Books like 'Counting Backward'
Readers who enjoyed Counting Backward by Liz Ashlee also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary new adult angst m-f second chances secret-relationship small town virgin heroine cold hero working class hero
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Irresistible Trouble by Pippa Grant
I, Cooper Rock, baseball god, worshipper of women, hometown hero, beloved son and brother, and owner of a well-deserved ego, have always reached for the stars. Usually in baseball.In love? Nah. When you’ve played the field as much as I have and haven’t been bit by the bug, you’re immune.Or so I thought until she walked back into my life.Waverly Sweet. Pop music sensation...Categorized as:
new adult secret-relationship m-f second chances small town sports humor contemporary -
A Little Tempting by Kelsie Rae
My friend's little sister moved in next door. Dylan Thorne. The one and only. She's cute, in a nerdy wallflower kind of way. She's also off-limits. Or at least that's what my other friend says. Everett's been friends with Dylan's older brother for as long as she's lived. Call it a hunch, but I think he has a thing for Dylan, too, which is why he's warned me to keep my distance...Categorized as:
new adult virgin heroine m-f contemporary sports hockey audiobook explicit-open-door -
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... -
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:
new adult m-f second chances angst humor contemporary friends to lovers sweet heroine -
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Power Play by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsPosey Adler is coming home. After a devastating journey for what she mistakenly thought was true love, she is saying to hell with men and love forever. As the Nashville Assassins’s new assistant coach for special teams, Posey is ready to focus on her job and have the attention on her for a change... -
Suit by B.B. Easton
"Since when are you into guys in ties? You only like guys who look like they rob guys in ties. At gunpoint."It was true. By 2003, my type had been well-established. There might as well have been a giant sign on my heart that said, "Good Guys Need Not Apply."Which is exactly why I had to friend-zone Ken Easton... -
The Difference Between Somehow and Someway by Aly Martinez
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe world gave me everything. After surviving a plane crash, I was lucky to be alive. It was a harsh truth, but one that changed my perspective on how fragile life could be. So when a fellow survivor caught my eye, I owed it to myself to take a chance and follow my heart. Bowen Michaels was guarded and broody, but I saw through his well-formed armor... -
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... -
Unexpected Odds by Kaylee Ryan
They say the mistakes of our past shape our future. That we’re molded from experience, from heartache, and from pain. What happens when your past is riddled with regrets? How do you see through the fog, to navigate the path to your future? One breath.One second.One minute.One hour.One day at a time, you learn to live with your unexpected odds...Categorized as:
new adult second chances angst secret-relationship small town m-f contemporary secret child -
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... -
Phoenix by Fiona Davenport
As the treasurer for the Iron Rogues MC, Beck “Phoenix” Evanson was great with money. But he discovered something worth far more in Lindsay Goss. The feisty college student stormed into the clubhouse accusing the club of turning a blind eye—and flipped his world upside down...Categorized as:
new adult m-f virgin heroine contemporary bikers explicit-open-door gifted heroine sassy heroine -
The Consolation Duet Books 1-2 by Corinne Michaels
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLiam wasn't supposed to be my happily ever after. He wasn't even on my radar. He was my husband's best friend-forbidden. But my husband died and I fell in love with Liam only to be left shattered into a million pieces. Again. I want him. I need him. I yearn for him, but he's gone. Now I have to decide if it's him I love or if he was just the consolation prize all along... -
Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsOnce upon a time, I fell in love with a boy.A beautiful, broken boy who had his own world of struggles. People warned me against our love, but I didn't listen.We looked weak. Young, foolish. Dangerously in love. We didn't care.In order to keep our hearts protected from the opinions of others, we became each other’s secret. We shared stolen moments. Tender touches. Secretive embraces... -
Down To You by Jayne Frost
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEvery story deserves a soundtrack. And ours is epic. She started from perfect. A star who shone brighter than the rest. But then fate took it all away. Now she's broken. A beautiful song with a fractured beat. But I'm still on the rise. Chasing a dream that she's already left behind. If I'm lucky, I can find my redemption in the spotlight. Destiny brought us together. Put her in my path... -
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Envy by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes a new story in her Eagle Elite series… Every family has rules, the mafia just has more.... Do not speak to the bosses unless spoken to. Do not make eye contact unless you want to die. And above all else, do not fall in love. Renee Cassani's future is set. Her betrothal is set... -
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... -
The Difference Between Somebody and Someone by Aly Martinez
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThe world owes you nothing. It took losing the woman I loved and facing the paralyzing task of moving on without her for me to truly understand that. Consumed by regret and razor-sharp memories, I’d resigned myself to a life of loneliness until a survivor from the same plane crash that took my fiancée stormed into my life.Remi Grey was chaos and sunshine, fire and freedom... -
Dangerous Fling by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHe's her rock star crush, her go-to fantasy, and he's offering to make all her dreams come true... Rock star Malcolm Strong is used to being in control. Of the band. Of his feelings. Of the woman he has tied to his bed. He never gets close enough to get hurt. He never wants to. Until Lacey. The sassy brunette is working on the band's latest music video... -
Love At First Site by Phoebe MacLeod
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsElla's life is about to be hit by a wrecking ball... On the surface, Ella has it all. A great job, a penthouse apartment and the perfect boyfriend, Lee. There's just one their relationship has to be kept secret due to their employer's strict rule about not dating colleagues... -
Waterfall Effect by K.K. Allen
From RT Book Reviews New Adult Award Winner, comes a suspenseful small town mountain romance. Lost in the shadows of a tragedy that stripped Aurora of everything she once loved, she’s back in the small town of Balsam Grove, ready to face all she’s kept locked away for seven years. Or so she thinks... -
Rider by Fiona Davenport
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAiden “Rider” Brand knew the Silver Saints MC rule about sisters being off-limits. But he had no clue that his VP was Wendy West’s big brother when he met her. And after their night together, nobody was going to keep him away from the woman he’d claimed as his own...Categorized as:
new adult virgin heroine m-f contemporary bikers siblings-bff length-novella audiobook -
Careless by Michelle Horst, Michelle Heard
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsFrom International Bestseller Michelle Heard, comes a new, sexy novel in the Enemies To Lovers series. Irony - when life f@cks you over. Jaxson She's the one girl I can't forget. She's as innocent as a saint, with the mouth of a sinner. After taking her virginity, it's taken me four years to get rid of the guilt. I used her while she was at her lowest and she's never forgiven me... -
Wait by A.L. Jackson
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFrom NYT & USA Today bestselling author comes a new Bleeding Stars stand-alone novel… She is his strength and he is her weakness. And this time he won’t let her go. Edie Evans is gorgeous. Sexy. Kind. She’s also the definition of off-limits. But that didn't stop me from sneaking into her room to comfort her at night...Categorized as:
second chances angst new adult m-f contemporary bad boys musicians friends to lovers -
Collide by Dylan Allen
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe’s searching for the truth.I’m living a lie. And as much as we want to, We can’t stay away from each other. Falling for Carter nearly cost me everything. To save myself I made a deal with the devil. Now, I’ve got a second chance and more to lose than ever. So when he makes it clear he wants me back, I vow not to make the same mistake twice. Carter has learned his lesson, too...Categorized as:
new adult angst small town contemporary forbidden love insta-love length-medium audiobook -
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The Hate of Loving You by Maya Hughes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsSix years ago, in the dead of night, I woke up to a cold bed and an even colder future without her. I would’ve followed her anywhere and she left. I thought I’d moved on and left all she meant to me behind. But a first love is never easy to forget. Even harder when I once felt our love is inevitable--inescapable. And I’ve been proven right once again...Categorized as:
new adult angst second chances secret-relationship m-f contemporary sports famous heroine -
Give Me Your Answer True by Suanne Laqueur
“What I feel has no name…” Suanne Laqueur’s award-winning debut novel The Man I Love thrilled readers with its memorable characters and depth of emotion. Erik Fiskare’s journey of love, recovery and forgiveness captivated hearts but also left questions unanswered. Now Daisy Bianco has a chance to tell her story...Categorized as:
angst second chances new adult m-f contemporary cheating other-man-woman explicit-plentiful -
See Through Heart by Amie Knight
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAinsley came into my life in a flurry of vibrant colors, lighting my world up when all seemed lost. It wasn’t our quiet nights by the creek or stolen kisses surrounded by a sea of cotton that saved me. It was her. She was my comfort when life threw one ugly tragedy after another at me. Until she dealt me the greatest blow...Categorized as:
new adult second chances angst contemporary tearjerkers friends to lovers length-short audiobook -
Snow Balled by Stephanie Brother
When a snowstorm leaves me stranded with three handsome strangers, I don’t want them to find out that:I’m a famous actressI’ve never been with one man, let alone threeI want them allIt wasn’t supposed to be like this. I came to the woods to finish my screenplay before the start of the press tour for my latest movie...Categorized as:
angst new adult small town virgin heroine reverse harem contemporary forced proximity humor -
The Roomie Rulebook by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOliver is my best friend's older brother. He's brooding, bossy, and painfully off limits. But all rules are off when I move in as his new roommate. When I need a place to crash, I go straight to the guy I know best. My best friend's older brother, Oliver. Who's right in the middle of enjoying his alone time. No big deal, right? It's not like I'm going to die of embarrassment... -
Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsLucy Drake and Brendan Caine have only one thing in common… And it's likely to tear them apart. Because it was Brendan's late wife, Jessie—and Lucy's best friend—who'd brought them together in the first place. And since Jessie's passing, Brendan's been distracted by his two little ones…and the memory of an explosive kiss with Lucy years before his marriage. Still, he'll steer clear of her... -
Breaker by Fiona Davenport
All it took was one look for Sebastian “Breaker” Ross to know that Ireland Foster was meant to be his. So when he saw another guy giving the cute rocker chick a hard time, Breaker stepped in…by pretending to be her boyfriend.Ireland thought he was just playing the fake boyfriend to help her out since they’d never met before. But Breaker had every intention of turning the role into a permanent one...Categorized as:
new adult virgin heroine m-f contemporary bikers length-novella explicit-plentiful audiobook -
Falter by Carrie Aarons
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRyan Shea has sworn off men. After her last relationship imploded in front of her eyes, she decides to take a break from swimming in the dating pool … possibly forever. The brilliant computer whiz loses her brain when it comes to love, and jumping feet first burns her every time... -
Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsSick of running into her cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road right out of town. Now she's got Paul Haggerty's business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands... -
Blade by C.M. Steele
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAnthony “Blade” Santini wants a slice of Jules Walker the second he sees the beauty at Penny’s Bakery. Still, with the world of trouble following the Steele Riders, he knows it’s not safe for her. As much as he’d love to be selfish and seal her fate as his, he refuses to put her in danger... -
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Hooking Her Up by Cassi Hart
Kayla All of my life, I’ve worked hard to be perfect. From my appearance to my academics, I was expected to do my best, and I went above and beyond. If I’m being honest, it’s exhausting. I dream of having the chance to let it all go, to live my life without the fear of being or doing exactly what’s expected of me. But they’re called dreams for a reason... -
Reveling in Sin by Meghan March
Reveling in Sin is the third book in New York Times bestselling author Meghan March's epically romantic and addictive Sin Trilogy.Whitney Gable is the kind of woman you fight to the death to protect. To keep. To cherish. I’ve finally learned my lesson, and it’s time to prove I’m the man who’s worthy of her.I don’t care what it takes, because failure is not an option...Categorized as:
angst new adult second chances m-f contemporary alpha male super rich hero forbidden love -
Hold Me Close by Siobhan Davis
Sons pay for the sins of their fathers…Bodhi and Easton Lancaster O’Donoghue have grown up sheltered from the truth. Until it’s time for their parents to reveal what happened and how it shaped the events that came later.Bodhi is quiet. An intelligent, introspective boy who hides his pain deep inside...Categorized as:
new adult second chances angst m-f multicultural contemporary anthologies tortured hero -
What's Left of Us by Amanda Maxlyn
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThe heartwarming conclusion to What's Left of Me. Love found me three years ago. I’m cancer free, happily married to the love of my life, and working toward my dream career. Our life is complete. Perfect, really. Or is it? I’ve always wanted a family of my own, but never dreamed I could have one. Now Parker’s ready to make my dream our reality... -
Wish I May by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsNew adult romance from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Unbreak Me . Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is intended for mature readers. ~ ~ ~ Nothing about her says cute. Everything about her says sex. And mine. I never thought I'd see her again. Didn't think I wanted to... -
Wreck My World by Victoria Ashley
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“The feeling I have in this very moment, after not seeing her for so long, will haunt me forever, reminding me why I left to begin with.” For as long as I can remember, Easton Crews has been off-limits. As much as it kills me, that’s never going to change. After his little disappearing act three years ago, then suddenly showing up out of nowhere, I shouldn't want anything to do with him... -
Savage Vicious Heir: Part Two by Caitlyn Dare
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBestselling author Caitlyn Dare brings you a new dark high school romance story in the Heirs of All Hallows' series. Savage Vicious Heir is a dark high school bully romance...Categorized as:
secret-relationship angst new adult virgin heroine found-family sports contemporary cruel hero -
All To Pieces by Susan Henshaw
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA closed-door, high school sweethearts, second chance, football romance from Amazon bestselling author Susan Henshaw. Millions watch him play. Except the one who matters most.BlueI made the worst mistake of my life when I let my dad move me across the country after my sophomore year of high school.Had my football career taken off? Yes... -
Perfectly Imperfect by Tiffany Casper
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsDaemonWhen you learn at the young age of nine that words have the same impact as a fist, it shapes you into the man you grow up to be.It makes you hard.Unshakable.And sometimes… Cold.That was until he saw her in a classroom being the kind of mom that he wished he had. Being the kind of mom that all women should aspire to be... -
Lost by J.S. Scott, Lane Parker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA sexy, moody, broody mountain man who only wants his solitude. A city woman trying to find herself in the backwoods. One horrible rock slide that leaves the two strangers stuck together...whether they want to be or not. I've been holed up in my crappy, one room cabin in the back country of Colorado for so long that I'm basically not even human anymore. And I'm not here because I have to be... -
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Fourth Wheel by Abby Millsaps
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsMADDIEI’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...Categorized as:
new adult angst secret-relationship contemporary age difference forbidden love length-medium -
Broken Bridges by Tania Joyce
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHe's lost his band, his lover and his grandfather - the friends and family who'd accepted his lifestyle choices.She's lost her career, the love of her life and after a freak accident has to accept she'll never be the same.A chance audition for The Flintlocks could change his life.A move across the country could be the fresh start he needs.She needs to find her way in the world again... -
My Grumpy Valentine by Nyla Lily
I fell for Penelope the moment my best friend introduced her as his new girlfriend. She wasn’t mine to want, but that didn’t stop me. I stood by as their relationship flourished, watched her walk down the aisle, and tried to bury my feelings beneath forced smiles. Leaving Hope Peak was my only option to give up on the woman of my dreams... -
Defiant Heir by Michelle Heard
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom International Bestseller Michelle Heard comes a new friends to lovers novel in The Heirs series. The man of my dreams is nothing short of perfect. Kao Reed is a hermit who loves to live in the shadows. With striking blue eyes and a gentle nature, he won my heart years ago. I’ve woven all my dreams and future around him. But then the worst happens...Categorized as:
new adult virgin heroine m-f contemporary super rich hero friends to lovers college length-medium -
Fortuity by Rochelle Paige
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe only kinds of luck I knew were bad and worse...until my life hung in the balance. I finally caught a break in the form of a second chance. I vowed not to let it go to waste. To make a difference. But I didn’t start really living until I met him. Dillon Montgomery. My complete opposite—except for our matching tortured souls. I couldn’t resist him for long... -
The Truest Thing by Samantha Young
Nine years ago, Emery Saunders moved to Hartwell to start her life over as a bookstore owner. Her inability to trust people made it hard for her to find a place in the small community until Jessica Lawson moved to town and befriended the shy beauty.But there was one person in Hartwell who tried to befriend Emery long before Jessica arrived…Jack Devlin has his secrets...Categorized as:
second chances angst new adult cold hero m-f contemporary friends to lovers sweet heroine
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