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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Where It All Began by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAvailable only through Lucy's newsletter, this free book is the prequel to the popular Blue Moon series and is set in 1985. John Pierce has plans for these two hundred rundown acres. He sees a farm, a family, a future. He’s not about to drag someone in on the ground floor, not before he’s put in the work to turn rubble into home... -
Blood Feud by J.D. Nixon
Book 3 in the Little Town series. A seemingly inexplicable and shockingly violent crime in the beautiful rural locale of ‘Little Town’ has devastating personal and professional consequences for its two police officers, Senior Constable Tess Fuller and her partner, Sergeant Finn Maguire. And has Tess really seen the last of the predatory Red Bycraft? -
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Dynamite by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.74 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThey call us the devil twins - a fallacy and unfair assumption on everyone’s part. Well. .. mostly. My name is Luke Hart, and I’m the oldest of identical twin boys. Although I may be responsible for the ‘devil’ in our name, I have no urge to set the record straight and exonerate the innocent half of our pairing. There’s no point letting the truth get in the way of a good story. Right? Not so...Categorized as:
sports new adult m-f competent heroine independent heroine humor length-medium contemporary -
Reshuffle by Emilia Finn
The first round is for practice. The second round is for keeps. She was everything Ben ever wanted. But time, distance, and jealousy made it impossible. Now they’re adults, Evie’s back in town after college graduation, and Ben never once let go of what he knew was meant to be... -
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Highland Holiday by Kasey Stockton
One rejected kiss. Two clashing personalities. And a snowstorm that traps them in an isolated cottage. Callie Winter is the kind of person who holds everything together—for her family, her friends, her coworkers. But this Christmas, she’s hoping to catch her breath in the Scottish Highlands and maybe rediscover a little joy along the way...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity slow burn sassy heroine independent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero humor -
Scenes from the City by Penny Reid
No longer for sale. aka. .. the Festivus Surprise. 100% of proceeds go to Toys for Tots. This book cannot be read as a standalone. It is a collection of short scenes following the ladies from the 'Knitting in the City' series and will only be available in eBook format from December 1 - December 15, 2014. 'Neanderthal Seeks Honeymoon' - Janie and Quinn... -
Pitch For Me by Swati M.H.
I had a one-night stand with a gorgeous stranger, believing I’d never see him again. Except who did he turn out to be? Troy Winters, starting pitcher for the MLB and the hottest single dad to grace the planet. What’s worse, he’s now my son’s new baseball coach. In my defense, Troy and I had agreed to exchange fake names and occupations that fateful night in a seedy Colorado bar...Categorized as:
single-father sports baseball forced proximity m-f competent heroine strong heroine alpha male -
Bourbon Bliss by Claire Kingsley, Lucy Score
“I didn’t reply. I couldn’t. Seeing this man’s naked private parts had not rendered me speechless but watching him lick ice cream off his finger had. ” – June Tucker. June Tucker doesn’t understand people. Numbers, data, and statistics? Those make sense. People? Not so much. In a town of Friday night fighters and moonshine-swilling line dancers, she’s the odd duck. And that suits her just fine...Categorized as:
sports small town sassy heroine strong heroine alpha male m-f new adult competent heroine -
REGRET by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.72 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsPreston Danes was born and raised on the streets. Unloved. Unwanted. And quickly discarded. Now he’s a man on the verge of a new career when the infamous Checkmate Security offers him a job. They want to shut down a mafia family, and they need the assistance of a skilled hacker to get the job done. Preston knows code like others know their left hands. He’s perfect for the job... -
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 -
One Last Play by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 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 Fear of Falling by Dana LeCheminant
What happens in Italy…follows you home. Avery was supposed to be married by now—not stuck working alongside her ex-fiancé, pretending their failed relationship never happened. So when a solo trip to Italy introduces her to a charming stranger with a devastating smile, a no-strings-attached fling feels like the perfect way to remember there’s more to life than work and heartbreak... -
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... -
Sunflower Alley by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMillions of readers have fallen in love with Ava's bestselling books. .. come join the family. International Bestselling Author Ava Miles’ acclaimed family series, The Merriams, returns with an inspiring story about a hero with nothing to live for and a heroine who shows him the power of second chances… And, of course, everyone’s favorite matchmakers to guide the way... -
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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 -
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... -
Never The Bride by Kortney Keisel
No rings. No vows. No ‘til death do us part. As a top divorce attorney who’s built her career—and her walls—on the belief that marriage doesn’t last, Camila swears she’ll never walk down the aisle. After years of watching relationships crumble, she’s made it her personal mission to convince her little sister to avoid getting married at all costs. The problem? Camila’s already married. Secretly... -
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 -
Aiden by Lisa Helen Gray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThis is the second book in A Next Generation Carter Brother Novel; a spin-off from The Carter Brothers. I wasn’t looking for love. I was Aiden Carter; I didn’t do the whole fuzzy, lovey, romantic crap. I loved to party. I loved sex. I loved women. If I wanted it, I got it. It was the way my world worked and I made no qualms about it. The only people I truly cared about were my family... -
Fire and Icing by Savannah Scott
Talk about making a bad first impression. The rookie at Waterford’s fire station literally hauled me out of my own home—over his shoulder. Was my kitchen on fire? Yes. Did I have it nearly contained? Also yes. And now he’s been tasked with making up for his overzealous rescue attempts by showing up to my bakery to grovel daily. And beg for my donuts... -
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend by Kate Watson
It's not about the wedding, it's about the marriage. .. license. Sean. When my ex cheated and begged me to take her back, I made a rash, too-public vow: the next woman I kiss will be my wife. It seemed like a good idea at the time—anything to stop being everyone’s second choice. The ultimate fallback guy. Then the Kayla Carville walks into my bar, all bold and stunning...Categorized as:
sports baseball new adult m-f forced proximity small town competent heroine sassy heroine -
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... -
Happy Halloween from the Montgomerys by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsCaleb is spending his first Halloween as a dad! -
Doughn't Let Me Go by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsIt was just supposed to be one night. No kissing. No feelings. A wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am tangle in the sheets and we go our own ways. Only it’s a small town, and I was bound to run into the irresistible Porter Jones again. I just didn’t expect it to be at my job interview…which he’s conducting...Categorized as:
new adult age difference forced proximity single-father small town m-f humor contemporary -
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Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 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... -
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... -
Marriage is a Shore Thing: A Small Town, Accidental Marriage Sweet RomCom by Laura Langa
She’s tough. He’s golden. One dare later, they’re hitched. I’ve sworn off love, so accidentally marrying a stranger after a friendly game of Truth or Dare? Worst. Case. Scenario. Never mind that Evander Young is a brilliant ER doctor with a dimpled smile that makes my heart race... -
The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 37 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 Maverick of the Mountain by Tessa Klein
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe’s big. He’s bearded. AND HE HAS A CHAINSAW! ? You Only Live Once. .. My temporary tattoo feels more like a prescient warning than a gentle reminder after I nearly careen off an old mountain road during the worst storm I’ve ever encountered. I should’ve stayed in town. I should’ve thrown out the hand-drawn map the local gave me... -
Book and Ladder by Savannah Scott
My nemesis is about to ruin my life. Is Patrick O’Connell gorgeous? Unfortunately, yes. Jet-black hair, smoldering eyes, and those muscles I accidentally saw when my friends dragged me to spy on the fireman calendar photo shoot. Is Patrick O’Connell also the bane of my existence? Absolutely. He wrecked my dream years ago, and I’ll never forget what he—and his family—took from me...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity slow burn small town sassy heroine sweet-hero men in uniform humor -
Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene
A viral photo, a fake relationship, and one big problem. Matthew. All 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. Beth...Categorized as:
sports m-f slow burn fake relationship forced proximity competent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero -
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 -
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. Who will come to her rescue, Jin or Isshin? ! Also, Isshin makes great progress in his work at Shinomiya-en! Their long-distance marriage is nearing its climax! -
Knock Out by Jiffy Kate
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn the blink of an eye, Willow Bernard goes from stocking shelves at the Piggly Wiggly to kicking butt at Viking MMA. Willow Bernard has taken a lot of hits in her twenty-two years but always manages to come back swinging. Hoping to fly under the radar for a change, she relocates to Green Valley... -
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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. -
The Shake Off by Lulu Moore
My 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...Categorized as:
sports baseball grumpy sunshine new adult age difference m-f competent heroine sassy heroine -
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 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 -
Wishing for Champagne Kisses by Brittanee Nicole
Best Friends Don’t Kiss. Ryan Manning has been my best friend since we were kids. He’s my secret keeper. The holder of all my truths and the person I admire most in the world. He’s also a Lumbersnack and the man I’ve secretly pined after for decades. But we don’t talk about that. I’m just here in Lake Tahoe for the next week to play the part of his doting girlfriend...Categorized as:
forced proximity alpha male sweet-hero men in uniform sassy heroine competent heroine m-f humor -
Summer Tease by Martha Keyes
Falling for a Palmer would be the ultimate crime. Wild 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. 9 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Roa invited Chako and Isshin to her parents' house as a thank-you to Isshin for protecting her from an attacker at the tea festival in Fukuoka. While there, Chako gets drunk and sneaks into Isshin's room, wearing pajamas borrowed from Roa... -
Honeysuckle Breeze by B.R. Goodwin
Would you rather know what your best friend’s lips feel like against yours but get ghosted immediately after… or never even taste the possibility of forever? What could be worse than inconveniently falling for your long-distance best friend? How ‘bout sharing an unexpected, but magical, Christmas kiss with him, then being ghosted ever after…...Categorized as:
christian single-father m-f small town strong heroine competent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero -
Never Fall for the Bride's Father by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsPower outages. Runaway brides. Collapsed wedding cakes. Tainted caviar. Handsy grooms. And the always jealous MILs who wear white. No wedding catastrophe can faze Katie Gallagher, because when you plan for the worst, you deliver the best. The best wedding ever. Her company, Wedding Protectors, Inc. , promises happily ever afters. Guaranteed. Whatever it takes...Categorized as:
sassy heroine age difference m-f slow burn sweet-hero competent heroine from hate to love humor -
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 -
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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... -
Heartache & Playdates by Shawna Renae
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Love isn’t like milk. It has no expiration date. ” ~ Nonna Russo. Maddox Cruz. Single dad. Tech billionaire. Genius. That is what people saw when they looked at me. Those adjectives might all be true, but inside I was still a kid who grew up in the system and was raised by the streets. Which was why I had no plans to attend my 20 year high school reunion...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine single-father alpha male contemporary humor super rich hero length-medium -
Just Act Natural by Genny Carrick
I started this pretend romance to save face, not to lose my heart. I’m indoorsy with a capital I, but I need to fake a little outdoorsiness to get a promotion. A five-day hike sounds like my nightmare, but after upending my life and moving from the city back to my small hometown, I need a win. I didn't expect to find someone like Grant Irwin in the wilderness with me... -
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 -
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...
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