Books like 'The Temporary Wife'
Readers who enjoyed The Temporary Wife by Heidi McLaughlin also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary mature couple m-f friends to lovers marriage of convenience found-family small town competent heroine working class heroine sweet-hero
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If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear.I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out.Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy...Categorized as:
single-father friends to lovers dual-pov found-family m-f small town competent heroine sweet-hero -
Conquered by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsDylan Welsh was the last man standing…until Sawyer Glasgow brought him to his knees. Dylan wasn’t ready for Sawyer. He wasn’t ready to confront the truth of his past. He wasn’t ready to admit he’s fallen in love with the sweet, sexy woman who captivated him from the moment he saw her. He’s especially not prepared to face the hurt he’s caused Sawyer. But to keep her, he must do all three... -
Made For You by Kami Holt
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsTHIS IS A RERELEASE!!!!Please be aware that this book has been previously released under the same title.Why doesn’t she love me? That’s the question that lives rent free in CiyaniRobinson’s head. After tragedy strikes, her mother completely abandons herleaving her with responsibilities that she was not old enough to handle on herown...Categorized as:
friends to lovers found-family dual-pov african-american sports length-medium contemporary -
New Beginnings on Railway Lane by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsWhen high flying, workaholic Katy Smith is suddenly made redundant, she needs to find a job fast!After mistakenly answering an advert online, she quickly realises that the rundown railway station in sleepy Cranfield isn’t the 5-star London hotels she’s used to working in!But a job’s a job. Right?Chef Ryan Connelly is having a crisis of confidence after his Italian dream turns sour... -
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Beating Heart by Laura Pavlov
A Small Town, Single Dad, Neighbors to Lovers, Standalone Romance from USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Laura Pavlov. From the moment my son came into the world—my life changed in the best way. I’d found my purpose. My reason. My heart beats for this kid every damn day. My company is thriving, and life is good. But then Emerson Chadwick happened... -
Playing with Lies by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA no-strings kinda guy and a forever kinda woman…what could go wrong?I had a stalker and I knew just who to ask for help—Detective Dalton Neary. My own personal Prince Charming. The problem was, he turned out not to be so charming, at least not in the forever kind of way I was looking for. He was a good-time guy with a sexy smile and a goat game that should be illegal. But not the man for me... -
Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster
She’s a romance writer who, against her better instinct, is finding love in the friend zone in a fun, sexy, and unpredictable romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who... -
Drink It Up by Cee Bowerman
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsQuinn Donovan is a single dad with too much on his plate. He is surrounded by his wild and crazy family at home and at work while raising two little girls who are the light of his life. When a complete stranger swoops in to help him when he needs it most only to then disappear without a word, it seems he’s lost his chance to get to know her...Categorized as:
single-father dual-pov first-person-pov contemporary mystery insta-love length-short -
Heading Home to Lavender Cottage by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWith nowhere else to go, Harriet Colgan has returned to the sleepy village of Cranfield to sell her beloved aunt and uncle’s cottage, the only place she ever called home.When she arrives at Lavender Cottage, Harriet discovers plans to replace the beautiful lavender fields, her uncle’s pride and joy, with an industrial warehouse... -
A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft: Cosy up with a BRAND NEW gorgeously romantic read from the million-copy sensation Jessica Redland for 2025 by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA BRAND NEW feel-good novel from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland, guaranteed to leave a smile on your face! New friends, new life, new love…Single dad, Joel Grainger, is devoted to his little girl, Imogen, doing all he can to be a key part of her life. But with Imogen’s mum being ever more difficult and Joel’s job suddenly in doubt, he’s worried that everything is about to change... -
The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFamily, wounded hearts, and a Texas bed-and-breakfast are in need of repair in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s inviting novel about down-home comfort and second chances.Cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae are due for a change... -
The Village of Lost and Found by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsScandal hit party girl Lucy Conway needs to leave London fast, so she packs her bags and escapes to the sleepy village of Cranbridge to take care of her beloved Uncle Frank.But the country village isn’t quite as idyllic as she remembers. To make matters worse, her Uncle’s pride and joy, The Cranbridge Times, is close to going out of business... -
Flirt by Adriana Locke
WANTED: A SITUATION-SHIPI’m a single female that’s tired of relationships ruining my life. However, there are times when a date would be helpful. If you’re a single man, preferably mid-twenties to late-thirties, and are in a similar situation, we might be a match.Candidate must be handsome, charming, and willing to pretend to have feelings for me (on a sliding scale, as the event requires)... -
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Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsPrepare to fall in love with MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland's treasured Hedgehog Hollow series. 'I loved my trip to Hedgehog Hollow. An emotional read, full of twists and turns' Heidi SwainCan love really be found when you stop looking for it...?As Samantha Wishaw watches the love of her life marry another woman, she’s ready to give up hope of finding her happy ever after...Categorized as:
friends to lovers small town mature couple m-f contemporary death office length-medium -
With Love, This Christmas by Kimberly Brown
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNoelle Ackerman loves Christmas and plans to make this Christmas the most special of all. After five years of living in Paris, she has returned home to Grand Hills, the place where love has always dwelled for her. Love for Noelle is not only her family but with the man who stole her heart at the tender age of five.Kane Weston aka Noelle’s tall, dark, and handsome best friend... -
Always Love by Scarlett Avery
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLusting after my father’s protégé and friend is plain stupid considering I’m invisible to him…Jagger Halsey…He’s sinful, much older and talented beyond words.My father thinks the world of him.So do I.And I’ve tried to tell him in not-so-subtle ways. Even after my numerous, persistent attempts to catch his attention, he ignores me.Exasperated and heartbroken, I give up...Categorized as:
single-father friends to lovers m-f rockstars super rich hero contemporary length-long -
Late Nights & Love Lines by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe job was simple. Answer the phone, solve the single dad's dilemma, and move on.I'm the temporary solution.The fill-in.The short-term Single Dad Hotline Helper until a more suitable one can be found.I don't get attached, I don't stick around, and I certainly don't fall for the single dad.Until the job said, "Hold my beer," and tipped my world upside down... -
The Village Inn of Secret Dreams by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAfter escaping her parents’ unhappy marriage to sleepy Cranbridge a long time ago, Belle Clarke dreams of staying at The Black Swan Inn forever.But with the rundown Inn threatened with closure, Belle may be forced to leave, unless a buyer can be found … quickly.So, when her oldest friend Pete Kennedy returns from working abroad with a plan to save the Inn, Belle should be overjoyed... -
Stay Together by Kaylee Ryan
RushtonFrom the moment I see her, I’m hooked. There’s just something about Crosby that has me eager to know her. One thing’s for sure, I can’t stay away from the new kindergarten teacher with the kind smile and secrets in her brown eyes.There’s no hiding in a small town, and she’s suddenly everywhere... -
Boomerangers by Heather M. Orgeron
Boomerangers [boo-muh-rang-ers] noun, informal: an adult that moves back home to live with a parent after a period of independence. Spencer I love sex. I love the power, the intimacy, the euphoria it brings. Too bad I’m not having any . . . You’d think as New Orleans’ most renowned sex therapist that I’d be swimming in single men. In a way, I am . .Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov first-person-pov m-f small town humor contemporary single-mother -
Forbidden King by Laura Pavlov
From USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling Author Laura Pavlov, comes an all new Small Town, Brother’s Best Friend, Found Family Standalone Romance. Saylor Woodson is the one girl I can’t have, and the only girl I want. She’s my best friend’s little sister, and completely off limits. We have a history, a connection—one that no one else knows about. One that I’ve tried hard to forget... -
Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott
A vintage VW van. Four friends. A cross-country road trip.It will be the best adventure of my life, if only I can shake the feelings I have for Cameron .Cameron Reeves is as gorgeous as his name makes him sound.He’s about six feet tall, which is the height I always wrote in my ideal man list in my journal. Yes. I have a list of qualities I want in a man... -
Part of Me by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFishing for the TruthSeasiders,News on the docks is Sutton Bradley may be adding new stock to her little boutique store, Coastal Chic, on the square. Now, I can neither confirm nor deny that it is sexy lingerie, but seeing as Ms. Bradley has been seen on more than one occasion in the company of Brody Wilson, who, let me remind you, was voted as the catch of the season... -
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Promise Me This by Hannah Bird
Forever wasn’t supposed to look like this.When Leona Granger studied abroad in Ireland, she spent a lot more time falling in love with Callum Walsh than she did in the classroom. On the eve of her return to the States, she promised to come back for him when she finished college. They said goodbye under the stars, sealing their promise with more than just a kiss... -
Claim Me Forever by A.L. Jackson
A single dad sheriff doing his best to protect his town. A gorgeous stranger caught trespassing. A love never expected…So, it turns out the town sheriff is a total cinnamon roll. A big, burly, grumpy, hot as sin, cinnamon roll. He found me hiding out on private property. Trespassing. I lied and told him I was only there because I was out of cash and had to sleep in my car...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-father found-family small town first-person-pov dual-pov m-f new adult -
Wishing for the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
He could be her forever, but first, she has to tell him the truth about her.I know this man.I’ve seen him in my dreams. I even know his name before he says it.Does that mean we’re destined to be together? It certainly feels like it. But I’m too afraid to tell him the truth about myself... -
Don't Go Faking My Heart by Kate Watson
My manipulative ex is back in my life, and my hot best friend has offered to be my fake boyfriend. No big deal … except I’m not sure I’m faking. I, Ashley Jane Moore, am a glorious disaster. Listen, I like myself, but the men in my life typically don’t. Not my dad and certainly not my manipulative ex. The one exception is my best friend, Rusty...Categorized as:
friends to lovers found-family m-f contemporary office length-medium glimpses-kisses -
Take Me to the Valley by Kaci Rose
He’s her brother’s best friend. She’s never had a thing for single dads or younger men… until him. Evan I’ve built my life around two things: protecting my daughter, Skye, and serving Whiskey River as a detective. Love? It’s off the table. I can’t have both—it’s not fair to Skye, and I’ve already been burned once...Categorized as:
m-f single-father small town contemporary men in uniform siblings-bff explicit-open-door -
Two Wedding Crashers by Meghan Quinn
I don’t know what love is anymore.Well, that’s not entirely true, but I’m going to tell you a little secret: I’ve lost the spark. You know the kind of spark I’m talking about? Where butterflies take flight in your stomach from two hands innocently colliding. Or catching your breath when you first meet someone attractive. Yeah, that spark...Categorized as:
m-f first-person-pov dual-pov contemporary alpha male length-medium explicit-open-door -
Sterling Heat by L.B. Dunbar
Love wasn’t the daily special when a grumpy small-town baker delivers a baby in his bakery. Now, all he can think about is that sweet bundle and her tempting single mother.Having a baby in a bakery gives new meaning to taking the bun out of the oven. I’d been in Curmudgeon Bakery for one of those lemon baby-Bundt cakes I’d been craving since I found out I was pregnant...Categorized as:
small town mature couple dual-pov first-person-pov m-f contemporary single-mother pregnancy -
You, Me, and Forever by Laura Pavlov
USA Today bestselling author Laura Pavlov delivers a spicy enemies-to-lovers romance about a billionaire developer and a small-town entrepreneur battling their desires in the Land of the Midnight Sun.Myles St. James is tearing my world apart.Wish I’d known that before I slept with him.It was supposed to be a one-night stand.Like I knew anything about those.But I needed to blow off steam... -
Dirty Little Midlife Dilemma by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA hot, hilarious fresh start! Nora’s forties begin with a bang…or rather, a crash.What’s worse than bumping into a parked motorcycle and tipping it over?Easy. It’s bumping into a motorcycle, tipping it over, and sending it crashing into an entire row of bikes like horrible, slow-motion dominos.What’s even worse than that?Nora knows the answer... -
Firefly Effect by K.K. Allen
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHe's a single dad who moves to a small mountain town and becomes obsessed with a potential client—a beautiful woman haunted by her tragic past.For years, tales of the Firefly Man were nothing more than elaborate rumors spread by residents of the Appalachian Mountains.Until the night Evelyn Vaughn stumbled upon a dead body in the woods.Fear gripped her, and silence stole her voice... -
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Trouble with the Guy Next Door by Holly Renee
From the moment I met him, I knew he was trouble. He was reckless, cocky, and everything I shouldn't want. I had a life all figured out, and Tucker Moore was not a part of the plan. But somehow I slipped. One moment I had it all under control. The next I was spiraling around him, begging him for whatever he would give me. But as quickly as I fell for him, it all crumbled around us...Categorized as:
friends to lovers m-f first-person-pov contemporary new adult curvy heroine length-short -
The Growly Outcast's Promise by Kat Baxter
Annabelle Once upon a time Greyson Hendricks was the only thing I ever wanted, but that was a long time ago. Now I’m focused on more practical matters … namely satisfying my grandmother’s ridiculous demand that I get married so that she doesn’t cut off me and (more importantly) my sister... -
Wright with Benefits by K.A. Linde
A feisty stand alone friends with benefits romance from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde. With new characters set in the bestselling world of the Wrights, this is a perfect jumping on point for new readers! I shouldn’t have hooked up with my one night stand... again. To be fair, I was having the worst day of my life. I was sure that nothing else could go wrong. Then in walks Jordan Wright... -
Pining For You by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve been in love with my best friend since the day I met her freshman year of high school. She was a halo of sunshine on a rainy day, pulling me out of the shadows and making me feel like life was one big roller-coaster ride of excitement. Until the day we graduated and she left on the back of a Harley with some guy who didn’t deserve her, middle fingers in the air...Categorized as:
friends to lovers marriage of convenience m-f contemporary forced proximity humor length-short -
Seduction Under the Southern Stars by Serenity Woods
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve never been good at doing what I’m told… When Joel, an old friend of mine, asks me to stay in New Zealand after my father’s funeral to help his kid sister, Elora, hunt down a family heirloom, I’m not too thrilled. Visiting my home country has dragged up unwelcome memories of the poor, angry young man I used to be, and I’m itching to get back to my European excavations and affluent lifestyle... -
Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton
First comes a lifelong crush, then comes . . . a marriage of convenience to her sister?Marrying Lois Jones was the only future Bram Baxter ever planned for. Until she returns home from Europe with another man’s ring on her finger. Devastated, Bram struggles to envision a different future for himself... -
A Christmas Bargain by Ariana Cooper
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHis land for my heart? That wasn't part of the deal. I'm Claire Winters, real estate heiress with a deadline.Desperate to save my family's legacy.Until I meet Derek Everett, the stubborn single dad who holds the key.He's a former Wall Street king.Eight years my senior.Devastatingly handsome with those blue eyes.And he's using our fake relationship as leverage...Categorized as:
single-father first-person-pov dual-pov m-f contemporary new adult length-short grumpy sunshine -
A Love Like You by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter Mick Routlege catches the garter at his best friend’s wedding, everyone is convinced he’s next. Too bad the only woman he wants has him lodged firmly in the friend zone.Between her job as a nurse and the demands of her family, Juliette Chen feels like the world is on her shoulders...Categorized as:
friends to lovers small town m-f dual-pov sweet-hero forced proximity contemporary christmas -
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)... -
That One Touch by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHe’s a single dad. The father of her student. And the chemistry is off the charts… After an accident ends her big city ballet career, Cassie Simons is ready for a brand new start, moving to a small town to help run her best friend’s dancing school. From the moment she meets her new students she knows she’s made the right choice... -
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Sterling Clay by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsLove doesn’t break us; it makes us whole, my nana used to say. However, one minute, my world is set on fire, literally. The next, I am raising a six-year-old as a single mom without a clear path ahead of us. No place to live. No job. No money... -
The Midwife By The Sea by Jo Bartlett
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe last thing Ella Mehenick wants is the fifteen minutes of fame she’s found herself landed with. After all, who wants to star in a viral video of the very public ending of their relationship?Newly single, and desperate to get as far away from her former fiancé as possible, Ella heads back to the Cornish seaside town of Port Agnes, where she grew up... -
The Chameleon Effect by Joe Arden
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLights. Camera. Action…I've got everything it takes to make it in Tinseltown: confidence, charisma, and a killer chin. Now all I need is a chance.But Los Angeles is full of hot, young hunks, and talent might not be enough to separate me from the cookie-cutter crowd.Well, you know what they say: fake it till you make it.So I devise a wild scheme to get noticed... -
Forget Me Not by Brenda Jackson
Brenda Jackson welcomes you back to Catalina Cove, where love is waiting to be reclaimed…Ashley Ryan never doubted that her husband, Devon, was the love of her life. Even now, three years after Devon died in a car wreck while on a business trip, Ashley can’t bring herself to move on... -
Second Chances at the Board Game Café by Jennifer Page
The next warm and uplifting instalment in The Little Board Game Café series, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Christie Barlow.In the cosy Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, single mum Taylor dreams of a fashion design career, but she spends her days fixing zips, hemming skirts and worrying about her son, Max... -
Wrapped in Love by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsA one-night stand with the boss was never in her plans. Neither was falling in love . . . The rumors are true. I am a hot mess with an awful track record at love. Single mom. Down on her luck. Yeah, I’m bad news. So if the hardest part of moving back home to Jackson Harbor was going to be people talking? I’d be fine. I’ve kept my chin up through worse than their decade-old gossip...Categorized as:
friends to lovers m-f dual-pov first-person-pov contemporary christmas office single-mother
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