Books like 'A Date for the Derby'
Readers who enjoyed A Date for the Derby by Heidi McLaughlin & L.P. Dover also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town animals humor sports forbidden-love horses literary-fiction
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Full House by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMiles “Iowa” Walker is a fighter on a mission.He’s determined to win this year’s Stacked Deck tournament. He plans to get his six-year-old daughter out of a bad situation. And if there’s any time and money leftover, he’d love to take her out for ice cream without worrying about the cost or deadly consequences.Miles and his daughter have known only what it’s like to struggle... -
Hot Under the Collar by Roxanne St. Claire
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFirefighter Braden Mahoney is devastated when his beloved Weimaraner, Jelly Bean, fails the canine arson investigator test. Faced with the challenge of raising the money for advanced training, it’s Braden’s sweet grandmother and her best friend who suggest he use the services of the new event planner in town. Not that he needs a push in Cassie Santorini’s direction... -
Heavy Petting by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s her best friend.A reformed bad boy turned hot teacher.And after one spur-of-the-moment Vegas wedding... her husband. Jordan Benoit and Fletcher Landry have been best friends since they were six. He’s always been The Guy. When she needed picked up, cheered up, or lifted up — like literally, to see the stage at a concert — Fletcher was the guy... -
Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPreorder the brand new romantic comedy from bestselling author Christie Barlow Welcome to Love Heart Lane… When Flick Simons returns to the small village of Heartcross she only expected to stay for a few days. The white-washed cottages of Love Heart Lane might be her home, but the place holds too many painful memories, and of one man in particular – Fergus Campbell... -
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Flipping Love You by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s the tattooed bad boy her mama warned her about. She’s his hot mess — but mostly hot — next door neighbor. Until a two-night-stand gives them the surprise of a lifetime... Jillian Morris is a workaholic who forgets to watch the time. And to eat. And to change her shoes. And to keep even a house-plant alive. And to have any kind of a personal life... -
Seven Card Stud by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJamie Kincaid is a middleweight fighter, born to fighting royalty, and a shoo-in to be the next champion in the world-class Stacked Deck tournament.He’s a flirt. A romantic. A little too loose with his female companions, so when his cousins casually mention he needs to let one go before he hooks another— they’re not kidding... -
Sealed With A Kiss by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat’s a girl to do when her celebrity crush needs her to be his fake girlfriend?Keep her damned feelings to herself, of course. Child TV star turned adult wallflower Naomi LeClaire has vowed never to return to the spotlight.But when she’s stuck in a storm with Donovan Foster, the hot, charming, wild-life rescuing internet sensation, and she finally gives in and kisses him.. -
Puck Performance by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAll's fair in love and potatoes. Melody Brightly Broadway Star. Pink hair. A smile that hits me harder than a slap shot. Terrible taste in hockey teams. Full of secrets. The one woman I fail to defend my heart against. Jase Donnelly Defenseman.Charming. Sexy as puck. Makes my hormones give a standing ovation. The one guy I can never be with, but can't stay away from... -
Perfect Secret by Molly McLain
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’m done with men. Or at least I thought I was until I found Holden standing in my shower, naked, wet, and built like he could break my heart...and my bed... -
My Kinda Player by Lacey Black, Sara Eirew
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAJ Summer witnessed four of her sisters fall in love and settle down. But not her. She’s stuck in a rut, destined to spend the rest of her life watching from the dugout, kissing frogs. Then one night, she meets a mysterious stranger, who makes her feel alive and realize she’s not as broken as she thought–until she wakes up alone... -
Primrose Park: Escape with a heartwarming and feel good must read novel about friendship, family and romance in 2021! by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatVet Molly has always been career driven and focussed on caring for her animals, but when she meets a gorgeous Mystery Man at a conference and their connection is off the charts, well, one night off work won’t hurt anyone…except the next morning he’s vanished and all Molly knows about him is his first name... -
Say It Like You Mane It by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat happens when a hellraiser turned hot cop is stuck with a headstrong heiress he’s determined to protect...and resist?A run-away bride, wearing a freakin’ tiara, and carrying a stolen lion cub, of all things. This was not how rowdy, bad-boy-turned-small-town-cop, Zander Landry expected his day to go.He really didn’t expect his night to end with her sleeping in his bed after her near-kidnapping... -
Head Over Hooves by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsYou know in movies where the big city girl lands in a small town for the holidays and falls for the hunky guy who saves Christmas?This isn’t that story.But this guy does look fantastic in flannel. And out of flannel…Finding true love with his one-and-only soul mate? Drew Ryan’s given up on that... -
New Leash on Life by Roxanne St. Claire
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFormer attorney and current dog whisperer Shane Kilcannon doesn’t like to lose. At anything. So when he messes up his chance with a beautiful stranger whose confident smile and haunted eyes intrigue him more than any woman he’s ever met, he’s ready to snarl like one of his beloved pit bulls... -
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Dirty Little Midlife Disaster by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSizzling-hot and seriously funny. Who said your forties couldn’t be both?Katrina Viceroy is a recently divorced mother of two, and the proud new owner of a flat tire… until leather-clad motorcycle hottie, Mac Blair, arrives to save the day.Mac is the exact opposite of Trina’s ex-husband. He’s got bad boy etched into every line of his muscular body, for one... -
Spare Me by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRyan Hutton has spent his entire life being the shy, nerdy, rule-following nice guy on Summersweet Island. He’s the high school bowling coach and algebra teacher, who’s always predictable, and he’s always been fine with that. At least until a sexy nutjob gives him the best kiss of his life in his favorite pizza place. Suddenly, he doesn’t like being the quiet, obedient nice guy anymore... -
Starcross Manor: Feel-good summer 2020 romantic fiction from the bestselling author of Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDying to know more about the brooding and mysterious Flynn Carter and the secrets behind his plans for Starcross Manor?You won’t want to miss the next spellbinding chapter in the Love Heart Lane series – where friends are there for you no matter what.When Julia Coleman meets Flynn Carter again in the cosy village of Heartcross it can only mean trouble... -
Too Close for Comfort by Melanie Shawn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHank "The Fighter" ComfortLife doesn't get much better than this. Or does it?After years of taking care of everyone else, my life was finally my own. With no one depending on me and no one I was responsible for besides myself, I thought I'd be happy. But I was wrong.My family is my legacy and curse. Literally... -
Ace Magnets by Giulia Lagomarsino
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAce Magnets is book 3 in the series A Good Run Of Bad Luck and is best read in order.CorduroyCarter Roy, the man that attracts all the ladies, but never gets them. He's sexy and charming, but hasn't found the woman that can keep his attention.AbbyI just moved to this town six months ago, but I'm already loving it! Granted, I get lost a lot and I tend to stick out like a sore thumb... -
Difficult by R.L. Mathewson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSurviving high school was going to be hard enough, but surviving telling the one girl that he couldn’t live without how he felt was going to be one of the most difficult things that Sebastian Bradford was ever going to do.From New York Times and USA Today’s bestselling author R.L...Categorized as:
humor sports romance young-adult contemporary high-school friends-to-lovers small-town -
If We Never Met by Barbara Freethy
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOne moment can change two lives…Keira Blake agrees to the blind date simply because she has a wedding coming up and no plus one. Tired of being the last single girl standing in her group of friends, she shows up at the bar with low expectations, but her ruggedly handsome date is far more attractive and interesting than she'd imagined... -
The Park of Sunset Dreams by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Ava Miles of the #1 National Bestseller NORA ROBERTS LAND presents a fun, emotional, heartwarming romance about finding happily ever after…in a dog park. “I am adding Ava Miles to my list of always reads like Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, and NORA ROBERTS.” Marjay's Reading Blog Jane Wilcox has a secret... -
Whiplash by Janet Dailey
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFans of edge of your seat romance and readers of B.J. Daniels, Lindsay McKenna, and Diana Palmer won’t want to miss this electrifying and genuine new page-turner from the bestselling romance legend. When Val Champion returns to the family ranch, she’s ready to put her past behind her. Her dreams of a Hollywood acting career have become a nightmare of fear... -
The Wildcat by Bella Matthews
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat do you get when you mix a devastatingly handsome hockey player who doesn’t do casual with a blonde bombshell cheerleader who doesn’t do serious?I was supposed to be taking the summer off from dating. . . and flirting. . . and men in general. A cleanse. It sounded great in theory. But theory went out the window when my own personal kryptonite sat on the barstool next to mine... -
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Runaway Bride and Prejudice by Emma St. Clair
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThere's one rule smart hockey players know not to break: never, and I mean, NEVER date the coach's daughter. But no one ever accused Van of being smart.When the mouthy bad boy of the Appies catches the groom cheating on the coach's daughter, he can't just walk away. Not on her wedding day.Maybe his own relationships are casual, but he would never cheat and never treat wedding vows so carelessly... -
High Meadow by Freya Barker
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn emergency call to pick up an injured stallion on the side of the road sends Alexandra Hart, the new owner of Hart's Horse Rescue, into action. A recent addition to the area, she is not impressed when the animal's taciturn owner shows up. With his less-than-stellar disposition, he’s the kind of man she normally avoids at all costs, unfortunately, he owns the ranch just down the road... -
Wedding at Lakeside Resort by Susan Schild
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author, Susan SchildWhen it comes to love, forty-four year old Jenny Beckett's track record isn't great, but she's finally found Luke Hammond, a kind, down to earth man who adores her. And she's marrying him!But Jenny has no time to moon about the big day... -
Ex Best Thing by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFirst rule in the sister’s handbook: don’t date your sister’s ex-boyfriend.Oops.If there was one man on the planet I shouldn’t be looking at twice, it’s Daire Beneventi. Sure, he’s my sister’s ex, but he’s also the leather jacket to my quilt tote bag... -
Once Upon A Rescue by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAs director of the local animal shelter, Brooke Redding is used to being the one doing the rescuing. But when a freak winter storm endangers her animals with sub-freezing temperatures and enough snow to constitute a Mississippi blizzard, she’s in the market for a miracle. Hayden Garrow wants nothing more than to be her hero... -
Slap Shot Surprise by Melanie Harlow
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn my defense, I thought the plane was going to crash.Otherwise, I never would have blurted out those embarrassing things to a perfect stranger.Did I mention he turned out to be a scorching hot superstar of professional hockey?But wait, there’s more.When the plane lands safely, I rush off, praying I’ll never have to face him again... -
All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAll bets are off in this heartfelt romance by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst. Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true... -
Beneath the Stands: An Enemies to Lovers, Best Friend's Brother Romance (Sugarlake Series, Book Two) by Emily McIntire
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBeccaI hated before I loved.I loved and then I lost.And the only man I’ve ever wanted is the one out of reach.Temptation is the Devil’s candy, but I lost my faith in God years ago.He’s forbidden.Off-limits.My biggest secret.One I’m determined to take to my grave.I’ve learned to live in the ghost of his memory. Craving his touch, but relieved he never comes home.Until one day, he does...Categorized as:
forbidden-love literary-fiction sports audiobook book contemporary enemies-to-lovers female-mc -
Lemon Drop Cottage by K.T. Dady
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, love, drama, and a happily ever after.Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin... -
Rescue Me by Kelly Collins
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer company is failing. His plan could save it. Will their partnership move from business to pleasure?Carla “Carl” Stevenson takes a special joy in running the local timber mill. But when the economy takes a downturn, selling the family business may be her only heartbreaking option... -
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Shattered Diamonds by Ann Omasta
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe let everyone down. He stunned the people of their small town. Can these broken souls heal each other or are some scars too deep to mend? Josie Michaels has dedicated her entire life to winning an Olympic gold medal. When an injury steals her ability to swim competitively, her entire life crashes down around her... -
Dare Me Again by Shelly Alexander
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMaking dreams come true is a red-hot challenge for two stubborn hearts risking it all on a second chance… Hot-wired and restless, financial wizard Elliott Remington doesn’t turn down a dare. This time it’s to coordinate a service-dog boot camp for veterans at his family’s resort. Success means a one-way ticket to the West Coast to pursue his dream career... -
The Front Runner by Elsie Silver
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsStefan Dalca is beautiful, brooding, and bossy. He’s also public enemy number one in this small town, with a murky past that’s hard to overlook. And I just agreed to three fake dates with him. I may be a renowned veterinarian, but when I find myself in a sticky situation, Stefan is my last hope. I need his help to save a sick foal and what he wants in return is me...Categorized as:
animals horses literary-fiction adult animal-death book contemporary enemies-to-lovers -
One Hundred Ways by Kelly Collins
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWelcome back to Aspen Cove, the tiny mountain town filled with fresh starts and happily ever afters… After the death of her father, sculptor Riley Black leaves Butte, Montana for Aspen Cove in search of the family she’s never known. There, she will bend steel to her artistic vision… and maybe, just maybe find a place to belong... -
The Weekend Getaway by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA weekend break changes everything…The chemistry between Keira and Noah is instant. It only takes one date for Keira to realise there’s something special between them.When Noah invites her to a family party in his hometown, she eagerly agrees, and by the end of their weekend away she’s absolutely head over heels. Not only for Noah, but for his close-knit family and the stunning Isles of Scilly... -
The Bridge to a Better Life by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Ava Miles of the #1 National Bestseller NORA ROBERTS LAND comes a humorous and emotional romance about the power of love and second chances—perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallery. "Ava's story is witty and charming... -
Getting Over It: Sapphire Falls book six by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHailey Conner has been driving Ty Bennett crazy for years. And vice versa. It’s kind of their thing. But Ty is ready to make their thing into something more. And he’s moved in next door to make it happen. But is he *really* ready? Ty loves the confident, sassy, sexy mayor’s Ice Queen act...because he loves making her melt. But he soon finds there’s more underneath all that frostiness... -
Snow Days by Melanie Shawn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe wanted to feel pleasure… After twenty-nine years, high school English teacher Amy Maguire realizes something is missing in her life…passion. Always one to tackle a problem head on, Amy makes a plan to remedy her situation. Phase One: find a suitable candidate. Phase Two: experience passion. Simple. Right? Except after countless dates she hasn’t once felt that spark, that chemistry... -
Sparrow by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI like horses better than most people. After years of supporting our local equine rescue, it’s safe to say that I have a certified hate-on for the rodeo. So why is Luke McCall, injured rodeo diva, in my training paddock?I feel bad that he was outed by the media, and I get the need to regroup out of the spotlight... -
Whiskey River Rescue by Justine Davis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsStill reeling from the unexpected sale of the land she and her horses live on, horse rescuer Kelsey Blaine is frantic when she comes home to find her possessions already boxed up and her house being bulldozed without any notice. Normally calm and kind, Kelsey becomes furious and impulsively cuts a privacy fence to confront the culprit–her mysterious neighbor, Joe... -
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The Wild Card by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be harmless. One fake date with an off-limits football player I'd never date for real.Plot twist—Harry Westbrook is the exact opposite of harmless.My first mistake? Underestimating that boyish smile, those playful eyes, the charming words on those perfect lips. He claims to have a crush on me... -
New Tricks by Kelly Moran
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLoving someone is something you never forget how to do . . . Zoe Hornsby has enough on her plate. Her pet grooming business tucked inside her friends’ veterinarian clinic is busy, and all her free time outside of work is dedicated to caring for her mother’s ailing mind. Dating is certainly not on her agenda... -
Seizing Mack: A Contemporary Love Story by Abbie Zanders
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCarpe the romance... The Marines gave Heather “Mack” McKenzie a lot of things. Self-discipline. An arsenal of swear words. And the carpe diem attitude to make her fitness center, Seize, a success. The hot new vice cop in town makes her breath catch... -
Lakeshore Legend by Shannyn Leah
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPeyton McAdams doesn’t want a thing to do with Colt Patterson…except she has had a crush on him since they were little. Recently, they also had a nice little romp in the shower together. But Peyton thinks she’s just another notch in Colt’s belt and is determined NOT to fall in love. Love is just a game and it destroys people... -
Break the Ice by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Winter Games are over, but the bedroom games are just beginning… This is about the time I normally hang up my snowboard and chill for a while. Except this year. This year, I’m dealing with what fate dealt me at the Winter Games—nope, not gold. A broken arm. Since I’m not close to my family, I head to my best friend, Skylar’s pad to recoup... -
Ear Candy by M.E. Carter, Andrea Johnston
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s the plot twist she didn’t hear coming. Becoming a book narrator was never my goal. But if your deep voice tempts romance listeners to swoon and throw their proverbial panties at you, plans change...
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