Books like 'Beautiful Mess'
Readers who enjoyed Beautiful Mess by Ashley James also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary age difference forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love alpha male single-mother forbidden love daddy-kink single-father
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Overdrive by Caitlyn P. Tajon
She’s the rookie with something to prove. He’s the reigning champion with everything to lose. Aurélie Dubois has spent her life chasing speed. When her twin brother is forced off the Formula 1 grid, she steps into his seat with no apologies. The world isn’t ready for a female driver. And they’re especially not ready for her... -
Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers. She's got a lot of baggage. .. literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real. For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but. So why can't he stay away? Knox and Fiona's story! Finally! -
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Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be a quick meeting. I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Three Reckless Words by Nicole Snow
A runaway bride brings trouble and temptation to a stone-hearted single dad in this emotional and scorching hot romance by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow. Is there any coming back after you blow your own wedding to pieces? I braced for the fallout when I left my emotionally unavailable groom. I expected the tears, the family wrath, the drama galore... -
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Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place? Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
Something Nice by Tiffany Reisz
It's July, a couple months after Nora returns to Søren at the end of THE SIREN, and while in bed, Søren makes a trade with Nora. He'll do something nice for her and she'll do something nice for him. Of course Nora picks something sexual. But Søren surprises her with his "something nice" request. Read the excerpt below to find out what it is. This story if for mailing list subscribers only...Categorized as:
age difference forbidden love alpha male bdsm contemporary m-f length-novella explicit-plentiful -
The Innkeeper by Rebecca Sharp, Samantha Cook
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsElouise ‘Lou’ Kinkade is happy that all her siblings have found love. She’s less than happy that now all they want is for her to do the same. Lou doesn’t have time for romance; she has a business to run. And that business was shooting to success when a Hollywood degenerate takes a drunken tumble down her stairs... -
Awaken My Heart by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAbraham:. I already had my happy ending. Childhood sweethearts, my late wife and I made four beautiful kids together who are now grown and married off themselves. I’m content to be their old dad, tending to my ranch and my tomato plants...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine forced proximity mature couple single-father m-f insta-love cowboys -
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... -
The Rebel by Marni Mann
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsOne bed. Two stranded strangers. Three wildly passionate nights. A thousand secrets between them. After getting trapped in a blizzard, my private jet grounded, with no hotel room available within miles, I met a woman at the bar. Rowan. A knockout blessed with killer curves, gorgeous emerald eyes, and a mouth that should be illegal... -
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks
A knight in shining armor? Hardly. More like my worst enemy wrapped in a swoon-worthy tux…. When Brooks Salinger saves me from heartbreak at a wedding, I never expect to see him again—let alone find him back in my life, set to destroy my family’s bookstore. But when he offers me a wild deal—pretend to be his girlfriend at a ritzy wedding in exchange for saving the store—I reluctantly agree... -
Her Pretty Words by Amber Evergreen
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA canceled flight. A beautiful stranger who seems to delight in getting under her skin. A hotel with only one room. Everything that could go wrong during Macy’s escape to Florida does. But when Grayson—the frustrating stranger in question—offers to share the room he already has, she has no choice but to take him up on it—platonically, of course. One night with him is more than enough... -
Daniel Part Two by Tiffany Reisz
You're invited to New York City's hottest dating event: Kingsley Edge's annual King's Trust Charity Auction. New on the auction block this year is Daniel, a wealthy widower and Dominant. However, he happens to have his eyes on another first-timer in the club's auction: Anya, a strikingly beautiful virgin submissive from his native Canada. Too bad Anya hates him on sight...Categorized as:
age difference from hate to love alpha male bdsm contemporary m-f length-novella explicit-plentiful -
To Have and To Hold: Arranged marriage stand-alone by Aleatha Romig
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsArranged marriage, age-gap, forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, Romeo and Juliet vibes, family saga, Mafia/cartel romance, Slow burn, Redemption, Morally gray hero, dangerous romance. The Roríguez cartel is spinning out of control, tragedy putting the alliance and our future in question... -
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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 -
Single-Minded by Amy Knupp
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsContractor West Aldridge’s main goal in life is to protect his three daughters from another heartbreak. The wealthy new girl in town who hires him for a remodeling project is off-limits times ten…so why can’t he follow his own no-heartbreak rule? -
A Convenient Secret by Maxine Henri
I went from his off-limits nanny to his secret wife. It started with a voice. Deep. Commanding. Unreasonably attractive. Declan Quinn is gorgeous, impossible, and emotionally unavailable—basically the perfect recipe for heartbreak. I was supposed to find him a nanny—not become one. One mistake later, I ended up pretending to be her. I figured I’d be gone by the end of the day. Instead, I stayed... -
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... -
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:
forced proximity alpha male age difference contemporary super rich hero length-long m-f -
Talon by Pepper North
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Buttercup, try that one more time and see what happens…” Elizabeth Sinclair has just escaped from a lackluster marriage and isn’t about to try that again. She’s ready to spread her wings and find the one she really needs in her life–a tall, silver fox Daddy to make her heart skip beats... -
A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Audrey Carlan comes a new story in her Marriage Auction series…. “’Tis the Season,” some people say, as if the month of December could somehow magically make the world a better place. Fat chance of that happening in Sin City. In my world, nothing is merry and bright. More like dark and dank...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love contemporary length-short audiobook -
Driving Maisie Crazy by Deborah M. Hathaway
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“What happens on an Irish bus tour stays on an Irish bus tour…”. This is the second book in the clean and sweet romcom Men of the Isles series by Deborah M. Hathaway. Although this clean, road trip, forbidden romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order. Don't miss the other novels in this series! Book 1: Winning Winnie's Hand. Book 2: Driving Maisie Crazy - 2025...Categorized as:
forced proximity secret-relationship forbidden love contemporary humor length-medium -
Stella by Mackenzy Fox
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom best selling author Mackenzy Fox comes the highly anticipated MC spin-off series from the Bracken Ridge. NOLA Rebels MC - (New Orleans Series Book 15). Stay tuned for the Blurb! The men of the NOLA Rebels MC will do anything for their club. They’re a brotherhood, a club who stands mighty, and above all else, they take care of business, New Orleans style... -
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...Categorized as:
age difference single-father grumpy sunshine contemporary military length-novella audiobook -
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A Whole New Ball Game by Stephanie Rose
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom bestselling author Stephanie Rose comes a swoon-worthy sports romance filled with sizzling chemistry, a heart-stealing hero who falls first, and an age-gap love story worth rooting for. Rachel Manning has her hands full working a demanding job at a PR firm and raising her teenage sister. The only time she makes for romance is in the hours she carves out writing steamy novels... -
Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley
He’ll break all her rules. Nora Lakes is sophisticated, successful, and happily single. Career problems aside, her life is fine the way it is, thank you very much. Sure, her best friends are all moving into a new season of life—full of husbands and babies and white picket fences. But that’s not what Nora wants. Neither is the gruff, tattooed guy next door. Tattoo artist Dex St... -
Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsLife might be a highway but the last thing this grumpy silver fox expected was a cross-country road trip with a ray of sunshine. "My sister is driving to California. She could give you a ride. ". "What? " Tucker Ashe and I say in unison. Mae Fox. Surely, my older sister has lost her mind. There is no way I'm driving her insufferable – albeit sexy silver fox – boss two thousand miles... -
Wild Child by Sadie King
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsShe's the Prez's daughter, off-limits and half my age. .. Wild Child is a forbidden love, steamy short romance featuring a ex-military biker and the curvy younger woman who's off limits. -
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain? I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page... -
Fa-La La-La Land by Brittany Larsen
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s got a list to finish. He’s got a song to escape. Neither planned on falling in love this Christmas. Stella Sparks has no time for love—not when her 30 Before 30 list is calling and her new job depends on reviving rockstar Rhys James’s image before he headlines Winter Lights Live... -
The Dandelion Diary by Devney Perry
From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Devney Perry comes this special edition version of a new story in her Maysen Jar series…. Dear Diary,. My dad needs a girlfriend, and I’ve already picked her out. Miss Adler would be perfect for him, right? She’s super pretty. She has the best smile and she gives the best hugs. And she’s, like, the most amazing teacher in the world... -
When We Fall by Lena Hendrix
I need a nanny. Not a distraction. I certainly do not need a twentysomething man with a devastating smile, tattooed forearms, and an easy charm that could unravel a woman twice as composed as me. But when my daughter gets kicked out of after-school care (again) and my flaky nanny ghosts us (again), Austin Calloway moves into the duplex next door—and right into our lives... -
Silver Mayor by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsCharlie Harrington is a respectable man. Mayor to his small, mountain town. Successful attorney. Doting single father. After one mishap in the past, he avoids scandal. Making everyone happy is his goal. He’s nothing but content. .. and a bit boring. Then one morning, he finds a beautiful woman in his bedroom, and his world turns upside down. His good guy side suddenly wants to be a little bad... -
Love After Duty: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Amber Kelly
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis is Langford Tuttle's book. *Small town, Family Saga, Enemies to lovers.Categorized as:
single-father grumpy sunshine from hate to love alpha male contemporary christian insta-love angst -
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Bound to Burn by Paula Dombrowiak
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA sexy, age gap, rockstar romance with a bit of a slow burn, a strong sassy heroine, a grumpy alpha hero, low angst and a happily ever after. Love has a way of blazing through you like poison, leaving you breathless but still wanting more. On the way down it burns like whiskey, coats your throat like a love song, and enters your belly with the force of a hurricane. I told myself never again...Categorized as:
age difference alpha male mature couple contemporary office rockstars cowboys length-medium -
The Parkers' Fall In Love Box Set by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFive Parker-Family Books for your reading pleasure! Need You Now. The most beautiful girl in the world, and she’s fiery mad at me. It’s not really my fault. I’m a reporter. Digging up stories is my job. Never in a million years did I expect my latest piece to create an enemy out of the one woman I’d give anything to date... -
Flutter by Carrie Aarons
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe can’t stand her, and best believe, the feeling is mutual. Her life is the complete opposite of what he desires. So, why can’t they keep their hands off each other? Forrest Nash is a smug know-it-all... -
Irish Rebel by L.K. Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCaitlín. After finally convincing my over-protective family to let me visit my uncle in Dublin, I know this may be my only chance to experience everything I’ve always wanted: Adventure. Excitement. Freedom. Until I’m introduced to the man assigned to be my bodyguard. With his silver-flecked hair and wicked scar, Roarke radiates power and danger. Everything I’m drawn to...Categorized as:
forced proximity age difference from hate to love alpha male mafia contemporary suspense humor -
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 -
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... -
Love...It's Wild by Jeannine Colette
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFalling in love has never been this wild…. I’m a woman who knows my own worth. And more than anything, I deserve love. Wild, passionate, all-consuming love. What I did not deserve was being forced to hang around my small town to watch the jerk who left me at the alter fawn over his new wife. Instead, I ran. Right into him. Robert Bronson is my friend’s grumpy brother-in-law... -
Big Grumpy Fireman by Cassi Hart
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCamilla:. All I wanted was a traditional Thanksgiving celebration with my family. What I got was a near-death experience. But I can’t say I regret what happened, not when it reunited me with the only man I ever loved . . . and lost. After Damian disappeared without a word seven years ago, my naïve heart never stopped hoping I’d someday find him again... -
The Fall of Us by Kennedy Fox
What happens when you travel across the country for your dream job and end up sharing a bed with an older man who volunteers you to be his fake girlfriend? You hope you don’t fall in love when it’s time to say goodbye. The Fall of us is an age gap, fake dating, close proximity romance. -
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... -
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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... -
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 single-mother grumpy sunshine office contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Gone Country by Hunter Snow
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTwo worlds. One accidental hit song. The stage is set for the ultimate showdown. Jamie Keaton is a rock star with a reputation as fiery as her songs. Clayton Langley is a country singer who epitomizes Southern charm...Categorized as:
single-father forced proximity from hate to love dual-pov contemporary humor length-long -
Beautiful Desire by A. James, Ashley James
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen I find out I could lose my bookstore, I make a deal with the devil to save it, not realizing I would end up in bed with the last person I ever thought I’d be hot and sweaty with…. Fletcher St. James. Even at twenty-four, he’s a spoiled brat. He believes the whole world owes him something, and he really needs to be put in his place... -
The Heartbreaker by Marni Mann
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA sizzling and swoony single dad, forbidden, billionaire romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Man. .. Captivated. Addicted. Mesmerized. All the things I felt the minute I saw Addison Lark. The last thing I’d expected was to fall in love at a strip club. But Addison was the woman of my dreams. It didn’t matter that I spent an obscene amount of money just to talk to her... -
Mr. Smithfield by Louise Bay
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsWanted: 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...
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