Books like 'The One to Heal'
Readers who enjoyed The One to Heal by Liz Lovelock also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny forced proximity small town second chances sports slow burn
-
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:
sports second chances small town new adult humor contemporary secret-relationship baseball -
All You Need Is Love by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsWhen you’ve loved and lost, how do you find the strength to let love in again?Jemma thinks she’s found the love of her life. Scott is everything she ever dreamed of and she can’t wait to begin the next stage of their life together. But just as she is heading for her happy ever after, a shock revelation shatters Jemma’s life as she knows it... -
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... -
Heavy Petting by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsHe's her best friend. A reformed bad boy turned hot teacher. And after one spur-of-the-moment Vegas wedding... her husband.Jordan Benoit and Fletcher Landry have been best friends since they were six. He's always been The Guy. When she needed picked up, cheered up, or lifted up--like literally, to see the stage at a concert--Fletcher was the guy... -
-
The Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score
Davis Gates. Naked. Tossing her a handful of orgasms like he was on a lust-themed parade float. A fifty-year feud.One failed smoke bomb matchmaking scheme.Two enemies turned fake lovers. For the past fifteen years, Eden has worked her ass off to overcome high school. She’s cornered the tourism market in Blue Moon offering visitors a place to stay in her hippie, dippy hometown... -
As You Ice It by Emma St. Clair
If at first you don’t succeed, DO NOT try, try again. At least not when it comes to dating a hockey player.When Naomi met Camden Cole on Oakley Island, she assumed he would be gone in a week or two like any other tourist passing through.Perfect for a fun summer relationship. A temporary one...Categorized as:
sports small town second chances humor length-medium hockey found-family single-mother -
The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFamily, wounded hearts, and a Texas bed-and-breakfast are in need of repair in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s inviting novel about down-home comfort and second chances.Cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae are due for a change...Categorized as:
small town forced proximity friends to lovers contemporary humor christian m-f audiobook -
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... -
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsListening Length 9 hours and 57 minutesA red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex...Categorized as:
second chances forced proximity m-m contemporary queer from hate to love angst friends to lovers -
Nothing But It All by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a warm and romantic novel about a marriage in trouble, two conspiring kids, and the meaning of long-lasting love. After twenty years, the cracks in Lauren Reed’s marriage are showing. She and her husband, Jack, feel more like roommates than a loving couple...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances small town humor mature couple contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Pure Chemistry by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI’ve never wished for a knight in shining armor before, but today might be the day I let go of that pigheadedness and accept a little help.I’m a biochemist with a dream to cure cancer, but in my quest to save lives, I may be the reason thousands die... -
The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPreorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane seriesLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatAll’s fair in love and…medicine?Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders...Categorized as:
small town forced proximity humor suspense contemporary from hate to love length-medium m-f -
Sterling Fight by L.B. Dunbar
These former friends might be faking their engagement, but revealed crushes prove there might not be anything fictional about their arrangement.In college, I often saw Judd Sylver in the library. He was a cool, broody type of guy who reminded me of a deeply tortured soul who might write poetry... -
Beachside Kisses With My Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Kristin Canary
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the charming town of Hallmark Beach, love’s a food fight when old flames ignite and rivalries simmer.Things were sailing smoothly in my little slice of paradise until Blake “the Flake” Moffitt waltzed back into town, looking far too handsome for his own good—and mine. Once upon a time, I was hopelessly in love with my best friend's brother, but that fairytale is history... -
-
A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...There's always time for tea... unless you've lost your teapot…Cleo Jordan has only ever wished for one thing – to open her own teashop in memory of her lovely gran...Categorized as:
forced proximity small town found-family grumpy sunshine contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Things I Remember by Kelsey Humphreys
It shouldn’t be a surprise that my marriage is ending, since it was secretly a business arrangement to begin with. It’s time to let it go. I have accepted that.Apparently, my almost-ex-husband has not.Susan Canton loves her family and their business. Typical first-born, she’s an achiever, a leader... -
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:
forced proximity sports second chances contemporary grumpy sunshine m-f found-family football -
Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDid you ever see a guy and just know you had to meet him?That was me and Bodhi Merrick. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he donned his wetsuit at the famous big-wave surf spot, Mavericks. I'll never forget that day. Or every time our paths crossed after that. Big wave surfing is a small world. And, as it happens, Bodhi felt the same tug---this irresistible attraction that drew us to one another...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity multicultural siblings-bff humor contemporary m-f length-medium -
Face-Off at the Altar by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsMarkus Reeves is sucking. Big-time. Toiling away on a minor-league hockey team hundreds of miles away from home, he's watching his dreams of an NHL career fade away. Add in the lingering guilt he has over the dramatic demise of his relationship with college girlfriend, Mekena, and he's a mess on and off the ice. But the family of his heart, the Sinclairs, won't let Markus suffer any longer... -
Leave Me Breathless by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe’s his best friend’s little sister. Completely off-limits. And now she’s moving in with him…When Gabe Winter’s best friend calls with an unusual request – give his broken-hearted little sister a roof over her head for a few months – he readily accepts.But he doesn’t expect Nicole to be quite so enticing. Or for her to bring out all the feelings in him... -
Sure Shot by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWelcome to Fort Lauderdale... where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter!I gave up everything for hockey… even my chance at love. But relocating to Florida to be the starting goalie for the Lauderdale Knights is still the best decision I’d ever made. I have everything… except someone to share it with... -
The Beekeeper at Elderflower Grove by Jaimie Admans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer new start is about to bee-gin!Having moved into her mum’s spare room after a disastrous break-up, Kayleigh Harwood is desperate for a fresh start...Categorized as:
forced proximity small town contemporary mystery friends to lovers humor new adult length-medium -
A Winter Warmer at the Little Cornish Kitchen by Jane Linfoot
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings‘Sparkling, laugh-out-loud, romantic’ Phillipa AshleySt Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere…A clean slate in the world’s cosiest cottage by the sea…When Gwen Starkey and her best friend, Ella Simpson, arrive in St Aidan to take on a cottage renovation, it’s the fresh start they both so desperately need... -
Watch and Learn by Rebel Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNateAll I wanted to do was be me, for one night. I didn’t want to be the number one quarterback in the league. I just wanted to be Nate. I couldn’t tell you exactly what made me stop at that dive bar on the outskirts of town, but it changed my life.Our connection was instant and undeniable. Our night together was explosive, which led to another, and then another. No strings...Categorized as:
sports second chances contemporary friends to lovers humor friends-benefits new adult length-medium -
-
Overtime: Special Edition Paperback by Maggie Rawdon
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsColton St. George is the league’s star quarterback, the most eligible bachelor in the country, and the poster boy for “nice guy”.Everyone wants a piece of him.Including me—because I need him in front of my camera to raise money for charity.There’s just one problem.Before he was famous, I took his already broken heart and shattered it.So he only agrees to do the photos on one condition—I go first... -
A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsI live for happily ever afters.And I'm finally meeting my favorite romance author in person! Only, all this time, I thought author, Amelie De Pierre, was a woman. It turns out, Pierre Toussaint is the man behind the books that make me weak in the knees.He could be the consummate book boyfriend with his dreamy hazel eyes, strong jawline, and those black-rimmed glasses. Not to mention that accent... -
Return to You by Melanie Shawn
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsStand-alone Whisper Lake romance, complete with HEA--and plenty of heat and heart along the way! There is a thin line between love and hate. For Allison Walsh, that line was a tightrope hanging a hundred feet in the air, with no safety net to catch her if--or when--she fell. Ali was barely treading water after losing her big brother, who was her hero and best friend... -
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim by Jules Wake
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFor fans of The Saturday Morning Park Run! Take the plunge and discover a gorgeous new read full of friendship, love and the healing power of community!Ettie is trying to figure out her future.Dominic’s just trying to forget his past...Categorized as:
small town sports humor insta-love disabilities and marks contemporary length-medium audiobook -
The Homecoming by Robyn Carr
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsIn a small town, reputation is everything. In her latest novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr explores the burden placed on a young man returning home to face his mistakes—the first step in claiming the life he was meant to live ... At the age of nineteen, Seth Sileski had everything. A superb athlete and scholar, handsome and popular, he was the pride of Thunder Point...Categorized as:
small town second chances contemporary friends to lovers suspense abuse humor length-medium -
Not A Player by R.C. Stephens
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLilianaHooking up with an annoyingly handsome stranger on vacation isn't the best idea, but I could use a little bit of careless fun before my fresh start.We said no last names, no strings. With law school on the line, it’s all I can offer. I just don’t expect everything to feel so easy— or so right. Too bad I’ll never see him again...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity second chances new adult humor insta-love contemporary friends to lovers -
The Ex List by Grace Pearce
Ryan has one hard and fast rule to dating—never settle.But following this rule has led her to become a serial dater. As her number of exes grows, so does the list of reasons why she had no choice but to let them go—the same list she coincidentally keeps texting one particular person after every breakup.Who cares? Grey blocked Ryan’s number after he broke up with her four years ago...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances slow burn contemporary humor length-medium explicit-open-door m-f -
Wedding Days at Halesmere House: A heartwarming feel-good romance by Suzanne Snow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe last thing on Lizzie’s mind is catching the bouquet When her best friend’s wedding venue catches fire, Lizzie Martin is on the case to find somewhere new. By some miracle, a space opens up at Halesmere House, and it makes perfect sense to move the event to the Lake District artists’ residence... -
Dirty Secret Love by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes an angsty, fake-fiance, opposites attract, secret billionaire romance.What do you do when you’re tired of being the loser?You make up the perfect fiancé, of course.I know it sounds desperate, but hear me out.In my family, everyone is someone.But me? I’m just a small-town librarian with no prospects and no future...Categorized as:
forced proximity small town contemporary office super rich hero humor angst length-medium -
Runaway Love by Lea Coll
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA dream wedding, a bride with cold feet, and the mountain man that comes to her rescue.I never thought that, on my wedding day, I would literally bolt from my wedding, and into the arms of a grumpy mountain man. Emmett offers me a much-needed respite from the chaos, inviting me into his cabin to "hide out" until all the wedding guests leave...Categorized as:
forced proximity small town grumpy sunshine christmas contemporary humor length-medium -
-
The Trouble with Love and Coaches by Harriet Ashford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsApril Baird is determined to finish an Ironman—even if it is 140.6 miles of misery in the form of swimming, cycling, and running. The distance would be daunting enough, but April is certain she has an Ironman curse. What else could explain the events that have caused her to DNF the last three years? Now, her coach has even bailed... -
When Fate Breaks by Nikki Witt
Do you believe in fate?It’s a simple question…unless you’re a strict life planner and serial overthinker like Annie Jacks. It’s a good thing she finally has it all figured out. Now twenty-eight and two months away from her wedding, Annie has found herself moving into the home of her dreams with her fiancé. The only issue with the move? The house has an old dilapidated greenhouse in the backyard...Categorized as:
second chances small town slow burn forced proximity suspense humor contemporary friends to lovers -
Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens… Dessa should have been mine... until my brother kissed her first. Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother... -
50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover by Kelly Siskind
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFrom Kelly Siskind comes a slow-burn romantic comedy about one man’s creative attempt to win back his high school sweetheart after a change in fortune gives them a second chance at love.Growing up, I had it all—my art, close friends, a gorgeous girlfriend who owned my heart—but then my life exploded.Turns out my father was laundering money, and my whole family got shoved into witness protection... -
One Wish by Robyn Carr
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsGrace Dillon was a champion figure skater until she moved to Thunder Point to escape the ruthless world of fame and competition. And though she's proud of the quiet, self-sufficient life she's created running a successful flower shop, she knows something is missing. Her life could use a little excitement... -
Accidental Baby Daddy: A Single Dad Runaway Bride Romance by Mia Mara
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsRunning from the altar was just the beginning. Now I’m back in my small hometown… running straight into the arms of my ex.After ditching my fiancé in New York, I stumble into our town's bar looking like a runaway bride cliché. The last thing I need is a cute guy offering to buy me a drink... -
Love So Perfect by Marquita Valentine
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLove So Perfect, Book 5 in Marquita’s contemporary romance series about the Lawson Brothers. Star quarterback Austin Lawson’s dating life is fair game to the myriad gossip bloggers. Thanks to his most recent screw up with a social media savvy super model, he’s forced to return home so that his PR team can do damage control...Categorized as:
sports small town athletes humor contemporary virgin heroine curvy heroine length-novella -
The Love Words by Amy Alves
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen my daughter decided that the woman who has hated me for years is her new favorite person, I knew I was screwed.I met Chloe during one of the worst times of my life and she called me out as the troublemaker I was. After eight years, she still hates me. But I’m not some punk kid anymore. I have a daughter to raise, a life to build.Unfortunately for Chloe, that life is in her hometown...Categorized as:
second chances small town from hate to love contemporary humor anthologies christian single-father -
Not Since Ewe by Susannah Nix
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTess McGregor doesn’t need anyone.So what if she doesn’t have any close friends or family anymore? Her successful consulting business keeps her so busy she barely has time to be lonely. She’s got her life organized exactly the way she wants it.Until the daughter she gave up for adoption 30 years ago tracks her down...Categorized as:
second chances forced proximity contemporary dual-pov humor length-medium m-f audiobook -
Giving It All by Christi Barth
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsChristi Barth’s smoking-hot contemporary romance series continues as the five best friends who survived a tragedy as teenagers take to their Naked Men podcast to open up about women. In Giving It All, the group’s globe-trotting hunk discovers that you need to go home to find love. Logan Marsh never stays in one place for long... -
-
Past the Rush by Britt Stark
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne night changed everything.Every hope and dream I had vanished with the touch of a hand.Whoever said love lasts forever obviously has never been in love with their brother’s best friend.Ever since high school, I have been trying to replace the painful memories of my past with new ones. Forgetting every trauma was working until I ran into him… Conrad Stone... -
The Summer for Us by Izabela Kamila
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s the grumpy small town local, and she’s the summer tourist winning over the whole town. What happens when he finally lets his guard down and opposites attract?Juliette Campbell might’ve won the hit reality dating show Paradise Love, but it came at the cost of an embarrassing breakup splashed across social media... -
Just a Football Star by Deb Goodman
He’s a competitive ex-athlete. Which is code for “He’s gonna break my heart.”When I started my career as a sports trainer for professional football players, I didn’t understand the dangers involved. I thought my knowledge and next-level love for the game would be all I needed to treat and motivate the guys. Now? It’s all gone... -
Some Like It Fox by Mary Frame
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsShe adores music and motion. He’s grounded in science and stability. When red-hot memories strike a new chord, will two conflicted hearts ring true?Taylor Fox loves being a nomad. A self-proclaimed vagabond, the impulsive free-spirit keeps whispers of childhood guilt and grief quiet by hitting up every vibrant musical festival she can find...Categorized as:
second chances small town contemporary friends to lovers humor substance abuse length-medium -
P.S. Not If You Were The Last Man On Earth by J. S. Cooper
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTo my tent mate,I am only going to say this once. I am not interested in you. I will not be sharing a sleeping bag with you. I will not be asking you tokeep me warm with your 'hot body'. Who calls their own bodyhot by the way? I will not be doing a belly dance for you in the middle of the night and I definitely won’t be making you hot chocolate...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity contemporary humor super rich hero from hate to love athletes length-short -
4 Hints You Love Your Best Friend by Kelly Siskind
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI am NOT in love with my brother's ex.We're just temporary roommates.Jolene Daniels is my best friend. Sorry… was . She was my best friend a lifetime and ten years of witness protection ago. Now that I’ve returned to my hometown, Jolene and I are once again hanging out.As friends...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances contemporary new adult friends to lovers angst age difference humor
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.

