Books like 'Axe Backwards'
Readers who enjoyed Axe Backwards by Daphne Elliot also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary friends to lovers single-father men in uniform found-family m-f suspense small town fake relationship forced proximity
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Myles by Riley Edwards
Former Delta Operator Myles Simms doesn’t know when to quit. The concept so foreign to him he can’t give up on Delilah Watts. A woman he’s never met—a woman who might be the enemy yet he’s compelled to save her. Intel Specialist Delilah Watts never imagined sending an email would be deadly. Kidnapped and left to die, yet she regrets nothing...Categorized as:
suspense m-f caretaking forced proximity hurt-comfort sweet heroine tortured heroine sweet-hero -
Ashes by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDylan Walsh left his small town behind and vowed to never return. But when his brother needs help, Dylan steps back into the memories he tried so hard to forget. He thought there was nothing there for him anymore until a woman he knew as a little girl catches more than Dylan’s eye.Rosie Gallo is known for her kind spirit, good-girl vibes, and her loyalty to the ones she loves... -
After Glow by Autumn Jones Lake
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOne uncovered truth shines a light on the throne of lies I’ve been sitting on for years. A revelation with the power to test the bonds of brotherhood like never before. My ruthless obsession to protect what’s mine burns hotter than ever. Promises I’ve made to my brothers I burn to keep. Vows made to my wife I swear to honor. Through the web of tangled loyalties, one thing remains clear... -
Shielding Riley by Susan Stoker
Porter “Oz” Reed knew better than most how words could hurt just as much as a fist. He never planned on getting married or having kids, but all that changed when his nine-year-old nephew was dropped off on his doorstep. Riley Rogers is done with men. But her plan to stay single takes a hit when her tall, dark, and very handsome neighbor needs assistance with his nephew... -
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Heading Home to Lavender Cottage by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWith nowhere else to go, Harriet Colgan has returned to the sleepy village of Cranfield to sell her beloved aunt and uncle’s cottage, the only place she ever called home.When she arrives at Lavender Cottage, Harriet discovers plans to replace the beautiful lavender fields, her uncle’s pride and joy, with an industrial warehouse... -
A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA BRAND NEW feel-good novel from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland, guaranteed to leave a smile on your face! New friends, new life, new love…Single dad, Joel Grainger, is devoted to his little girl, Imogen, doing all he can to be a key part of her life. But with Imogen’s mum being ever more difficult and Joel’s job suddenly in doubt, he’s worried that everything is about to change... -
This Much Is True by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWhen celebrity Laina Kelley bolted from her small hometown church on her wedding day, she ran to the first place that came to mind—the home of the local farrier, a gorgeous playboy who just so happens to be her first love … and biggest frenemy... -
I'll See You in My Dreams by Sable Hunter
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsZane Saucier is handsome, brilliant, powerful, a practicing cowboy and a successful attorney, but he cannot see. Presley Love is smart, intrepid, and attractive, but she wants not to be seen. Through legal battles, family affairs, and a fight to make it in the world, these two unlikely partners discover a true love greater than any obstacle... -
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 friends to lovers forced proximity m-f contemporary humor christian audiobook -
Captivating Anika by Freya Barker
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAnika Jones has her future carefully plotted out and is checking the boxes, one by one, despite the bumps thrown in her path. This last one is a challenge, but she manages to stay on track; her salon is thriving, and she just bought a house. Unfortunately, when one of her employees runs into trouble, she inevitably gets sucked in, throwing her carefully paced life off-balance... -
Hoping for Love by Marie Force
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsAll her life, Grace Ryan was the “fat girl.” Taunted and teased and ignored by her peers, she tried every diet ever invented to no avail. Desperate to change her life as her twenties slipped away, she decided it was time for drastic measures and had lap-band surgery. More than a year later, she's lost 130 pounds and is venturing into the dating world for the first time... -
With Love, This Christmas by Kimberly Brown
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNoelle Ackerman loves Christmas and plans to make this Christmas the most special of all. After five years of living in Paris, she has returned home to Grand Hills, the place where love has always dwelled for her. Love for Noelle is not only her family but with the man who stole her heart at the tender age of five.Kane Weston aka Noelle’s tall, dark, and handsome best friend... -
Deja Brew by Jessica Gadziala
Within the struggling cafe Deja Brew, trouble percolates beneath the coffee beans. The shop’s owner, Shale, is forced into a dangerous game by a cartel, and when her shipment vanishes, it's game on.Shale's only hope is an unexpected Junior. Her only regular, and a local hacker with a knack for saving the day...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity independent heroine found-family m-f contemporary length-short open-door -
Count to Ten by Karen Rose
In all his years in the Chicago Fire Department, Lieutenant Reed Solliday ahs never experienced anything like this recent outbreak of house fires - devastating, vicious and in one case, homicidal. He has another problem - his new partner, Detective Mia Mitchell. She's brash, bossy, and taking the case in a direction he never imagined...Categorized as:
suspense men in uniform forced proximity m-f contemporary mystery audiobook open-door -
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Defending Home by Caitlyn O'Leary
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWill Two Tormented Souls Have The Courage To Reach For Love?The only family Nolan O’Rourke ever claimed were his Navy SEAL brothers, they had never let him down. His childhood wasn’t rough, it wasn’t hard, it was hell, and now any mission that he was assigned to was a cakewalk in comparison... -
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 suspense forced proximity m-f humor contemporary from hate to love length-medium -
Don't Go Faking My Heart by Kate Watson
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt should be a match made in heaven, except she’s only attracted to jerks, and he’s a cinnamon roll…with burnt edges.I, Ashley Jane Moore, am a glorious disaster.Listen, I like myself, but the men in my life typically don’t. Not my dad and certainly not my manipulative ex. The one exception is my best friend, Rusty... -
Promise Me This by Hannah Bird
Forever wasn’t supposed to look like this.When Leona Granger studied abroad in Ireland, she spent a lot more time falling in love with Callum Walsh than she did in the classroom. On the eve of her return to the States, she promised to come back for him when she finished college. They said goodbye under the stars, sealing their promise with more than just a kiss... -
Finders Keepers by Nicole Lenz
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBailey Monroe knows one thing for certain. She had to leave. With her young daughter Sophie in tow, she flees from the nightmare of her abusive husband under the cover of darkness, finding safety in the quiet Texas town of Pine Grove. There, she finds refuge in the warmth of the town folk and kindness from Ms... -
Before This Ends by Aurora Rose Reynolds
Miles Thatcher and I would not have gotten together if my life had gone according to plan. Recently single with her whole life up in the air, Emma Abate knows that getting into any kind of relationship, is a bad idea. Especially when the man she finds herself drawn to is Miles Thatcher, a single father, and a man that seems determined to break down every barricade she places between them... -
No More Spies by Lexi Blake
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsKala Taggart has known she was in love with Cooper McKay since she was a young girl. But her wild-child ways sometimes clashed with Coop’s apple pie, all-American persona. After the worst night of Kala’s life, she decided to give up on having any kind of normalcy. She focused on her future and let the idea of Cooper go...Categorized as:
friends to lovers found-family men in uniform suspense m-f tortured hero bdsm office -
If You're Ready by Estie Enders
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSix months ago, Fallon McCann had it all: a house filled with memories, a fulfilling career, a loving fiancé, and a half-planned wedding. Now, her fiancé’s dead, her once-colorful walls have been painted over in shades of gray, and she’s packing up her life in search of a new beginning.When the man responsible for her fiancé’s death shows up on her doorstep, she surprises even herself...Categorized as:
m-f friends to lovers hurt-comfort slow burn small town men in uniform contemporary length-medium -
Cross My Heart by Logan Chance, Lilypad Lit
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Logan Chance comes a riveting tale about friendship, love, and lies. This scorching romance shatters the boundaries between love and make-believe.Thanks to podcaster gossip, my firm thinks I’m not a good fit for the high-profile case of my dreams. They want someone in a committed relationship...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity suspense m-f contemporary super rich hero length-short audiobook -
Take Me to the Valley by Kaci Rose
He’s her brother’s best friend. She’s never had a thing for single dads or younger men… until him. Evan I’ve built my life around two things: protecting my daughter, Skye, and serving Whiskey River as a detective. Love? It’s off the table. I can’t have both—it’s not fair to Skye, and I’ve already been burned once...Categorized as:
m-f men in uniform single-father small town contemporary siblings-bff explicit-open-door audiobook -
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Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy
I can't believe I'm at the point in my life where I need to convince a stranger to pretend to be my fiancée. My publicist came up with the idea to hire a fake fiancée to improve my bad-boy reputation and “win over the hearts and minds of fans.” But I'm the one who impulsively decided to bring one home with me for my brother's vow renewal... -
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... -
Burning Justice by Tee O'Fallon
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter narrowly surviving a childhood fire that killed two of his friends, ATF Special Agent Brett Tanner knows what it’s like to get too close to the flame. The trauma only spurs him and his K-9 partner to track down the arsonists targeting a Colorado town. This latest warehouse blaze looks suspicious as hell…and there’s a body. Now it’s murder... -
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson
My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn.Talk about life being unfair.I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay... -
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:
suspense men in uniform forced proximity competent heroine sweet heroine m-f contemporary military -
Firefly Effect by K.K. Allen
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHe's a single dad who moves to a small mountain town and becomes obsessed with a potential client—a beautiful woman haunted by her tragic past.For years, tales of the Firefly Man were nothing more than elaborate rumors spread by residents of the Appalachian Mountains.Until the night Evelyn Vaughn stumbled upon a dead body in the woods.Fear gripped her, and silence stole her voice... -
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain? I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine from hate to love -
Niro by Jessica Gadziala
* You do not need to read the OG Henchmen to read this new series *Joining the MC had never been a question.Raised by an ex-cage-fighting member, Niro hadn’t seen any future for himself that didn’t involve bikes, guns, violence, and the brotherhood he’d learned to revere above all else. But joining the Henchmen meant he couldn’t have the only other thing in life he wanted.Andi...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers m-f sweet heroine found-family contemporary bikers explicit-open-door -
Seeking Shadows by K.E. Osborn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat if the woman I fell for was in love with someone else? The man who claimed her heart is my VP, the same man I need to respect and follow his orders. But now that I'm no longer a prospect, it's difficult to find my place... -
Courageous Promises by Ginny Sterling
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAndy Pennington believed in living life to the fullest, playing and joking around, taking chances, and fighting for every second, every feeling. In this job, you never knew when you would take your last breath, until he came face to face with that terrifying moment – and her.Sorcha Garland was a painful realist. She didn’t believe in luck, second chances, or karma... -
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Tristano by Cala Riley
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSerenaThe night I met him was supposed to be the worst night of my life.I can’t regret it when it brought him into my life.Now my dark knight hides in the shadows, but he’s never far away.When a new threat emerges, it makes the line between us blur...Categorized as:
friends to lovers found-family tortured heroine suspense mafia contemporary military length-medium -
Escape by A.K. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when your home turns toxic? The place she should have felt safest was a nightmare turned reality for Josie Day. Each day that passes gets worse and worse. And it’s been that way her entire life. But she refuses to be a statistic, so she comes up with a plan to get out... -
Fighting for Berlin by Katie Reus
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer instinct has always been to fix things…Berlin is no stranger to loss. After her parents died, it was just her and her younger sisters. Now that they’re all in college she’s been focusing on her new job with Redemption Harbor Security. But when one of her online VR buddies goes uncharacteristically radio silent, she gets worried and makes it her mission to find him... -
Caution by A.K. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLike every hardworking member of Harper Security Ops, Forrest Hickman takes time away from work to relax and recharge. And he often does that while riding his snowboard on the slopes of his favorite ski resort.He wasn’t sure anything would be better than some time alone to clear his head. That is, until he meets someone to spend his break with... -
Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy
Painfully shy plant mom Violet Parker is about to experience the thrill of a lifetime when her TV crush lands on her doorstep.Desperate to rehab his public image after a PR disaster, actor / playboy Jack Grant needs a wholesome fake girlfriend for the summer. Violet, meanwhile, needs help stepping out of her comfort zone so her fledgling flower and plant shop, Bloom, will thrive... -
The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam by Valerie Pepper
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJodi Bristol knows three things for bad things happen to good people; college girls order the most complicated coffee drinks; and Price Joseph will never see her as anything other than the barista who makes his vanilla oat-milk lattes... -
Blue by M.L. Nystrom
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsBlue’s life is in shambles.He has to fight off his MC brotherhood on a drug problem threatening his town, balance his time as a father while dealing with a vicious custody battle with his ex, and somehow manage the huge load of responsibilities of his job. All the while, he is fighting his attraction to the quiet shopkeeper who lives just across the street from him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers tortured hero sweet heroine single-father bikers contemporary angst length-short -
Engage by June Gray
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsPART FIVE OF JUNE GRAY'S DISARM SERIES The past has a way of catching up... A long time has passed since Elsie's heart was broken, since the person who always shielded her from pain broke her heart. Just when she begins to rebuild, Henry returns and upends everything all over again... -
Her Fake Date for Christmas by Hailey Shore
What do you do when the dates are fake but the feelings are real? Hope for a Christmas Miracle…Almost everyone in Calico Cove knows how I feel about Mari…well, except for Mari. Truth is, I’ve had a serious crush on her since high school but I’ve been friend-zoned... -
Spectacular Rascal by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 15 ratings"... hot, sexy AND funny! " - NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely " Witty, flirty, and oh so dirty! The chemistry...is red-hot!" -Bestseller Lacey Black When you've been screwed over by Mr. Wrong, let a Spectacular Rascal show you how good it feels to be bad. You know the smooth, successful New York businessman type? Well, I'm the other guy--the one you don't bring home to mama... -
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Say You Won't Let Go: A Return to Me/Masters and Mercenaries Novella by Corinne Michaels, Andi Arndt
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsEmily Young had two goals in her life: 1. Make it big in country music. 2. Get the hell out of Bell Buckle. She was doing it. She was on her way, until Cooper Townsend landed backstage at her show in Dallas. This gorgeous, rugged, man of few words was one cowboy she couldn't afford to let distract her. But with his slow smile and rough hands, she just couldn't keep away... -
Chance Encounters by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThere are three kinds of nerdy women in the world. - The Sexy Nerd - The Confident Nerd; and - The So-Socially-Awkward-it’s-Painful-to-Watch Nerd. You can probably guess which one I am. After witnessing me making a fool of myself, Chance Hoffman decided to take pity on me. He’s smart, sexy, charming, and totally out of my league… and for some unexplainable reason, he wants to help me... -
Winks & Windows by Laurel Holl
Can I find my way again?BrinnMy days have become a monotonous slog of grief and solitude since my life changed tragically three years ago. I am trapped in this house, a tomb of the life I’ll never have... Until a misdelivered package forces me outside to talk to my handsome new neighbor and his adorable dog...Categorized as:
m-f friends to lovers slow burn small town sweet heroine tortured heroine curvy heroine sweet-hero -
Wandering Closer by Etta Lane
Lily:After leaving everything behind, I thought the quiet of a small mountain town would be the perfect place to start over. As an author, solitude is all I’ve known, and I’m finally starting to feel at home. But then I meet Thoren James—a rugged park ranger with a protective nature and a heart of gold. Along with his loyal dog, Shadow, he offers me a sense of security I didn’t know I needed...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity found-family suspense m-f slow burn spanking small town -
Doors by Clover Down
Levi He is a professional cuddler. He’s always been good with people and after a rough youth, he understands loneliness and pain. Or he thought he did until he knocked on Noelle Shaw’s door. He could never have prepared for meeting her—not for the storm in her eyes or the way she constantly surprises him.Levi thought he was there to help her, but maybe he had it backward... -
Tall, Dark and Fearless by Suzanne Brockmann
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNew York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling Author SUZANNE BROCKMANN returns with two more classic tales of tall, dark and dangerous men who face the msot daring adventure of all -- FALLING IN LOVEFRISCO'S KIDBeing a Navy SEAL is more than a career to Alan Frisco Francisco--it is his whole world. So when a bullet wound threatens his future in the Navy, he is determined to achieve a full recovery..
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