Books like 'A False Start'
Readers who enjoyed A False Start by Elsie Silver also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town western age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn enemies-to-lovers
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The Resurrection of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIt took me a while to learn that sometimes no matter how much, or how hard you love someone, or something, you have to let them go. You can’t save a sinking ship.Sometimes, you have someone else you have to be strong for, who needs you more.You make a choice.A devastating one.And you hope, maybe one day, they’ll come back to you... -
Mending a Malone by Laylah Roberts
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJaret Malone has a problem . . .A five-foot-two curvy, crazy problem. One who doesn’t seem to take no for an answer.After his last relationship ended disastrously, he has had no interest in getting involved with someone else.Especially not some insane woman who seems to think that her grandmother left him to her in her will.Nobody tells a Malone what to do . .Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine industrial-era western adult book -
Grumpy Cowboy by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsATTENTION: If you have been a victim of false advertising, you may be entitled to compensation... -
Sunshine and Sammy by Melanie Moreland
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLuke Adler lives for his ranch. It’s the only reason he agreed to get on board with his sister’s grand plan for guests staying on the property.Nothing prepares him for the force of nature that is Samantha Morrison. When she arrives on his ranch to help construct this new part of his business, what he expects and what he gets are two entirely different things.He expects a no-nonsense businessman... -
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She's Like The Wind by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’d be a fool to fall for his long-legged, barefoot employee. But bad decisions have never stopped him before… Successful businessman and single father, Nate Crawford, doesn’t need any more complications. That’s why he’s moved his business – and his life – to a small beach town. He’s expecting sun, sea and tranquility, but what he gets is a whirlwind in the form of town sweetheart, Ally Sutton...Categorized as:
sports age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity romance new adult -
Cash by Jessica Peterson
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsButting heads leads to knocking boots in this wildly sexy enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, small town cowboy romance by Jessica Peterson.My dad and I have been estranged for years. But as his only living relative, it’s no surprise I inherit his massive cattle ranch when he dies... -
Bourbon & Lies by Victoria Wilder
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn Fiasco, Kentucky, there is one rule: never fall for a Foxx brother. Any woman who did, ended up dead—or so the rumor goes. Townies call it a curse. But I’ve lived it, and I won’t survive it again.I’m not a cop anymore, but I’ve seen enough danger to know that Laney Young, the beautiful stranger who just showed up in my small town, is running from it...Categorized as:
western slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity age-gap enemies-to-lovers -
Strike Zone by Ginger Walls
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWYATT:All my friends are under the impression I’m only at Newhouse to chase women and play baseball. Those are two of my favorite pastimes.The truth is, Newhouse is my chance to save my family’s farm. If I don’t get drafted, we’ll lose everything we’ve been working hard to keep.Then I hear her sing and she’s all I can think about. It’s messing up my game and putting my future in jeopardy...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance -
Awaken My Heart by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 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...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity romance insta-love small-town -
She's a Wild One by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe's a Wild One is a Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Rival Family romance in the Wilds of Montana series, featuring Millie Wild!From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the final installment in her beloved Wilds of Montana series, featuring a small town, marriage of convenience, second chance love for the ages!I have loved Millie Wild for more than eight years... -
Once Upon A Bet: A Grumpy Single Dad Romance by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAll I ever wanted was the perfect happily ever after.All he ever wanted was to ruin my freaking life.Okay, that’s a smidge dramatic, but hear me out.My new neighbor might as well plant an “unavailable” sign in his front yard.He’s got biceps made for pulling swooning maidens out of danger, eyes built for melting glaciers (and panties), and a smile that makes my knees want to buckle...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult angst -
Bossing the Cowboy by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAfter surviving a messy divorce and custody battle, Dr. Connor Wallen quickly became married to his job. Helping animals is the perfect distraction from his crazy ex, but he finds it difficult to concentrate when an attractive woman joins his veterinary clinic. Getting involved with someone who works for him would only lead to disaster, so staying professional is key... -
Rough Country by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsGood fences do NOT make good neighbors, especially when that neighbor is a city boy with more dollars than sense.Emery McAvoy is a walking disaster who should never be allowed to step foot on another ladder. Heck, I’d bet my favorite Golden Girls T-shirt that he rearranged his entire life because his ten-year-old daughter likes ponies...Categorized as:
western grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity age-gap slow-burn -
Heartbreak & Cupcakes by Shawna Renae
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlex VaughnThe last thing I wanted was to be named San Francisco’s Most Eligible Bachelor. The title alone was misleading. I wasn’t a bachelor. I was a widower and single father. One who wasn’t available or interested.Well... there was one person who might have piqued my interest. Cupcake Girl. But interest and intent are two very different things...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult book contemporary fiction -
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Come To Me by J.H. Croix
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA broody ex-military pilot and a sassy yoga teacher collide in a small town.Diego is distracting. He shows up in my yoga class with his smokin’ hot bod and enough brawn to set the world on fire. Cue the melting.He oozes the rugged hero vibe, rides a motorcycle and flies planes in the wilds of Alaska. He’s all man and then some...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine industrial-era slow-burn western action-adventure adult -
Off Limits by Emma Creed
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRanching isn’t easy, especially not in Fork River. The days are long, the competition is ruthless, and there’s always someone out there waiting to take what’s yours.For my family to survive things have to go back to the way they were.The Carsons used to run the town, we were feared, but my father changed that legacy by thinking he could run things legitimately...Categorized as:
western age-gap slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers industrial-era -
Wild Card by Maggie C. Gates
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s crazy how three seconds can change your life.For Steve Pelham, those three seconds happened in a doctor’s office. His wife—the girl he had been madly in love with since elementary school—was given a terminal diagnosis. Years of being dragged through an endless cycle of betting on science and miracles to save the love of his life? Useless... -
The Brazen One by Daisy Jane
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult book -
Hard Knock Hero by Hannah Shield
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe's nobody's hero...except hers.Out of all the diners in all the small towns, he had to walk into mine.Aiden Shelborne has left his Army days long behind. He’s out of the warrior business. And he never meant to stop in Hartley, Colorado at all. But when trouble comes for a woman he’s just met, he finds himself stepping in.Jessi Novo didn’t ask Aiden to play her savior...Categorized as:
forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap slow-burn western industrial-era -
If You Give a Single Dad a Nanny by Ann Einerson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI, Marlow Taylor, need to stop fantasizing about the hot, single dad next door.Should I have agreed to nanny his cute six year old who loves my dog Waffles? Absolutely not.But her dad seems to think he can do everything himself. ( no one can)3 reasons why I absolutely cannot fall for Dylan 1. He’s grumpy and doesn’t seem to like me very much2...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity slow-burn romance contemporary -
One Last Play by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe could be the one. I’ve spent twelve years caring for my niece Maddie who I adopted after my sister died. Having a daughter has made me picky when it comes to the women I spend time with. Not to mention dealing with the pressure of being a college football coach. But when I spot MJ at a mutual friend’s wedding, something draws me toward her...Categorized as:
sports age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity slow-burn romance -
Temptress by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWho knew the grumpy single dad next door would turn out to be The One?As Sloane Chambers stood at her window and creeped on the new guy moving in next door, she was immediately drawn to the tattoos, muscles, and the way his jeans hugged his perfect . . . frame. But when she caught him hacking up her rose bushes with a chain saw, the battle was on... -
A Cowboy in the Streets by Elizabeth Bright
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom USA Today best selling author Elizabeth Bright comes a new grumpy/sunshine, single dad, steamy romance set in wild and beautiful Colorado.Working as the head trainer at Lodestar Ranch is my chance to prove I have what it takes as a woman in a man's world. The only problem? My boss is the world’s grumpiest cowboy… and I can’t keep my eyes off him...Categorized as:
western grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap forced-proximity industrial-era romance -
Homebound by Meredith Trapp
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s Texas's toughest bull rider, and he’s determined to win her heart.Dakota and Wyatt. Storm and sunshine. Growing up, they were as inseparable as a pair of cowboy boots. The best of friends—or so Dakota thought...Categorized as:
western sports forced-proximity slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc industrial-era -
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Redeem My Heart by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShelby silently nursed a crush on Dane all through high school, despite the fact that he was way out of older, handsome, and dating the most popular girl in school. Years later when he returns, wounded, after serving abroad, Shelby accidentally starts a rumor that they’ve been secretly dating...Categorized as:
western age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc industrial-era romance contemporary -
Everything But You by Harlow James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Speak now or forever hold your peace.”I hate that part in a wedding, where everyone waits on pins and needles to see if someone has a reason why the couple shouldn’t get married.So, when I ran into my high school sweetheart and found out that she was engaged, I said my peace before she ever walked down the aisle...Categorized as:
western grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity slow-burn industrial-era romance -
Promise Me Never by Nichole Greene
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be a carefree summer, a chance for me to shed my bookworm ways and get some experience under my belt. Literally. Instead I find myself thrown in the path of the grumpy and frustratingly sexy, Luke Stone. He’s my grandpa’s right hand man on the ranch which makes him inescapable.After tragically losing my wife I swore off love...Categorized as:
western age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity slow-burn industrial-era -
A Simple Life by Melanie Moreland
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom NYT bestselling author Melanie Moreland comes a feuding to lovers standalone romance -John Elliott is a busy man. He runs his farm and his business, keeping to himself, with no time for anything else in his life.Quinn Harper is a single mother, looking for a fresh start.The small town she picked seemed perfect—until her first run-in with John...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers western grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap industrial-era romance -
The Little Things by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’ll admit, I made more than my fair share of stupid decisions, but all it took was an accidental felony and a teensy kitchen fire to turn my life upside down.When my parents cut me off, selling my swanky Los Angeles apartment and shipping me off to some ranch in the middle of nowhere to teach me a lesson, I thought it was the worst thing that could happen to me...Categorized as:
western age-gap enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn -
Holiday Hire by Maggie Cole
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWidower Alexander Cartwright has one thing on his mind—his kids. He plans on keeping it that way until his mother hires a sassy, free spirited nanny to watch them during the holidays.Art teacher Phoebe Love needs a job and to take a secret time out from her long-term, not always nice boyfriend...Categorized as:
western age-gap slow-burn forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers -
Downpour by Maggie C. Gates
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsRay:Rule #1 of almost dying: Make sure someone knows your passwords. It’s hard to cancel your phone plan if you’re dead.Rule #2 of almost dying: Make sure your house is clean before you walk up the steps to the pearly gates. It makes selling off your life easier.Back-up plans are for people who plan on losing...Categorized as:
western sports age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers -
Merry with Me by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNYT and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan brings you a new grumpy-sunshine standalone holiday romance.BlakelyWhen my boss tells me I’m taking over the planning of the annual Christmas gala, I can barely contain my excitement. Not only is it a huge opportunity, but I also love all things Christmas...Categorized as:
forced-proximity slow-burn age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance workplace -
Reckless by Elsie Silver
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsTheo Silva. Rowdy bull rider. Notorious ladies’ man. Scorching hot trouble wrapped up in a drool-worthy package.And he’s looking at me like I might be his next meal.But I’m almost free of my toxic marriage and have sworn off men entirely. So all I see when I look back is temptation served up with a heaping side of heartbreak.The man is hard to trust—and even harder to resist.Make that impossible...Categorized as:
western grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap industrial-era contemporary small-town -
Tight Spot by Stacey Lynn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen a fake relationship feels a little too real…. I’m in a Tight Spot. I’m not a nice guy. I’m too rude. Too gruff. I want to be left alone and stay in my lane as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Too bad management has a sudden problem with my image and all the fines I’ve been racking up. Now I’m told I need to settle down, shape up…or they’re shipping me out...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap slow-burn forced-proximity romance -
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Things I Forgot About by Kelsey Humphreys
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"He is off limits. Complicated. Not right for me at all. He's trouble, wrapped up in an expensive navy suit. But I never could stay out of trouble..."Kat Canton is a woman with a plan. Though a rebel at heart, she’s had to stay focused since becoming a single mom at seventeen...Categorized as:
age-gap enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity romance small-town -
Stay With Me Forever by Kayla Chase
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Small Town, Single Dad, Best Friend's Older Brother RomanceHe’s a single dad who never wants to marry again. She’s his little sister’s best friend who can’t stand him... -
Ryder by Charlotte Mallory
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I'd say I could show you what being choked out feels like, but not sure we'd be talking about the same thing," he effortlessly adds...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Love...It's Wild by Jeannine Colette
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFalling in love has never been this wild… I’m a woman who knows my own worth. And more than anything, I deserve love. Wild, passionate, all-consuming love. What I did not deserve was being forced to hang around my small town to watch the jerk who left me at the alter fawn over his new wife. Instead, I ran. Right into him. Robert Bronson is my friend’s grumpy brother-in-law...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers age-gap romance -
Golden Hour: A Porch Bitches Novel by Chelsie Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey say to mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy. If only.June McCawley has been the golden girl of Maple Creek, Illinois since she was old enough to walk. The people in her town have always been in her corner, active participants in her successes. But after she experiences a professional tragedy, June loses faith in herself and the girl everyone always said was perfect. Enter Grady Nash... -
My Mountain Man Recluse by Sadie King
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s his best friend’s daughter.She’s off limits.She’s half his age……and she’s totally irresistible…My Mountain Man Recluse is a forbidden love, short and steamy romance featuring an ex-military recluse and the curvy innocent woman he can't stay away from...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity romance forbidden-love small-town -
Bourbon Promises by Walker Rose
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI left for a weekend in Las Vegas and came back with a husband. Gideon James isn’t just any husband. He’s a wealthy CEO of a Vegas casino and hotel, but he’s also from my small hometown in Montana. And it’s his family land my brothers are in the middle of purchasing from his father. Our marriage isn’t just any union. I’m a school teacher, in my thirties, and I’m sick of getting let down by men...Categorized as:
western age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers slow-burn -
Tempt Me by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Small Town, Grumpy/Sunshine, Standalone Romance He hates the holidays. She lives for them. Let the games begin.A small town, grumpy/sunshine romance from NY Times Best Selling Author Samantha ChaseSix months ago, Liam Donovan met the world's cheeriest, most upbeat woman at a wedding.It was the longest two days of his life.Now she’s his next door neighbor.Talk about awkward...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine slow-burn adult audiobook book -
Banger by Kiki Clark
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIf there was one thing Kevin knew, it was that his BFF’s ex was bad news.Hank is arrogant, a sloppy drunk, and a complete flirt. And he didn't treat Kevin’s friend the way he deserved.Enough said.It doesn’t matter that everyone else has forgiven and forgotten what happened between Hank and Kevin’s bestie. He won’t let himself fall for the older man’s sweet words or endearments...Categorized as:
age-gap enemies-to-lovers slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance mlm -
Wallflower by Samantha Leigh
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s the grumpy hotshot hockey player. She’s too shy to look him in the eyes. He needs a live-in summer assistant and she’s perfect.Chord Davenport is the hottest, surliest man to ever slap shot a puck. He’s given up everything to be the best—family, friendship, love—but he’s about to retire as a legend of the game and that makes his sacrifices worth it...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn western industrial-era -
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Captured and Bound by Khloe Summers
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCan this older mountain man save a runaway bride?LaineyI never thought I'd be running away from my weddingI've dreamt of this day foreverBut when I find my fiancé with another womanI know what I have to do.It helps that a big, rugged man shows up and carries me out of the venue like a heathen.Kidnapped on my wedding day.That's going to make headlines...Categorized as:
age-gap forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc western industrial-era romance -
The Fall of Us by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat happens when you travel across the country for your dream job and end up sharing a bed with an older man who volunteers you to be his fake girlfriend? You hope you don’t fall in love when it’s time to say goodbye. The Fall of us is an age gap, fake dating, close proximity romance... -
Dirty Farmer by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLilyI'm a little hormonal right now.Y'see, I found the ring at the bottom of his sock drawer, a modest diamond sitting on a thin, yellow gold band. But now 8 weeks later, it's gone. He returned it and my once-devoted boyfriend is having second thoughts.Did I mention that I'm pregnant?Anyway, I had to get out of the city and I had nowhere else to go...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine industrial-era western adult book -
Grumpy the Bear by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a tattooed, blue-eyed jerk who has no business being a single dad. He’s also my next-door neighbor, and after negotiations, my grumpy employer for the summer.I don’t put up with cocky males normally and I certainly won’t put up with that man making noise at all hours of the day and night while he builds his glamp-ground...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers sports romance contemporary -
Dad Bod Cowboy by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJess My life is pretty perfect—on paper. I had a string of platinum albums and number one songs all before I hit my twenty-fourth birthday. I’ve got fame and more money than I’ll ever be able to spend. What they say about fame is it's lonely up here at the top. The clichés I sing about are true all I want is someone who sees the real me and loves me despite all the drama...Categorized as:
western grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc industrial-era romance contemporary fiction -
Rope Me In by Kayla Grosse
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe's a shy fiddle player from the city.He’s a small-town cowboy with the reputation of a playboy.And they'll be working side-by-side, all day every day.PRESLEY JAMES isn’t one for being impulsive. But now she’s found herself smack dab in the middle of Randall, Texas. Population 5,549...Categorized as:
western age-gap forced-proximity slow-burn industrial-era romance contemporary fiction
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