Books like 'The Commander'
Readers who enjoyed The Commander by Cat Johnson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary military second chances age difference
-
Fractured by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsLoving Echo Kent was painful. Not the falling in love part, that was easy. One look at the tall, blond-haired, blue-eyed narcotics detective and I knew I wanted him. A few months later I knew I couldn’t live without him. But my Echo, he had demons and secrets and a mountain of guilt. His love was selfish and one-sided—he could love but he refused to allow others to love him... -
Finding Carly by Susan Stoker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsCarly doesn’t want a boyfriend. Not after the last one tried to kill her. But Jagger “Jag” Bennett somehow gets under her skin, and soon she can’t imagine a life without him.Jag hadn’t planned on a girlfriend…even though his SEAL teammates are all very happy with their women. But sometimes the best things in life aren’t planned…and Carly is definitely the best thing that had ever happened to him...Categorized as:
military age difference second chances contemporary suspense friends to lovers vengeance m-f -
Dangerous Affair by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsDangerous Affair is a one-night-stand-turned-friends to lovers, age gap, alpha protector romantic suspense novel with a tortured hero and a take-no-sh!t heroine who has a feisty, opinionated grandmother who likes to butt into other people's relationships. It was supposed to be a fantasy-fueled, one-night stand, something to make me shed my good girl inhibitions...Categorized as:
age difference military grumpy sunshine contemporary suspense silver-fox length-medium m-f -
Hero's Heart by Janie Crouch
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHe was out of the game.He should've stayed that way.When a former FBI colleague asks Callum Webb to rescue the kidnapped daughter of an American bigwig in eastern Europe, Callum’s just got one word for him...No.Okay, actually two words: hell, no.Callum is out of the international law enforcement game and has been for a long time... -
-
Deserving Reese by Susan Stoker
He never expected to fall for his best friend's sister, but now that he has...he'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.Having a crush on one of your brother’s friends is so cliché. But Reese Woodall isn’t too worried…it’s not as if she’d ever have a chance with the former Delta Force Operative. For one thing, he lives in New Mexico, and she’s in Missouri...Categorized as:
military age difference men in uniform contemporary suspense explicit-open-door length-medium m-f -
Expired Vows by Laura Conaway, Lisa Phillips
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFire. Family. Faith.Last Chance Fire and RescueShe sees the promise of freedom. He vowed to always be the hero.EMT Trace Bently came back to Last Chance County to escape his past. After the loss of his wife, he gave up a promising career as a police officer for the chance to save lives every day as part of the Fire Department... -
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... -
A Hero's Chance by Maryann Jordan
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsRyan Coates does it all. Single dad with an ex who needs a reminder to spend time with their kids. Chief of the Baytown Station of the Virginia Marine Police. Sergeant at Arms for the local American Legion. Son. Brother. Coach. Friend.What he’s not doing is looking for a woman to add to his already busy life.Then he met her. Again.She’s the new doctor in town. And she remembers Ryan... -
Ruined by April Wilson
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFinally! Sam and Cooper's long-awaited story is here... a second chance gay romance, with a guaranteed HEA. Sam... Coming out of the closet was easy. Falling in love with a man twice my age was not. Cooper grew up old-school, hiding his true self. He may be the love of my life, but I can’t be his dirty little secret any longer. He needs to man up and claim me if he wants to keep me... -
Second Chance Love by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI was his wife… but he left me.He broke my heart once, and if given the chance, he’d probably do it again.Which is why I’ve tried to get over him.I’ve dated, I’ve tried to let loose, but no matter how hard I try, my thoughts always return to Nash.Every guy I meet I compare to him.He was always overprotective and possessive... -
Off Limits by Helena Newbury
From the author of Deep Woods comes a scorching, standalone romantic suspense you’ll want to cozy up with. He’s a bad boy Brit who sleeps with every woman he sees. She’s his best friend’s book-loving little sister and strictly forbidden. But when the pair are stranded deep in the frozen wilderness, will anything remain off limits?I love my life... -
Cold Spite by Toni Anderson
A disgraced former Navy SEAL is looking for revenge in this romantic thriller from author Toni Anderson.When FBI Agent Delilah Quinn survives an attempt on her life, she pretends to be dead in order to outwit her attacker. There is only one person she can turn to for help—a man she never wanted to see again…a man who abandoned her five years ago and left her heartbroken...Categorized as:
military second chances suspense contemporary forced proximity length-long explicit-open-door -
Ethan’s Obsession (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) by Anna Blakely, Operation Alpha
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA former SEAL who wants what he can’t have. An artist who’s afraid to follow her heart. Danger lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect time to strike.Ethan “Apollo” McAllister’s world is filled with controlled chaos. As a former Navy SEAL and member of Tac-Ops, he’s used to running headfast into danger. He’s also damn good at keeping secrets... -
CC: REAPER Patriots - Book Twenty-Eight by Mary Kennedy
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCharles Corbett Reilly served his country faithfully, waiting and biding his time until he could come home and convince Eva Harris that they belonged together. He’d kept his distance, given their age separation, but it was different now. She was a grown woman with a grown woman’s mind and body. But when he approached her to ask her out, she pushed back, something she’d never done before... -
-
Colorado Cold Case by Elle James
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSole survivor of a mission gone wrong, Griff left the Navy to recover from his wounds and grief. The one person he’d loved had left San Diego while he'd been on a mission and hadn't returned or reached out. She’d said she was from Colorado... -
WILL: REAPER-Patriots: Book Forty-Eight by Mary Kennedy
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWilliam Pechkin is home for his friends wedding. He plans to see everyone. His parents, his sisters, his new nephew. He'll see all the old guard, but most importantly, he'll see her. The woman he can't get out of his head. Brooke. She's worked at the diner for years now and he never misses a chance to go in and see her. Speaking is another matter... -
His Wounded Heart: Small Town Romance by Caitlyn O'Leary
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s my soulmate. But will I be enough to heal his wounded heart?SimonThe Navy’s been my life. Being a SEAL is all I ever wanted, commanding them a dream come true. But I lost sight of everything else and missed the big things—things going on right in front of me. How could I not see how much my sister needed me? I knew her husband was off and should have checked him out...Categorized as:
military age difference forced proximity contemporary friends to lovers length-medium -
Temptation Ridge: A Virgin River Novel by Robyn Carr
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsWelcome back to Virgin River with the books that inspired the hit Netflix series… Shelby McIntyre has big plans—plans that include finding Mr. Right. Her dream man will have a clean-shaven jaw, creases in his pants and hopefully an advanced degree. What she gets is rugged Luke Riordan...Categorized as:
military age difference virgin heroine contemporary men in uniform small town length-long -
Greyson by Anna Blakely
Tragedy brought them together. A killer will stop at nothing to tear them apart.For former SEAL Greyson Frost, nothing is more important than loyalty. It’s why this Charlie Team operative keeps his feelings for his best friend’s little sister hidden. But when tragedy strikes and Taylor becomes a killer’s target, all bets—and past promises—are off.Taylor Russell is used to devastation and loss...Categorized as:
age difference military contemporary alpha male suspense explicit-open-door length-short -
Saving Logan by Kaci Rose
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe's lost his voice. She's here to teach him to speak to the world again.FaithI love helping people communicate that can't. It’s why I became an ASL teacher.Getting to work with military men and women who were injured in action? Sign me up. I can’t think of a better way to help.I pride myself on keeping things professional…until him... -
Ethan’s Obsession by Anna Blakely, Operation Alpha
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA former SEAL who wants what he can’t have. An artist who’s afraid to follow her heart. Danger lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect time to strike. Ethan “Apollo” McAllister’s world is filled with controlled chaos. As a former Navy SEAL and member of Tac-Ops, he’s used to running headfast into danger. He’s also damn good at keeping secrets... -
Promises Part 3 by A.E. Via
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsA bounty hunter’s partners to lovers’ story. The hunt is on… and he’s the prey. Bradford (Ford) King was sure he had the rest of his life mapped out. Though he was no longer a SEAL Lieutenant, his brother was home safe and he had a job that still allowed him to satisfy his hunger for hunting bad guys...Categorized as:
age difference military m-m bisexual friends to lovers contemporary queer length-short -
Protecting Kiera by Susan Stoker
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThis book was previously published in Kindle Worlds and even though it has a new cover, has not changed significantly. Cooper Nelson’s SEAL career was cut drastically short when an explosion left him almost completely deaf... -
Holiday Heroes: by Janie Crouch, Regan Black
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThese heroes will protect their women from danger and won’t let them spend the holidays alone…Includes two full books for one great price!A Fairytale Hero — Jackson Prince thought love was done for him when his wife died five years ago. But the shy girl he never forgot from high school saving his life on Christmas Eve proves him wrong. Now they'll both learn it's never too late for love...Categorized as:
military second chances suspense mystery contemporary christmas mature couple length-short -
-
Kilo by Sybil Bartel
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBreacher.Navy SEAL.Mercenary.Being a breacher on the Teams wasn’t a job, it was my drug of choice. Detonating charges, the blast waves going through me, I lived for the rush of tactical explosive breaching. As long as I kept my brothers safe and didn’t eat a piece of frag, I never looked past my next mission... until I screwed up.Miscalculating a blast zone, I took a hit... -
The Path to You by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Wilder Brothers from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with a second chance romance that brings Everett Wilder to his knees.The moment I saw Bethany Cole, I knew she was not only out of my league, but in a whole different world.Only I didn’t realize I’d met her before.An explosion stole part of my past, including the first time I’d seen her pretty face...Categorized as:
military second chances contemporary suspense angst small town friends to lovers length-medium -
Protective Biker (Whiskey Run: Guardians MC) by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI thought she was the one…Until she left without a trace.Brandy wasn’t like the other club girls.I knew it the first time she walked into the clubhouse.There was something about her that forced me to let my guard down.And It took a while to earn her trust… but I knew she’d be worth it.I was planning the futureAnd she was living in the past... -
Faithful Cowboy by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUSA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Hope Ford brings you a steamy cowboy romance about a romance author that doesn’t believe in love until she meets a wounded warrior that teaches her that real all-consuming love can withstand anything.HaileyI’m a romance novelist who no longer believes in love.My agent keeps calling it writer’s block, but I think what I have is more permanent... -
Healing the Warrior by Violet Rae
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCan the younger, bubbly paramedic heal the battle scars of this older, gruff ex-soldier?FletcherWhen I'm honourably discharged from the British Army on medical grounds following a brutal tour in Afghanistan, I use my skills as a combat medic to continue to save lives as a paramedic. I'm confident there's no situation I can't handle ... until I'm teamed up with chirpy Grace Newton... -
Black Hearted by Julie Ann Walker
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s everything she ever wanted. She’s everything he never knew he needed. Can she convince him she’s the one?The Black Knights are back and better than ever!Samuel Harwood has spent his entire career working in the black and gray areas of international intrigue. Living in the shadows for so long has made him forget who he was and where he came from... -
Blade by Sybil Bartel
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBattle born.SEAL.Loner.Ringing out of BUD/S was never an option. Third generation Navy SEAL, the Teams were in my blood. I earned my Trident, and a year later my brother earned his.As Tier One operators, the battlefield was our playground.Then I got a cryptic call. Enemy combatants, coordinated attack, no survivors, catastrophic loss—my brother was dead... -
Dear Huxley: Heart of a Wounded Hero by Layne Daniels
This summer, my older brother and I both came home. Me, toting a college degree and a job with the city attorney. Him, with a decade of service to our country and a brotherhood of guys who followed him home.Eavesdropping like the nosy little sister I’ll always be, I overheard them talking about the only one in their team who reenlisted. I’m intrigued...Categorized as:
military age difference new adult alpha male insta-love contemporary length-novella open-door -
Kat, Knight Watch by Danielle Norman
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI never believed in love at first sight...Until the ATM ate my debit card, And Jackson Boudreaux stepped in to save the day. All business, in his nine to five banker suit--I couldn’t help but wonder what he was hiding under that perfect form. I was leather and handcuffs. He was ties and cuff-links, But it didn't matter that we were from two different worlds... -
The One for Forever by Hannah Shield
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe's the older man I've always wanted. An ex-Special Forces hero. My best friend’s dad.And now, he's the bodyguard assigned to protect me while I prosecute a killer.I’ve wanted Rex Easton since I was eighteen, yet he’s never looked at me twice. I’m determined to finally get over this crush. But after he swears to protect me from the faceless thugs who are after me, I can’t avoid him...Categorized as:
age difference military suspense mystery forced proximity contemporary length-medium -
-
Enduring Night by John Wiltshire
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. Nikolas has always liked art. You'd have thought that Ben and Nikolas would have learnt that their romantic holidays inevitably end up as disasters. A short break on the polar ice sees them trapped in a nightmare of murder and deceit... -
Wild Love by Sadie King
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s the young damaged ex-soldier and she’s the older woman who’s off limits. Can she show him how to love?Wild Love is Davis and Mel's story, a contemporary instalove steamy romance featuring an ex-military hero and the curvy woman he falls hard for... -
Chosen by the Mountain Man by Sadie King
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s the nanny, half my age and off-limits. But my heart has chosen her, even if it breaks me…My military career ended when I became a widower.My daughter needed me, so I came back to Wild Heart Mountain determined to be a good father.Except I’m not. I’m too grumpy, too bitter, too broken.Until Caitlin walks through the door... -
Whatever It Takes by Reese Knightley
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOne man’s temper may be the other’s salvation. Dillon Gannon went from almost getting kicked out of the Army to being a revered member of a Special Forces unit. When his commanding officer orders him on a protection detail, it’s the last thing he wants to do. He’s a weapons expert, not a babysitter. Luke Rhine worked his way up through the Army and retired as a general... -
My Kind of Love by Nikki Ash
MicaelaOnce upon a time, a boy and a girl met and fell in love…That’s the way my love story began, but unlike the fairy tale, it ended with me standing in the cemetery,watching my prince get lowered into the ground, along with all our dreams.Now he’s gone and I’m lost.Until an impromptu trip to my family’s beach house has me spending time with Ryan... -
Just One Chance by Carly Phillips
He thought she was the one…until she walked away. Now she’s back and he wants her more than ever.As a former Marine, Xander Kingston’s writing keeps him sane. Bonus? His thrillers made him one of Hollywood’s most desired screenwriters—and also introduced him to a fledgling starlet who broke his heart. With his close-knit family in New York, Xander returned home and found peace... -
Black Hearted by Julie Ann Walker
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe's everything she ever wanted. She's everything he never knew he needed. Can she convince him she's the one?The Black Knights are back and better than ever!Samuel Harwood has spent his entire career working in the black and gray areas of international intrigue. Living in the shadows for so long has made him forget who he was and where he came from... -
Barefoot with a Stranger by Roxanne St. Claire
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrancesca Rossi might be the youngest in a long line of badass siblings, but this computer whiz would rather hack a database than pack a pistol for the family business in Barefoot Bay. When an assignment forces her out of her comfort zone and into the field, Chessie decides to amp up the excitement quotient and has her first one night stand with a sexy stranger she’ll never see again... -
My Mountain Man Returns by Sadie King
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA secret baby and a second chance...Suzie gets a shock when her ex turns up all the way from England. But it's nothing compared to the shock he gets when he finds out what she's been keeping from him.My Mountain Man Returns is a secret baby, second chance romance featuring an ex-military hero and the curvy girl he tracks halfway across the world... -
The Seal's Squid by Layne Daniels
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMeet the girl of my dreams? Check.Have the best night of my life? Check.Get called away for weeks with no contact? Check. Unfortunately.I never expected life post-active duty to be more adventurous than when I was still with my SEAL team, but here we are. A simple freelance contract for the government, and I come home to find my organized life is in chaos.Thankfully, my girl is waiting for me... -
-
Playing Along: A Small Town Second Chance Romance by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen I came back to Sin Valley, the mission was simple—avoid the ex-girlfriend who broke my heart. At all costs.Too bad I just (accidentally) moved in next door to her. And her battery-operated boyfriend(s). Plural.Crap! No matter how hard I try to steer clear of Desiree Grant, fate keeps tossing us together.And, so far? It’s not going too well for me...Categorized as:
military second chances multicultural humor contemporary single-mother length-medium -
Hung Up on the Hacker by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCan a white hat hacker and a wild child tattoo artist turn their oops into forever?Former Army Intelligence officer Cash Grantham is a whiz with computers and data. An expert in cyber security, he prides himself on being prepared for anything. That doesn't include his best friend's little sister. The one who's all grown up.Tattoo artist Hadley Steele always had a thing for Cash when she was young... -
A Wild Heart by Amie Knight
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI lost a huge piece of myself the day my husband was killed in action. In the months that followed, I felt like my grief would swallow me whole.My only solace was my daughter, whose bright light guided me through the darkest of times.I never wanted to meet someone else.I vowed to never fall in love again, especially with a marine.It was supposed to be no strings attached and for a while it was...Categorized as:
military second chances contemporary firefighter christian angst single-mother length-medium -
His Temptation by Fern Fraser
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDespite our scorching chemistry, falling for the boss's daughter is not a good idea. LACEYDad hires a doctor to take over his medical practice while he takes a vacation, and I'm immediately drawn to Wyatt. The older man's piercing blue eyes and mesmerizing good looks set my body on fire. Our relationship sparks, and business soon becomes pleasure...Categorized as:
military age difference anthologies contemporary insta-love alpha male curvy heroine length-novella -
The SEAL’s Surprise Baby by Leslie North
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNavy SEAL Anderson Park and agency operative Violet DiPaula didn’t like each other, but that didn’t diminish the spark between them. On a mission together in Russia, they gave in to the red-hot chemistry between them... -
Breaker by Jules Ford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome back to Hambleton, Wyoming, home of the Speed Demons MC.BreakerYears ago, while on leave from the military, I went to the city of sin and unknowingly left two things behind. Twins!Now they’re back in my life, along with their mother, the woman that I’ve never forgotten, and I have big decisions to make...Categorized as:
military second chances contemporary suicide secret child men in uniform bikers length-long
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences

Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.