Books like 'Forbidden Fruit'
Readers who enjoyed Forbidden Fruit by C.J. Lucci also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary grumpy sunshine mafia age difference found-family forced proximity single-father office curvy heroine
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Smith by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsSmith and Aria's story...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine found-family forced proximity suspense contemporary military length-medium -
Imperfect Arrangement by Vikki Jay
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsRaymond Teager is the last man I ever expected to fall for— mostly because I can’t stand him.My biggest rival, the arrogant billionaire, is determined to buy the land my grandfather left me. The same land I’ve spent my whole life dreaming about turning into a wedding estate. We’re sworn enemies and this small town isn’t big enough for the both of us… until his daughter chooses me... -
Crave by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTate Gallo had a type – emotionally unavailable bikers who were more feral than serious relationship material.The day she turned thirty, she decided to make a change: No more biker boys. She deserved more. She wanted to be someone’s world.But then he stumbled in bloodied, bruised, and in need of help.One look into his dark eyes, and Tate realized her life would never be the same again... -
Enemies to Lovers by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBaker Ritter knew how to pick them.She met the man she thought she was going to marry in middle school, gave him some of the best years of her life, for him to leave her pregnant and alone hours before she’s due to have his baby.To make matters worse, he brings his side chick to the birth, and she’s left with a decision—fight for what she wants, or cut her losses...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity office mafia from hate to love military bikers contemporary -
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Truly Medley Deeply by Kate Watson
Lucy JaneThe first rule of touring? Don’t fall for your crew.Especially not the grumpy, emotionally caged, impossible-to-read sound guy who acts like tolerating pop-country singers is pure torture.Patrick “Patty” O’Shannan clearly doesn’t want to be here. He does his job and barely looks at me unless it’s to scowl...Categorized as:
forced proximity office grumpy sunshine contemporary humor length-medium glimpses-kisses -
Sweet Distraction by K. Bromberg
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA sexy single dad, nanny, forbidden romance from New York Times bestselling author, K. Bromberg.The rock star never planned on fatherhood. The nanny never planned on staying. But sometimes the biggest surprises come wrapped in pink bows and second chances.Gavin “Rocket” Caldwell, member of the world’s biggest rock band, lives fast—sold-out tours, wild nights, and zero responsibilities... -
Broken Deal by Yinn Quirós
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSophiaIn front of the world, I'm the loud, funny best friend. The perfect eldest daughter. The talented journalist. The one who plays the game but never lets her heart get involved. But underneath, I’m a mess—hiding from the one thing I fear love.Then I meet Lorenzo Mancini, the infamous billionaire player... -
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. Until Emily Carson and her tempting curvy body and her smiles that she hands out like candy, crashes into my life making me want things I have no business wanting... -
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... -
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... -
One Night Valentine by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt’s not a question of IF this football star can resist the curvy florist but rather WHEN he’ll give in…Cruz It is said that you only want what you cannot have. I hate to be a cliche, but that statement rings true for me.In my case it’s not what I want, but rather who. Tara Brooks. Sweet, funny, and my little sister’s best friend... -
One Little Heartbreak by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsSethI never realized getting adopted at thirty-two years old was a thing, then I met the Westbrooks. They’re a family that grows every time a wayward soul crosses their path, and now I’m an honorary member. A former spy, I was married at twenty-two—a father at twenty-six and a widow by thirty. To say my life is in transition would be an understatement... -
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... -
The Biker Needs A Nanny by Nicole James
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe grumpy biker needs a nanny!Full blurb to come... -
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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... -
The Naughty List: An Age Gap, Bratva Romance by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe Naughty List is real.This year, I’m on it.Vladimir Angeloff.Cold. Calculated.A silver-haired devil.He commands killers like chess pieces.I thought I was just his assistant.Until I found the list.Names. Dates. Payment codes.Every target scheduled for death before Christmas.And at the bottom… was mine.I was supposed to disappear.Until he made a deal. My life—purchased with sin...Categorized as:
mafia age difference curvy heroine office christmas suspense alpha male super rich hero -
Saved by Love by Kelly Elliott, Ellie Grace
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMy momma used to say, “Out of every tragedy, a miracle of love would come." The last ten years of my life have been nothing but tears and pain. I lost hope and wanted to give up on waiting for my miracle to come.Finally, a light is shining at the end of the tunnel. After leaving Texas and my past behind, I've started a new life journey in Estes Park, Colorado... -
Single Chance: A Single Dad Small Town Romance by Amy Knupp
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSometimes all you get is a single chance to turn a surprise into happily ever after… Chance One night. That’s all I wanted. A single night to forget I’m a widowed single dad with a million responsibilities and a ton of emotional baggage. To remember what it’s like to just be a man. I didn’t need any extra drama in my life. Romantic complications? No thanks... -
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.JuniperThe 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 -
The CEO I Hate by Leslie North
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Hating Game meets a much hotter Morning Glory—if the grumpy media exec was her brother’s best friend, and this time they actually kissed.Liam Lockhart is my brother’s best friend, a decade older, and the kind of mistake I swore I’d never make twice.Two years ago, we kissed—hard, hot, unforgettable—until he shoved me away like I was a mistake he couldn’t afford. Message received... -
Merry with a Brewmaster by Alexandra Hale
Rules for moving to a small beach town: Summer hookups are encouraged as long as you don’t have to see them again If you do, make sure he’s not the new brewmaster at your job If he is the new brewmaster make sure he’s also not the single dad you’re supposed to nanny for If he is the single dad you’re supposed to nanny for make sure you keep it strictly professional If your summer hookup is the... -
Green Jewel by L.J. Evans
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe did it. She’ll prove it. A fiery rock star and a ruthless businessman battle to expose each other’s secrets. The only family The Painted Daisies singer and harpist Fiadh Kane has left in this world is her band. When their leader―her best friend who stood by her through the worst―is killed, she’s determined to find who did it and make him pay...Categorized as:
forced proximity found-family single-father office from hate to love contemporary mystery suspense -
Salt Love by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you do when you find out your husband’s cheating on you, your aunt just passed away in Florida, and your boss gave the promotion to your work nemesis, so you threaten him with bodily harm in the middle of a board meeting?Well, after getting escorted out of the building by security, I fly straight to Sunshine Key to deal with my aunt’s estate...Categorized as:
office grumpy sunshine found-family contemporary mature couple humor length-medium m-f -
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 grumpy sunshine forced proximity small town contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
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Mace by Jessica Ames
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEnjoy this dark motorcycle club romance from USA Today Bestselling MC romance author Jessica Ames... MACE The Pioneers are gone, but my club is fighting a new war—one from within. Our president is a disgrace to the patch, but removing a king from his throne is not an easy task. It will take all of our cunning to take the head off the snake...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine found-family office single-mother bikers insta-love vengeance -
She Likes It, Hey Micah by Dana LeCheminant
Micah Taylor is an eternal optimist, but with every first date that fails, her faith in true love weakens. When offered the chance to help reopen the lodge where her parents were married, Micah is determined to prove her worth and show her boss that she has what it takes to be a great event planner...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine age difference office contemporary humor m-f glimpses-kisses -
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 -
Coach Me by Mollie Goins
Retiring from the Boston Blues wasn’t part of the game plan. But after ending last season as a newly single dad, it felt like the only move Dex Larsen had left.Joining the coaching staff came with an unexpected bringing his son, Miles, along to practices, games, and press events...Categorized as:
age difference single-father forced proximity found-family office grumpy sunshine sports baseball -
They Will Burn by Montana Fyre
The key to being queen is to never let them see you stumble. They betrayed me. They made me believe they cared for me, only to break my heart. And now I find myself in the hands of the only man more terrifying than the four men who handed me to him... -
Prince of Darkness (Liam and Kate) by Ajme Williams
Witness protection. Forbidden crush. Now he's a ruthless killer and I'm pregnant with his child.Liam was supposed to be my FBI guardian angel. Now, he's the monster who kidnapped me.One explosive night. One life-altering secret. Will the Prince of Darkness return for the child he doesn't know exists?This is no fairy tale.This is survival.This is us... -
The Marriage Auction 2, Book Four by Audrey Carlan
The conclusion of The Marriage Auction 2. There are so many plot twists your head will be spinning, your heart weeping, and by the end of it all…your soul will be sighing.*** This serial can be read as a standalone but is best read after TMA 1. Recommended for individuals 18+ as it contains graphic depiction of sexual acts and adult content that may trigger some readers... -
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 FoxSurely, my older sister has lost her mind. There is no way I'm driving her insufferable – albeit sexy silver fox – boss two thousand miles... -
Time for Change by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsStevieThere’s nothing more liberating than picking up your life and relocating. I needed a fresh start, desperately looking to get away from my past. Stewart Grove is such a cute small town and seems like the perfect place to settle. Add in the fact I got a job serving at the popular Burgers and Brew restaurant, and everything seems to be clicking into place...Categorized as:
found-family age difference office friends to lovers contemporary new adult suspense length-medium -
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... -
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B-Mine by Ava Olsen
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHolloway: I’m the lead guitarist for Wayward Lane and I love everything about my rockstar life. Everything except my security detail. And the more popular our band becomes, the less freedom we have. All it takes is one overzealous fan and I find myself constantly shadowed by the one bodyguard I love to tease and evade: Dawson Everly. Mr... -
New Year's with the Mountain Man by Clara King
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s a lonely mountain man haunted by his past…But this curvy ray of sunshine wants to give him a new start.AvaWhen my apartment floods at the end of December, it’s the cherry on top of a crappy year. I have to get away, so I book a secluded mountain cabin on Snowfall Ridge, ready for a relaxing New Year’s by myself. But my plans go out the window when I meet Nash... -
Summer with the Single Dad by Whitley Cox
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWhat happens when the stubborn island prince falls for the mysterious stranger with a secret? Welcome to San Camanez, a humble, peaceful little island in the Puget Sound and home to the McEvoy brothers. Four sexy single fathers—and one childless snack with a beard—who run a brewpub on the beach, raise their kids together, and hope to find love and happiness in the chaos that is life...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity single-father military contemporary multicultural length-long -
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... -
Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy
Painfully shy plant mom Violet Parker is about to experience the thrill of a lifetime when her TV crush lands on her doorstep.Desperate to rehab his public image after a PR disaster, actor / playboy Jack Grant needs a wholesome fake girlfriend for the summer. Violet, meanwhile, needs help stepping out of her comfort zone so her fledgling flower and plant shop, Bloom, will thrive... -
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... -
The Marriage Auction 2, Book Two by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThis is the filthy, gritty, angsty soap opera you never knew you needed. Welcome to The Marriage Auction.Meet the biddersRhodes - A billionaire single dad with a wounded heart and no desire to purchase a bride. The Madam of the auction has other ideas.Naomi Shaw – A stylish, stunning, and shrewd businesswoman who owns a jewelry empire... -
The Marriage Auction 2, Book Three by Audrey Carlan
The Marriage Auction 2 continues in this filthy, gritty, angsty soap opera. No way we’re going to spoil anything!*** This serial can be read as a standalone but is best read after TMA 1. Recommended for individuals 18+ as it contains graphic depiction of sexual acts and adult content that may trigger some readers. Please visit my website for a full list of sensitive content... -
Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFrom the author of Four Steps to the Perfect Revenge comes a deliciously witty and lighthearted romance brimming with misadventures, misdeeds, misunderstandings…and one perfectly mismatched couple.A notorious rule follower, the old Daphne Davis could do no wrong. But lately she can’t get anything right...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity office contemporary from hate to love humor audiobook -
Billionaire Mogul—Beckett by Scarlett Avery
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsSo, I tell off the cocky stranger I’m trapped in an elevator with. I never expected he’d turn out to be my new boss.Our first encounter is a disaster.He blames me for the mechanical failure.Okay, he might be right, but I’m unwilling to concede.As the minutes tick by, he decides to put the moves on me... -
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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 himThat broad-chested, dark-haired, dark-eyed hunk?Yeah…she slept with him. Awkward.But the worst part?Judging by the blank look on his face, their mind-blowing night didn’t register as a blip on Arlo's radar... -
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... -
Dating For December by Lyndsey Gallagher
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHe's an expert at breakups... but this Christmas, can he master a love that lasts?⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Lyndsey Gallagher is THE QUEEN page turners!"My perpetually single status hardly serves as a shining advertisement for HeartSync, the dating agency I own. Nor is it likely to convince my incredibly successful movie star brother, Nate, to invest in my business... -
Hard Boss by Iona Rose
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJulietteHudson Sinclair is such a grumpy, snarly, arrogant nightmare no one on the temp agency's books is willing to take on the job of replacing his secretary while she is off sick.Well, here I am, it’s my first day at the agency and I should probably give it a pass as my first job too. At least, that would be the prudent thing to do, but ‘prudent’ is not on my list of virtues... -
At First Flight by Renee Harless
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLila Wright never expected to flee her dress fitting covered in a cloud of lace—let alone land in a first-class seat next to the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. With mascara-streaked cheeks, a shattered heart, and no plan beyond “anywhere but here,” she spills her secrets to the stranger with the sharp jawline and stormy eyes. She expects a little sympathy... -
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...
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