Books like 'An Unexpected Path'
Readers who enjoyed An Unexpected Path by Megan McSpadden also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny insta-love found-family disabilities and marks sports friends to lovers forced proximity
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The Woodsman by Rebecca Sharp
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsViolet Royale’s life has officially hit rock bottom. Fleeing heartbreak and a wrecked career, she heads to a remote small town in Maine, hoping a quiet holiday getaway will help her rebuild. But her plan backfires when a rugged woodsman storms into her rented cabin—claiming it's his...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love friends to lovers christmas contemporary dual-pov humor length-medium -
Weekend Fling by Claire Kingsley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIt’s just a fling. Or is it? Juliet Blake shows up at my bar, dejected after her surprise girls’ weekend goes bad. So I do the usual—mix her a drink and listen to her troubles. I’m a spontaneous guy, so I offer to help—spend the rest of the weekend with her so she’s not alone on her birthday. I don’t expect her to end up in my bed, but when she does, it’s mind-blowing... -
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The Love Bus by Annabelle Anders
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsI thought my life was perfect—until I found out my co-host-slash-fiancé was cheating on me. Live. On. TV. Overnight, I went from rising star to cautionary tale. Hiding in bed sounded like a solid plan. But fate (and my mother) had other ideas. Enter: The Love Bus. One ticket. A bunch of retirees, and The Southwest Bucket List Tour I never signed up for. I just wanted to escape the mess... -
Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsA reluctant woman, a determined popstar, and the song that started it all. After growing up in Nashville with two musician parents, I promised myself one thing—I would never, ever fall in love with anyone who had anything to do with the music scene. I will take my stable, albeit boring, accountant boyfriend, thank you very much, and live securely ever after. At least that was the plan...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers humor contemporary length-medium rockstars audiobook -
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The One I Need by Chelle Sloan
You’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... -
With This Fling by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLaura Bennett has spent her life taking care of other people and running the Dip and Twist. Happily spending her time being single and carefree, she has no intention of settling down or falling in love. With an ever-growing family, she’s a mother to them all, and she loves every minute of it. But her baby is getting married, and her oldest has her own life changes she’s dealing with... -
Sterling Fight by L.B. Dunbar
These former friends might be faking their engagement, but revealed crushes prove there might not be anything fictional about their arrangement. In college, I often saw Judd Sylver in the library. He was a cool, broody type of guy who reminded me of a deeply tortured soul who might write poetry... -
That First Flight by Jenn McMahon
Something tells me, nothing I do can stop myself from feeling things for my roommate. I’ve always wanted to be a chef. But the same day two pink lines showed up on the test, was the day I gave up chasing my own dreams to put my daughter first. I didn’t expect that to lead to a life of being scrutinized by my parents for every single move I made. After years of it, I was done... -
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... -
Just Add Happiness by Julie Hatcher
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom the author of Not Quite by the Book comes a deliciously witty novel about second chances, secret identities, and the art of rising above life’s bitter moments. At forty-six, Sophie Bianco’s life is half baked—trapped in a controlling marriage and estranged from her critical mother... -
Your Rule to Break by Rachel LaBerge
YOUR RULE TO BREAK IS A STEAMY FOOTBALL ROMANCE WITH FAKE DATING. It's the second book in The Play Caller series and can be read as a standalone. What do you do when your sister is marrying your ex? If there’s an answer, Emilie Hayes would love to know... -
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:
friends to lovers forced proximity found-family humor contemporary m-f length-medium audiobook -
The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYou are invited to a summer of sparkling champagne, warm buttery croissants and a little bit of je ne sais quoi… With a broken heart and a broken spirit, Hattie is in need of a summer escape. So when an opportunity comes up to work at a beautiful, stately chateau in the Champagne region of France she books her flights quicker than the pop of a cork... -
The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen an outgoing musical maven meets the enigmatic neuroscientist next door, will their worlds clash in a dramatic showdown of art versus science, or will they discover that love is the ultimate experiment worth conducting? When celebrated Broadway composer Hadley Olivier’s best friend receives a life-threatening diagnosis, Hadley says goodbye to her beloved home in NYC and sets off to the West...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity grumpy sunshine contemporary humor menage length-long -
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It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff comes a fierce, emotional romance about surviving the spotlight, outrunning your past, and choosing love when everything says you shouldn’t. They call her the Black Widow. A pop star. A tabloid tragedy. A girl who set the world on fire—and got burned in return. But Sloane Walker doesn’t care what they say. Not anymore...Categorized as:
found-family friends to lovers sports football contemporary humor length-long audiobook -
Kissing A Stranger by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDecker. If you ask my family, I’m wasting my life. If you ask me, I’m living it to the fullest. Am I capable of doing more? Absolutely. However, slinging drinks at the resort makes me happy. At least for now. Not that my family would understand. It’s just another night behind the bar, until it isn’t. She’s everything I never knew I wanted wrapped up in one breathtaking package... -
Stealing You by Mollie Goins
Beck Daines has everything he needs—at least that’s what he wants everyone to believe. As the starting first baseman for the Blues, he has his dream job, amazing friends, and while he’s a romantic at heart— watching his friends find the love they deserve is more than enough. However, love for himself is an idea he’s benched for good...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity found-family insta-love friends to lovers baseball contemporary m-f -
Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe end of my marriage was the beginning of my happily ever after. What happens when you hear your husband putting dents in your mattress with another woman? Leave and never look back! Easier said than done when you're a stay-at-home mom, share two kids with the no-good cheater, and have a savings account that laughs in your face on the daily...Categorized as:
found-family sports forced proximity age difference single-mother contemporary black-mc humor -
Deja Brew All Over Again by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTrouble has always had a way of finding me, but I never expected to be carjacked by a hot girl in a wedding dress. As the official family screw-up, not many people count on me for anything but a good time. But Maisy Romero and her little brother need a knight in shining armor, and they need him yesterday... -
The Trouble with Love and Coaches by Harriet Ashford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsApril Baird is determined to finish an Ironman—even if it is 140. 6 miles of misery in the form of swimming, cycling, and running. The distance would be daunting enough, but April is certain she has an Ironman curse. What else could explain the events that have caused her to DNF the last three years? Now, her coach has even bailed... -
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... -
Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSo let me get this straight. .. For the next few days I’ve got myself a grumpy fake husband who’s also kind of my. .. bodyguard? I guess that’s a better way to spend the weekend than binge-watching reality television, especially since it’s kind of my fault we’re on the run from the mob and I need a protector. Oops...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers grumpy sunshine contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Jesse's Girl by Hannah Brixton
Buckle up, Buttercup…. Three nosy relatives, two jobs, one fledgling side hustle, and zero roommate prospects. No wonder Ada Russo is saltier than the rim of a margarita glass. When her brother’s best friend lands in Lennox Valley needing a place to stay for the summer, Ada’s spare room is the logical choice...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers humor contemporary length-long explicit-open-door audiobook -
Love Letters on Hazel Lane by Jennifer Page
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsScrabble fan Jo always seems to pick the wrong guys. Now she's moved to the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, and decided to give dating one last chance. This time, there's a she will only date men whose names would score highly in her beloved word game. After Tarquin (16 points) proves just as disappointing as the rest, she meets low-scoring local doctor Ras (3 points)... -
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Man Candy by Vanessa Vale
From USA Today best-selling author Vanessa Vale, a small-town billionaire romance with a hot-as-puck hockey hero and a wannabe romance writer. I’m looking for Mr. Right. Date after blind date, they’re all duds. None of them meet the requirements on my Man List. Until Dex James. My brain? It says he’s all kinds of wrong. He’s young. In town on vacation. A lazy billionaire. He’d only be a fling...Categorized as:
sports insta-love forced proximity contemporary humor super rich hero dual-pov grumpy sunshine -
Too Freaking Hot by Loni Ree
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s playing with fire. He’s more than ready to bring the heat. Sage. Firefighters are supposed to put out fires… not start them. But when Ian Hot walks into my classroom, my world goes up in smoke. Tall, muscled, and too charming for his own good, he’s a walking, talking fire hazard. And no matter where I go, he’s there. Coincidence? Yeah, right...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity contemporary humor length-short first-in-series standalone-first -
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim by Jules Wake
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFor fans of The Saturday Morning Park Run! Take the plunge and discover a gorgeous new read full of friendship, love and the healing power of community! Ettie is trying to figure out her future. Dominic’s just trying to forget his past...Categorized as:
sports insta-love disabilities and marks small town humor contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Not A Player by R.C. Stephens
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLiliana. Hooking up with an annoyingly handsome stranger on vacation isn't the best idea, but I could use a little bit of careless fun before my fresh start. We said no last names, no strings. With law school on the line, it’s all I can offer. I just don’t expect everything to feel so easy— or so right. Too bad I’ll never see him again...Categorized as:
sports insta-love forced proximity friends to lovers new adult humor contemporary second chances -
So Flocked by Sarah Estep
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter the wedding, they’ll go their separate ways and no one will ever know what happened in the lighthouse. Jordy Taylor is a disaster. Over the hill by professional football standards, the veteran quarterback isn’t ready to hang up his pads just yet, but his team might have other plans... -
Dating Your Arrogant Athlete by Lana Dash
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRule #1: Don't Drop the Ball. Jamie Hayes is a star baseball player with an ego to match. But when we are forced to work together, I see there is more to this arrogant athlete than I originally thought... -
The Fastball by Emily Childs
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe's the coach's aggravating daughter. He's the shy guy on first base. And they have no idea they're keeping the same secret. After a devastating accident that leaves his throwing hand in shambles, MLB first baseman, Dax Sage, finds out the woman handling the PR for his recovery is none other than the gorgeous, frigid daughter of his head coach... -
Just a Football Star by Deb Goodman
He’s a competitive ex-athlete. Which is code for “He’s gonna break my heart. ”. When I started my career as a sports trainer for professional football players, I didn’t understand the dangers involved. I thought my knowledge and next-level love for the game would be all I needed to treat and motivate the guys. Now? It’s all gone... -
Billionaire Bachelor by Laura Lee
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEscaping to my family’s cabin after my engagement imploded seemed like the perfect plan. But when Logan Edwards—my brother’s best friend, bad boy tech billionaire, and the man who’s haunted my fantasies for years—shows up unexpectedly, everything changes. With only one bed and a snowstorm raging outside, it doesn’t take long for the sparks between us to ignite... -
The Fate Philosophy by Sarah A. Bailey
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFollowing the long overdue break-up from her insufferable ex-boyfriend, Macie Cunningham was ready for a fresh start. She thought she’d find that new beginning when she impulsively moved to Los Angeles with her best friend, but after six months here, all she’s discovered is that her life is strenuously the same. The same career—one she’s not so sure she still loves... -
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Two for Tripping by Lasairiona E. McMaster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAwkward. Adrift. Alone. Fresh out of college, Will Morrison finds himself at a loss. Graduating top of his class was all well and good, but with no idea of what to do next, it’s all meaningless, and his recent mistakes have put him on tenuous ground with his best friend and sister...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers forced proximity insta-love college contemporary new adult tearjerkers -
Win a Date with a Bully by Kate Tilney
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA curvy CEO wants redemption with the bully who made high school hard for her but is surprised with what she finds when she wins a date with him at a charity bachelor auction. Bridger Kade and his buddies made high school a living h-e-double hockey sticks for me. Now he's the captain of Seattle's hockey team and people everywhere want to date him. Everyone, except me...Categorized as:
insta-love sports contemporary humor length-novella first-in-series standalone-first -
Puck Proposal by Delancey Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy hockey career is on fire, so when my best friend from high school (and the girl I'd always want) shows up on my doorstep in trouble, I have a turn her away (not likely! ) or propose. Back then, Josephine Baxter was the unattainable debutante who took pity on the kid from the wrong side of town. We were unlikely best friends. And she was the girl I’d never have. At least not like that... -
One Timer on Top by London Casey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDON’T SLEEP WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND’S EX. Okay. I get that. I respect that. But what about sleeping with your biggest rival’s ex? And… what about marrying her…? * * *. I caught my boyfriend enjoying some “oral service” from another woman. Dumping him is easy. Getting rid of him his almost impossible since I work in PR and he’s one of my clients. (Yeah, I know, don’t mix business with pleasure... -
The Treasure Hunt Hookup by Lila Monroe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJoin the hunt for love in this hot and hilarious rom-com with a black cat heroine, cinnamon roll hero, and all the pumpkin spice fall reading vibes! Perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Ali Hazelwood, and Emily Henry. Reeve Donovan is Hollywood’s hottest, most charmingly-stubborn director… and the last man I expected to find strolling down Main Street in my sleepy Blue Ridge hometown... -
Hold Me by Tawna Fenske
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRomeo. Boy Toy. Player. I’ve heard what they call me, and never gave it much thought. Then Zoe walks in with her library smarts and innocent eyes and one helluva dirty idea. I guess living in hospitals for two decades didn’t leave much time for dating. Or any kind of fun, really. Zoe’s a virgin with a bucket list, and guess who’s on it? No way am I satisfying her desires...Categorized as:
friends to lovers found-family forced proximity contemporary age difference humor length-short -
A Wedding Mismatch by Kaylee Baldwin
Let’s play a Two truths and a lie. 1. I am a self-help influencer who is a hot mess. 2. If I don’t get some quiet time between planning my sister’s wedding to finish my book, Happily Single, I’m in hot water with my publisher. 3. I’m blackmailing the hot grump next-door into letting me live with him until this book is done...Categorized as:
forced proximity found-family contemporary grumpy sunshine humor glimpses-kisses length-medium -
Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens…. Dessa should have been mine. .. until my brother kissed her first. Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother... -
Tap Out by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhat would you do if you came face-to-face with your celebrity crush? Rocky Steele is surrounded by professional athletes. It’s her job. As a physical therapist in a world renowned gym, she works with the best of the best, from hockey players to MMA fighters. Celebrity status does not impress her. Nor do big, strong men in peak physical condition. Nope...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity insta-love friends to lovers contemporary humor new adult fighters -
Pick One by May Archer
I once lived a fairly quiet existence as a math professor. Then Teagan Donahue crashed into my life like a shooting star. Now every day's a holiday, and my very best friend is also the guy I can't stop fantasizing about. The guy I'm madly in love with. The guy I'm ready to turn down my dream job for... -
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My Royal Showmance by Lexi Blake
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake, discover The Park Avenue Promise Series. .. Three young women make a pact in high school—. to always be friends and to one day make it big in Manhattan. My Royal Showmance. Anika Fox knows exactly where she wants to be, and it’s not on the set of a reality TV dating show... -
Namaste and Code All Day by Ally Williams
I’ve always believed love is nothing more than good timing. That it's just two people who happen to get along deciding this is probably as good as it gets. Until Zeke Morgan. He walks me home from the yoga classes I take like candy. He encourages me to chase my dreams of opening my own studio. He’s gentle with me when I tell him past experiences make me hesitant about getting physical...Categorized as:
friends to lovers found-family contemporary humor office length-long explicit-open-door -
Serenity & the Hermit by Megan Wade
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNelson Valentine has never been a man who enjoys company. Living in Whisper Valley where the Valentine name is synonymous with fun and levity means the townsfolk feel comfortable striking up a conversation whenever he’s picking up supplies...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity humor contemporary virgin heroine age difference length-novella -
Drop Shot by Vai Denton
Delilah Anderson is no stranger to sacrifice where her siblings are concerned. Who needs to go to college when you have three hungry mouths to feed and pro tennis money in your sights? Except it’s not that simple. No matter how hard she works, the bills are piling up ad infinitum. When her doubles partner decides to start focusing on singles, she knows the margins are going to be razor thin...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity found-family contemporary grumpy sunshine athletes humor length-medium -
The Real Fake Fiancé by Sara Jane Woodley
Hi, I’m Dee, and I’m captain of the friend zone. I didn’t ask for this dubious honor, but don’t worry, I like it this way. I’m happy not dating and just being “one of the guys” on my volleyball team. Until my scary new boss informs me that my job—I’m a developer at a dating app (ironic, right? ) that I coded from scratch, an app that is essentially my baby—is in jeopardy. So I lie...
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