Books like 'The Drummer's Heart'
Readers who enjoyed The Drummer's Heart by Penelope Ward also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary forced proximity from hate to love m-f second chances friends to lovers bad boys angst fake relationship rockstars
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Conquered by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsDylan Welsh was the last man standing…until Sawyer Glasgow brought him to his knees. Dylan wasn’t ready for Sawyer. He wasn’t ready to confront the truth of his past. He wasn’t ready to admit he’s fallen in love with the sweet, sexy woman who captivated him from the moment he saw her. He’s especially not prepared to face the hurt he’s caused Sawyer. But to keep her, he must do all three... -
![Playing With Danger by Riley Edwards]()
Playing With Danger by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsIt’s strange how quickly life can go from predictable and boring to…not. How a chance meeting can set off a chain reaction. How a single moment can offer much-needed clarity. How a kiss can alter the course of your life. Valentine Malone fell into my life…correction, I fell into his in the aisle of a grocery store... -
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![The Son & His Hope by Pepper Winters]()
The Son & His Hope by Pepper Winters
A Sweeping, Heart-wrenching Standalone from New York Times Bestseller Pepper Winters. "Things you should know about me from the very beginning:I was born to true love, witnessed the destruction it causes, and vowed never to let such agony happen to me. I am not a story-teller like my father. I am not a writer like my mother. I am just a son--their son.I am happy being alone...Categorized as:
angst from hate to love friends to lovers m-f new adult contemporary open-door length-long -
![Untaken Twin by Samantha Christy]()
Untaken Twin by Samantha Christy
A forbidden romance.There’s only one thing worse than your fiancé dying . . .It's having to look into his face every single day.Or should I say - the face of his twin.So I left.I never knew promises were made. Then broken.And I surely never expected those promises to be about me.When I return to my hometown and see his face, the heartache I’ve been running from is front and center...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity angst m-f tearjerkers contemporary new adult open-door -
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![Star by B.B. Easton]()
Star by B.B. Easton
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsIn 1999, I met my Prince Charming. He was the tall, tattooed, wickedly handsome bass player for the up-and-coming rock band, Phantom Limb. But, more importantly, he was mine. I knew it the moment he flashed me that shy, dimpled smile. And he knew it too. Hansel "Hans" Oppenheimer wore his heart on one sleeve and scrawled lyrics about me on the other... -
![Flaunt by Adriana Locke]()
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsLooking for a Fake FiancéHave you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it?It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to go there is what counts.Hi. It’s me. I’m that person.The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and I should “lower my expectations... -
![Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely]()
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely
A 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.But my agent tells me I have no choice since I’m ridiculously overdue with turning in the next big blockbuster love story to my publisher... -
![Finding Monica by Susan Stoker]()
Finding Monica by Susan Stoker
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 24 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... -
![This Much Is True by Adriana Locke]()
This Much Is True by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 26 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... -
![Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic]()
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... -
![Catch Me When I Fall by A.L. Jackson]()
Catch Me When I Fall by A.L. Jackson
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFrom New York Times best-selling author A.L. Jackson, an exquisite new romance available in audio-first!Sometimes trying to catch a star will light your whole world on fire....Emily’s entire existence is wrapped up in touring with her up-and-coming country rock band Carolina George and trying to build them into a music legend... -
![Space by Penny Reid]()
Space by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny ReidOne week.Private cabin.Famous physicist.Still an unrepentant slacker.What’s the worst that could happen?Mona’s meticulously planned allotment of relaxation is thrown into chaos by the unscheduled appearance of her older brother’s band of friends, including the one person she'd hoped to never face again...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances from hate to love angst forced proximity m-f humor new adult -
![Only Ever You by Siobhan Davis]()
Only Ever You by Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsAnother emotional, angsty, friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance from the USA Today bestselling author of When Forever Changes and Inseparable.He’s the hot-as-sin rocker hiding a secret that would devastate his fans. She’s the only girl he’s ever loved, but keeping her safe means he had to walk away…RYDERMy entire life is a lie, propelled by one wrong decision that altered my fate...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends to lovers angst second chances bad boys rockstars contemporary new adult -
![Time by Penny Reid]()
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:
friends to lovers m-f second chances angst from hate to love humor new adult contemporary -
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![Amplify by Anne Mercier]()
Amplify by Anne Mercier
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsSERA: He’s my protector, my confidante. Then one night he became more. I want him, I need him, and, if I’m honest with myself, I love him. I just don’t know if he’ll ever see me as more than what we’ve always been: friends. I don’t want to lose him but it’s getting harder and harder to keep my feelings to myself. Should I risk it all or play it safe? CAGE: She’s my light, my saving grace... -
![The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown]()
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... -
![The Consolation Duet Books 1-2 by Corinne Michaels]()
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... -
![Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas]()
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... -
![Still Falling for You: Alternate Cover by Siobhan Davis, Kelly Hartigan (XterraWeb)]()
Still Falling for You: Alternate Cover by Siobhan Davis, Kelly Hartigan (XterraWeb)
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThis book was previously published as ONLY EVER YOU by Siobhan Davis.An emotional, angsty, second-chance romance from USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Siobhan Davis.Once there was a boy, with messy blond hair, vibrant blue eyes, and the most dazzling smile, who helped to mend all the dark, broken pieces inside me.Ryder made a bad situation better...Categorized as:
second chances angst rockstars bad boys from hate to love friends to lovers contemporary new adult -
![Down To You by Jayne Frost]()
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... -
![Bookmarked by Bella Jay]()
Bookmarked by Bella Jay
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat if your soon-to-be ex-husband invited you on a divorcemoon, five nights at your bucket list baecation spot for one last hoorah before you go your separate ways? Would you go?Brooklin did... -
![Always Love by Scarlett Avery]()
Always Love by Scarlett Avery
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLusting after my father’s protégé and friend is plain stupid considering I’m invisible to him…Jagger Halsey…He’s sinful, much older and talented beyond words.My father thinks the world of him.So do I.And I’ve tried to tell him in not-so-subtle ways. Even after my numerous, persistent attempts to catch his attention, he ignores me.Exasperated and heartbroken, I give up...Categorized as:
rockstars friends to lovers m-f single-father super rich hero contemporary length-long -
![Path To Realization by TheFeveredBookaholic]()
Path To Realization by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAsher Pryce hides behind a wall of secrets he's spent most of his life building up. How else is the adopted child whose birth parents run a drug cartel supposed to fit in? He's notorious for his overconfident swagger and total lack of patience for bullshit - a master of masks. The one thing in his life he can't fake? His feelings for his best friend's twin sister... -
![Dangerous Crush by Crystal Kaswell]()
Dangerous Crush by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 20 ratings**Special new release price. Price goes up 1/9** Rock star Kit Lockhart can have any woman he wants... any woman except her. Kit Piper. My band mate's baby sister. The one woman I can't have. The one woman who won't get out of my head. Those big blue eyes, those sweet pink lips, the cheeks that flush at the slightest provocation.. -
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![Strawberry Fields for Never by Kate Watson]()
Strawberry Fields for Never by Kate Watson
She’s the desperate CEO hired to rebrand a sleepy Southern orchard. He’s the stubborn heir determined to see her fail.All’s fair in love and farming.As CEO of my marketing firm, my friends’ careers rest on my shoulders. And my shoulders—and company—are failing. Rebranding a famous farm is my final chance to fix what I’ve broken, and nothing can get in my way... -
![Give Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Give Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHe was my first love. Now he's my roommate. And he won't stop until he wins me back.Conned out of my business I have no other choice but to move back home to Chicago. I’m determined to rebuild everything, but I’m so broke that I can’t even afford to pay rent.Then my first love, Sam Maxwell, unexpectedly pops back into my life and turns out to be my knight in shining armor...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity m-f humor super rich hero contemporary length-short -
![When I Was Theirs by Evelyn Flood]()
When I Was Theirs by Evelyn Flood
The sky raged on the night that I met Benjamin Bennett.I should have known.Bad things always happen when the sky rages.Ben Bennett blows into my life like a whirlwind. Intent on keeping my head down, he pushes me to look up. To look at the stars.To dance in the rain.To love the little moments.To love him.Loving Ben is easy. As easy as breathing... -
![Only Rivals by Charity Ferrell]()
Only Rivals by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe first boy I ever hated was Jax Bridges.The first man I loved was his best friend.My plan was to meet a boy, fall in love, and live happily ever after.That ended when my boyfriend died and left me half of his business.Now, his best friend and I are business partners.There’s just one problem: We hate each other.Jax and I have been rivals since childhood...Categorized as:
forced proximity angst from hate to love contemporary new adult tortured hero length-medium -
![Reckless Trust by Nyssa Kathryn]()
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 from hate to love m-f contemporary suspense military explicit-open-door -
![Cheesy on the Eyes by Teagan Hunter]()
Cheesy on the Eyes by Teagan Hunter
Dating is hard. Dating in a small town? Impossible.Leave it to my little brother to come back home announcing he knocked up his fiancée and the wedding has been moved…to next month.When he tries to set me up with one of his football buddies, I tell him I’ll be bringing my own plus-one.Only problem? I’m hopelessly single.Enter Sullivan Scott, AKA my hero... -
![Always Mine by Scarlett Avery]()
Always Mine by Scarlett Avery
I broke the number one rule to a long-lasting friendship. I fell for my best friend. Roderick Wolfe... My sexy, tattooed best friend—a former rock star god turned music exec and billionaire—has me locked in the friend zone. I’m just a sidekick to him, but I crave so much more. I want to be the one Rod looks at with lust in his eyes. The thought consumes me, but I suppress it... -
![The Problem with Players by Brittainy C. Cherry]()
The Problem with Players by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAs a female coach, I’ve always lived by a simple mantra: throw hard, swing for the fences, and never, ever look back--especially when it comes to past flames.So when my ex-boyfriend somehow manages to land the job as my new assistant coach, my life is flipped upside down. The game I thought I'd mastered is now being played with a whole new set of rules.My ex is baseball's all-star Nathan Pierce...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers from hate to love angst second chances m-f baseball sports -
![Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson]()
Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA reluctant woman, a determined popstar, and the song that started it all.After growing up in Nashville with two musician parents, I promised myself one thing—I would never, ever fall in love with anyone who had anything to do with the music scene. I will take my stable, albeit boring, accountant boyfriend, thank you very much, and live securely ever after. At least that was the plan... -
![Someone to Love by Kelly Elliott]()
Someone to Love by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe Seaside ChroniclesJanuary 3, 2023On the HookSeasiders,News on the beach is Braxton Bradley has caught the eye of Seaside’s very own darling, Harlee Tilson. Now, this might come as a shock to many of you, since the eldest Bradley sibling has been rumored to have made a vow to never marry. After all, his fishing charter has always been his number one love...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends to lovers m-f contemporary sassy heroine siblings-bff length-short -
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![Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott]()
Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott
A vintage VW van. Four friends. A cross-country road trip.It will be the best adventure of my life, if only I can shake the feelings I have for Cameron .Cameron Reeves is as gorgeous as his name makes him sound.He’s about six feet tall, which is the height I always wrote in my ideal man list in my journal. Yes. I have a list of qualities I want in a man... -
![Fling by Adriana Locke]()
Fling by Adriana Locke
CONTEST: WIN A DATE TO MY HONEYMOONI realize that a social media post isn’t the usual way to secure a date to your honeymoon—for obvious reasons—but here we are.My wedding was canceled. What’s not canceled is the nonrefundable, ten-thousand-dollar all-inclusive vacation at a luxury resort, and I’m not about to let it go to waste.I’m packed and ready to hit the beach... -
![How to Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor]()
How to Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor
How is it possible for the chemistry between two chefs to be hotter than a ghost pepper yet colder than liquid nitrogen?When THE Tatum Elliott shows up to run the catering kitchen at my family’s farm and event center, I don’t trust her anymore than I did back in culinary school.But like it or not, she’s here. On my territory. My turf...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances from hate to love m-f contemporary humor office length-medium -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy... -
![Separate Like Stars by Diana Kane]()
Separate Like Stars by Diana Kane
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOn paper, Jordan Cohen has it all. With numerous bestsellers under her belt, a number of blockbuster movie adaptations to her credit, and a high profile relationship with one of Hollywood’s most prominent stars, what more could she possibly ask for? Maybe for Olivia Bradley, the only woman to ever break her heart, to exit her life as quickly as she’d re-entered it... -
![Green by Nicole James]()
Green by Nicole James
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsCan a face from my past change my future?When an invitation shows up out of the blue, I’m reminded of a promise I made to a girl twenty years ago and suddenly my heart is pounding.Do I dare keep it?She’s the one girl that ever meant a damn to me, and the one girl that got away. She walked out of my life once and it devastated me...Categorized as:
friends to lovers bad boys from hate to love contemporary bikers high-school length-short -
![Wedding at the Riverview Inn by Molly O'Keefe]()
Wedding at the Riverview Inn by Molly O'Keefe
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsAn emotional tale of a magical inn, a wedding gone terribly wrong and a woman searching for a second chance.Alice has hit rock bottom. Once a Michelin-starred chef, she is now drowning in debt, working the line at a chain restaurant and drinking too much. The last person she ever expected to come knocking with a job offer and a fresh start is her ex-husband, Gabe... -
![Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry]()
Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 33 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... -
![Forcing You Away by Kennedy Fox]()
Forcing You Away by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs I search for a fresh start, a friend convinces me to move to his small town. Considering I don’t have a place to live, his little sister offers me her spare room.She’s every man’s dream—witty, down to earth, and gorgeous as hell—too bad she’s off-limits. Unspoken words and stolen glances have me eager to please her in all the forbidden ways...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst forced proximity contemporary new adult siblings-bff length-short -
![Reset by Janet Elizabeth Henderson]()
Reset by Janet Elizabeth Henderson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFormer soldier Ryan Granger’s life has become all about numbers:13 months since he was shot in the head7 months spent in a coma6 months since he woke, a changed man5 hours since he’d been kidnapped4 minutes since he’d opened his eyes in an underground cavern3 minutes since he’d heard a woman calling for help…Two strangers trapped together.One impossible way out... -
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![Cross My Heart by Logan Chance, Lilypad Lit]()
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 m-f contemporary suspense super rich hero length-short -
![Wait by A.L. Jackson]()
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:
bad boys second chances friends to lovers angst rockstars m-f contemporary musicians -
![Moonstruck by Dana LeCheminant]()
Moonstruck by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWith his knack for bad luck, Liam isn’t surprised when he’s awarded house arrest after protecting a fan at his last show. What he didn’t expect was the girl of his dreams showing up with his lunch delivery and turning his confinement into an unexpected friendship... -
![Drive Me Crazy by Tracy Wolff]()
Drive Me Crazy by Tracy Wolff
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsHis rival’s in his bed, and this rocker is ready to play. Former rivals Quinn Bradford and Elise McKinney are not friends, at least not anymore. As teens, all they cared about was psyching each other out before concerts...Categorized as:
bad boys from hate to love forced proximity contemporary musicians alpha male length-short -
![Reputation by Adriana Locke]()
Reputation by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsCoy Mason is a jerk.If there is one truth that Bellamy Davenport knows, it’s that. Hands-down. (Well, that and the fact that she didn’t mean to hurt him. Physically. Coy can’t be hurt emotionally because he doesn’t have a heart.)Coy is not just the small-town, literal boy-next-door... -
![Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s okay to admit I’m scared.Outside forces are working hard to tear us apart, but we’ve teamed up against them. It’s the internal struggles we’re battling that could spell the ultimate end.When Ben makes a public show to prove how committed we are, I’m left confused as I struggle to figure out whether his feelings for me are real or if they’re part of the act...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity m-f age difference sports contemporary length-short
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