Books like 'Embers in Our Past'
Readers who enjoyed Embers in Our Past by Stefanie Castro also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary men in uniform second chances found-family forced proximity
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The Hero She Loves by Anna Hackett
The last thing he wants is to hunt a dangerous fugitive in the Alaskan wilderness, especially with a tough, stubborn US marshal.Parker Conroy moved to Alaska to be alone. His military career in Ghost Ops ended with an explosion and three torturous weeks of captivity. It’s left him scarred, wanting to avoid people, and hating being touched...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity friends-benefits suspense contemporary military m-f length-short -
Theo by Riley Edwards
Is seven days long enough to build a forever love? I was living a nightmare of my own making. My life had been erased. My past rewritten. My name changed. I had nothing from my previous life. I was no longer Bridget Keller. I was promised federal protection. I was promised a new life. I was promised I would be safe...Categorized as:
second chances forced proximity contemporary suspense military mystery m-f new adult -
Smith by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsSmith and Aria's story...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity suspense contemporary military grumpy sunshine length-medium -
The Last Second Chance by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsWhat would it take to get one last chance? Joey Greer is done having her heart broken. Eight years ago, after a horrific car accident, Jackson Pierce—her high school sweetheart—abandoned her. Abandoned his family. Abandoned the town they'd both grown up in, and fled to Hollywood. He never looked back, and she never forgot him. Or forgave him... -
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Deserving Ryleigh by Susan Stoker
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOfficial Blurb coming soon! But this book features Tiny & Ryleigh!**Deserving Ryleigh is the 7th and final book in the The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings... -
Line of Resistance by Jemma Westbrook, Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsGetting stranded in the snow without cell service wasn’t the worst thing that could have happened to Eloise Rivers.Being saved by the man who’d led her on more than once was... -
This Much Is True by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWhen celebrity Laina Kelley bolted from her small hometown church on her wedding day, she ran to the first place that came to mind—the home of the local farrier, a gorgeous playboy who just so happens to be her first love … and biggest frenemy... -
Nothing But It All by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a warm and romantic novel about a marriage in trouble, two conspiring kids, and the meaning of long-lasting love. After twenty years, the cracks in Lauren Reed’s marriage are showing. She and her husband, Jack, feel more like roommates than a loving couple...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances humor small town mature couple contemporary length-medium -
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsListening Length 9 hours and 57 minutesA red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex...Categorized as:
second chances forced proximity m-m contemporary queer from hate to love angst friends to lovers -
Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsTwo enemies. One bed. What could possibly go wrong? Our new general manager is the most difficult man on the planet. The night before Drake begins working at my family's hotel, he finds me in the bar, trying to get rid of a boring date. But the guy won’t take even a not-so-subtle hint. Then Drake surprises me and comes to our table, but only to reprimand ME about dating in our workplace... -
All Hail the Underdogs by E.L. Massey
When seventeen-year-old Patrick Roman is offered a scholarship to a top hockey preparatory school, he thinks maybe his notorious bad luck has finally ended. With a hearing for his legal emancipation on the horizon, he dreams of getting scouted and securing a place on a D1 college team. There’s only one Roman has serious beef with his new winger on the team, Damien Bordeaux...Categorized as:
forced proximity found-family contemporary sports from hate to love hockey length-medium new adult -
The Bodyguard and the Bombshell by Lexi Blake
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series…The Bodyguard…Nate Carter left Australia’s elite SASR unit after a tragic accident. Shattered by the experience, he thought taking a job in the States might be a good way to start over. His father’s former employer, McKay-Taggart, has a position for him in the bodyguard unit... -
Bookmarked by Bella Jay
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat if your soon-to-be ex-husband invited you on a divorcemoon, five nights at your bucket list baecation spot for one last hoorah before you go your separate ways? Would you go?Brooklin did... -
Expired Return by Lisa Phillips
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsShe’ll give everything to protect her family.He always knew she was the one.Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong... -
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Cold Fury by Toni Anderson
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSeven years ago, Hope Harper was a star defense attorney with a great life and a beautiful family—until she got the wrong defendant released, and he turned around and viciously slaughtered her husband and child. Since then, the only thing Hope cares about is locking bad guys behind bars where they can’t hurt anyone else... -
Count to Ten by Karen Rose
In all his years in the Chicago Fire Department, Lieutenant Reed Solliday ahs never experienced anything like this recent outbreak of house fires - devastating, vicious and in one case, homicidal. He has another problem - his new partner, Detective Mia Mitchell. She's brash, bossy, and taking the case in a direction he never imagined... -
Defending Home by Caitlyn O'Leary
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWill Two Tormented Souls Have The Courage To Reach For Love?The only family Nolan O’Rourke ever claimed were his Navy SEAL brothers, they had never let him down. His childhood wasn’t rough, it wasn’t hard, it was hell, and now any mission that he was assigned to was a cakewalk in comparison... -
Cold Fury by Toni Anderson
Seven years ago, Hope Harper was a star defense attorney with a great life and a beautiful family—until she got the wrong defendant released, and he turned around and viciously slaughtered her husband and child. Since then, the only thing Hope cares about is locking bad guys behind bars where they can’t hurt anyone else...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity contemporary suspense mystery length-long explicit-open-door -
Forgotten Dreams by Natasha Madison
When the box of secrets is opened, no one is left the same. SierraI thought I knew until I accidentally discovered my adoring parents' biggest secret on mytwenty-fifth birthday.I am adopted.Part of me is missing, and I set out to find it.Trying to figure out the past piece by piece, I bought a little fixer-upper in the small town I wasgiven up in.Old lies will come out... -
It All Comes Back to You by Melissa Wiesner
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsAn absolutely unforgettable and heart-shattering romance, perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Lucy Score and Carley Fortune, that does keeping secrets destroy true love?Anna works two jobs to get herself through college and never, ever talks about her family. It’s easier to keep her distance from everyone until she can finally leave her old life behind...Categorized as:
second chances found-family contemporary friends to lovers angst mystery new adult length-medium -
Anger Banger by S.M. Shade
The residents of Happy Haven Trailer park have been waiting for this for a long time. The slumlord who abandoned this place and let our homes deteriorate has been court ordered to live here while making repairs. Imagine our surprise when the guy who shows up to move in to the dilapidated trailer across the street isn't the sixty year old man we expected, but his son... -
Crushed But Not Defeated by Nicole Dykes
MilesSelfish.That’s the only way Andrew will ever see me. An abused boy who grew up and became a defense attorney for the rich and famous.I’ll never forget the look on his face when I told him. The hurt and disgust I saw in his eyes as I stomped all over his dreams.He left me behind, convincing me he’d hate me forever. Now, circumstances have brought me back into his life...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances found-family m-m from hate to love hurt-comfort contemporary angst -
Wedding at the Riverview Inn by Molly O'Keefe
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsAn emotional tale of a magical inn, a wedding gone terribly wrong and a woman searching for a second chance.Alice has hit rock bottom. Once a Michelin-starred chef, she is now drowning in debt, working the line at a chain restaurant and drinking too much. The last person she ever expected to come knocking with a job offer and a fresh start is her ex-husband, Gabe... -
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... -
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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 forced proximity grumpy sunshine small town contemporary humor length-medium -
Flashback by Michelle Sass Aleckson, Susan May Warren
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.THIS TIME, THEY'RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.He’s the last person she wants to see…Allie Monroe is desperate for a fresh start. Grieving the loss of her first SAR dog, she’s gone to Montana to train her new K9, Scout... -
The One I Need by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsYou’re cordially invited to the wedding of Oliver Price and Izzy McCall…That’s how my wedding invitations should have started. I should know, I’ve had my wedding planned since I was ten. I should’ve been wearing a designer tuxedo, not a tuxedo t-shirt. The wedding should’ve been in a church with family and friends, not in a 1960’s style chapel with Elvis as the officiant... -
Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy
I can't believe I'm at the point in my life where I need to convince a stranger to pretend to be my fiancée. My publicist came up with the idea to hire a fake fiancée to improve my bad-boy reputation and “win over the hearts and minds of fans.” But I'm the one who impulsively decided to bring one home with me for my brother's vow renewal...Categorized as:
forced proximity found-family humor contemporary friends to lovers m-f length-medium open-door -
It's Always Sonny by Kate Watson
Sunshine always melts ice eventually. And I’m starting to feel the burn.People may call me an “overachieving ice queen,” but I would do anything for the people I love.So when my friends ask me to host an event at their famous farm, I’m more than happy to help…until I discover I’ve been set up.The “event” is actually a reunion for my ex’s family...Categorized as:
forced proximity found-family second chances contemporary sports grumpy sunshine m-f football -
Miles Bailey Gets Down On One Knee by Jen Atkinson
I am Delaney Jones, courageous enough to defy my mother, fearless enough to leave my successful rock band, and daring enough to propose to a perfect stranger.Delaney:Miles wasn’t planned.Which kind of made him perfect.Sure, I’d just said no—to a load of handsome men on a reality show designed to find me a husband, but I didn’t want any of them.I don’t want Miles either—at least, I think I don’t... -
Burning Justice by Tee O'Fallon
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter narrowly surviving a childhood fire that killed two of his friends, ATF Special Agent Brett Tanner knows what it’s like to get too close to the flame. The trauma only spurs him and his K-9 partner to track down the arsonists targeting a Colorado town. This latest warehouse blaze looks suspicious as hell…and there’s a body. Now it’s murder...Categorized as:
forced proximity men in uniform suspense contemporary mystery friends to lovers length-medium -
Speak: A Post Divorce Romance by JL Seegars
Something awful and illuminating happens when a marriage ends. All illusions fade away. Light spills into the darkest corners of the union, forcing you to face the cracks. The moments bereft of love. The nights without affection. The days spent learning to be quiet and still, expecting nothing because that’s all you’ve ever been given... -
One Night with You by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNever fall for your best friend.That’s the rule. The code.Claire Harlow always follows rules—except this one.However, when an attack leaves both of their worlds shaken, she decides to walk away from what could have been and hide within her own shadows.Kingston Montgomery is the man who saves the day.At least that’s what he’s always told himself—until one day he was too late... -
Your One True Love by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsShe’s the one who got away. This time, he refuses to let her slip through his fingers. *A sizzling second chance romance* Daniel Bennett has no regrets, except one: letting go of the woman he loved years ago. He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he’s been pining for Caroline ever since. But his meddling family can read him like an open book... -
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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... -
Dylan by Apryl Baker
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDylan ~Six years ago, Dylan Jenkins lost his daughter in a tragic car accident, and his wife took her own life because she couldn’t live with the guilt of surviving. The loss of his family turned him into a hard, cold man. He quit his job as an LAPD detective and moved to New York where he took a position with Kincaid Security & Investigations. Viktor Kincaid and his company saved his life... -
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:
men in uniform second chances contemporary military suicide secret child bikers length-long -
Escape by A.K. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when your home turns toxic? The place she should have felt safest was a nightmare turned reality for Josie Day. Each day that passes gets worse and worse. And it’s been that way her entire life. But she refuses to be a statistic, so she comes up with a plan to get out...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity friends to lovers contemporary suspense military length-medium -
Firestorm by Lisa Phillips, Susan May Warren
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe thought his life was over…and then she walked back in. Charlie Benning has always been a rescuer—first with the Last Chance County Fire and Rescue team, and now as a firefighter with the Jude County Hotshots. But this summer isn’t about saving lives—it’s about hiding his own terrible secret. A secret he’s keeping from his estranged daughter, Alexis. But fate is about to intervene... -
Fighting for Berlin by Katie Reus
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer instinct has always been to fix things…Berlin is no stranger to loss. After her parents died, it was just her and her younger sisters. Now that they’re all in college she’s been focusing on her new job with Redemption Harbor Security. But when one of her online VR buddies goes uncharacteristically radio silent, she gets worried and makes it her mission to find him... -
Caution by A.K. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLike every hardworking member of Harper Security Ops, Forrest Hickman takes time away from work to relax and recharge. And he often does that while riding his snowboard on the slopes of his favorite ski resort.He wasn’t sure anything would be better than some time alone to clear his head. That is, until he meets someone to spend his break with... -
Rescued Duty by Lisa Phillips, Laura Conaway
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter growing up in foster care, investigative reporter Naya Michél has learned there’s usually more to a situation than meets the eye. When she’s assigned a story about the current water contamination crisis in town, Naya is ready to show her boss she has what it takes to secure a promotion—especially since the events surrounding the story have personal ties to her childhood...Categorized as:
men in uniform second chances contemporary suspense bwwm christian black-mc length-medium -
False Evidence by Rachel Grant
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHolidays can be deadly... Alexandra Vargas hasn’t spoken to JT Talon in seven years. She’s moved on from the heartbreak, and now has the baby—and life—she always wanted... -
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Fire by Abby Brooks
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsHe was my first and I thought he’d be my last. Now he’s asking for a second chance.Micah Hutton is charming. Sweet. Confident. And his page in the shirtless fireman calendar for charity? Trust me, November has never been hotter. But like Grandma says: it’s never the angels who look like sin.Micah promised he’d love me forever... -
Man of Honor by Parker St. John
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe broke my heart once.Now it's my turn.Violence and I go way back, but waking up in a shallow grave in the middle of the bayou? That's a new low, even for me. I didn't come home to Devil's Garden looking for trouble, but this town is itching to pick a fight with me.Now, I'm stuck relying on the one man I vowed never to face again. Wyatt is older, smarter, and stronger...Categorized as:
found-family second chances men in uniform age difference m-m queer length-medium contemporary -
My Mountain Man Military Hero by Sadie King
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWild Heart Mountain is heating up when an ex-military hero meets his match with a young curvy volunteer firefighter.Since being discharged from the military I’ve lost my purpose in life, until I find Erika…She’s feisty, curvy, and strong... -
Reign by Billie Lustig
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBeing the youngest Wolfe isn’t as fun as people think. The expectation on my shoulders is a constant weight. A burden.I have a different past from my brothers. One many don’t know anything about. People don’t know the struggle.The memories.The hurt.But I push it all away.I simply try to forget it ever happened. So far, I’ve done a great job of ignoring my past... -
Fire Fight by Amanda Chaperon
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCrew Lawless was just doing his job when he saved Aspen McKay from that fire. The call should’ve been get the vic out, pass her off to the paramedics, and forget about her. But there’s nothing routine about the feelings Aspen stirs in him, and there’s definitely no forgetting her. Especially not when, down on her luck after her ordeal, he offers her a place to stay—with him...Categorized as:
men in uniform forced proximity found-family suspense mystery dual-pov contemporary length-long -
Never Too Hot by Bella Andre
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsA TOUCH IGNITES. A FIRE BURNS. AND THE HEAT HAS JUST BEGUN. Deep in the cool green mountains of the Adirondacks, wounded firefighter Connor MacKenzie has come to rebuild the 100-year-old MacKenzie family cabin - and to be alone...Categorized as:
men in uniform forced proximity suspense contemporary curvy heroine alpha male m-f length-medium
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