Books like 'The Exception'
Readers who enjoyed The Exception by Jenna Hartley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary grumpy sunshine super rich hero marriage of convenience found-family office age difference forced proximity arranged marriage
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Un printemps pour te succomber by Morgane Moncomble
Fleuriste fauchée, Nolia se tourne vers son ultime espoir pour s’en sortir : sa famille. Elle ne pensait cependant pas que le prix à payer pour son aide serait de se marier. Avec son ex. Face à l’adversité, incapable de retourner vers son passé toxique, elle décide de s’allier à un inconnu dans le plus grand mensonge de sa vie. L’heureux élu, c’est lui : Camille Levesque... -
Smith by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsShe’s the last woman in the world he’s allowed to fall for. And the only woman he wants. There I was minding my own business, building my real estate empire, and loving life. So the last thing I needed was a series of threatening letters as I worked on my latest fix and flip sending my loving, protective dad into over-the-top-protective dad mode from the other side of the world...Categorized as:
found-family grumpy sunshine forced proximity suspense military m-f contemporary length-medium -
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Truly Medley Deeply by Kate Watson
Lucy Jane. The first rule of touring? Don’t fall for your crew. Especially not the grumpy, emotionally caged, impossible-to-read sound guy who acts like tolerating pop-country singers is pure torture. Patrick “Patty” O’Shannan clearly doesn’t want to be here. He does his job and barely looks at me unless it’s to scowl...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine office contemporary humor length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAlexander Palomino is a man defined by the ghosts of his past, of which there are his parents, his daughter, his wife…, and Jess. He’s a man defined by the promises he’s made. To never be like his abusive father, to never love again, never trust again, and to sever their ties for good. In the wake of their heart-wrenching end, Alex’s rash decision throws lives into chaos, including his own... -
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Sweet Distraction by K. Bromberg
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA sexy single dad, nanny, forbidden romance from New York Times bestselling author, K. Bromberg. The rock star never planned on fatherhood. The nanny never planned on staying. But sometimes the biggest surprises come wrapped in pink bows and second chances. Gavin “Rocket” Caldwell, member of the world’s biggest rock band, lives fast—sold-out tours, wild nights, and zero responsibilities... -
Broken Deal by Yinn Quirós
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSophia. In front of the world, I'm the loud, funny best friend. The perfect eldest daughter. The talented journalist. The one who plays the game but never lets her heart get involved. But underneath, I’m a mess—hiding from the one thing I fear love. Then I meet Lorenzo Mancini, the infamous billionaire player... -
Mister Billions by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsBossy. Infuriating. Sexy as sin. .. I can't stand the man. And he's waiting for me at the altar. I'm up to my eyeballs in unpaid rent. So is half this town. Cannon Kingston is the devilish, arrogant billionaire with the power to save us all. But he wants something in return. .. My hand in marriage. The terms of our twisted contract are simple... -
The Fine Print by T'Lyn
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIf the plan doesn’t work change the plan not the goal. Those words become the anthem to Soraya Gault’s life in ways she never could have imagined. Soraya sacrifices a lot to secure her future and take care of her family but it never feels like enough. Zamaseon Hendricks works hard and lives by his own rules. There is only one woman in his life who he is willing to risk it all for... -
Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAlexander Palomino is a man defined by the ghosts of his past, of which there are his parents, his daughter, his wife…, and Jess. He’s a man defined by the promises he’s made. To never be like his abusive father, to never love again, never trust again, and to sever their ties for good. In the wake of their heart-wrenching end, Alex’s rash decision throws lives into chaos, including his own... -
Drummer Boy by Dyan Layne
Bo Robertson. The drummer. 34. Leo. Everybody loves him, yet no one’s ever chosen him to love. He wants to be someone’s everything, and for that someone to be his. Ava Liane Harris. The babysitter. 21. Aries. The beautiful girl who hides behind her glasses. She knows better than to look for love, yet love finds her anyway. A six-week concert tour. An epic adventure. A summer of possibilities... -
The Biker Needs A Nanny by Nicole James
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe grumpy biker needs a nanny! Full blurb to come. -
Where We Fall by Nicole Baker
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhat do you do when a client threatens to stop doing business with your company because he finds out about a one-night stand you had with his daughter’s friend? I’ll tell you what my siblings make me do. They make me take our innocent IT Director with us to the client’s largest fundraising event…as my fake girlfriend... -
That First Date by Jenn McMahon
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsMy new boss has lost his mind. Marc Ford is everything that I’m not. He wants a long term relationship that leads to marriage and a house full of kids, but I want nothing to do with being tied down to someone. In fact, I have never been in a relationship in my life... -
Protector of Misty Mountain: An ex-military, age gap, mountain man romance by Eve London
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe walked into my world like she belongs here… but I don’t let people stay. Juniper. The mountains were supposed to be my escape—a place to rebuild, to breathe, to prove to myself that I could make it on my own. But from the moment I set foot in Misty Mountain, one mountain man has made it his mission to send me packing. Griffin Calloway...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary military length-novella -
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Silver Linings by Violet Page
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSilver James has perfected the art of keeping everything at a distance—her career, her friends, and most definitely romance. Her motto is simple: keep life carefree and fun. The more she avoids the unexpected, the less likely she is to get hurt... -
Making Room For You by M.A. Clarke Scott, MaryAnn Clarke
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the award-winning author of The Art of Enchantment, comes Making Room for You, an inspiring, heart-warming enemies-to-lovers romantic women’s fiction tale... -
Almost Pretend by Nicole Snow
Opposites attract in this sizzling, feel-good, grumpy sunshine romance about a lively illustrator and the brooding billionaire she literally falls for. Eleanor Lark is an upbeat illustrator plagued by headaches and unruly strawberry-blond hair. After a grueling cross-country flight, she blacks out cold... -
Bodyguard by Night by Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsProtecting my best friend's new sister-in-law Willow from a fan who wants to get a little too close is a no-brainer. Just requires me to do some checking around, to act as her shadow for a while, maybe even give her a place to stay so I can keep an eye on her—all so my best friend's small-town wedding to Willow's sister goes off without a hitch...Categorized as:
super rich hero forced proximity age difference contemporary alpha male length-long m-f -
Salt Love by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you do when you find out your husband’s cheating on you, your aunt just passed away in Florida, and your boss gave the promotion to your work nemesis, so you threaten him with bodily harm in the middle of a board meeting? Well, after getting escorted out of the building by security, I fly straight to Sunshine Key to deal with my aunt’s estate...Categorized as:
office grumpy sunshine found-family contemporary mature couple humor length-medium m-f -
A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street. .. There's always time for tea. .. unless you've lost your teapot…. Cleo Jordan has only ever wished for one thing – to open her own teashop in memory of her lovely gran...Categorized as:
found-family grumpy sunshine forced proximity small town contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Madam Alana by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Audrey Carlan comes a new story in her Marriage Auction series…. I run the most elite auction in the world. Candidates and bidders come from all over the globe hoping to change their lives. And I deliver. I’m in the business of bringing couples together in a mutually beneficial and legally binding marriage... -
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 office contemporary humor m-f glimpses-kisses -
Revel by R. Phillips
“I’m right here. ”. TIFF. Macallan Astor is a self-entitled manwh*re with little to no consideration for the fact he lives with three other people. I've been at the house in LA that's supposed to be my fresh start for two months now and at this point… I'm about one Victoria's Secret model screaming in the pool at night away from chucking him right into the Pacific... -
Prince of Darkness (Liam and Kate) by Ajme Williams
Witness protection. Forbidden crush. Now he's a ruthless killer and I'm pregnant with his child. Liam was supposed to be my FBI guardian angel. Now, he's the monster who kidnapped me. One explosive night. One life-altering secret. Will the Prince of Darkness return for the child he doesn't know exists? This is no fairy tale. This is survival. This is us... -
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The Marriage Auction 2, Book Four by Audrey Carlan
The conclusion of The Marriage Auction 2. There are so many plot twists your head will be spinning, your heart weeping, and by the end of it all…your soul will be sighing. ***. This serial can be read as a standalone but is best read after TMA 1. Recommended for individuals 18+ as it contains graphic depiction of sexual acts and adult content that may trigger some readers... -
Time for Change by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsStevie. There’s nothing more liberating than picking up your life and relocating. I needed a fresh start, desperately looking to get away from my past. Stewart Grove is such a cute small town and seems like the perfect place to settle. Add in the fact I got a job serving at the popular Burgers and Brew restaurant, and everything seems to be clicking into place...Categorized as:
found-family age difference office friends to lovers contemporary new adult suspense length-medium -
The Marriage Auction 2, Book One by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThree women and one man put themselves up for auction in a high-stakes game of marriage, money, and mayhem. The spice is high, the characters intense, and the plot will keep you guessing until the bitter end. This is the filthy, gritty, angsty soap opera you never knew you needed. Welcome to The Marriage Auction. Meet the candidates:... -
Broken Bridge by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne miscalculation. One misstep had cost me everything. I lost my sister and my wife. I will burn down the world to get them back. Even if I have to become someone they fear. Forget vows, forget brotherhood. All I have left is rage. I have made promises I intend to keep. I will right the wrongs of The Elite, ensure vengeance for Emma, even if it cost me my soul. -
Surprise Me Tonight by Dani Elias
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsShe’s forty-two, newly divorced and rebuilding from the ground up. He’s thirty-three, brooding, brilliant and entirely too fit to be her boss. This was never meant to happen. Callum Wright. I came to the countryside to slow down, not set my life on fire. Then Stella Marsh showed up for an interview. Quiet voice, mumsy cardigan, clearly nervous and knocked the breath out of me anyway... -
After The Vows by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe sexy cop next door wants nothing to do with me. Until he asks me to marry him to save his daughter. When Lucas moves in next door, I don’t waste any time trying to get his attention. But the police officer who looks strong enough to throw me over those wide shoulders of his and carry me away isn’t interested in me. Time for desperate measures... -
West of Port by Carina Taylor
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSydney is out for revenge no matter what it takes—including teaming up with a grumpy, retired cop who wants nothing to do with her. West has retired from the police force. Completely burnt out, he doesn't want to protect anyone anymore. All he wants is to be left alone so that he can refinish his new-to-him sailboat. Unfortunately for him, a woman shows up asking for his help—needing his help...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine office age difference contemporary mafia insta-love humor -
Dirty Business: A Billionaire Workplace Romance by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy boss is a cocky bastard. But the moment I hear him moaning my name behind his office door, I cross a line I can't uncross. Sasha. Freaking. Orlov. Silver‑fox billionaire. World‑class egomaniac. Drama king with a God complex. I’m convinced he lives to make me miserable. Three years. That’s how long I’ve endured his late‑night orders, power plays,...Categorized as:
super rich hero age difference office forced proximity found-family mafia pregnancy silver-fox -
The Romance Rehearsal by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIf the first time was a rehearsal, is this the real thing? Directing a play in London’s West End was an ambition met, only it meant I’d see the boy who was my first everything for the first time since that summer. Anthony was no boy anymore. He was all man. Charismatic, talented, famous and devastatingly handsome, and now staring in my production. My leading man - on stage, at least...Categorized as:
super rich hero office forced proximity contemporary new adult dual-pov length-medium -
Finally Found You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes, a new secret baby forbidden love romance, featuring a broody billionaire and a much younger sassy heroine he never saw coming. Being the single guardian for my fifteen-year-old cousin isn’t as easy as you’d think, especially when she runs away to find the dad, who has no idea she exists... -
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SINS & Temptation: Book 3 in SINS by Lexxi James
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsENZO. My sins made me chase her. Lies made me own her. And temptation makes me want to keep her. I didn't mean to fall in love. After all, I am the devil incarnate. The god of war. The swift hand of revenge. But how could I not? She's a forbidden angel too easily plucked down from heaven,. And I will own all the parts of her. Her enemies are mine. Just as her heart is mine... -
Hate You Up Close by Morgan Paige
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHate You Up Close is a STANDALONE novel following Love You From Afar. A new job. A new city. This was supposed to be a fresh start for me. I expected the move to come with challenges, but no one could have prepared me for him. My new boss - Elliot Thompson. He’s cold, selfish, miserable, and the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I hate that he smells of whiskey and leather... -
The Atelier Assignment by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHer assignment is to not fall in love with him…. Zeke Brooksbank is in need of a wake-up call. One that shakes him out of the grump he’s permanently in and turns him into a reasonable human being. I’m not staying at his country residence to tame the beast. I’m meant to be cataloguing his art collection, not fangirling over his own paintings, or becoming attached to his little daughter... -
The Marriage Auction 2, Book Two by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThis is the filthy, gritty, angsty soap opera you never knew you needed. Welcome to The Marriage Auction. Meet the bidders. Rhodes - A billionaire single dad with a wounded heart and no desire to purchase a bride. The Madam of the auction has other ideas. Naomi Shaw – A stylish, stunning, and shrewd businesswoman who owns a jewelry empire... -
The Marriage Auction 2, Book Three by Audrey Carlan
The Marriage Auction 2 continues in this filthy, gritty, angsty soap opera. No way we’re going to spoil anything! ***. This serial can be read as a standalone but is best read after TMA 1. Recommended for individuals 18+ as it contains graphic depiction of sexual acts and adult content that may trigger some readers. Please visit my website for a full list of sensitive content... -
Big, Bossy Surprise by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBonnie Delmar should be grateful for her new job. And she is! Being a nanny to a billionaire is a good gig. She’s more than grateful for the opportunity to work for Arlo Noble…until she meets him. That broad-chested, dark-haired, dark-eyed hunk? Yeah…she slept with him. Awkward... -
Hard Boss by Iona Rose
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJuliette. Hudson Sinclair is such a grumpy, snarly, arrogant nightmare no one on the temp agency's books is willing to take on the job of replacing his secretary while she is off sick. Well, here I am, it’s my first day at the agency and I should probably give it a pass as my first job too. At least, that would be the prudent thing to do, but ‘prudent’ is not on my list of virtues... -
Just This Once by Sophie Andrews
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’m a single mom trying to keep my head above water. He’s the one night stand I was never supposed to see again. As a divorced parent of two teenagers and the manager of a bed and breakfast about to undergo a major renovation, I don’t have time for a relationship. But when a charming, younger guy approaches me during a night out, I give in to the desire to relieve some stress and invite him home...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine office single-mother contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Searching for Sunshine by Hollie Luckie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsYou know what they say— when everything’s falling apart, move to the beach and marry the grumpy boat captain you haven’t seen in over a decade. After losing both my teaching job in the city and my grandmother, I feel like I have no idea what to do with my life... -
Hired by the Single Dad: A steamy big city billionaire off limits silver fox holiday romance by Ellen Brooks
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI'm sworn off love. On Christmas Eve, he's determined to make me a believer. I'm a New York City florist who's built an empire creating dream weddings for others—after my own ended in heartbreak. When a last-minute, no-expense-spared Christmas Eve wedding comes in, I know I can handle it... -
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The Husband Lottery by Sofia T. Summers
A fake marriage to my ex boyfriend’s older brother wasn’t what I had in mind all those years when I planned my wedding as a little girl. And yet, here I am… holding Logan’s hand and saying my vows. How did I get here? Two words – Lottery ticket. A literal lottery ticket, which let me buy the biggest stake in Logan’s father’s company... -
The End of Us by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat happens when a stalker threatens your life and you’re flown to a private beach house with your sexy new bodyguard? You break the rules and hope he falls madly in love with you. The End of Us is an age gap, bodyguard, forced proximity standalone romance. -
Reserved by Ashley Jacobs, S.S. Rich
Reserved is a spicy contemporary age-gap romance about a perky entrepreneur and the brooding billionaire who always gets what he wants–and he has his sights set on her. - Grumpy/sunshine. - He falls first. - Insta-love. - Opposites attract. - Possessive MMC. - Lots of spice. - Guaranteed HEA. Cami. In the Bay, Van Costa is synonymous with ruthless... -
Mr. Smithfield by Louise Bay
Wanted: American nanny for an adorable four-year old. Must be able to handle a moody, brooding, sexy British boss. I’m a single father, a lawyer and some say the most serious man in London. I’m completely focused on raising my four-year-old daughter... -
The Doctor Who Stole Christmas by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA grumpy doctor. A wicked blizzard. And only one bed in sight. What could possibly go wrong? I never expected to find myself trekking through a blizzard. .. All to deliver "vital documents" to the elusive Dr. Grump's remote cabin. When I finally arrive I find a smoldering man,. Nearly a decade younger - with the petulance of an old grouch! Now I'm snowed in with the impossibly handsome man child,...Categorized as:
super rich hero forced proximity grumpy sunshine contemporary christmas length-medium -
Darling Nikki by Kenya Goree-Bell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe Blood Legacy Continues. .. 🫰🏾T@boo🤭. 🤭Age Gap. 😈Villain vs Good Girl. 🌸 V knk. Lite 🐝dsm. Everything about Nikki spelled disaster from the moment I hit her with my car. Now, that I’m forced to marry the little minx after she f*cking betrayed me will not be borne. She may have what she wants — the power and prestige of my Shelby name. But she’ll never have me...
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