Books like 'Penance'
Readers who enjoyed Penance by T. Bell also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny christian new adult m-f grumpy sunshine age difference forced proximity slow burn competent heroine
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If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear.I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out.Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy...Categorized as:
single-father forced proximity m-f small town competent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero slow burn -
Burn in Hail by Lani Lynn Vale
One look at the sixteen-year-old, prim and proper town goody-two-shoes, Hennessy Hanes, and Tate Casey knows he’s in trouble. He knows he should stay away from the preacher’s daughter, but there’s something about her he’s drawn to, and he can’t resist the pull. The more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that something isn’t right... -
Rewriting You by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsI’m a mom to teenagers… I’m also my late husband’s executioner.He was an abusive man on the fast track to devastation. He hung me from a fancy chandelier to die. Had my saviours driven the long way home, I wouldn’t be here today to tell my story. It’s been a long road since then, but my children and I have finally moved back to town. It’s time to lay some ghosts to bed... -
Full House by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.79 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMiles “Iowa” Walker is a fighter on a mission.He’s determined to win this year’s Stacked Deck tournament. He plans to get his six-year-old daughter out of a bad situation. And if there’s any time and money leftover, he’d love to take her out for ice cream without worrying about the cost or deadly consequences.Miles and his daughter have known only what it’s like to struggle... -
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Protecting What's Mine by Lucy Score
If you can’t stand the heat, don’t fall for a firefighter… Fire Chief Lincoln Reed is known for his heroics in the fire department and in the bedroom. Life is a never-ending good time. Until she lands in the middle of the accident scene he’s working…and then his backyard. Too bad she’s immune to flirty first responders...Categorized as:
forced proximity alpha male strong heroine small town men in uniform m-f sunny hero military -
Crazy for Loving You by Pippa Grant
Is there anything hotter than a growly, overprotective Marine cradling a baby? My melted ovaries don’t think so. When you work hard and have the bank account to prove it, you’re entitled to play hard. I’ve seen some crazy things. I’ve caused some crazy scenes. And there’s no shame in my game. But I’m still knocked off my stilettos when an insane chain of events leads to me inheriting a baby... -
Matchmaker by Ivy Smoak
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsMatthew Caldwell is NYC's most eligible bachelor.Charming.Gorgeous.Wealthy.Great with kids.Broken.Sixteen years ago he lost everything. He made a vow to never love again. But suddenly everyone in his life is acting like a matchmaker. He can't help but wonder if a broken vow is better than a broken heart.There's just one problem. Only one woman in the city has caught his attention... -
Liar, Liar, Hearts on Fire by Pippa Grant
The lies will come back to bite you every time...Never borrow pants from your brother. Especially if he’s a size smaller than you are, because all that pressure in the junk will short-circuit your brain.And you’ll lie to a woman in a club about your real name.Leave her unsatisfied after making out in a bathroom.Then find out that she’s the one thing standing in the way of your dreams... -
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
independent heroine sassy heroine strong heroine m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers audiobook -
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 christian m-f friends to lovers contemporary humor audiobook -
The Final Fight by J.B. Salsbury
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen life brings you the perfect person at the worst possible time… On a weekend visit to Las Vegas to visit his brother, Marine Braeden Daniels meets a woman who challenges him in ways he can’t deny. The best part is she wants what he wants. No strings. No feelings. Just fun. AJ is a Las Vegas performer who is finally living her dream. Growing up poor, she’s determined to succeed at any cost... -
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance Wanted A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
Always Her Love by Melissa Foster
Some fates are too tempting to deny…When single-father Levi Steele offers to help his daughter’s beautiful aunt Tara find a home on Silver Island, their intense connection makes it even harder to resist the one woman he and his daughter can’t afford to lose...Categorized as:
age difference small town new adult alpha male sassy heroine forced proximity single-father m-f -
The Secret Hook-Up by Pippa Grant
You’d think nearly dying trying to get out of a too-tight gown in a dressing room and being saved by a strong, competent man was a good thing.Not so much, though, when that strong, competent man is your ex. Your secret ex.And the reason you need a gown is because you’re part of a charity auction.The charity auction where he gets into a bidding war to win you...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity baseball m-f fake relationship slow burn small town cold heroine -
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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... -
A Forever of Orange Blossoms by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMillions of readers have fallen in love with Ava's bestselling books...come join the family.International Bestselling Author Ava Miles’ feel-good series, The Merriams, is back with a humorous and heartwarming story about a playboy without a cause and a woman whose dreams were diverted by family responsibility—and, of course, everyone’s favorite matchmakers to guide the way... -
Jed Had to Die by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThe happiest day of Payton Lambert's life was the day she graduated high school and watched Bald Knob, Kentucky get smaller and smaller in her rearview mirror. She wanted more for her life than a tiny town where everyone knows your business and you can’t find a decent cup of coffee for at least forty miles...Categorized as:
small town sassy heroine men in uniform alpha male new adult competent heroine sweet-hero m-f -
Cocky Senator’s Daughter: Hannah by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsHANNAH COCKER Every man I've dated in this city has either bored me or hurt me. When Sofia Sol, my crazy cousin, offers a ride on the back of her Harley with no destination in mind besides out-of-Atlanta, what do you think my answer is? I'll give you one guess. TOBIAS KYRKOS Life doesn't ever hand you what you want. You have to take it... -
Duke: Faking the Play by Kayley Loring, Connor Crais
#4 Callum Duquette. Placekicker for the Boston Tomcats. Former underwear model. NICKNAME: Duke. I thought the most annoying thing about being a single dad was that my friends were always trying to find me a date. Until a sassy British ray of sunshine bumps into me at a bookstore... -
First In by Danika Bloom
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe's a career firefighter trying to fast-track his life. Me? I'm a 5'2" volunteer, still trying to figure mine out. I was in my last year of nursing. I was engaged. I was only supposed to come back to my hometown for three months. But here we are, two years later. I didn't finish my degree. My fiancé left me. And I'm about to lose the family home. Ostie de calice...Categorized as:
sports new adult men in uniform small town forced proximity alpha male sassy heroine strong heroine -
I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones
Jaclyn Love is a magnet for trouble - it seems to follow her wherever she goes. Unfortunately for Kadan Davenport, she also seems to be a magnet for him - even after a disastrous first impression that leaves him - literally - black and blue. Jaclyn is busy trying to find some sort of balance, and Kadan is just trying not to get swept up in the chaos... -
Playing Dirty by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI'm going to teach Andrea to play dirty...she just doesn't know it yet. Jake Pulling in eight figures a year as star pitcher for the Chicago Jaguars, there's no shortage of parties, booze, and women. I'm a beast on the mound and between the sheets but when my social media presence becomes a major problem, the team’s owner brings in a PR expert to clean up my image... -
The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsShe wants forever. He plays it day by day. They’re both wishing for the best in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s charming and sexy hopefully-ever-after romance.Single mom Palmer Clark will not be sidelined by the new man in town. Sure, the honey-tongued baseball legend is gorgeous, loves puppies, and has charmed his way into the community’s heart, but Palmer craves stability...Categorized as:
sports small town new adult strong heroine forced proximity single-father baseball m-f -
The Plan by Karla Sorensen
Have you ever fake dated your bodyguard? I don't recommend it. Especially if he's anything like Erik Wilder: former football player, world class know-it-all and unapologetic grump. To be clear, I didn't want a bodyguard (hence the fake dating idea). Most days, I can’t figure out why he wants the job either. We drive each other insane, probably because we’re as opposite as two people can be...Categorized as:
sports age difference forced proximity new adult grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary humor -
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This Is Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsFall in love in Harmony Pointe, where hearts are lost, found, and sometimes misplaced…and everyone get a happy ever after. If a woman can’t find love in the quaint town of Harmony Pointe, it’s sure to find them—whether they’re looking for it or not. Here, the remaining single Dalton siblings are about to discover that they’re next in line to get swept away by love...Categorized as:
sassy heroine strong heroine alpha male forced proximity m-f humor contemporary tortured hero -
She Likes It, Hey Micah by Dana LeCheminant
Micah Taylor is an eternal optimist, but with every first date that fails, her faith in true love weakens. When offered the chance to help reopen the lodge where her parents were married, Micah is determined to prove her worth and show her boss that she has what it takes to be a great event planner...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine age difference m-f contemporary humor office glimpses-kisses -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 6 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Chako works hard every day to take care of Isshin’s tea farm. One day, a huge typhoon hits the Kanto area! A pole blown off by a strong wind falls on Chako as she is checking the farm alone... -
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... -
PUNCHED by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsReagan is the one who got away - or should I say the one I drove away? Now, four years later, she’s back to manage the gym where I train. Seeing her everyday is a distraction I can’t afford. I’m so close to achieving the big payoff I’ve been working for. Nothing’s going to keep me from winning this belt - not even her.This is a second chance MMA romance standalone... -
One Last Play by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe could be the one. I’ve spent twelve years caring for my niece Maddie who I adopted after my sister died. Having a daughter has made me picky when it comes to the women I spend time with. Not to mention dealing with the pressure of being a college football coach. But when I spot MJ at a mutual friend’s wedding, something draws me toward her...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine age difference m-f cold heroine teacher-heroine sunny hero single-father -
The Shake Off by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsMy name is Ace Watson, and I’m having an existential crisis.I finished last season as one of the league's best pitchers. Baseball’s smooth-talking boy wonder. The future of The New York Lions.I'm starting this season as the worst.And I don't want to sound dramatic, but the fault lies entirely with Payton Lopez... -
Summer Tease by Martha Keyes
Falling for a Palmer would be the ultimate crimeWild horses couldn’t drag me back to the small island where I grew up, but you know what can? Making sure the Palmer family–aka the worst neighbors ever–show appropriate respect to the newest resident of their retirement center: my grandma. But as soon as Grams moves in, her shenanigans put her at risk of being kicked out...Categorized as:
small town m-f new adult grumpy sunshine forced proximity cold heroine sassy heroine strong heroine -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 8 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Roa, a popular live streamer who views Isshin's bottled tea, Chako, as a rival, lost control, and Hananoki-en faced backlash! On top of that, they now have to compete with Roa, who is also a tea maker, in a national competition...Categorized as:
new adult m-f slow burn fake relationship contemporary humor length-short glimpses-kisses -
Filthy Vegas Nights by Logan Chance
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’m a male stripper. Yeah, I said it. And let me tell you, it’s an end to a means, my friend.My brothers and I are the kings of Las Vegas. Owning our own male revue club has been a fantasy of mine for a long time. And now that dream is finally a reality. My nerves are shot. The stress is real. And I need just one night to let loose... -
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Give & Take by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI shouldn’t be thinking about him.Even though he tells me he can’t stop thinking about me.I’m turning 41.He’s 26.I’m a serious person.He’s fun-loving and carefree.It’s all wrong. But every time Raphael LaForest looks at me, it feels so, so right. Just a glance and my whole body melts. The simple brush of his hand on mine and every last nerve ending is on fire.But that’s not all...Categorized as:
age difference small town m-f grumpy sunshine forced proximity cold heroine sunny hero contemporary -
Tripp by Alex Wolf, Sloane Howell
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTripp Patton is not the guy you take home to meet your mom.He is the number one sports agent in the world, and he didn’t get there by playing nice.On the verge of signing the biggest player of his career, someone gets in his way.Lennon Edwards, a younger agent trying to make a name for herself. She’s hungry for success, relentless, and drop-dead gorgeous... -
Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray
I have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me.Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods.It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago...Categorized as:
age difference m-f independent heroine competent heroine cold heroine sunny hero humor contemporary -
Space Age: Houston, Prepare to Launch by Sara L. Hudson
NASA Flight Surgeon Dr. Rebecca Sato has earned her dream job. Now she’s ready to explore the next frontier…having a family.While responsible for the health of astronauts who fly through space in the International Space Station, her feet are firmly planted on the ground.But at thirty-six, the men on her radar are either intimidated by her intellect or not interested in having kids... -
The Pilot and the Puck-Up by Pippa Grant
He’s the biggest, baddest, most spider-fearing motherpucker on the ice… When you’re named after the king of the gods, the world expects certain things of you. Tough? Damn right. Smart? Don’t let the hockey uniform fool you. Large and in charge? Honey, I’m the biggest, baddest, mother pucking-est machine to ever own the ice. I shoot. I score. In and out of the rink... -
Empty Net by Teagan Hunter
I have two goals this season:1. Stop enough pucks to get the Seattle Serpents to the playoffs.2. Don’t fall for my fake fiancée.When Lilah Maddison’s mother keeps trying to set her up on dates she’s not interested in, she blurts out that she’s already seeing someone. The problem? She’s single.So, I step in to help and agree to pretend to be her boyfriend for an event... -
Southern Snow by B.R. Goodwin
For the last three years, Georgia has called the quirky southern town of Sugartree home, dutifully moving back to manage her parent’s coffee shop after her father suffered a heart attack and finding contentment in her busy schedule and the occasional shenanigans of her three younger siblings...Categorized as:
christian m-f small town competent heroine independent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero christmas -
Never With You by Kortney Keisel
Carly Catterson has one never date a coworker again.After her last office romance ended in humiliation—complete with a public breakup and a change in careers—Carly swore off love in the workplace. And especially love with Nate Farnsworth, the infuriatingly charming office rival at her new job... -
Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene
A viral photo, a fake relationship, and one big problem.MatthewAll I wanted was a quiet few days.Instead, I get coffee poured on me, a gossip scandal, and a fake girlfriend.My agent insists this PR stunt will boost my career.Fake dating her for a few months? Fine. No problem.Except it’s definitely a problem.The more we fake this, the more I forget it’s not real...Categorized as:
sports m-f slow burn fake relationship forced proximity competent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero -
Motorhead by Lauren Landish
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJerk. Angry bastard. That’s how people describe me. Everyone in this small town knows to steer clear of me. Thing is, they don’t know me. They don’t know what I’ve seen, what I’ve done. So I’ve learned to put up a shield to protect both me and them. When everything gets to be too much, I escape on my beloved Harley, the wind in my face calming my soul...Categorized as:
new adult small town sassy heroine strong heroine alpha male men in uniform humor contemporary -
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The Wild One by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJasper Westbrook. Code name: Swoon Machine.My best friend's older brother.Melter of ovaries. Destroyer of panties.And suddenly...a single dad.Guys like Jasper—I bet you know the type? The chiseled arms. The wavy hair. The melt-your-brain-cells smile.Good thing I'm a smart girl—Honey Hill's former child prodigy, to be precise—I should know better than to fall for this playboy's charm...Categorized as:
alpha male age difference single-father small town m-f humor contemporary siblings-bff -
All I Want by Jill Shalvis
From the “awesomely, incredibly talented”* New York Times bestselling author of Still the One, comes a sexy new Animal Magnetism novel set in Sunshine, Idaho, where the sky is the limit when it comes to love. Pilot-for-hire Zoe Stone is happy to call Sunshine, Idaho, her home base. But her quiet life is thrown for a loop when her brother’s friend Parker comes to stay with her for a week. The U...Categorized as:
men in uniform strong heroine alpha male slow burn sassy heroine small town m-f contemporary -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 5 by Umebachi Yamanaka
After her childhood friend, Jin, confessed his feelings for her, Chako tells him she and Isshin understand their feelings for each other. However, Chako realizes she hasn't received a proper answer to her confession… Isshin's texts are blunt, and he doesn't come back on weekends...Categorized as:
new adult m-f slow burn fake relationship contemporary humor length-short glimpses-kisses -
The Race by Alice Ward
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI like it fast. She likes it faster. Who will win this race? As founder and CEO of UnCaged Fitness, I sponsor some of the hottest fitness properties around. Top female athletes and models beg for my attention. I’m rich. I’m ruthless. And when it comes to my business, I don’t play around. Until Emma James and her beautiful curves comes to Daytona... -
Tempting the Baller by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing a running back for the Charleston Pirates and a single father doesn’t allow for much free time. But an invite to spend the Fourth of July weekend in the Hamptons with friends is an offer too good to refuse.While there, the opportunity for a no-strings hookup with a stunning brunette presents itself and I jump at the chance...Categorized as:
sports christian sassy heroine alpha male single-father contemporary humor second chances -
Home Run Baby by Tabatha Kiss
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo things I didn’t expect to happen to me over Spring Break at Chicago North University:1. Getting knocked out by a baseball.2. Getting knocked up by a baseball player. Hunter Novak. The most valuable player in college baseball. Home Run Hunter himself.But that’s not the name he gave me when he took me home from that bar a few months ago. We’re strangers. Now, we’re having a baby together...
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