Books like 'The Reluctant Wife'
Readers who enjoyed The Reluctant Wife by L. Steele also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary from hate to love marriage of convenience curvy heroine angst m-f boss & employee arranged marriage grumpy sunshine forbidden love
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American Hellhound by Lauren Gilley
Black dogs. Demons. Hellhounds. Damned souls that haunt crossroads, taking the forms of hulking dogs with glowing red eyes. Legends of the Old World, but just stories meant to scare lonely wanderers. Mostly. Knoxville, Tennessee boasts black dogs of its own: the mother chapter of the Lean Dogs Motorcycle Club... -
Seven of a Kind by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsConnerMy life was simple yet complicated, and Dr. Charlotte Roman knew it.Our first encounter was when I left my phone in the shopping cart at Target. I called it, she answered, and I politely asked if she’d bring it to me. She had a few choice words to say before telling me to come and get it myself. When I did, she proceeded to psychoanalyze me... -
Shielding Kinley by Susan Stoker
When Kinley Taylor witnesses what was possibly the last few minutes of a young girl’s life while in Paris, she realizes exactly how alone she is in the world. The only person she has to turn to for help is the one man who she feels is completely out of her league. Gage “Lefty” Haskins liked the personal assistant the first time he met her...Categorized as:
military virgin heroine men in uniform m-f suspense contemporary audiobook open-door -
Crew by Melody Anne
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsCrew Anderson has been keeping a secret from his family — a huge secret that he doesn’t know how to handle. But soon he learns he can’t face this situation alone. So he goes to Darla, the best friend of his brother’s fiancé, Daisy, who happens to be a social worker... -
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Twelve of a Kind by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.73 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsCarter: I was grateful for my second chance at life and discovering a family I never knew existed. Relocating my company and myself from South Carolina to Los Angeles brought me closer to them. They were all happily married, except my brother Gabriel, who was engaged to the love of his life. I didn’t trust women, and for good reason... -
Billionaire Unreachable ~ Wyatt by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat happens when the man you think you despise turns out to be a completely different guy beneath the surface? I didn't like Wyatt Durand. He might be my friend's older brother, but he was unpleasant, sarcastic, and the grumpiest guy on the planet. It didn't matter to me that he was a breathtakingly gorgeous, ultra-wealthy billionaire with the very prestigious Durand last name... -
Boss Man Bridegroom by Meghan Quinn
"Will you do me the greatest honor of all time and be my bridegroom?” she asks, hope in her eyes . . . How did I get here? My assistant, bent on one knee, holding my hand, her expectant face waiting for an answer. Just . . -
Finding Monica by Susan Stoker
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsYears of abuse at the hands of her father has taught Monica Collins she can’t trust anyone—especially military men. Since escaping her home, she’s built a successful career as a nanny, showing other kids the love she was denied as a child. But when her employer’s ambassadorial home becomes fair game for intruders during a riot, she’s forced to rely on two SEALs to get her to safety...Categorized as:
military from hate to love forced proximity m-f contemporary suspense length-medium audiobook -
Battle Scars by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.82 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThey call him Romeo—though no one would accuse him of being a romantic. Troy ‘Romeo’ Rosa has been a mystery for years. A mercenary used to working away and taking orders from his tutu wearing, ruthlessly savage boss. Her domineering ways mean his most recent assignment should be a walk in the park. The last thing he expects is a family so corrupt, it may destroy Checkmate from the inside out... -
Rescuing Rosalie by Ellie Masters
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIn the Nicaraguan jungle, I'll battle dangerous wildlife, treacherous terrain, and my growing attraction to Rosalie as we outrun a madman and survive.When a hostage rescue mission intended to save innocent lives takes a devastating turn, Hayes, a Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialist, leaps into action and plunges headlong into danger to save Rosalie... -
The Billionaire's Secrets by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFormer rock star Xander Sinclair may be out of rehab, but he’s not out of the woods. Still haunted by his parents’ murders, he has secluded himself in his Amesport mansion and dodges any attempted contact from his two brothers. Struggling not to fall into relapse, he believes he’s battling his demons alone. That is, until Samantha arrives to work as his live-in housekeeper...Categorized as:
super rich hero independent heroine sweet heroine m-f contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Six of a Kind by Sandi Lynn
JacksonThe day I found my wife in bed with a friend on our first wedding anniversary, I packed my bags, left, and never looked back. That was the day I promised I’d never get involved in another relationship again.Nine years later, I had still held to my promise... -
Always Us by Scarlett Avery
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJace Halsey…It seems I’m the only sane woman in LA who’s immune to that self-important man.Even my big sister swoons all over him. It makes me sick. Truth be told, I want nothing more than to annihilate him because he’s always in the way. Never mind he has no clue of my existence, he’s still the thorn in my side... -
Give Me Love by Corinne Michaels
New York Times bestselling author Corinne Michaels returns to Rose Canyon where four best friends are faced with their picturesque lives being upended. Emmett Maxwell prides himself on doing the right thing and being honest, but he’s hiding a huge secret and she’s refusing to stay hidden any longer... -
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Lethal Pursuit by Kaylea Cross
Security Forces Lieutenant Maya Lopez is right at home in a war zone: she's been fighting all her life. A hard-won commission in the air force has brought her to Afghanistan, and if she plays her cards right, she could end up with an FBI job. It won't be easy, but that just makes her more determined. Jackson Thatcher is a protector in all senses of the word...Categorized as:
military competent heroine sassy heroine men in uniform sweet-hero m-f suspense contemporary -
Jameson Fox by Nina Levine
Rule number one if you’re going to fake marry a billionaire: only marry him if you like him and he likes you. Everything is too hard if you hate each other.Jameson Fox is the most infuriating, arrogant, frustrating, presumptuous, self-important alphahole I have ever met.He stole my company from me five years ago. Now, he’s made me an offer I can’t refuse: fake marry him, and he’ll give it back... -
Steinbeck by Susan May Warren
There's Trouble in the North...The last person she can trust is the man she left for dead…but he’s the only one who knows she’s alive, so…Emberly "Phoenix" Hart has spent years proving herself as one of the Black Swans' most capable operatives... -
No Small Bet by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsReluctant single dad.Arrogant villain.Cold-hearted heir.And the enemy of my brothers.I should hate him… so why can’t I stop wanting him?Hawk McQuaid is not the guy who stays.He doesn’t do relationships.Especially not with the virgin amputee who accidentally became his nanny during an elevator mishap.But he’s wound himself around my heart.And it’s the last place he should be.He’ll hurt me... -
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... -
The Anchor Holds by Anne Malcom
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsCalliope Derrick is in trouble.Not that she’ll admit it.She’d sooner go to her grave than ask for help—especially from a man.Wall Street’s wolf in heels, Calliope built an empire, shattered egos, and earned a reputation as the woman who made grown men cry in their private jets... -
Falling for a Grumpy Hero by Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI don’t do small talk. Don’t do mornings. Don’t do smiling.I run my firm like I ran my unit of marines—tight, quiet, no distractions.Then she walked into my office.Curvy. Gorgeous. Relentlessly cheerful.And the most irritating woman I’ve ever met.She’s my new assistant. All sunshine and questions and bright blue eyes that see too much.She hums while she works. Talks to my dog like he’s royalty... -
Time to Bounce by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLoneliness is overwhelming in its intensity. There are times you think you can cope, that you can make it despite the hollow feeling in your chest. Then there are the times when you realize you can’t breathe through the pain of loss. When Gable Buchanan Carter walks into Athena’s life, it’s like a light is switched on inside her chest. Suddenly she can breathe... -
The Innkeeper by Rebecca Sharp, Samantha Cook
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsElouise ‘Lou’ Kinkade is happy that all her siblings have found love. She’s less than happy that now all they want is for her to do the same. Lou doesn’t have time for romance; she has a business to run. And that business was shooting to success when a Hollywood degenerate takes a drunken tumble down her stairs... -
Out of Love by Ruth Cardello
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsLaughter and sparks set the stage for a fun romance from New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello about a farmer who switches places with his business-savvy twin brother and falls in love with the daughter of his brother’s biggest client.I just found out I have an identical twin... -
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My Fake Fiancé by Odette Stone
He came back to New York to get his ex-girlfriend back. …Too bad I forced him to be my fake boyfriend after he bailed me out of jail. My name’s Beth Stirling. Yes, as in 'those' Stirlings. But I’m the anti-socialite. Seriously. While the rest of the population is trying to get into my parents’ inner-circle, I’ve spent my entire adult life trying to escape it... -
Knockout by Jessica Prince
It wasn’t fair that the man I hated with a passion was so freaking gorgeous.Things in Layla Fox’s life were going great. She had a fantastic job, amazing friends, and a killer apartment. There was just one tiny glitch in all that perfect. Her upstairs neighbor was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome . . . and she hated the man with every cell in her body... -
Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsTwo enemies. One bed. What could possibly go wrong? Our new general manager is the most difficult man on the planet. The night before Drake begins working at my family's hotel, he finds me in the bar, trying to get rid of a boring date. But the guy won’t take even a not-so-subtle hint. Then Drake surprises me and comes to our table, but only to reprimand ME about dating in our workplace...Categorized as:
super rich hero rich heroine from hate to love m-f forced proximity contemporary humor office -
His to Protect by Em Petrova
Rated: 4.86 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSome things just can’t be ignored…and an attraction this powerful is one of them.Bodyguard and special intelligence mastermind Bodhi North has been called a lot of things—pretty-boy, surfer dude and even hippie, but he considers himself more of a tech nerd than anything else... -
Hudson by Melody Anne
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Melody Anne begins a sizzling and heartfelt series about Joseph Anderson’s long-lost nephews.Hudson Anderson has watched his brothers fall victim to the marriage flu. He wants nothing to do with it. That is until he meets a fiery Daisy Green who shows up on the property he’s just purchased, calling him a thief, and insisting the property isn’t his... -
The Sexy Enemy by J.A. Low
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNataliaI messed up.One too many shots in Las Vegas, and I wake up with the hangover from hell, a man in my bed, and a ring on my finger.The only problem is that the man in my bed is my family’s enemy, and … he’s naked.All we need is to annul this mistake of a marriage, and we can go back to our lives as if this never happened … or so I thought... -
Just One More Dare by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA runaway bride.Her older brother’s off-limits friend.Taking one more shot at love should be easy, right?Not on a dare.Samantha Dare had one thought when she found out her fiancé was a lyingcheater. Escape. So, she ran from her wedding…straight into the arms of the man who once gave her the hottest kiss of her life... -
Gunnar by Bella Stone, Annabella Stone
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWar doesn’t forge heroes, it reveals them.Former SEAL, Gunnar McKinley knows better than most that war also reveals the flaws in marriages—leading to divorce Running a multi-billion-dollar government contracting agency doesn’t exactly lend itself to happily ever after, either. He has his brothers, his business, his teams… more than any man could ask for... -
The Billionaire's Salvation ~ Max by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsBillionaire Max Hamilton thought he was finally starting to find contentment, more than two years after losing his wife Mia in a tragic drowning accident. He'd been reunited with a sister he hadn’t realized existed. Finally he had family again, a reprieve from the pain and loneliness that had haunted him since his devastating loss...Categorized as:
super rich hero possessive hero sweet heroine m-f contemporary alpha male cruel hero length-short -
Claim by Janet Nissenson
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe final book of the Splendor trilogy – the conclusion, but never the ending, to a love story for the ages All of luxury hotel heir Ian Gregson’s dreams are finally coming true. Soon he will be able to claim the beautiful woman he longed for from afar for more than two years, and she will belong to him for all time... -
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Brandon by Melody Anne
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Melody Anne comes the third and final book in the Anderson Billionaires series—a feel-good romance about learning to trust and believing in happy endings... -
I Need You To Love Me by Genicious
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsTogether they are nothing more than madness,but they say there’s always some madness in loveSix years elapsed since he shattered her life. Four years since she’s brought him to his knees.Now, Ace is the youngest boxing champion in the world – a force to be reckoned with. He’s dangerous, heartless, and always gets his way.Calla moved to New York to chase her career... -
Rekindled by Kaylea Cross
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHe left her when she needed him most... Four years ago, Dr. Grace Fallon lost everything that mattered in a terrorist attack she barely survived. Now she’s stronger than ever and in Pakistan with a UN-sanctioned team for the most important assignment of her career...Categorized as:
military men in uniform cold hero m-f contemporary suspense mature couple length-medium -
Protector of Misty Mountain: An ex-military, age gap, mountain man romance by Eve London
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe walked into my world like she belongs here… but I don’t let people stay.JuniperThe mountains were supposed to be my escape—a place to rebuild, to breathe, to prove to myself that I could make it on my own. But from the moment I set foot in Misty Mountain, one mountain man has made it his mission to send me packing. Griffin Calloway...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity military age difference contemporary length-novella -
Making Room For You by M.A. Clarke Scott, MaryAnn Clarke
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the award-winning author of The Art of Enchantment, comes Making Room for You, an inspiring, heart-warming enemies-to-lovers romantic women’s fiction tale... -
Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese three women are the toughest juries they’ll ever have to plead their case to.THIS BOX SET INCLUDES…Clean Slate (Charity Case #0.5)Moving two thousand miles away wasn’t my plan, but when family needs you, you come. Before I can head back to my hometown of Chicago though, I have two men to say good-bye to. Neither one of them will be happy to hear the news... -
A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Audrey Carlan comes a new story in her Marriage Auction series…“’Tis the Season,” some people say, as if the month of December could somehow magically make the world a better place. Fat chance of that happening in Sin City.In my world, nothing is merry and bright. More like dark and dank...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love contemporary length-short audiobook -
Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings us a light-hearted small-town romantic comedy full of a swoon-worthy billionaire, single dad romance, and big laughs. I need a massive break.So long to my cheating boyfriend and betraying roommate.Goodbye hectic emergency room and long hours... -
Reckless Trust by Nyssa Kathryn
It’s a long-awaited homecoming…but not everyone’s happy about her return. Five years ago, Tilly Taylor’s father did something that cost her everything. Her home. Her friends. And all the trust she’d ever earned. Now she’s back, and ready to prove to everyone that she’s nothing like Martin Taylor. Unfortunately, the small town of Misty Peak doesn’t forgive or forget so easily...Categorized as:
forced proximity military from hate to love m-f contemporary suspense explicit-open-door audiobook -
Capture by June Gray
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThe future beckons... Elsie has given Henry three chances to win back her trust, but before he is able to complete the challenge, she finds herself faced with a life-changing decision. Elsie must ask herself an important question: is Henry just a thing of the past or does he have a place in her future? The conclusion to the story of Henry and Elsie... -
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Danger Close by Kaylea Cross
The most dangerous threats of all… Partway through her third deployment to Bagram, Army nurse Lt. Erin Kelly is burned out and headed for a well-deserved leave back home in Montana. But when a mysterious stranger shows up and unintentionally drags her into harm’s way with him, she suddenly finds herself an unwitting target of the U.S...Categorized as:
military men in uniform forced proximity competent heroine sweet heroine m-f contemporary suspense -
Cruel North by J.B. Salsbury
Cruel North is an angsty second-chance, enemies to lovers romance where the most hated man in the North Brothers world finally gets brought to his knees.A teenage girl with my eyes and a familiar glare, strolls into my life and she’s calling me Dad. Vanessa was my high school girlfriend and the smartest person I knew. She had a plan, a future, and she swore nothing would get in the way... -
Pretty Little Mess by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFalling for her grumpy mountain man boss was not part of this sunshiney hot mess's plans for Galentine's Day.CordeliaWelcome to Winthrop, WA. Population: Screwed.When I answered Deacon Cromwell's ad for an assistant, roughing it with a mountain man was not what I had in mind.But I'll give anything a shot. Just so long as it doesn't shoot back.When my grumpy new boss finds out he hired...well, me...Categorized as:
boss & employee curvy heroine praise-kink cold hero m-f humor contemporary insta-love -
Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a giant of a man who grunts for words and barks out orders, yet circumstances require I be his fake girlfriend and spend the weekend with him in an isolated cabin.And of course there’s only one bed. Just my luck…But I need this commission check that only Boston can guarantee me...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love military m-f contemporary humor small town -
Once Upon a Grump by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAll I wanted was a fresh start.Instead, I got him.Mr. Mysterious Millionaire in His Tower.Mr. Don't Dare Question Me.Mr. Grumpy With a Side of Fine.Well, he’s about to get introduced to his newest employee,Ms. Doesn’t Give A Flying Toot.All right, all right. I’m exaggerating a bit. I give one or two toots, but I just got finished fleeing the ruins of my former life... -
Naughty Boss by C.L. Cruz
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsJosieNo matter what I do in life, it will never be good enough for my family.It’s not until my killjoy older brother calls to tell me that I have to stop spending his money and get a real job that I realize I have no direction in life.But then I meet my new boss. Ben Talbot is sexy, serious, and a control freak in the boardroom and the bedroom...Categorized as:
super rich hero praise-kink boss & employee contemporary siblings-bff length-novella
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