Books like 'The Only Heart That Matters'
Readers who enjoyed The Only Heart That Matters by Lisa Shelby also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary forced proximity friends to lovers single-mother found-family
-
Into the Deep by Brittney Sahin
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAssigned to protect his best friend’s sister, a battle-hardened operative must break every rule in the book to keep her—and his heart—safe in this pulse-racing romantic suspense novel by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brittney Sahin. Audrey Langston is done with love. After heartbreak, betrayal, and secrets that shattered her life, all she wants is peace—and to raise her son in safety...Categorized as:
single-mother found-family forced proximity audiobook military siblings-bff tortured hero suspense -
![This Much Is True by Adriana Locke]()
This Much Is True by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 28 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... -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links / Remove ads -
![Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas]()
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! -
![The Love Bus by Annabelle Anders]()
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... -
-
![Edge Of Reality by Freya Barker]()
Edge Of Reality by Freya Barker
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHorsepower and green thumbs meets justice and flip-flops. I’m a late bloomer. A geek, an introvert, an enigma, and a watchdog. My name is Paco. I’m determined enough to bide my time, yet too clever to pass up on opportunity. I’m a steadfast rebel. An outcast, a defender, a hothead, and an eccentric. My name is Mel. I’m resolute enough to carve my own way, but not too blind to see a better path... -
![Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson]()
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 -
![Revenge by A.K. Evans]()
Revenge by A.K. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCierra Wallace always tried to do the right thing. Helping others has been high up on her list of priorities. That’s probably because she realized years ago that one person could make a difference. Only now she’s wondering if the help she provided years ago was her best idea...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary suspense military length-medium audiobook -
![The Bodyguard and the Bombshell by Lexi Blake]()
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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers found-family bdsm men in uniform contemporary length-short audiobook -
![What's It Gonna Take by Lacey Black]()
What's It Gonna Take by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsGarreth. From the first moment I saw Reagan Turner at the bar and restaurant I help manage, I was drawn like never before. She was dating someone at the time, which meant she was off-limits, until the jerk broke up with her. I can’t get her out of my head, can’t stop wanting to kiss those perfectly lush lips. Fighting this attraction has been my kryptonite. So, I give in to temptation... -
![Bookmarked by Bella Jay]()
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. -
![Defending Home by Caitlyn O'Leary]()
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... -
![Cheap Trick by Emily Goodwin]()
Cheap Trick by Emily Goodwin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsDanielle Cross has spent her whole life running from breakups and troubles. She’s never stayed in the same place for long…until now. The moment she walks through the doors of Logan Dawson’s bar, there’s an attraction between them neither can deny. And when Danielle needs a date to her sister’s wedding, Logan is the man for the job...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary dual-pov office new adult length-short -
![Drummer Boy by Dyan Layne]()
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... -
![Cole by Nyssa Kathryn]()
Cole by Nyssa Kathryn
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsShe’s a single mom with a secret. He’s a former Delta who doesn’t let people too close. Aria Callas understands struggle and sacrifice. Getting pregnant at sixteen, she’s spent more than a decade and a half ensuring her and her son’s safety the only way she knows how—by staying on the move...Categorized as:
single-mother friends to lovers found-family suspense military sports contemporary fighters -
-
![That First Flight by Jenn McMahon]()
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... -
![Finders Keepers by Nicole Lenz]()
Finders Keepers by Nicole Lenz
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBailey Monroe knows one thing for certain. She had to leave. With her young daughter Sophie in tow, she flees from the nightmare of her abusive husband under the cover of darkness, finding safety in the quiet Texas town of Pine Grove. There, she finds refuge in the warmth of the town folk and kindness from Ms... -
![Silver Linings by Violet Page]()
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... -
![Cage by Tia Louise]()
Cage by Tia Louise
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsSometimes fate sends a sign, and sometimes it sends a bloodhound with a hot hockey player holding its leash, dragging it off you. Owen Stone is not your usual hockey player. He’s a six-foot-two single dad with dark hair, ocean eyes, and muscles for days. He’s also a last-minute trade trying to find a home for his seven-year-old daughter, his psychic sister, and his adoring bloodhound... -
![Just Add Happiness by Julie Hatcher]()
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... -
![Too Young To Fall In Love by Lacey Black]()
Too Young To Fall In Love by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsKellen. I love my job. Bartending is more than just serving drinks to customers at the hottest bar and restaurant in Stewart Grove. It’s the people I work with and those I meet along the way. I know how to have a good time. Just one flirty little grin and the ladies are like putty in my hands. But they know the score: I’m a one and done guy, not looking to ever fall into the trap of love... -
![Already At Risk by Amelie Rhys]()
Already At Risk by Amelie Rhys
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsWhen single mom Natalie London makes a secret steamy arrangement with her hot new lawyer, Cameron Bryant, she quickly realizes just how much of her heart is at risk. ****... -
![The Cost of Forgetting You by Hannah Bird]()
The Cost of Forgetting You by Hannah Bird
Falling in love with a Parker must be genetic. It's the only way Delilah Ridgefield can make sense of the mess that is her life. Some other things that are genetic? The hazel eyes she shares with her mom, the need to care for others that she gets from her dad, and her father's dementia diagnosis, which brings him back into her life after years of radio silence...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity cowboys contemporary length-long open-door audiobook -
![Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart]()
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 single-mother forced proximity age difference sports contemporary black-mc humor -
![Loved by You by N.L. Amore]()
Loved by You by N.L. Amore
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey say the hardest boy to get over is the one you never had, and sadly I know that to be true. Ria. I had the picture perfect life, the husband the kids and the white picket fence and then it all came crashing down. In the wake of trying to navigate my new life as a single mom I never expected him, my brothers best friend, the boy I never had to pick up all our broken pieces... -
-
![Wheels Down by Beth Bolden]()
Wheels Down by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more. Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year . But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity m-m contemporary hurt-comfort queer length-medium -
![Quake by Giuliana Victoria]()
Quake by Giuliana Victoria
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLark Hughes is the kind, sweet, and outgoing veterinarian who owns Toute la Famille, a non-profit veterinary clinic on the outskirts of Philadelphia. It's a typical night for Lark, working a late shift at the clinic, when one of the players from the Divine Flyers soccer team arrives with his golden retriever rescue, Pickles. He clearly takes them both by surprise when he asks her out...Categorized as:
friends to lovers found-family sports soccer friends-benefits contemporary length-long -
![Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy]()
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 -
![A Whole New Ball Game by Stephanie Rose]()
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... -
![The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz]()
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 -
![With Love, This Christmas by Kimberly Brown]()
With Love, This Christmas by Kimberly Brown
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 11 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... -
![Love You From Afar by Morgan Paige]()
Love You From Afar by Morgan Paige
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI always thought a person had to be a ghost to haunt you,. but Everett Thompson is very much alive, and to make matters worse, he's my fiancé's brother. For years, I promised myself I would stay away from him. I tried putting as much distance between us as possible, yet here we are on a twelve hour road trip together... -
![Pretty Drunk by Lacey Black]()
Pretty Drunk by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHallie. No one pushes my buttons the way Logan Johnson does. I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to ignore him, which isn’t easy when you live in a small town and share the same friends. So, when I have a little too much to drink and need a place to crash after our friends’ wedding, it would figure I find myself at Logan’s house. What I’m not expecting is ending up in his bed. With him. Naked... -
![May's Ride with Thunder by Eve London]()
May's Ride with Thunder by Eve London
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHe’s the protector she didn’t know she needed; she’s the love he never thought he deserved. Ashley. When the Savage Bones MC targets my family’s ranch, I’m desperate for help. I turn to Thunder, a much older member of the Mustang Mountain Riders, and offer him the only thing I have. When he turns me down, I’m left questioning everything...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity age difference contemporary bikers length-novella -
![Dangerous Proximity by Jemma Westbrook, Janice Whiteaker]()
Dangerous Proximity by Jemma Westbrook, Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTyson is ready to settle down. Has been for as long as he can remember. But bringing someone close is a risk he’s not willing to take. When he crosses paths with a familiar face, Tyson knows he should steer clear of the stunning nurse he’s never forgotten. Let her go on with her life, safely away from Alaskan Security and the never-ending string of men willing to do anything to take it down...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-mother suspense military tortured heroine contemporary length-medium -
-
![Seeking Shadows by K.E. Osborn]()
Seeking Shadows by K.E. Osborn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat if the woman I fell for was in love with someone else? The man who claimed her heart is my VP, the same man I need to respect and follow his orders. But now that I'm no longer a prospect, it's difficult to find my place... -
![Tripped by Love: A Friends-to-lovers, Military Romance by LJ Evans]()
Tripped by Love: A Friends-to-lovers, Military Romance by LJ Evans
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s a broody bodyguard with secrets he can’t share. She’s a busy single mom with a restaurant to run. They’re just friends until a little white lie changes everything. Marco Hernandez is the somber trainer here only to bend my body into shape, but when the perfectly sculpted man holds my son in his arms and smiles, I’m a goner. Weak legs. Pounding veins... -
![Summer with the Single Dad by Whitley Cox]()
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 -
![Deadly Protector by Katie Reus]()
Deadly Protector by Katie Reus
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsReturn to the USA Today bestselling Red Stone Security series with Deadly Protector! He’s a former thief. Dimitri’s world is turned upside down when he meets Zamira. The sweet single mom knows nothing about who he used to be. He should stay away, because he’s the last thing she needs in her life. But when she’s targeted by a threat from her past, he can’t keep his distance any longer...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-mother military suspense super rich hero contemporary length-short -
![Escape by A.K. Evans]()
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... -
![Deja Brew All Over Again by Sylvie Stewart]()
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... -
![Caution by A.K. Evans]()
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... -
![Hard Hat Hottie by L.M. Fox]()
Hard Hat Hottie by L.M. Fox
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHarlow. I’d started to dread going to work. Until each shift began with a sultry smile from the hottie in a hard hat. My work in the ER was stressful. Add a longer walk in the sweltering Florida sun because of a hospital remodel, and there was no motivation to go. Well, except for him. All bronze and beautiful, he’s a fantasy come to life... -
![Dare You by K.L. Shandwick]()
Dare You by K.L. Shandwick
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThis book and series have been rebranded to Chasing Love Billie in the Wild Romance Saga by Kelly Shandwick on Goodreads for clarity of reading order. Chasing Love Billie is book one in the series. Book two Chasing Love: Sawyer. Book three Chasing Love: James. Book four Chasing Love: Tricia. Book five coming Dec Chasing Love: Erin. Book six coming Dec Chasing Love: Ryder... -
![High Country Hero by Elle James]()
High Country Hero by Elle James
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLauded for his daring rescue of a medical team captured by Islamic State terrorists, Navy SEAL Enrico “Rico” Cortez feels like anything but a hero. His friend and fellow teammate lost his life during that rescue. Plagued by PTSD, Rico leaves the Navy. Reluctantly, he accepts his only job offer, joining the Brotherhood Protectors in Colorado... -
-
![Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente]()
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]()
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]()
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)... -
![Tripped by Love by L.J. Evans]()
Tripped by Love by L.J. Evans
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHe’s a broody bodyguard with secrets he can’t share. She’s a busy single mom with a restaurant to run. They’re just friends until a little white lie changes everything. Marco Hernandez is the somber trainer here only to bend my body into shape, but when the perfectly sculpted man holds my son in his arms and smiles, I’m a goner. Weak legs. Pounding veins... -
![Revival by A.M. Wilson]()
Revival by A.M. Wilson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBook one in the brand new Stone Trio Series by Amazon Top 20 Bestselling Author A. M. Wilson. My ex cheated. I kept the honeymoon—and somehow ended up sharing it with the one man I swore I’d never see again. After catching my fiancé and his assistant on my couch, I escape to what should’ve been our tropical getaway—solo. The plan? Drown my heartbreak in turquoise waves and bottomless mojitos... -
![Searching for Sunshine by Hollie Luckie]()
Searching for Sunshine by Hollie Luckie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsYou know what they say— when everything’s falling apart, move to the beach and marry the grumpy boat captain you haven’t seen in over a decade. After losing both my teaching job in the city and my grandmother, I feel like I have no idea what to do with my life...
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
