Books like 'So Close and No Closer'
Readers who enjoyed So Close and No Closer by Penny Jordan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary age difference angst
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Addicted to Ellis D by S.E. Harmon
Chef Luca Alessi’s life is barely recognizable these days. He used to spend his days in the kitchen creating cutting-edge cuisine. Now he’s trying to keep his family's restaurant and legacy alive. It doesn't help that his father was keeping secrets before he passed. On the relationship front, his ex, Colin, assured him that their divorce would be simple. And now? Not so much... -
Tastes Like Candy by Lauren Gilley
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsRaised by a widower and a pack of uncles, Michelle Calloway has known only one way of life, that of the Lean Dogs MC, London chapter. When circumstances force her to flee to America, she fears her days of working alongside the club are over. But Derek Snow isn't the sort of man to let talent go to waste...Categorized as:
age difference angst contemporary bikers alpha male strong heroine forbidden love suspense -
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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...Categorized as:
age difference angst contemporary pregnancy alpha male length-medium audiobook cliffhanger -
The Forever and The Now by K.J .
Rated: 4.68 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBron McIntyre, forty-two, has it all together. Terrific job. Loving family. No desperate need for a girlfriend but would be interested if one came along. Bron McIntyre is Teflon. Kate Agostino, forty-eight, is not Teflon. Yes, she has a terrific job. But a loving family? Not really. And her personal life is rapidly disintegrating and turning into dust... -
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All The Forbidden Things by Lesley Jones
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen all that you want, is all that’s forbidden. .. I’ve known him my entire life. Before marriage. Before fatherhood. Before betrayal. Now, he’s one of rock’s bad-boys trying to be good. Trying to be the best father he can for his daughter. He’s my brother’s best friend. He’s my boss. He has a wife. Max isn’t mine to have, but I want him all the same...Categorized as:
age difference angst contemporary alpha male famous heroine single-father siblings-bff audiobook -
Enduring Night by John Wiltshire
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. Nikolas has always liked art. You'd have thought that Ben and Nikolas would have learnt that their romantic holidays inevitably end up as disasters. A short break on the polar ice sees them trapped in a nightmare of murder and deceit... -
Cold Blooded Lover by Eliza Lentzski
Former Marine, Cassidy Miller knew what it took to be a good soldier and even a decent beat cop. She was starting to figure out how to be a girlfriend as her relationship with Julia Desjardin progressed, but what did she know about being a cold case detective? Buried under paperwork in the basement of the Fourth Police Precinct, she was going to have to figure it out... -
A Matter of Time, Vol. 1 by Mary Calmes, Paul Morey
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsJory Keyes leads a normal life as an architect’s assistant until he is witness to a brutal murder. Though initially saved by police Detective Sam Kage, Jory refuses protective custody - he has a life he loves that he won’t give up no matter who is after him. But Jory’s life is in real jeopardy, especially after he agrees to testify about what he saw... -
Beneath the Stain - Part Seven by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe one lesson that Trav's learned with the band's return to Tyson is that it should be hard to say good-bye. Mackey, Kell, Jefferson, and Stevie have to say good-bye to the person who helped make them and break them. They have to say good-bye to their bitterness and anger, and they have to say good-bye to lingering hope that one of the best parts of their childhood can be with them always... -
Arriving by Nicole Pyland
This is book #3 in the Royalty Series. Alice, a small-town teacher who had lost her parents years ago, had always felt out of place. There was just something missing in her life that she could never seem to identify. When a man showed up to tell her that she was the long-lost daughter of a King and Queen who had been exiled from their country and were now dead, Alice didn’t believe him... -
Alfie: Part II by Cara Dee
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMM Romance • Part 2 of 2 • Second Chances • Irish Mafia • Family • Hurt/Comfort • Age Gap • Revenge • Opposites Attract. When two broken hearts have reached their limits, it’s time for a mobster to play dirty in order to let the healing begin. Don’t worry, Alfie has a plan. That very second, the moment West said those words…I almost shattered. Again. I’d put myself out there...Categorized as:
angst age difference mafia m-m hurt-comfort found-family contemporary class difference -
Cigar Club by J.A. Armstrong
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFallon Foster is Whiskey Springs' self-proclaimed token lesbian. She isn't a token any longer. After her year-long affair with best friend, Andi Maguire ends, Fallon hopes to earn the trust and win the heart of the town's newest resident, Riley Main. Ghosts from the past still haunt Fallon and Riley. Informed by loss and betrayal, the pair endeavors to find their way to each other... -
Shattering Nash by Amelia Shea
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsQuiet and shy Charley Hudson has lived her life in the shadows of everyone around her. Carrying more responsibility than anyone realizes, she’s made a point of keeping relationships distant. This has never been a problem. Until now...Categorized as:
angst age difference mafia standalone standalone-first contemporary m-f tortured heroine -
JINXED by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDrake. They call me a flirt. ‘Detective Sl()ts-A-Lot’ when they’re feeling frisky, because my morals are loose, and my choice in women, according to the haters, is unfussy. But they don’t know I’ve been watching her. Waiting for her. The problem is, she’s half my age, and has no business being with a man like me. ***. Rory. They call me clumsy. Jinxed...Categorized as:
age difference angst suspense forced proximity humor contemporary new adult length-medium -
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My One Desire by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOnce, they shared one soul. Can hope heal years of despair and broken dreams? Music is all I know. It saved me as a kid. It brings me fame and fortune now. But what am I, the famous Gage Rodin, doing at night when I’m on the road and can’t sleep Googling her. Tess Hades, the girl who still haunts my dreams and my lyrics. She arrived like a quiet storm, a wild thing with eyes guarded to the world...Categorized as:
angst age difference contemporary secret child second chances length-medium audiobook -
The Stepmother by Melissa Tereze
Their connection flares hot in an instant…but is it doomed to fizzle out? After the death of her estranged father, Hayley McAllister plans to endure cold, wet England just long enough to tie up loose ends. Then she’s heading straight back to Ibiza, where she lives exactly as she pleases—performing her music, soaking up sunshine, and indulging in flings with gorgeous women... -
Pyro by Rebecca Joyce
I never thought I’d be a young mother at nineteen. After the sudden death of my parents, I didn’t think twice. I dropped everything to care for my obnoxious six-year-old brother. Working odd jobs, I did what I could to survive after I learned a former family friend took everything our parents left us... -
Old-Fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThirty-nine-year-old Nozue went from living a routine, melancholic life of sleep and work to spending his days in bliss with Togawa, his younger subordinate. Now six months into their relationship, the two have graduated from dates at a pancake shop to spending their nights together... -
A Hunted Man by Jaime Reese
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsAfter surviving ten years in prison, Cameron Pierce is attempting to put the past behind him. He tries to adjust to his newfound freedom with a place at the halfway house and a job. But one lesson he learned in prison keeps him guarded: hope is a dangerous thing. Hunter Donovan, Assistant State Attorney, is a man of justice who loves a challenge... -
Southern Heart by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsSome secrets have a way of coming back and haunting us, no matter how much we try to bury them. Chelsea. Coming back home was supposed to be normal. Not that my life had ever been normal, but it was getting there. Then I opened the door and found a man—broken, bloodied, and fighting for his life. I don’t know why, but I said I would take care of him. I had to. Needed to...Categorized as:
age difference angst contemporary suspense military forced proximity friends to lovers insta-love -
Christmas with the Older Man: An Age Gap, Secret Baby, Holiday Romance by Natasha L. Black
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI was the good girl. Now I’m breaking all the rules. For an older man. Who’s my ex’s uncle! Older, sophisticated and sexy as hell,. He’s also my new boss. Being the good girl left me unsatisfied. For once I’m going after what I want,. Even if he’s forbidden. Sparks fly when we can’t agree on anything at work. Fiery kisses lead to scorching nights together... -
Beneath the Stain - Part Three by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMackey Sanders doesn't do anything easy—rehab is no exception. Never one to follow orders for the sake of being orderly, Mackey needs a reason, something real, to make him agree to Trav's terms of getting clean... -
Beneath the Stain - Part Five by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMackey is great at taking a leap of faith into a crowd—but taking one into a relationship and a future is a totally different animal. When he and Trav decide to take a risk that Mackey's healing can hold up to them together, they know it's going to be a long, difficult road... -
Charming (Devil's Boneyard MC) by Harley Wylde
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDakota -- Having a half-brother who’s an infamous assassin isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. At twenty-five, he’s still micromanaging my life. The moment Specter tells me about an arranged marriage to one of his associates I do what any sane woman would… I run. Never counted on meeting a biker I can’t seem to forget, nor did I plan on our two days together to have lasting consequences... -
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Wild In The Windy City: The Anthology Volume 3 by Rachel Brookes, Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNew Year's Eve on Navy Pier. A sexy, breathless night. Eighteen authors bring magic, steam, and romance to the Resolution Gala on Navy Pier this New Year’s Eve. Don’t miss the fireworks. All proceeds from this anthology benefit Bernie's Book Bank (https://www. berniesbookbank. org/). RELEASE DATE December 10, 2019. Look for a pre-order link later this Fall! ANTHOLOGY AUTHORS:. Rachel Brookes... -
Strut by Jay Hogan
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNew Zealand farm boy turns New York fashion model. Fairy tale? Maybe. But it hasn’t been easy. A year in this crazy city, working my tail off just to survive in a ruthless industry where sex sells and boundaries are too readily crossed. A year and a reassuring ocean away from Hunter Donovan—a sexy, humiliating mistake that I’m not about to repeat. Distance is good. Distance is safe... -
Don't Quit Your Daydream by Adrian J. Smith
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhat happens in the elevator doesn’t stay in the elevator. When Laura Finch’s business partner hires Skylar to bring their company to the next generation, Laura sees red. An obnoxious millennial isn’t someone she wants to work with—they’re known for failing their side hustles... -
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. Book two Chasing Love: Sawyer. Book three Chasing Love: James. Book four Chasing Love: Tricia. Book five coming Dec Chasing Love: Erin. Book six coming Dec Chasing Love: Ryder... -
King's Silver Knight by Ki Brightly
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Runaway Rock Star. Music is part of Andy Spire’s soul, but he can’t handle being in a band with his abusive husband anymore. His only option is to give up his career and make a run for it. After years of being belittled, it takes all his nerve to escape the toxic relationship. Andy isn’t sure how he can leave alive. When the tour bus stops to refuel, Andy flees from his soon-to-be ex-husband... -
Forgiven: Con by Sloane Kennedy
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsCon. I have everything I’ve ever wanted… so why do I still feel like the kid who came from nothing? Please help him …. Three little words that have haunted me for years. Three little words that I know I’ll take to my grave. It was supposed to be just another fight... -
Unwritten Rules by Pamela O'Rourke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTall, dark and handsome as sin. With a smile that speaks to my soul. Nathaniel Hawthorne is the epitome of the perfect man. But 12 years older and worlds wiser, my brother’s best friend doesn’t long for me the way I crave him. He made that crystal clear when I kissed him last year, spurring him to leave London. To leave me...Categorized as:
angst age difference forbidden love contemporary new adult christian length-long audiobook -
Washed Up by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsIt was just another day in the Emergency Department -- until she was wheeled in through the doors. Amanda Parks, my childhood best friend's mom who I may or may not have secretly kissed before leaving for college. I haven't seen her in over a decade, and in so many ways, she hasn't changed. Same killer curves. Same hypnotizing eyes. Same reaction from my heart when I see her... -
House of Agnes by Fiona Zedde
A lesbian romance filled with intrigue and sizzling sexual tension as enemies discover that the other side of hatred…is desire. Agnes Noble is private, mysterious, and untouchable. She rules House of Agnes, the most exclusive escort agency on the East Coast, with a diamond fist. Crossing her is a mistake no one makes twice. Investigative reporter Lola Osbourne is not afraid... -
Never Enough by E.M. Denning
Tommy Parker has everything under control. He's made it through almost four years of University without revealing the secrets of his tumultuous home life. He has his eye on the prize but he can't turn down a party invitation from his friend Shawn. Even though it's not his scene Tommy finds he doesn't mind being the subject of Vince Barnett's attention. Vince Barnett is ready to move on... -
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A Game Of Two Hearts by Iona Kane
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTess Kennedy isn’t where she thought she’d be at forty-six. She’s focusing on keeping things together as a single parent as she returns to a town that holds mixed memories. As she tries to build a new life for her family, she’s relieved that she’s finally in control of her own destiny. The last thing she’s looking for is a relationship. Rowan Russell is living her regular, predictable life... -
Beneath the Stain - Part Six by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor as long as Trav Ford has known the Sanders boys, one name has haunted the entire band. Their first lead guitarist and Mackey’s first lover has left a stamp on the kids he’s known as family, and now Grant has one last chance to hurt the people Trav cares for the most... -
The Ghosts Between Us by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDr. Christopher Allen knows how to deal with death. He’s a psychiatrist who works with hospice patients and their families, helping them cope with grief and letting go. But Chris’s job doesn’t prepare him for the sudden death of his devil-may-care brother Cal. At Cal’s funeral, Chris is completely thrown when he meets Elliot Rawlings, an artist Cal has been dating...Categorized as:
age difference angst m-m contemporary hurt-comfort queer length-long first-in-series -
Where We Belong by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes a best friend’s little sister, single dad romance featuring a hot doctor and his sweet little daughter. I’ve been in love with Benedict Farrow since I was fourteen years old. He’s my older brother’s best friend. One night we almost crossed that line. One night I almost got everything I wanted... -
Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA competitive swimmer and a glamorous drag queen … a love worthy of gold or a crushing defeat? Openly gay college swimmer Ian Harrington is fighting against a current of tragedy. He's grieving the loss of his parents and best friend, and now he's dealing with a toxic coach and judgmental brother. But he won't let that stop him from chasing his dream: Olympic gold... -
Fourth Wheel by Abby Millsaps
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsMADDIE. I’ll admit it: I knew exactly who he was when I walked into The Oak that night. I probably should have just left him alone. But I was bored. And he’s gorgeous, just like his brother. How was I supposed to resist? The kiss we shared was scorching hot. But it was nothing compared to the intensity of his anger when he realized who I was, and who I’m related to. His hostility fuels me... -
Ollie Always by John Wiltshire
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNamed after the main character in his mother’s infamous Oliver novels, Ollie’s been fighting his fictional namesake his whole life. It’s a battle for identity he is slowly and inevitably losing. Ex-army PTI Tom knows all about battles—the real ones that break soldiers... -
Dare Me by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOne year ago, Arianna Donovan and Will Jameson met on a dare and spent a perfect 24 together before going their separate ways. She thought they would stay in touch, but he disappeared without a word. Arianna thought she’d moved on. But when Will shows up at a family dinner with her older—and very protective—brother, she’s angry and confused...Categorized as:
angst age difference contemporary forbidden love secret-relationship military humor length-medium -
His Silver Lining by Megan Wade
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWarning: Only read this book if you love down-on-their-luck but hopeful heroines, transient grouches just searching for a home, and a host of OTT antics between pre-destined soulmates. Dottie moved to Whisper Valley on a whim when she fell in love with the small town's picturesque scenery and friendly locals...Categorized as:
age difference angst insta-love curvy heroine contemporary virgin heroine humor length-novella -
Be My Best Man by Con Riley
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 13 ratings~ Will Jason’s third time as a best man lead to first-time love for Vanya? After fleeing violence in Moscow, student teacher Vanya Petrov winds up lonely in a run-down London hostel... -
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Kian's Focus by Misty Walker
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI lost my boyfriend on the night I had planned to propose. It was a horrific accident that was all my fault. I gave up and resigned myself into a life of obscurity. Until I got a call that my sister, Sara, needed me. It gave me purpose and I ran to her rescue. Because that’s what I’ve done our whole lives. That’s how I ended up in Brigs Ferry Bay...Categorized as:
age difference angst contemporary christian m-m friends to lovers queer length-short -
The Best Gift by Eli Easton
With help from a Christmas miracle, two bruised hearts find joy again. Greg Cabot is the third generation to run Cabot’s Christmas Wonderland and tree farm in rural Vermont. But this year will be his last. Since the death of his son, Sam, in Afghanistan, Greg no longer has the heart to run a business based on holiday cheer... -
Broken by Ami Spencer
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsCallie Montgomery should feel happy with her life. A rising career, a business inherited from her father and a loving family surrounding her. Besides, she’s in a much better place than a decade ago, so she should be grateful, right? But everything's not always as it seems. Appearances can be deceptive. Unless that is, you’re faced with the return of the woman who can read you better than anyone... -
Exclusive by Melissa Brayden
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHer new job as an on-air reporter in sunny San Diego is a big break for Skyler Ruiz. No more covering small-town softball games or vegetable growing competitions. She’ll be working at the same station as her TV mega-crush and longtime idol, anchorwoman Carolyn McNamara, and that doesn’t hurt either. Unfortunately, people don’t always live up to expectations... -
BIG BURLY MASTER by Erin Havoc
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNever meet your heroes, they say. And definitely don’t fall for one of them. Christopher Webber is one of the biggest in my area. He’s also much bigger than I expected. Burly, barrel-chested, huge. I had no idea they made suits that big. He shakes my hand and my knees turn to jelly. But this crush is impossible. He’s twice my age. My mother’s colleague. And he likes giving orders...Categorized as:
angst age difference alpha male contemporary multicultural insta-love length-novella -
Indigo by Krystal Veitch
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fell in love long before I was old enough to understand the true meaning. Paxton Shepard may have been broken, but he was mine. My protector. My hero. My person. When I left town, it was with an aching heart and the words, I’m sorry, I can’t, replaying in my mind...
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