Books like 'Rules for Second Chances'
Readers who enjoyed Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny second chances neurodivergent shy heroine m-f grumpy sunshine competent heroine sunny hero caretaking
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Forever Starts Tonight by Karla Sorensen
It’s no secret that I’ve been in love with Jax Cartwright for half my life. A terrible decision, really, and not just because he’s my brother’s best friend or he’s ten years older than me. Thanks to an overprotective family, he’s ignored me for years, but still, I can’t get his grumpy a** out of my head...Categorized as:
m-f pregnancy grumpy sunshine competent heroine contemporary humor siblings-bff cheerful heroine -
Without You: Scotch and Sammy duet - book 2 by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsSammy. I left because I thought I was doing the right thing. I was falling on my sword. I thought I was saving everyone a lot of heart ache, and in exchange, I took all that ache on my own. I was supposed to be the hero, but instead I was the villain. He hates me with every fiber of his being…. It’s been thirteen years since we last saw each other. It turns out ghosts can’t be buried... -
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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...Categorized as:
m-f second chances neurodivergent humor new adult contemporary friends to lovers sweet heroine -
There's Something about Scarlett by Hannah Ellis
Three years of marriage, then they’ll go their separate ways…. Scarlett Mercer dreams of starting her own publishing company. But with no way to finance university, she might be stuck working in her aunt’s café indefinitely. When a chance encounter leads her to an extreme solution, she’s desperate enough to go through with it. Even if it means marrying a guy she’s only just met...Categorized as:
competent heroine sweet-hero m-f neurodivergent new adult humor contemporary behind-doors -
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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. .Categorized as:
neurodivergent competent heroine sunny hero career professional m-f sweet-hero humor new adult -
The Start of Something Wonderful by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsAutumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn't appear to be the answer...Categorized as:
pregnancy second chances m-f humor contemporary small town audiobook first-in-series -
Another One Bites the Dust by Lani Lynn Vale
Alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00HDT3T4K. Her. I wanted him, but couldn't find the courage to have him. You know that feeling, the one where you’re too scared to go to sleep, too scared to go out, and too scared to do anything? Ever since my assault, I've been functioning, but not living... -
How to Kiss on Christmas Morning by Jenny Proctor
She’s merry and bright. He’s…. not. But something between them is warming up. Megan Sheridan just landed the perfect holiday a quiet week in the mountains house-sitting an event venue while the owners are away. Check the mail, answer the phone, keep the pipes from freezing—easy. The only trouble? No one told Megan she’d be sharing the farmhouse with a very grouchy, very handsome farmhand...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine caretaking competent heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary forced proximity -
Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBack home is the best place to start over in a heart-stirring Texas romance about friendship, second chances, and small-town scandals by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown. Riverbend, Texas, doesn’t look like the crossroads of anywhere. But for four high school besties reuniting after twenty years, it’s a place to unpack a lot of baggage... -
My Merry Mistake by Courtney Walsh
Sometimes the perfect gift is standing right in front of you. . . You're just too stubborn to see it. I don’t like to make mistakes. Ever. Especially when those mistakes are witnessed by the same person—flirty Finn Holbrook—who can’t seem to leave me alone...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine caretaking sunny hero sweet-hero competent heroine career professional sports -
Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
It’s a room-mance for the books in this tender, steamy story about unexpectedly finding love and being brave enough to let it revise life’s narrative in the final book in the beloved Bergman Brothers series. Viggo Bergman, hopeless romantic, is thoroughly weary of waiting for his happily ever after...Categorized as:
neurodivergent m-f sunny hero grumpy sunshine sweet-hero caretaking competent heroine contemporary -
Dirty Little Midlife Drama by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsGeorgia wants a fresh start, and that doesn't include the handsome cowboy from her past. But Sebastian is in town now, and he has no intention of leaving until he gets what he wants. .. My high school sweetheart kissed me so naturally, I slapped him. Listen, I’m forty-three years old. I’m divorced. I’m in a new town. I don’t need ghosts from the past haunting me anymore...Categorized as:
second chances m-f contemporary humor super rich hero cowboys length-medium audiobook -
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...Categorized as:
m-f sweet-hero second chances competent heroine sunny hero contemporary humor new adult -
Fiercely Emma by J. Bengtsson
Emma, older sister of renowned rock star Jake McKallister, has crafted a quiet existence for herself. Fiercely independent, scorned at work, and indifferent to relationships, she’s spent the past decade trying to move on from the crime that shook her family to the core...Categorized as:
m-f competent heroine sweet-hero pregnancy humor new adult contemporary length-medium -
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500 First Editions by Maggie Gates
Romance author Willow Winslet believes the best in everyone, unless that one is Ryan Ford. What’s worse than being the only single person in your friend group? A hot guy in the checkout line mocking your boring Friday night. But Ryan Ford isn’t just anyone. To Willow, he’s an intolerable dating coach, an obnoxious podcaster, and a life-coaching con artist...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine m-f caretaking competent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero from hate to love humor -
Happily Evan After by Kat Baxter
She’s scared to fall. He’s ready to catch her. MARLEY. It 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. EVAN. I knew it was her the moment I saw her... -
The Sleight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart
From the author of The Plight Before Christmas and The Ravenhood trilogy comes a heartwarming, spicy, holiday-themed romantic dramedy with ALL OF THE FEELS. My kids are a**holes. Yeah, I said it. I said the thing no father is supposed to say about their children, and I’ll say it again because I miss my wife... -
Wishing on a Star by Mandy Baggot
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsA single mum. A superstar athlete. A Christmas like no other. Anna Heath is divorced, a single mum and trying desperately to keep her life in order. Despite her friends' best efforts, Anna has stopped looking for love and is determined to give her daughter, Ruthie, a Christmas to remember. Sam Jackman has just been dealt with life-altering news, and all he could think to do was run... -
The Fear of Falling by Dana LeCheminant
What happens in Italy…follows you home. Avery was supposed to be married by now—not stuck working alongside her ex-fiancé, pretending their failed relationship never happened. So when a solo trip to Italy introduces her to a charming stranger with a devastating smile, a no-strings-attached fling feels like the perfect way to remember there’s more to life than work and heartbreak...Categorized as:
m-f second chances competent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero humor office glimpses-kisses -
Spoke Too Soon by Dulcie Dameron
It’s every girl’s dream to move in with the hot guy who ghosted her. .. NOT. I’m about to be homeless at almost twenty-five. Cue the pathetic wah, wah, wah sound effect. And to make matters worse, I’m nowhere near having enough money to fund the clothing line startup I’ve dreamt about for years... -
Cooper Bailey Is A Cinnamon Roll by Jen Atkinson
I’ve hated Cooper Bailey since high school. So why would a few years, a set of swoon-worthy forearms, and one shiny new law degree change anything? Leah Bradford’s never been a fan of the spotlight—not years ago at her high school prom and definitely not now with the drama her ex-boyfriend is causing. Running her cinnamon roll shop is all she needs, thank you very much...Categorized as:
m-f competent heroine sweet-hero contemporary from hate to love humor audiobook glimpses-kisses -
Jump by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI was a smokejumper for the majority of my career. Flinging out of planes at 15,000 feet and hoping to land with my bones in tact and a plan to slay wildfire quickly, safely, and with my crew all in one piece. Ainsley was a regular firefighter. You know, the kind who lives in town, rides in a truck, and wields a hose to save houses and hotels. We were a match made in adrenaline junky heaven... -
Slap Shot Surprise by Melanie Harlow
In my defense, I thought the plane was going to crash. Otherwise, I never would have blurted out those embarrassing things to a perfect stranger. Did I mention he turned out to be a scorching hot superstar of professional hockey? But wait, there’s more. When the plane lands safely, I rush off, praying I’ll never have to face him again...Categorized as:
pregnancy m-f competent heroine shy heroine career professional caretaking sunny hero sweet-hero -
A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce
Claire Ashford has always led a careful life—her family didn't nickname her Claireful for nothing. But after ending a relationship that was equal parts safe and unfulfilling, she recognizes just how much her caution has cost her and dedicates herself to leaving her Claireful ways behind. Her first chance to take a risk comes with a job opportunity in San Francisco...Categorized as:
m-f sweet-hero shy heroine sunny hero insta-love contemporary forced proximity christmas -
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Never The Bride by Kortney Keisel
No rings. No vows. No ‘til death do us part. As a top divorce attorney who’s built her career—and her walls—on the belief that marriage doesn’t last, Camila swears she’ll never walk down the aisle. After years of watching relationships crumble, she’s made it her personal mission to convince her little sister to avoid getting married at all costs. The problem? Camila’s already married. Secretly... -
It's Always Sonny by Kate Watson
Sunshine always melts ice eventually. And I’m starting to feel the burn. People may call me an “overachieving ice queen,” but I would do anything for the people I love. So when my friends ask me to host an event at their famous farm, I’m more than happy to help…until I discover I’ve been set up. The “event” is actually a reunion for my ex’s family...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine m-f second chances forced proximity contemporary sports found-family football -
The Last Thing by Bethany Monaco Smith
What do you do when the one night stand you were never supposed to see again shows up at your door as your daughter’s new nanny—and she’s pregnant with your baby? Convince her it’s all fate and you’re meant to be together, of course. From the moment Hallie Baker’s eyes met mine across a New York City bar, she’s owned me... -
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... -
Sweet Destiny by K.C. Lynn
Recipe. Ingredients. Three cups of a long-standing rivalry between two families and a wedding that will force them all under one roof. Two tablespoons of a bride and a groom whose love is put to the test when they find themselves caught in the middle. A slice of a secret that will change the course of their lives forever. A pinch of fate. A dash of friendship. A sprinkle of seduction. Directions...Categorized as:
m-f pregnancy competent heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary alpha male explicit-open-door -
Out of Focus by Cristina Santos
Can two people, brought together by chance and mutual need, overcome their differences and find a love that defies the odds? Rafael and Charlie are two souls destined to collide. He is a vibrant Brazilian CEO with a deep seated desire to find love. She is a British redhead navigating life in finance while trying to prepare for a potentially monotonous relationship... -
Nun the Wiser: A Grumpy Sunshine Romantic Comedy by Smartypants Romance, Lissa Sharpe
Matilda Markov is ready to put her former nun days behind her and experience all the worldly pleasures she can. (ALL the worldly pleasures. ) But when she feels her friend group starting to slip away from her, just like she's lost so many people who were close to her before, she takes some bold action to try to keep everyone together...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine sunny hero contemporary humor length-medium open-door multicultural -
The Risks of Reuniting by Aspen Hadley
Chloe Moore doesn't fly. Chloe Moore has always refused to step foot on a plane - a. k. a Death Bucket. Not happening. However, when she goes down a rabbit hole of self-help books after a painful breakup, she finds herself signing up for a humanitarian trip to Peru in order to rediscover herself by serving others...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine second chances competent heroine shy heroine sunny hero sweet-hero contemporary -
Marriage is a Shore Thing: A Small Town, Accidental Marriage Sweet RomCom by Laura Langa
She’s tough. He’s golden. One dare later, they’re hitched. I’ve sworn off love, so accidentally marrying a stranger after a friendly game of Truth or Dare? Worst. Case. Scenario. Never mind that Evander Young is a brilliant ER doctor with a dimpled smile that makes my heart race...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine caretaking sunny hero sweet-hero humor length-medium glimpses-kisses -
Second Chance Fate by Melanie Shawn
“First there was Hot Priest…then Hot Rabbi…now meet Hot Pastor—@calebharrison AKA Hope Falls’ Most Eligible Bachelor! ” 🔥🙏 #HolySmokeShow – karinablack 🎤. Liked by kyleaustenreed and 11,597,858 others. Charismatic, easy-going Caleb Harrison lived his entire life under a microscope. Growing up as the pastor’s kid, he was used to having all eyes on him... -
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Forever Entangled by Kathleen Brooks
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsRyan Parker had always loved Sienna Ashton, but gave up on his fantasy years ago. After working as an undercover FBI Agent in Los Angeles, Ryan gets a phone call telling him to come home to the small town of Keeneston, Kentucky. The woman he thought he was over is now in serious trouble. Sienna Ashton fell in love with Ryan Parker too late...Categorized as:
second chances m-f humor suspense contemporary audiobook first-in-series standalone-first -
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 m-f contemporary office found-family mature couple humor length-medium -
Christmas With a Crank by Courtney Walsh
A second chance with your first crush. Doesn’t happen often. For Liam Fisher, that first crush was his next door neighbor, Olive Witherby. Childhood was lazy summers, treehouse stargazing, and endless games of hide and seek at Pine Creek, the Christmas tree farm that’s been in Liam’s family for generations... -
The Worst Wedding Date by Pippa Grant
He’s a tattooed shirtless bad boy. My best friend’s brother. And the jerk on the other side of my bed. I didn’t know bridesmaid was code for babysitter for the bride’s brother , but if that’s what my best friend needs of me for her dream wedding to go off without a hitch, that’s what I’ll do. Even if Theo Monroe has been a pain in my rear since third grade... -
Rent Yourself an Elf by Savannah Scott
She’s not feeling the holiday spirit. Maybe all she needs is to rent herself an elf. It's Christmas, and I should be full of cheer, but I'm having a hard time mustering the holiday spirit. That was always Grams' role. She loved Christmas so much she talked my parents into naming me Noelle. Yeah, Noelle Furst. Picture the boys in elementary school having a heyday with my name. But I didn't care... -
The Shake Off by Lulu Moore
My name is Ace Watson, and I’m having an existential crisis. I finished last season as one of the league's best pitchers. Baseball’s smooth-talking boy wonder. The future of The New York Lions. I'm starting this season as the worst. And I don't want to sound dramatic, but the fault lies entirely with Payton Lopez...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine m-f competent heroine career professional sunny hero sports baseball contemporary -
Sweet Talk by Cara Bastone
Listening Length: 5 hours and 42 minutes. Stay up all night with this funny, surprising romantic comedy from Audie Award-nominee Cara Bastone — scripted exclusively for audio! It’s officially booty o’clock, I’m alone again in my kitchen choking down a slice of terrible chocolate cake…and I’m pretty sure I just got drunk texted by the man I have a ginormous crush on...Categorized as:
competent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero m-f neurodivergent grumpy sunshine humor strong heroine -
Tussle by Jacob Chance
“Why haven’t we had sex? ”. When Jesse Gunn, one of the biggest stars of World Class Wrestling, voiced that million dollar question, yet again, I was stunned. After turning him down countless times, I thought eventually he'd give up. Unexpectedly thrown together for a work project, my mind went to places I’d never allowed...Categorized as:
m-f competent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero career professional sports humor new adult -
Honeysuckle Breeze by B.R. Goodwin
Would you rather know what your best friend’s lips feel like against yours but get ghosted immediately after… or never even taste the possibility of forever? What could be worse than inconveniently falling for your long-distance best friend? How ‘bout sharing an unexpected, but magical, Christmas kiss with him, then being ghosted ever after…...Categorized as:
m-f competent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero contemporary christian single-father friends to lovers -
Never Fall for the Bride's Father by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsPower outages. Runaway brides. Collapsed wedding cakes. Tainted caviar. Handsy grooms. And the always jealous MILs who wear white. No wedding catastrophe can faze Katie Gallagher, because when you plan for the worst, you deliver the best. The best wedding ever. Her company, Wedding Protectors, Inc. , promises happily ever afters. Guaranteed. Whatever it takes...Categorized as:
m-f sweet-hero competent heroine sassy heroine from hate to love age difference humor contemporary -
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Somebody to Lean On by Jess Mastorakos
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDo I want to kiss my best friend? Yep. Always have. Too bad it’s not that simple. Jackson Wilson and I are long-distance co-guardians of our friends' daughter, and even though we're best friends and we're totally committed to Phoebe, this isn't a romcom where the best friends get together in the end. Unfortunately . But now, Phoebe and I have nowhere to go but Jackson's tiny Tennessee town... -
That Time We Kissed Under the Mistletoe by Julie Christianson
My holly jolly Christmas just went up in smoke. Literally …. Playing nursemaid to Bradford “Three” Fuller is the last thing I need for Christmas. But for the next few days, I’m stuck in charge of my ex’s sparkling eyes, his ridiculous abs, and his (mostly) accidental kisses. I don’t have a choice. You see, Three’s only hurt because of me. And not like he hurt me a decade ago... -
Hopelessly Romantic by Barbara Freethy
Welcome to OCEAN SHORES in the sun-soaked paradise of Oceanside, California where the ocean pounds the shore, surfers ride the early morning waves, and the local military base sends roaring jets into the sky...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine sunny hero sweet-hero contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Flirting with the Single Dad by Whitley Cox
When first impressions happen twice. Welcome to Seattle, the Emerald City and home to The Single Dads of Seattle. Ten sexy single fathers who play poker every Saturday night, have each other's backs, love their children without quarter, and hope to one day find love again. This is Atlas’s story …. Single Dad of Seattle, Atlas Stark is in over his head...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine pregnancy competent heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary single-father -
Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray
I have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me. Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods. It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago...Categorized as:
m-f competent heroine sunny hero humor contemporary age difference independent heroine cold heroine -
Meant to Be Yours by Cyn
Leilani Mercer had no choice but to figure out how to move on after a one night stand left her pregnant, and her baby daddy went to prison before she could even share the news. Raising her son alone left her deflated, but she found a man she felt was good for her, and eventually, she built a future without Mecca, the man who disappeared just when she needed him most...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine pregnancy competent heroine black-mc african-american length-short contemporary
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