Books like 'Southern by Design'
Readers who enjoyed Southern by Design by Grace Helena Walz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary second chances mature couple single-mother m-f forced proximity single-father
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Ransom by Jenna Myles
My sole focus for the last twenty-five years has been taking care of my brothers, and building a strong, unbreakable family. Now they’ve all found the women they want to spend their life with. I should be thrilled. It’s exactly what I wanted. Except it’s exposed the big gaping hole in my life. The same hole I put there twenty-five years ago when I destroyed the love of my life...Categorized as:
m-f second chances mature couple humor super rich hero contemporary length-long audiobook -
The Inn on Amelia Island by Hope Holloway
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThe uplifting and unforgettable conclusion to the Seven Sisters series!After coming together following their father’s stroke, the Wingate women have found second-chance romance, faced trials and tribulations, and built wonderful lives on Amelia Island. Their father is fully recovered and healthy, their businesses are flourishing, and the whole family is bursting with love and laughter... -
The Dressmaker on Amelia Island by Hope Holloway
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsA sisterhood saga with threads of drama, dreams, and danger. Life for the Wingate women of Amelia Island is never dull! While Raina balances the challenge of nurturing newborn twins and a budding romance, trouble arrives on her doorstep to threaten her sweet new life... -
The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island by Hope Holloway
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThe saga continues with secrets, surprises, and sweet temptations… Sadie Wingate has been keeping secrets...from her family and from her brand new husband. But once the truth is revealed, her whole world melts like a truffle in the sunshine... -
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Someone Like You by Marie Force
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThe all-new Wild Widows Series about a group of grieving survivors who take Roni into their fold to help her cope with the loss of her husband. The group has only one requirement—members must be willing to entertain the possibility of a “Chapter 2,” as it’s called in widow circles, which means a second chance at love...Categorized as:
single-father forced proximity second chances m-f contemporary slow burn friends to lovers death -
Maximus by Riley Edwards, Operation Alpha
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhat happens when a woman who’s done the unthinkable needs protection—can a man who’s lost his belief in humanity keep her safe? Max Brown doesn’t trust anyone but his team. The former SEAL learned early in life that people let you down—they lie, they steal, and they lie some more. Love is a word that is used to manipulate. Family is meaningless. Max is an island and he prefers it that way... -
Theo by Riley Edwards
Is seven days long enough to build a forever love? I was living a nightmare of my own making. My life had been erased. My past rewritten. My name changed. I had nothing from my previous life. I was no longer Bridget Keller. I was promised federal protection. I was promised a new life. I was promised I would be safe...Categorized as:
second chances forced proximity m-f contemporary suspense military mystery new adult -
New Beginnings on Railway Lane by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsWhen high flying, workaholic Katy Smith is suddenly made redundant, she needs to find a job fast!After mistakenly answering an advert online, she quickly realises that the rundown railway station in sleepy Cranfield isn’t the 5-star London hotels she’s used to working in!But a job’s a job. Right?Chef Ryan Connelly is having a crisis of confidence after his Italian dream turns sour... -
Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsIn her twenties, Rachel Walsh was a mess. Since her spell in rehab, though, she's come a long way on the road to recovery - and now, she's ready to go back to where it all began. But this time, the student has become the teacher. She used to hate the staff in charge of treating her addiction. Now, she's one of them.Rachel's finally got herself on track - but life never stops being messay... -
Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBrooding, grumpy Des has a problem. He needs a date to his family's Thanksgiving reunion for reasons he'd...rather not say.Single mother and all-around hot mess Mia has an even bigger issue: She can't afford her rent, and her new landlord Des is a major you-know-what.So, they make a deal. One simple weekend away in exchange for a serious rent reduction... -
Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWolfe Emerson is notorious for two things: being an absolute beast in a boxing ring and being a voluntary mute. His story remains unspoken and he prefers to live his life in silence. That is, until, his world is turned upside down when he meets someone who is louder than life... -
Blood & Bones: Shade by Jeanne St. James
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA past that defined a future... Shade has a secret.One he’s hidden most of his life.Secrets created in his past.Of a broken family. A little boy lost.Of broken dreams. With only nightmares left in their wake.As a prospect, his MC nicknamed him Shady because he’s quiet and keeps to himself.As a patched member of the Blood Fury, he changed it to Shade, because that’s what he prefers.. -
Reckless by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 26 ratings“How did you get in here?”That’s not what you want to hear when you’re staring into the sea-green eyes of the hottest man you’ve ever seen. Yet I suppose it’s a fair question, considering I’m an uninvited stranger standing in Boone Mason’s kitchen.If you think that’s bad—just wait. It gets worse...Categorized as:
forced proximity single-mother m-f contemporary humor christian insta-love audiobook -
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... -
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Cherish Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Reese Maxwell meets her happy-ever-after in Layla Hagen's latest. What starts as a pretend romance soon turns into so much more...Newly divorced Dominic Waldorf is the most coveted bachelor in Chicago. At least, that’s what he thinks. I’d describe him as more of a Neanderthal with a really nice backside.When I accidentally spill champagne on him at a charity event, he accuses me of hitting on him... -
Craving Rose by Nicole Jacquelyn
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI, Rose Hawthorne, have crap taste in men. But, who could blame me, really? When the stories of how your dad and uncles raised hell before settling down are legendary, it was all too easy to see Prince Charming everywhere, believing that if a man loved me enough, he’d change. What a load of garbage... -
Always Forever by Scarlett Avery
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHe’s a new client, so how did we go from hello to Fifty Shades of Grey in a New York minute?The first time I met him, his arresting blue eyes were enough to make me lose my head. But of course, I kept it together.I’m a professional and fooling around with a client is a recipe for disaster.Holt Christensen is off limits... -
Path To Restoration by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsNate Hunter; aspiring boxer, brother to five younger sisters, and...stripper. Yeah, you read that right. After his twin sister went through an abusive relationship, Nate fought to restore her honor by starting a chain of nightclubs that hire and help victimized women get back on their feet... -
Someone to Love by Marie Force
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShe’s his nanny and his close friend. He shouldn’t be thinking about her that way… Adrian In the year since I lost my wife in childbirth, I’ve been all about survival as I adapt to life as a single dad to our son. That’s especially true after my mother-in-law also died suddenly... -
Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers.She's got a lot of baggage...literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real.For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but... -
At the Edge with You: A Small Town Hockey Romance by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI never thought I’d see her again.Fable Winthrop was my only partner on the ice. I’d been the hockey player turned figure skater overnight, and she was the prim, proper ice princess who didn’t take my crap.I did everything to make her smile, I worked hard to get her the gold, and I loved every moment of it... -
Not a Strong Enough Word by Allie Samberts
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsScarlett Frye was once a literary genius. With two bestselling novels, a million-dollar book deal, and a love story of her own, she had it all—until the pressure broke her. Five years ago, she canceled her book tour, shredded her contract, and disappeared. She left everything behind, including Ryan Whitlock, the editor who believed in her… and the man she loved... -
Stand by A.L. Jackson
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 26 ratings"6 Devastatingly Beautiful and Brilliant Bleeding Stars but Worth the Whole Constellation. I felt every burn...every blaze...every beautiful and brilliant word...I FELT IT ALL." - Karen McVino, Bookalicious Babes Blog From NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author A.L... -
The Christmas Inn by Pamela M. Kelley
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsExplore this delightfully cozy and joyful novel of second chances at the most wonderful time of the year, from USA Today bestselling author Pamela Kelley.A feel-good novel as delightful and comforting as a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night, The Christmas Inn is bestselling author Pamela Kelley’s most heartwarming and magical book yet... -
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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 mature couple humor small town contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Beard in Waiting by Penny Reid
A Long scene/short story featuring two unlikely characters from the Winston Brothers series... -
Igniting Ivy by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThey call me a hero.I save people. It's what I do.It's the only thing I've ever wanted to do. Then I meet her - the girl with the sad eyes. She's lost everything. Twice. And I know she's using me to forget her past. Just when things seem perfect, that past threatens with the unimaginable. They may call me a hero. But she's the one person I can't save... -
Mountain Man's Lucky Charm by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 15 ratings"You're the only family these babies have."Life is gravy until a call turns it all around.1. My idiot brother's behind bars.2. He's the father of two little girls.3. And some fool in charge assigns ME as their legal guardian.I'm ready to give the judge a piece of my mind.But the minute I see my nieces for the very first time...I'm speechless...Categorized as:
single-father single-mother m-f contemporary new adult military humor super rich hero -
Knocking Boots by Jordan Marie
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsI’ve always heard, don’t fall in love with a cowboy. I just didn't listen. I've sworn off men. They’ve never given me much in life, except a bun in the oven and grief. My kids are my life and all that truly matter. Until him. Jansen Reed is a living fantasy straight from the old west. Sexy drawl, tight jeans and that glint in his eyes that make my knees weak... -
Loving at 40 by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSexy silver alpha hero returns to his family’s lakeside cottage where there’s a single mother in his bed and her presence just might be the second chance he needs at love and family.Archer McCaryn has been a mystery to his family. At forty-five, he isn’t certain himself who he is anymore. When he returns to the family’s lakeside cottage, he finds there is someone in his garage apartment...Categorized as:
mature couple forced proximity second chances m-f single-mother alpha male contemporary military -
Strays by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSTRAYS (An Anti-Hero Romance)Before age sixteen I was kicked to the streets, condemned for a crime I didn’t commit.Since then I’ve done nothing to be proud of.Which is why a man like me isn’t cut out to be a dad.And if this kid had another option I wouldn’t try to be one now.But for once I’m going to step up.I’ll right the worst of old wrongs... -
Sanibel Dreams by Hope Holloway
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsShe's too young to retire and too old to start over...or is she?When 53-year-old Eliza Whitney loses both her beloved husband and her high-powered job in the same month, she’s uncertain what the next chapter of her life will look like. Then her estranged father’s widow contacts her and asks her to come to Sanibel Island to help settle his affairs... -
Bear's Beloved by Ciara St James
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBear has lived more than half his life for his club. He’ll gladly do it again. He has never regretted starting this club with Bull and a few others years ago. However, seeing his brothers finding love and settling down to have families when he knows he’ll never have that is taking its toll on him. He takes off to get his head straight... -
Stone Vows by Samantha Christy
She's alone, scared, and I think she's in trouble. From the moment I see her, I know she's different ... special somehow. My whole life has been about one thing - becoming a doctor. I've spent years living and breathing hospital life. Then she comes into my ER, and I've never wanted to help anyone more. My need to protect her is all consuming... -
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Engulfing Emma by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSingle dad.Firefighter.Hero. On the heels of divorce, Lt. Brett Cash never expected to meet the woman of his dreams. Especially not during a robbery gone bad. But just because she's the woman of his dreams does not mean he's the man of hers . Emma is a child of a 9/11 hero taken far too soon. And she's not about to let her own daughter go through the same hell she did... -
Dirty Little Midlife Secret by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLily Viceroy arrived in Heart’s Cove with a suitcase by her side and two eensy weensy secrets tucked into the corners of her heart.Well, that’s if “eensy” and “weensy” are code for “terrifying” and “dire.”Clearly, the only thing for Lily to do is to engage in a good ol’ bout of denial... -
Home on a Yorkshire Farm by Jane Lovering
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNeeding an escape, Dora swapped city living for life as a shepherdess on her grandad’s Yorkshire farm. More than a decade later Dora is still there, now farming the fifty acres and caring for the one hundred rare sheep by herself. She never hears the call of the city, but instead relishes the peace and simplicity of life on the Moors... -
Without You by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTuckerI spend my days brewing beer for the popular Brew Crüe Beer Company and my nights devoted to being a dad. Raising a young child with special needs can be tough and stressful, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. He’s everything to me, and the reason I keep going. It’s him and me against the world, and I have no intention of changing that.Then, Kinsley McGregor walks back into my life... -
Rogue Survivor by Patricia D. Eddy
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsConnor Davis After a beating that almost killed me, I’m one failed fitness test away from losing my FBI career. I should be focused on grinding out the reps to rebuild my broken body. Not on the pretty brunette at the gym.Sparkling brown eyes, a laugh like birdsong, and curves for days. I never thought a beauty like her would notice a busted-up guy like me. But she does...Categorized as:
m-f mature couple single-mother contemporary multicultural suspense abuse length-short -
Forever Entangled by Kathleen Brooks
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsRyan Parker had always loved Sienna Ashton, but gave up on his fantasy years ago. After working as an undercover FBI Agent in Los Angeles, Ryan gets a phone call telling him to come home to the small town of Keeneston, Kentucky. The woman he thought he was over is now in serious trouble. Sienna Ashton fell in love with Ryan Parker too late... -
A Family Affair in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMr. Right-Next-Door Single mom Chelsea Workman has learned to embrace the unexpected. When her beloved Aunt Barbara suddenly passes, leaving Chelsea her beautiful bungalow, Chelsea feels it’s a sign. Barbara had always known what Chelsea needed, and a fresh start in Good Hope, WI could be the answer to her prayers. It’s been several years now since child psychologist Dr... -
Love in the Storm by Mandi Blake
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen a snowstorm sneaks up, she gets stranded with the handsome man who once arrested her. Will he be able to forgive her when the truth comes out?Lyric Woods has been sober for years now, but nothing about picking herself up from rock bottom has been easy. She’s behind on bills and on the verge of getting evicted, still paying for the mistakes of her past... -
Out of the Box Regifted by Jennifer Theriot
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBetrayal, Lies, Loss, Truth, Secrets… With a new beginning for Olivia and Ash on the horizon, what could possibly stop them from finding happily ever after? In order to move on, Olivia must face the haunting demons from her past life with Alan, her ex husband... -
Essence of Desire by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTHE MAKEOVER Before becoming a strait-laced wealthy businessman, Robert Noble was considered a bad boy and sexy rogue inside out, while breaking hearts, right and left. No one knows it better than Roxanne Miller since Robert was her brother's best friend in high school... -
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Oath of Sacrifice by Jane Henry
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShe may be promised to a stranger... But we know the truth. Rosa Rossi is mine. Mine to have and to hold, No matter the cost. If we're discovered, My life is forfeit, And she'll be exiled forever. But I know... I see through every glance sent my way I feel every pulse of her heart. And my heart beats with hers... -
Once Upon Nantucket by Irene Hannon
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThey’ve loved and lost…but does a new beginning await on magical Nantucket?After fifteen years as a Coast Guard search and rescue specialist and a stint at headquarters, Lieutenant Craig Cole hopes to quietly finish out his career in his new assignment as commander of the Coast Guard station on Nantucket... -
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:
forced proximity m-f contemporary friends to lovers grumpy sunshine from hate to love -
The Genius and the Muse by Elizabeth Hunter
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsWhen Kate Mitchell decided to research the mysterious portrait in the student gallery, she had no idea how her life would change. She thought she knew what she wanted in life. She had a great boyfriend, a promising career, and a clear path. How could one simple portrait change all that? A photograph. A sculpture. A painting... -
Silver Mayor by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsCharlie Harrington is a respectable man.Mayor to his small, mountain town. Successful attorney. Doting single father.After one mishap in the past, he avoids scandal. Making everyone happy is his goal.He’s nothing but content... and a bit boring.Then one morning, he finds a beautiful woman in his bedroom, and his world turns upside down. His good guy side suddenly wants to be a little bad... -
Already At Risk by Amelie Rhys
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen single mom Natalie London makes a secret steamy arrangement with her hot new lawyer, Cameron Bryant, she quickly realizes just how much of her heart is at risk...
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