until pride got in the way…Gina needs Sophia Rossi, a popular actor, to be the grand marshal of the local Pride parade. Sophia needs to convince her meddling mother she has a steady girlfriend in order to survive a month of filming in her hometown... -
Not Only One Bed by Sienna Waters
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNot falling in love has never been so hard...Trix Winchester has been promoted to head of romance acquisitions for London’s leading literary agent. The problem? Trix hasn’t believed in romance for years.Kel Bradshaw’s looking for a sugar mommy to pay her way through art school. But she just can’t bring herself to be mercenary enough to trick someone into it... -
Lightning Strikes Twice by Erik Schubach
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsReturning home to Seattle from a twenty year absence in London...Victoria discovers that time has not erased her feelings for an unrequited love. It soon becomes obvious that with true love, lightning can sometimes strike twice.This is set in the same world as Music of the Soul but is a standalone book... -
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Two is a Pattern by Emily Waters
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA charged lesbian romantic suspense set in the early nineties, with gripping twists, turns, and surprising secrets.A mission gone wrong leads to rising-star CIA operative Annie Weaver quitting her job and reinventing herself as a college student. But the CIA, desperate for her skills, refuses to let her go without a price... -
Play It Again, Ma'am by Sienna Waters
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIs music really the food of love?When a tiny lie to her crush leaves barmaid Jules Hawthorne needing to learn to play the piano in just six weeks, she’s determined to get the job done. She’s got a prophecy to fulfill, after all... -
The Woman Who Climbed A Mountain by Jamey Moody
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne great love. Two horrible mistakes. Do second chances really exist?Victoria Stratton tried to heal her broken heart by working. When she was focused on saving her father’s legacy she couldn’t think about Shelby Kimball. She knew it was too much to ask when suddenly five years ago Victoria’s father sent her to Japan to save the company... -
Ghosted Christmas Past by Bryce Oakley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLast Christmas, I gave her my heart, but the very next day…Well, you know how it goes.Merritt Perkins has spent an entire year thinking maybe it was too cliche to be real. Dylan Camber: the cute private chef, and her: the nanny — connecting over being tucked away in the Rockies while working through the holidays... -
The Christmas Inheritance by Addison Clarke
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCharlie Monroe loves everything about Baxter Tree Farm. From the smell of the pine trees to the shimmer of Christmas lights, Charlie is at home on the farm. Having managed the farm since graduating high school, Charlie considers herself an expert on all things Christmas trees. Her dream is to continue to grow the place she loves so much and make it a must visit place in Maine... -
A Perfect Place to Cry by S-Jay Hart
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRowan isn’t sure she believes in love. Not the romantic type, anyway. She’s been hiding from the prospect of it for years now, an easy thing to do when you live in the middle of an eighty acre campground. She likes her quiet existence, greeting campers, pitching tents, and kayaking on the little river that leads to Lover’s Lake...
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