Books like 'The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con'
Readers who enjoyed The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con by Jackie North also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town mlm western lgbtq age-gap angst forced-proximity prison
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No Coming Back: Cross Creek Ranch by Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDon’t have a one-night stand in a small town.Not unless you’re real comfortable facing down your bad decisions in the daylight.It’s a lesson Amelie Gable learned the hard way.Which was turning out to be a recurring theme in her life since it was a string of hard lessons that led to her falling into bed with the first blue-eyed cowboy that said, yes ma’am to her... -
![How to Say I Do by Tal Bauer]()
How to Say I Do by Tal Bauer
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOpposites attract, sure. But when Manhattan glitz collides with Texas grit, will love be enough?Noël:Manhattan is my heart and soul. In the cutthroat world of elite public relations, I’m one of the princes. I manage global superstars, predict the up-and-coming trends, easy. And social media? That’s my specialty. I can make you, hon, and launch you straight to the stratosphere... -
![Southern Secrets by Natasha Madison]()
Southern Secrets by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAmeliaNever make the same mistake twice is my motto.After being left in the dust of an old pickup truck, I promised that I would take care of myselfand never trust another man with a sexy smirk and cowboy boots.Then he showed up, and he's everywhere I turn, making me want something I shouldn't.AsherI grew up in foster care, and on my eighteenth birthday, I was set free...Categorized as:
angst female-mc forced-proximity industrial-era literary-fiction slow-burn steamy western -
![The Art of Husbandry by Jay Hogan]()
The Art of Husbandry by Jay Hogan
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen life drowns you in lemons, to hell with making lemonade. I wanted to burn the whole world. But eighteen months from the day my life was torn apart, I’m tired of the anger. Tired of the nightmares. Tired of putting one foot in front of the other just trying to survive. Three months on a high country sheep station in the middle of nowhere is exactly the reboot I need. A chance to break free... -
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![No Going Back by Janice Whiteaker]()
No Going Back by Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDon’t fall for the sexy silver fox that just rolled into town.Easier said than done.Especially when he’s your new neighbor.Dianna came to Moss Creek for a fresh start. To learn from the mistakes of her past.But Griffin Fraley is testing her commitment to that task. Somewhere between those baby blue eyes and a set of hands she can imagine doing debaucherous things, her focus starts to shift... -
![House for Sale Navy SEAL Included by Cora Seton]()
House for Sale Navy SEAL Included by Cora Seton
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s bringing a ghost town back to life…Ten years ago, desperate to save his father’s life, Carter Elliott pulled the plug on Elliott Ridge, the failing company town owned by his family for generations. After a decade with the Navy SEALs, he’s back to resurrect it so he can bring his father home. He’s ready to start a family of his own, too, but first he’ll need a wife...Categorized as:
forced-proximity industrial-era insta-love steamy western action-adventure adult book -
![The Science of Attraction by Jay Hogan]()
The Science of Attraction by Jay Hogan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI am Mackenzie Country born and bred. Farming the high country runs in my blood, like my father, and his father, and his grandfather before him. My future has been mapped out for me since the day I was born. Or at least it was, until Liam Skelton walks onto Lane Station, lights a fire in my heart, and turns my whole world upside down... -
![The Steady by Kelly Fox]()
The Steady by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHot for teacher? No.Hot for teacher's widower? Maybe a little more than I should be.I merely meant to comfort Ren, to help him find steady ground in the middle of an ocean of pain. It was supposed to be a one-time thing.Only… our chemistry, set ablaze by our extreme size and age differences, was something neither of us had experienced before... -
![The Shipwreck by Rosalind Abel]()
The Shipwreck by Rosalind Abel
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLamont Price’s romance novels have been a hit for the past few years. With his gorgeous looks, kind heart, and tender disposition, Lamont is the darling of Lavender Shores. He’s the guy everyone wants to be their best friend, the guy everyone wants to protect. But even with his success and the love of his family, Lamont feels hidden from those around him... -
![Courageous Hearts by Emmy Sanders]()
Courageous Hearts by Emmy Sanders
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMr. Right wasn’t expecting Mx. Tall, Dark, and Beautiful. BoBeing out and proud as a nonbinary person didn’t come easy, but I’ve finally found my place. I have an amazing work family at the cabaret bar where I perform, Chicago fits me better than my Texas hometown ever did, and I’m truly happy.Especially once Jameson walks into my life... -
![Rough Country by Kelly Fox]()
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... -
![Devoted by Hope Ford]()
Devoted by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe’s a beautiful model.And she’s from the city.Two big reasons why I shouldn’t want her.I enjoy my life in Whiskey Run.I’m a small-town, blue-collar mechanic.And I know where I stand.Half the women in this town can’t get past the grease under my nails.So I know better than to get mixed up with her.I think I can forget about her.Then I get to know her.Then I start to like her... -
![Then You Happened by K. Bromberg]()
Then You Happened by K. Bromberg
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg comes a standalone contemporary romance about trusting fate and finding yourself again. Jack Sutton was the man I didn’t want to need. His know-it-all attitude. His annoying suggestions. His outlook on life. He was determined to help me while I had resolved to figure it out on my own. But he taught me things I’d forgotten. How to trust...Categorized as:
angst female-mc forced-proximity industrial-era second-chances slow-burn steamy western -
![Bourbon & Secrets by Victoria Wilder]()
Bourbon & Secrets by Victoria Wilder
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn Fiasco, Kentucky, there is one rule: never fall for a Foxx brother.Any woman who did, ended up dead. It wasn’t just a rumor. It was my reality. I buried my wife along with too many secrets surrounding the night she died.Now, I’m a single dad with two priorities above everything else: raising my two girls and making great bourbon...Categorized as:
western age-gap found-family forced-proximity steamy slow-burn literary-fiction industrial-era -
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![Spur It On by Kitty Cox]()
Spur It On by Kitty Cox
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThings can change in the spur of the moment.I'm qualified for the Professional Bull Rider's top series, even if a few people don't like it. Sadly, being a woman is going to make this harder than I expected. I've got three men on my side - or so I thought.Until we get to Cheyenne... -
![Logan's Loves by Taylor Rylan]()
Logan's Loves by Taylor Rylan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLife wasn’t easy. It didn’t always turn out how you planned, either. Still, Logan wouldn’t trade his current life for anything. He had a wonderful family, a loving husband he’d do anything for, and they had just become parents to twins. What more could they want? So much had changed in the last two years but Rhett couldn’t be happier... -
![Redemption by E. Davies]()
Redemption by E. Davies
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“I’ll make up my own mind about you.” Months after he was mugged in Houston, legal secretary Jasper Barnes is still hiding out in Hidden Creek. Self-defense classes would boost his confidence. Problem is, the guy offering them is Chad Allaback, and he has a reputation, to say the least... -
![How to Catch a Biker: A May/December MM romance by Ana Ashley]()
How to Catch a Biker: A May/December MM romance by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat do you do when you meet the tall, gruff silver fox of your dreams?You flirt, pretend it didn’t happen, and secretly admire his assets. For research purposes, of course.I came to Chester Falls to find my voice and save my publishing career. Instead, I find him.Slade’s story is kept under a lock so strong I don’t know if there is a man out there that can break it... -
![Reining in the Bad Boy: An MM Holiday Romance (The Men of River Gorge) by Jacki James]()
Reining in the Bad Boy: An MM Holiday Romance (The Men of River Gorge) by Jacki James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat kind of loser pretends to have a boyfriend?Oh, yeah, that’s me, Landon Nichols. I’m the loser. In my defense, I didn’t actually make up a boyfriend. My mom just assumed I had one, and I figured if it made her feel better to think I had someone in my life, then what could it hurt? Nothing, right?Until she decides I need to bring my pretend boyfriend home for Christmas... -
![Levi's Love by K.C. Wells]()
Levi's Love by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUnrequited love hurts like hell Levi Brown has loved Noah White since he was a teenager, but Noah isn’t looking for a relationship. Every time Levi sees him, his heart aches for what it cannot have. Because dear Lord, he wants Noah, in his life, in his bed.Especially in his bed. The only reason Levi is still a virgin is because he was waiting for Noah. Except Noah doesn’t want him... -
![Mother Bucker by Elle Thorpe]()
Mother Bucker by Elle Thorpe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGetting pregnant then realising your baby daddy is a cheating, lying, scumbag? That happened.But then Abel James walks into my life. One hot look from the broad-shouldered cowboy and I’m ready for all the sexy fun I won’t be having once I start showing.Only one problem. He’s my father’s best friend and almost twenty years older than me.He’s off limits. I’m completely forbidden...Categorized as:
western age-gap insta-love steamy forced-proximity industrial-era contemporary small-town -
![Hot Zone by Jacki James]()
Hot Zone by Jacki James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIf there is one thing Mars Allen knows, it’s that his best friend’s father, Samuel Sheridan, is totally off limits. Too bad the sexy fire chief would be the perfect Daddy. The release date on this book may change... -
![Warwick by Kelly Fox]()
Warwick by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI understand that sleeping with the boss is a bad idea.To be fair, I was already sleeping with my co-worker.And yeah, we all live in the same bunkhouse on a ranch in the middle of the Central Texas Hill Country, but we’re professionals. We can handle it.Besides, I’ve made it pretty darn clear that I am in no way a relationship guy... -
![Strung Up by Lorelei James]()
Strung Up by Lorelei James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom New York Times bestseller Lorelei James… Rancher Creston Grant retreats from the world after he loses the love of his life.. -
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![Virgin Hearts by Emmy Sanders]()
Virgin Hearts by Emmy Sanders
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCan an inexperienced cowboy wrangle the adult movie star of his dreams? HawthorneI’ve lived in the same small town my entire life. And I like it, for the most part: being a rancher, taking care of my chickens, and even my meddlesome family. What I don’t like is the limited dating options. I’m gay, and at thirty-six-years-old, I’ve never been with a man... -
![Black by Quin, Perin.]()
Black by Quin, Perin.
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Meow!”There it was.The sound that made my knees buckle.He purred, neck stretched, eyes half-lidded.With those cat ears, in his hair.And the tail, that he flicked.A ray of sun in the drizzling rain. I’d been a traveler, floating adrift, while he’d stayed in one place. How was I supposed to know he’d become my anchor? My light. My everything... -
![Cruz by Jacki James]()
Cruz by Jacki James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis lost boy needs a Daddy to take the reins...Nolan Carter is incredibly successful and wealthy. On paper, it seems he's gotten everything he could want. But he's lost himself along the way.When Nolan retreats to a Texas ranch he bought on a whim, hoping to figure out who he is without the influence of life coaches and socialites, he meets foreman Cruz Coban... -
![Friends Like Them by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
Friends Like Them by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOwen Doyle’s rough beginnings taught him not to form attachments, yet he’s drawn to Tyler Booth like a magnet. Their relationship has blossomed from strangers to the best friends, with each twist in the journey weaving their connection tighter. But Owen has a six-year secret that’s become unbearably painful to keep... -
![Pure Country by Kelly Fox]()
Pure Country by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’d sooner cage a wild bird than try to pin that cowboy down. But God, I want to make him mine.Our sizzling banter and filthy texts are the stuff of legends, but Rowdy is the king of one-night stands, and one night with him will never be enough.I crave a future with him, which is exactly why I’ve kept him at arm’s length... -
![Grumpy Bear by Slade James]()
Grumpy Bear by Slade James
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHooking up with an employee is not on my to-do list.Making sure other men have a good time is my business, even if it means suppressing my own desires. It’s opening weekend at my clothing-optional campground, guests are starting to arrive, and I’ve got a pool party and a few hundred peoples’ vacations to save while battling Mother Nature’s tantrums... -
![Seducing the Cowboy by Kennedy Fox]()
Seducing the Cowboy by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAfter leaving his hometown seven years ago, Payton hasn’t returned. One heartbreak was enough to turn him off relationships forever. As soon as he arrived at the Circle B Ranch, they treated him like family—something he’s never had—and he met the one woman he shouldn’t want. He’s put her in the friend zone, but after agreeing to her proposition, he can’t hold back anymore... -
![Navarro by Kelly Fox]()
Navarro by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMy late wife made a bet with me: if I marry her brother, I have to take his last name. “That's the rule. You marry two Navarros, you become one of us.” Renée always did have a sense of humor—even as she was dying—but I’ll never love anyone the way I loved her. Falling for my brother-in-law? Psh. Desi’s almost twenty years younger than me and far too pretty. Besides, my son would never forgive me... -
![Auctioned to the Cowboy by Hope Ford]()
Auctioned to the Cowboy by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’ve been in love with Cole Rogers, the cowboy next door, for as long as I can remember.Not for his money, but for his hard work, heart and protectiveness towards me. All he sees when he looks at me though is the tomboy working my daddy’s ranch.When my ranch is in financial danger, I sign up to sell the only thing I own of worth: my v-card...Categorized as:
western age-gap insta-love steamy industrial-era romance contemporary friends-to-lovers -
![The One I Left Behind by Piper Rayne]()
The One I Left Behind by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s the classic story—boy goes off into the world to fulfill his dreams and leaves the girl behind.Not every boy returns home, and I wish Ben Noughton wouldn’t have come back to our small ranching town at all after he retired from playing professional football.I figure it’s a quick layover for him. He always wanted out of this town and off his family’s ranch...Categorized as:
western found-family slow-burn second-chances angst steamy forced-proximity industrial-era -
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![Virgin Skin by K.M. Neuhold]()
Virgin Skin by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI know I have to keep my hands off of my best friend’s son, but it’s hard… really, really hard…I didn’t know the guy I picked up in the bar last night was Hero’s son. To be fair, he didn’t even know he had a son until today. I guess we’re all just scrambling to put on our poker faces.Keeping my hands off of Milo is hard enough thanks to his lickable dimple, flirty smiles, and virgin skin... -
![Rear Ended by K.M. Neuhold]()
Rear Ended by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLove is a highway, and Henry just got Rear Ended I’ve spent my entire adult life working eighty hours a week, chasing money, security… success . When my recent start-up went under, leaving me with nothing to show for years of grinding myself down to the bone, I’m not sure who I am anymore... -
![Always Mine by Sloane Kennedy]()
Always Mine by Sloane Kennedy
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI had one reason for never going back to the small town I once called home, but I never guessed it would be the same one that made me want to stay… Brooks I grew up in the small town of Eden, Wyoming, but never really felt like I fit in. Until I met the one boy who changed all that. When we were kids, Xavier Price understood horses, but somehow, he got me too... -
![Enchanted Enough by Kelly Elliott]()
Enchanted Enough by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFinally returning home after years in Paris, ex-model Avery Littlewood never imagined a rerouted flight plan would land her on destiny’s runway. She’s seated next to a gorgeous stranger…and as he shares his story, it’s not long before she discovers why his arresting blue eyes look so familiar...Categorized as:
found-family western age-gap insta-love slow-burn forced-proximity industrial-era romance -
![The Rancher's Rose: Ranchers Only Series by Elle Christensen]()
The Rancher's Rose: Ranchers Only Series by Elle Christensen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen forbidden sparks ignite, they’ll have to choose whether to burn or snuff out the fire. Rose Locke has loved Garrison Keeler since she was fourteen-years-old. He drove her crazy, treating her like his annoying baby sister, but she was convinced that one day when she was all grown up, everything would change... -
![Arrested Hearts 4: Sam & Jordan by Jayda Marx]()
Arrested Hearts 4: Sam & Jordan by Jayda Marx
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSam - The moment I saw Jordan Webb walk into Brews Brothers a few weeks ago, I knew I was in trouble. He was the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen, but I soon learned that his beauty was more than skin deep. He has a kind heart and a desire to do good in the world. Since his living arrangement was in limbo after a breakup, I invited him to stay with me until the trial against Paul was over... -
![Wrangled by K.C. Wells]()
Wrangled by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCity boy Toby Merrow needs a change of scenery, and two weeks at a dude ranch seems the perfect solution, even though it’s a far cry from the scenes of San Francisco. Not much chance of finding anything like that out in the wilds of Montana. But who knows? If he’s really lucky, one of the other guests will show up on Scruff —or even better, Recon... -
![Make Me Shiver by Marie Johnston]()
Make Me Shiver by Marie Johnston
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI haven’t seen my husband for a year and a half before he shows up on my family’s ranch asking for an annulment.Archer’s a corporate guy with the condo in the city, the expensive car, and the snooty friends I was never good enough for. And I’m not the girl he thought I was—polished, refined, and classy. I’ve got dirt on my boots—and in my hair, dusting my face, and covering my old truck...Categorized as:
slow-burn found-family angst western industrial-era contemporary small-town billionaire -
![My Office. Now! by Romeo Alexander]()
My Office. Now! by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRico: I know my life. I know what it’s like. I own Nocturne, one of the biggest clubs for miles around. I deal with the punks who work for me because even if they’re like younger siblings, they’re still punks. And I’m okay being the grumpy old man everyone thinks I am. I’m not that old but screw it, let them call me what they want.That’s been my life for years, and it is what it is... -
![Pretty Dogs by Riley Nash]()
Pretty Dogs by Riley Nash
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s hard to imagine dating when I secretly share a bed with my best friend every night. When we can barely spend an hour apart. When he’ll kill anyone who tries to touch me.We finally escaped the trailer park, but maybe we weren’t ready for freedom. My best friend Beck doesn’t know how to leave the gang he’s always known, even if it costs him his life... -
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![Something Unexpected by Rory Maxwell]()
Something Unexpected by Rory Maxwell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDOMINIC LAUDER never thought he’d return to Split Rock Ranch. But after twenty years, he finds himself knocking on his aunt’s door. He just wishes he was there with better news... -
![Tough Guy by Khloe Summers]()
Tough Guy by Khloe Summers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan a curvy worrywart find love with a rough biker who doesn't play games?AngieWorrying is my superpower.You name the worst-case scenario, and I've already overthought the solution.So when I see a rough looking biker breaking into the local bar, I'm immediately calling for help.But as I get to know him, maybe I hope to be calling for something much dirtier by the night's end... -
![Jaxon by Ruby Raynes]()
Jaxon by Ruby Raynes
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings***Jaxon - Love in Ink - Book 2***AlexMy life is going fine. Okay, it was going fine until I found myself both homeless—my trusty car Trixie on her last leg—and in need of a fake fiancé. What I don't expect is for Jaxon, my long-time crush and the owner of Ink Me, to come swooping in like a knight in shining armor...Categorized as:
mlm age-gap lgbtq found-family forced-proximity romance contemporary friends-to-lovers -
![Yarn & Yearnings by Duckie Mack]()
Yarn & Yearnings by Duckie Mack
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCollin is big, burly, and rides a Harley. He's the last person anyone would expect to have a passion for yarn. He crochets and sells his wares at the Heartcraft Market.Harper is new to town. He wants to plant roots and find someone to share a life with. He has only dated women since that unforgettable night with a biker who took his v-card... -
![Alec by R.M. Neill]()
Alec by R.M. Neill
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlecAs an ex-cowboy who travelled the rodeo circuit, I was good at two things: roping and, after a bit of heartbreak, denying that I was looking for a man to warm my bed permanently.I left that scene and settled in working at the Broken Horn Ranch. I was still good at denying the loneliness that kept creeping in, but the animals on the ranch and my plants kept me company... -
![Scarred Cowboy by Khloe Summers]()
Scarred Cowboy by Khloe Summers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan this older, scarred cowboy find love with a curvy, young, sweetheart?BOONEI live on steak, peach pie, and… Ella Winters.She’s intriguing, smart, curvy, and way too damn good for a guy like me.That’s why I stay away. My past is a war I battle every day.But when she tells me a prowler is sneaking around outside of her cabin,I can’t ignore her needs...
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