Books like 'The Winter Before'
Readers who enjoyed The Winter Before by Karen Crompton also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town loner-mc grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers dark slow-burn
-
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... -
Gorgeous by Kristy Marie
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBreck: My name is Brecklyn Brannon, and I’m not who I claim to be. A year ago, I packed up my promising life in the city for a man I saw only once. Accepting a temporary job with Cade and four blazing hot veterans should have been my way in. Except, Cade acts like he would rather be tortured than speak to me. He can resist all he wants, but I made a promise that I intend to keep... -
Resolution by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a workplace romance between a grumpy, alpha architect and his new client—who just so happens to have the blueprint to bring him to his knees. Romance is not in Wade Mason’s portfolio. This is tragic...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine religion slow-burn spirituality adult -
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear.I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out.Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy... -
-
Finn Rhodes Forever by Stephanie Archer
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe guy who broke my heart is now an arrogant, too-hot firefighter… who’s hell-bent on getting me back. This summer, I have one goal: field work. I need it to finish my PhD. I never expected Finn Rhodes to offer help. He broke my heart twelve years ago, and now that he’s back in town, I want nothing to do with him. Finn wants one thing—me. We were inseparable as kids until everything changed...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult book comedy contemporary -
The Rest Of Me: A Contemporary Country Romance by Ashley Munoz
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDeath never simply settles for the life it claims. It’s greedy. It stole all of our lives that night and while it put my husband in the ground, it left my four children and me behind. After an ugly year of grief, something had to change. My sister suggested open spaces, big skies and fresh air in the heart of Wyoming...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn loner-mc religion spirituality christian western contemporary -
Famous in a Small Town by Kylie Scott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat chance does a small-town girl have with a world-famous rock star?Two years after his wife’s death, rock star Garrett Hayes hasn’t moved on. But he has moved out of L.A. Where better to escape his past than a small town in the Northern California mountains? If only he could get the townsfolk of Wildwood to leave him the hell alone... -
Wild Side by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJamesonLast man standing. I’ve watched all three of my friends fall in love with no desire to ever follow in their footsteps. Collectively, we own the hottest restaurant, bar, and brewery in town. They are a few of the places I find peace, a refuge against this cruel world. When I’m on the stage playing music, everything just seems to fade away.Until I saw her...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult book contemporary family -
Maybe We Should by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAn emotional and sexy novel about guarded hearts, finding love, and families lost and found by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe We Will.After spending years wondering who she was, tattoo artist Cait Weatherby finally found her answers on the sandy shores of Silver Island...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine slow-burn abuse adult audiobook -
Southern Hotshot: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Jessica Peterson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLusting after the woman trying to steal my job is stupid. Sexting with her? That’s a game-changing fumble.Emma Crawford became enemy number one the second she stepped foot on Blue Mountain Farm. She might think I’m just a dumb jock, but I know she’s a stuck-up wine snob who believes she’d be a better exec than me.She can take my position over my dead body...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine slow-burn adult alpha-mc audiobook -
Daisies & Devin by Kelsey Kingsley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEvery story has a hero. Devin O'Leary was mine. Everybody has a dream, And mine could take me far. Just me, and my voice, A stage, and this guitar. With patience and some luck, I could see me, standing there. But, that was before I met her- The girl with the purple hair. Enchanted by her beauty, By her soul, and then, her eyes... -
Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a grump and happy to stay that way. But can her sunshine melt the ice around his heart? Nathan Sanders didn't earn his reputation as the grouchiest player on the Appies minor league hockey team by chance. So when Summer Callahan breezes into his life with her flirtatious smiles and endless charm, he responds like he always he completely ignores her...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn friends-to-lovers religion spirituality romance -
The Lightkeeper by Rebecca Sharp
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAurora Cross just got the educational opportunity of a lifetime—to complete her coastal biology thesis at one of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses. She didn’t realize the toughest, most reclusive creature inhabiting the keep was a broody artist with more secrets than the sea.Kit Kinkade has had enough of the world...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn loner-mc religion spirituality romance -
Warrior Blue by Kelsey Kingsley
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBlake Carson can't afford to have a life. Between working full-time as a tattoo artist and caring for his disabled twin brother Jacob, his plate is more than full - and he prefers it that way. But his meticulous planning is turned on its head when he meets the upbeat and beautiful Audrey Wright and her butterfly tattoo...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc dark friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine religion slow-burn spirituality -
-
Love Notes & Lifelines by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe job was simple. Always answer the phone—no exceptions—then solve the caller’s catastrophe as efficiently as possible.The rules were simpler. They contact you, not the other way around. Never give them your real name, number, or any personal information not required to help a newly single dad keep his head above water.And never, ever get involved with a caller...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance contemporary billionaire -
The Runaway by Jess Mastorakos
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCould rescuing a runaway bride would be the detour I never knew I needed?I had a plan. But then, my cross-country road trip to my new duty station started with me getting dumped. Two seconds later, I got roped into bringing a family friend’s niece, Nikki, and her teenage daughter on the road with me.To make matters worse, I’m aiding Nikki’s escape from her own wedding...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc religion spirituality contemporary suspense small-town -
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:
friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn romance university sports -
Lilah by Ashlyn Montgomery
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsHe'd never met someone with such a bubbly personality. Not to mention the wildness and odd phrases she'd say every five minutes. He hates it. He hates how he can't stay away from it. He hates what she does to him; it's not like him to chase after some girl. She gets under his skin like no other.She'd never met someone with such a bad attitude. He's ill-mannered and menacing...Categorized as:
dark grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers slow-burn romance contemporary -
Don't Go Away Mad by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJasperThe kitchen: it’s my domain, where I create the best burgers in the Midwest. I’m the man behind the grill at Burgers and Brew, the restaurant and bar I co-own with my best friends. Every night, we’re packed, the demand has never been this high. It’s the only way I want it, thriving and pushing myself to be the very best.Then she started her new business across the street from mine...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine slow-burn adult book contemporary -
Legacy by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFordI don’t have time for distractions.I have a billion-dollar company to run. A father to grieve.A legacy to fulfill.Harley DeLuca is not my type.She’s snarky.She's stubborn.And she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen—even in her ridiculous grungy tennis shoes.I can’t get enough of her. HarleyI was a mistake from the moment of conception...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc dark friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine religion spirituality adult -
32 Rowan Blvd by Kelsey Kingsley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGet married.Buy a house.Have a baby.That's every girl's dream, isn't it? Well, maybe not every girl, but for Christy Bush, it was.So, when her boyfriend realized he didn't want any of those things, the obvious answer was to set him free and find a man who did... -
Saved by Love by Kelly Elliott, Ellie Grace
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy momma used to say, “Out of every tragedy, a miracle of love would come." The last ten years of my life have been nothing but tears and pain. I lost hope and wanted to give up on waiting for my miracle to come. Finally, a light is shining at the end of the tunnel. After leaving Texas and my past behind, I've started a new life journey in Estes Park, Colorado...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc religion spirituality romance contemporary -
Sterling Brick by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLove wasn’t part of the blueprint when high school sweethearts reunite in their small town. But this former military man never forgot the girl he left behind and he’s more determined than ever to rebuild their relationship brick by brick and heart by heart.Getting locked in the men’s restroom during my mother’s funeral wasn’t exactly how I expected to run into my high school sweetheart...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn romance contemporary military small-town -
Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNeighbors to lovers can be a risky proposition in this funny, sexy, and swoony romantic comedy between a single mother and the grumpy man next door by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towel—right in front of her sexy new neighbor...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers slow-burn romance audiobook contemporary -
-
More Than I Could by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis grumpy single dad falls hard for the nanny. Chase Marshall is many things:· An attentive single dad· Jaw-droppingly gorgeous· My employer for the next thirty daysHe’s also the bane of my existence.He swears I’m a never-ending headache—the most infuriating woman he’s ever met... -
Can't Help Falling by Courtney Walsh
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAll it takes to start a fire is one single match. . . Owen Larrabee is not my soulmate. He wasn't when I confessed my love to him on his wedding day, and he isn't now. I should probably say that I wasn't the bride when that happened. I don't have the best timing. He’s got a temper, he's moody, and he has a history of being misunderstood and making big mistakes...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers slow-burn spirituality romance contemporary -
Stay by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA scorching hot small town, age gap, single father/nanny romance by USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary age-gap -
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 grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult book contemporary fiction forced-proximity -
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 friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine slow-burn action-adventure adult book -
Besotted: An Enemies-to-Lovers Small-town Romance by Rebecca Sharp
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom bestselling author, Dr. Rebecca Sharp, comes an unrequited enemies-to-lovers standalone romance...Eve Williams is a hopeless romantic.Wearing her heart on her sleeve, she’s certain she’ll know her fairytale prince when she meets him. And when a ruggedly handsome cowboy with brooding Texan charm moves to town, Eve finds herself completely besotted...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc religion spirituality contemporary suspense christian -
Bro Code Hell by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLiving with my older brother’s best friend wasn’t even my worst idea lately.Keeping it a secret from my brother was on the list too. Oh, and actually falling (literally) for Blaze Hellman—when every frown clearly said to stay away—was most definitely at the top of the list.I was kind of a genius normally...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc contemporary small-town steamy -
Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA vintage VW van. Four friends. A cross-country road trip.It will be the best adventure of my life, if only I can shake the feelings I have for Cameron .Cameron Reeves is as gorgeous as his name makes him sound.He’s about six feet tall, which is the height I always wrote in my ideal man list in my journal. Yes. I have a list of qualities I want in a man...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc religion spirituality romance journey -
A Fish Out of Water by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI knew trying to make a fresh start on Marbella Island would mean reinventing myself.I'm only here while I work my way up to my dream role in a major motion picture in Hollywood.Which explains why I took a role playing a mermaid in the island production of In So Deep . What I didn't count on?Ben. The charmer who just took a job as a water sports instructor.Everyone loves Ben.Everyone but me...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc religion spirituality romance contemporary womens-fiction -
Forget the Stars by Kelsey Kingsley
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"You're my best friend.""You're mine.""I'm yours." Guitarist Chad Wilcox's life isn't going according to plan. At thirty, he never thought he'd still be unmarried and living with his parents. And with the added stress of his poor health, he's convinced the only thing within his control is the success he's found as a rock star... -
-
Promise Me Always by A.L. Jackson
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI should know better than to let Tessa McDaniels pretend to be my fiancée.I’m a dark, dangerous disaster who leaves destruction in his wake.But when she offers to pretend to marry me to help me get my kids back, I can’t refuse. They are the one thing I have left to fight for.Milo Hendricks found me at my lowest.Battered and broken by my ex with no place to call home... -
Slow Burn by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen she started on the path to her new life, she never could have guessed where it would lead her.Deva Kent spent most of her life dreaming of escaping. She hated being forced to live among the Fellowship of the Enlightened, the small community closed off from the rest of the world, and was desperate to spread her wings and discover something new...Categorized as:
slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc religion spirituality 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:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers slow-burn romance sports contemporary -
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:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance western sports -
Scrooge and the Girls Next Door by Melanie Jacobson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen the sunniest woman in Creekville buys the house next to the grumpiest man on the street, sparks fly . . . and not just because she keeps blowing his fuses...Twenty-six-year-old Paige Redmond, single mom and go-getter, can’t wait to give her daughter, Evie, the Christmas of her dreams... -
A Lifetime Kissing You by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCharlesI have a great family, a successful career, and never struggle to find the company of a man when I want it, and I do—often. The loss of my brother years ago is the one dark spot in an otherwise perfect life. But at forty-three, my world suddenly feels emptier than it should. Something’s missing...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn romance mlm contemporary -
Craving by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTHE WEDPOCALYPSE CONTINUES... Marlon St. James wants only one to be left alone. He has a house, a successful private security business, and endless peace and quiet. Things are exactly as they should be. Until Camilla. His brother thrusts soft, sweet, curvy Camilla Fox in front of Marlon and announces that she’ll be moving into Marlon’s house. Otherwise, she’ll be homeless. Fine...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance contemporary fiction -
Just Don't Fall by Emma St. Clair
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBefore Logan Barnes was hockey’s hottest bad boy, he was my brother’s best friend … and my first crush. Oh, yeah--and the guy who ghosted me and broke my teenage heart.Now Logan is back in Harvest Hollow, but not willingly. Recovering from an injury (and some bad press), he’s stuck playing for our minor league team. Which means I’ll be working with him almost daily...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn romance sports contemporary -
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:
slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance workplace contemporary -
A Gift-Wrapped Holiday by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMal's first priority is giving his six-year-old son the best Christmas ever, a goal made trickier by a recent move to New England after losing his job. As a single dad, he's not looking for romance—especially not with a blond California boy ten years his junior...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine slow-burn adult age-gap bisexuality -
-
Infamous Love by Lea Coll
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne reality star bad girl. One small-town vet. And the passion is unforgettable... ElleMove away. Dye my hair. Change my name. Fly under the radar.That's my plan to keep the public from recognizing me. I just want to be the new business owner of an old-fashioned barber shop, the ultimate man cave. But all anyone seems to remember is that I'm the bad girl on a popular reality show...Categorized as:
slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc contemporary small-town family fiction -
Faking It With My Best Friend by Kate O'Keeffe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe two of us have been best friends forever. But one of us is faking it.Gabe and I are the dynamic duo of Hunter’s Creek and have been ever since we were kids. My bestie is not only sweet and loyal, but he’s totally hot in that flannel-wearing lumberjack way of his. Not that I look at him like that.Well, not since high school...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn religion spirituality romance contemporary womens-fiction small-town -
Love on Deck by Kasey Stockton
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe calls it fake dating, but she calls it caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.Lauren Foley and Jack Fletcher already tried to be amicable once—on a blind date that ended in complete disaster. Now, years later, they have to put up with each other for the sake of her sister and his best friend, who are eloping on a cruise to the Bahamas. But that’s not the worst of it...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc religion spirituality romance contemporary enemies-to-lovers -
A Merry Montgomery Christmas by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen the entire Montgomery family comes together, it makes for a holiday to remember.But it’s more than just the tree, decorations, and gifts that have everyone talking. With so many people crammed under one roof, there’s bound to be some drama...Categorized as:
slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary audiobook family -
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...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn romance contemporary small-town enemies-to-lovers -
Claimed by the Mountain Man by Mia Brody
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGrumpy mountain man seeks sunshine nanny to care for equally grumpy nephew.HaleI never thought I’d become a single dad at thirty-six. Then again, I never thought my half-sister would just abandon her tiny son. Now, it’s on me to raise the six-month old baby.I don’t have a clue what to do with a little one, but I know they need lots of loving...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.