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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Without You: Scotch and Sammy duet - book 2 by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 25 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... -
Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsIn her twenties, Rachel Walsh was a mess. Since her spell in rehab, though, she's come a long way on the road to recovery - and now, she's ready to go back to where it all began. But this time, the student has become the teacher. She used to hate the staff in charge of treating her addiction. Now, she's one of them.Rachel's finally got herself on track - but life never stops being messay... -
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 -
The Start of Something Wonderful by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 30 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... -
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Ready or Not by Cara Bastone
A surprise pregnancy leads to even more life-changing revelations in this heartfelt, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance of found family and unexpected love.Eve Hatch is pretty content with her life. Her apartment in Brooklyn is cozy and close to her childhood best friend Willa, but far from her midwestern, traditional family who never really understood her...Categorized as:
pregnancy sunny hero m-f caretaking sweet-hero career professional friends to lovers contemporary -
One Day Fiance by Lauren Landish
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsI’m Poppy Woodstock.Romance author and wholehearted believer in Happily Ever Afters.A terminal case of writer’s block should be my biggest worry. Then I crash into him—literally—and fall into the most gorgeous pair of blue eyes I’ve ever seen. Connor Bradley.Thief, rebel… and my new neighbor.One slip with the bad boy next door, and my life becomes stranger than any fiction I could ever write... -
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... -
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 -
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 Dangers of Daydreaming by Karen Thornell
Finn Harrison is nothing like Gilbert Blythe… Right?Some people collect souvenirs—Lucy Sinclair collects disasters. So, she’s settled with traveling via the pages of her favorite books. But when a coveted promotion hinges on a trip to Prince Edward Island—home of Anne of Green Gables—she’s forced to swap fiction for the real thing.Finn stopped making plans the day his dad went to prison...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine second chances competent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero contemporary humor -
Happily Evan After by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s scared to fall. He’s ready to catch her.MARLEYIt 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.EVANI knew it was her the moment I saw her... -
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... -
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.But bemoaning my current situation won’t move the needle and it certainly won’t find me a place to live... -
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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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... -
Sweat and Soap, Vol. 1 by Kintetsu Yamada
In an office romance, there's a fine line between sexy and awkward... and that line is where Asako -- a woman who sweats copiously -- met Koutarou -- a perfume developer who can't get enough of Asako's, er, scent. Don't miss a romcom manga like no other!Yae's living her dream, working at the toiletry maker Lilia Drop...Categorized as:
shy heroine sunny hero career professional sweet-hero contemporary humor office new adult -
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 -
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 -
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... -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine m-f forced proximity contemporary humor friends to lovers dual-pov glimpses-kisses -
Sweet Destiny by K.C. Lynn
RecipeIngredientsThree 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...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 -
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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 -
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... -
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 -
She Likes It, Hey Micah by Dana LeCheminant
Micah Taylor is an eternal optimist, but with every first date that fails, her faith in true love weakens. When offered the chance to help reopen the lodge where her parents were married, Micah is determined to prove her worth and show her boss that she has what it takes to be a great event planner...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary forced proximity age difference humor office glimpses-kisses -
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 Blossom Tree of Dreams by Holly Martin
Welcome to the wonderful Wishing Wood, where incredible treehouses twinkle under a blanket of stars, the sea sparkles through the leaves, and true love is in the air. From the bestselling author of Sunlight over Crystal Sands comes this gorgeously romantic tale.Indigo Bloom is on her way to beautiful Wishing Wood with some very big news... -
The Redo by Max Monroe
Put a finger down if you’ve ever been a single woman who got stuck in a New York City elevator in the middle of a summer blackout with your former high school sweetheart—whom you haven’t seen in years—while pregnant with a baby that isn’t biologically yours...Categorized as:
second chances pregnancy competent heroine career professional sweet-hero m-f caretaking humor -
Sweet Sunshine (the Pembrooke series) by Jessica Prince
She’s a romantic at heart. Chloe Delaney had three very specific wishes, growing up. She wished to stay settled in the small mountain town of Pembrooke, where she grew up, to one day be her own boss, and to fall in love with a man who would be willing to go to the ends of the earth for her...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine caretaking competent heroine humor contemporary length-short explicit-open-door -
His Package by Penelope Bloom
His package ended up inside my box. Calm down, perv. My mailbox. As soon as I saw what was inside, I knew two things: It belonged to my hot neighbor, and he had a dirty secret. Normally, I was more of a cat person. As in, if I had to choose who lives, I’m going to take the cat nine times out of ten. It’s not that I particularly like cats, I just don’t particularly like most people...Categorized as:
career professional m-f humor new adult contemporary length-short open-door audiobook -
Your One True Love by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsShe’s the one who got away. This time, he refuses to let her slip through his fingers. *A sizzling second chance romance* Daniel Bennett has no regrets, except one: letting go of the woman he loved years ago. He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he’s been pining for Caroline ever since. But his meddling family can read him like an open book...Categorized as:
second chances m-f humor contemporary super rich hero found-family length-medium audiobook -
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 -
The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold by Ally Carter
An action-packed, second-chance rom-com about two rival spies who must join forces in order to stay alive, from New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.Ten years ago, they joined the CIA. Six years ago, he left the game. Five years ago, they fell in love. One year ago, she ran out into the cold with absolutely no intention of ever coming back... -
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 -
That Time We Kissed Under the Mistletoe: A Sweet Romantic Comedy 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... -
A Not So Merry Kiss-mas: A Sweet Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine Holiday RomCom by Abby Greyson
Next Door Neighbors. A Blind Match. And a Kiss That Melts the Ice. MelMy neighbor’s easy on the eyes, but his blaring music and clanging weights keep me awake. Michael Matthews is all charm and good vibes—qualities that drive my sleep-deprived self up a wall; even if his smile does spark an annoying flutter.MikeCole’s been raving about Noelle's best friend since they started dating...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine sweet-hero sunny hero humor length-novella glimpses-kisses contemporary -
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... -
Give & Take by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI shouldn’t be thinking about him.Even though he tells me he can’t stop thinking about me.I’m turning 41.He’s 26.I’m a serious person.He’s fun-loving and carefree.It’s all wrong. But every time Raphael LaForest looks at me, it feels so, so right. Just a glance and my whole body melts. The simple brush of his hand on mine and every last nerve ending is on fire.But that’s not all...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine sunny hero age difference small town contemporary humor length-long -
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 -
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Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo authors, an intertwined plot, and one heck of an alluring ending to their highly-anticipated bestselling books... With her fantasy series, Bridget Paige is the newest member of the New York Times Bestseller list. Except no one knows who she is. To the world, she's Bridget. To those behind the scenes, she's introverted Paige Booker... -
Dirty Flirt by Mira Lyn Kelly
Bad ideas are kind of my superpower... I’m Ben Boerboom, the NHL’s favorite puck boy, and Lara's my slamming hot, former bestie. She's also the friend who got away and my dirty, dirty accomplice from those two insane weeks that weren't supposed to change anything... but did.I wanted it all. Would have wrapped my forever around her finger if she'd let me... -
Red, White, and You by Ash Keller
This Fourth of July, I'm declaring my independence from love. Too bad nobody told Phoenix Wood.Gigi Hart has two goals this summer: keep her bakery stocked with red, white, and blue cupcakes, and avoid anything—or anyone—remotely connected to her health-obsessed family and their fitness empire, Hart Health...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine competent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero humor contemporary from hate to love -
Every Chance After by Jessica Sherry
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen his reckless mistake upends her future, he’ll do whatever it takes to make it right.If she’ll let him.Marnie Strange’s life is about to turn the corner from just getting by to happily ever after. Today, she marries Ashe, the handsome, charming son of the affluent owners of Sunny’s Beach Market, where Marnie’s built a career she adores...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary dual-pov friends to lovers age difference humor length-medium -
Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy by Becky Monson
She just wanted a Mr. Darcy… not her best friend’s brother in breeches. "Didn't see that coming" could be my life's motto. I mean, I certainly didn't foresee my roommate stealing my boyfriend—an unfortunate turn of events that led to me moving in with my best friend and her infuriatingly attractive brother...Categorized as:
m-f shy heroine sunny hero sweet-hero contemporary siblings-bff length-short glimpses-kisses -
Southern Snow by B.R. Goodwin
For the last three years, Georgia has called the quirky southern town of Sugartree home, dutifully moving back to manage her parent’s coffee shop after her father suffered a heart attack and finding contentment in her busy schedule and the occasional shenanigans of her three younger siblings...Categorized as:
m-f second chances competent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero christmas christian contemporary
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