Books like 'The Lovely Return'
Readers who enjoyed The Lovely Return by Carian Cole also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town friends-to-lovers reincarnation coming-of-age slow-burn paranormal age-gap forbidden-love
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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... -
The Son & His Hope by Pepper Winters
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA Sweeping, Heart-wrenching Standalone from New York Times Bestseller Pepper Winters. "Things you should know about me from the very beginning:I was born to true love, witnessed the destruction it causes, and vowed never to let such agony happen to me. I am not a story-teller like my father. I am not a writer like my mother. I am just a son--their son.I am happy being alone...Categorized as:
age-gap angst coming-of-age female-mc forbidden-love friends-to-lovers multi-pov second-chances -
Could Have Been Us by Corinne Michaels
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNew York Times Bestselling author Corinne Michaels returns to the Willow Creek Valley Series in this stunning friends-to-lovers romance STANDALONE. Stella Parkerson has hidden her feelings for Jack since she was sixteen. He’s older, broken, and unwilling to see her as anything but his best friend’s little sister... -
From Air by Jewel E. Ann
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Jewel E. Ann parachutes into the burning, hazardous heart of love in a sexy yet dramatic romance set in Big Sky country.When Jamie Andrews moves in with a house full of firefighters, things start heating up fast...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers slow-burn angst forbidden-love -
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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:
angst cheerful-mc female-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov slow-burn -
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... -
Landon: Small Town Roommate Romance by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRELEASING APRIL 22nd!!! LANDON My former student. My new roommate. My greatest weakness….Autumn:It’s not that I’m hiding out in this hard luck little town. But I’m twenty-six years old, I’ve had one boyfriend and he ditched me for my sister. So I might be a little cynical. Then again, perhaps a high school math teacher shouldn’t expect romance...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc female-mc forbidden-love friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult -
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... -
Out of the Darkness by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe light had been snuffed out of Xander Caine’s world a long time ago, leaving him to suffer in darkness. After a tremendous loss, he closed himself off from anyone and everyone, content to live alone in the shadows. Then a woman blew into town with the force of a hurricane and shook everything up. Sage Winthrop was looking to start over...Categorized as:
angst cheerful-mc female-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov secrets -
Beneath the Hood: A Forbidden, Age Gap Romance (Sugarlake Series, Book Three) by Emily McIntire
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBlakelyMy life is a stage.Followed by millions, and loved by none.And me, the captain of control, steering my image through choppy waters.Making sure I stay on top.No one ever sees me.No one ever looks.Until him.But he's everything impossible, and a thousand shades of wrong.Falling for him would ruin everything I've worked for.So why can't I stay away?JacksonMy life is a back-up plan... -
Neat by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMy life is over. I swore I would never work at the whiskey distillery with my last name on it, that I would never be a part of my father’s legacy. But when I graduated with my art degree and realized there were no jobs, the devil appeared, and I sold my soul, agreeing to work in the family business if he’d give me the art studio I’d always dreamed of. It can’t be that bad, I thought... -
Home Sweet Home by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLeoEveryone has a past they’re trying to outrun, myself included. My time in the military left me with scars, both physically and emotionally, which is why I keep to myself. Since returning home to Stewart Grove, I work a lot so I have little time to think. To remember. I’m just content to make it through the day.Then I meet Kallie Carpenter...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc female-mc secrets romance military contemporary -
Sterling Streak by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLove was a losing battle for this country music darling and a single dad, baseball star until one night brings them together and one small town sets the playing field for a possible winning streak.They call me Lady Boss. Maneater. Queen. But beneath the makeup, blond wig, and glitzy costumes, I’m just a country girl who likes to sing. I don’t hate men, I’m just struggling to find a good one...Categorized as:
multi-pov slow-burn female-mc age-gap friends-to-lovers secrets forbidden-love romance -
The Mr. Right Checklist by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA free-spirited proposal planner and a grumpy professor form a hilarious and unexpected situationship that just might lead to more in this steamy romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.Dog groomer and budding marriage-proposal planner Destiny Amor believes in true love and happily ever afters...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers age-gap multi-pov female-mc romance -
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Unforgettable by Melanie Harlow
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsBack then, I had it all.Wicked fastball. Killer instinct. Cocky grin. Full package. (And believe me, I knew how to score.)My senior year, I was a first round draft pick with a two-million-dollar signing bonus. Before I could even legally buy myself a beer, I made my Major League debut. Point is, I was invincible.Until one day I wasn’t...Categorized as:
angst cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov second-chances secrets -
Pieces of a Life by Jewel E. Ann
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe summer before fourth grade, Colten Mosley moved into the house across the street from mine, and we became inseparable.He played the piano and baseball.I had a penchant for dead things while at the same time imagining what it would be like to kiss Colten.We were filled with curiosity and overly active imaginations.We were also forbidden to be more than friends.But that didn’t stop us...Categorized as:
paranormal coming-of-age friends-to-lovers angst slow-burn multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc -
The Apple Tree by Jewel E. Ann
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe's a single dad starting over in a new town. She's a relentless flirt with a penchant for trouble, ten years younger than him, and the babysitter. What could go wrong?Eve has just graduated from high school, but she doesn’t know what’s next aside from working at the local motel, spying on Kyle, her neighbor, and stealing apples from his orchard...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers age-gap angst forbidden-love slow-burn multi-pov coming-of-age romance -
June First by Jennifer Hartmann
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWant to know what happens to a man who barely claws his way out of a tragedy, only to fall right into the arms of the one girl in the world he can never have?Another tragedy, that’s what.When I was six years old, my father made a choice that altered the course of my entire life. Because of what he did, the only girl I ever loved became the only girl I couldn’t have...Categorized as:
age-gap angst coming-of-age female-mc forbidden-love friends-to-lovers multi-pov second-chances -
Great And Precious Things by Rebecca Yarros
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHow do you define yourself when others have already decided who you are? Six years ago, when Camden Daniels came back from war without his younger brother, no one in the small town of Alba, Colorado, would forgive him—especially his father. He left, swearing never to return.But a desperate message from his father brings it all back. The betrayal. The pain. And the need to go home again...Categorized as:
angst cheerful-mc female-mc forbidden-love friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov -
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:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap friends-to-lovers slow-burn romance contemporary -
Trouble by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsShe wants something real. He wants something now. Together they’re trouble in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s sexy and funny twice-in-a-lifetime love story. With his shameless grin and let’s-play swagger, carpenter Penn Etling leaves women wanting in Dogwood Lane. What do they get? Avery Perry knows: a one-night stand. She’s been there...Categorized as:
angst female-mc friends-to-lovers multi-pov second-chances slow-burn adult audiobook -
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 multi-pov slow-burn adult book -
Forcing You Away by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs I search for a fresh start, a friend convinces me to move to his small town. Considering I don’t have a place to live, his little sister offers me her spare room.She’s every man’s dream—witty, down to earth, and gorgeous as hell—too bad she’s off-limits. Unspoken words and stolen glances have me eager to please her in all the forbidden ways... -
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 -
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Make You Mine by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsA sexy firefighter. A much younger Nanny. The heat between them could burn down a small country. He doesn't believe in forever. And she won't settle for anything less.Jace King is a smoking hot firefighter, a single dad and my new boss.He's also the most beautiful man I've ever laid eyes on... -
Savor It by Tarah Dewitt
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSummer won't last forever.Sage Byrd has lived in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon (not to be confused with Forks, Washington) her entire life. She's learned to love her small world, with the misfit animals on her hobby farm, and her friendships with the town’s inhabitants...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov romance contemporary fiction -
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 female-mc romance audiobook -
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... -
Easton by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEastonI’m the youngest Swift brother. The one who’s always in trouble and can’t get his life together. I wouldn’t know where to start, and ever since my twin died, I can’t bring myself to care. After my last “situation,” Dad washed his hands of me. And though my brothers should’ve done the same, they stood up for me, fracturing their relationship with him too... -
The Tragedy of Felix and Jake by J. Daniels
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author, J. Daniels, comes an all-new standalone forbidden romance.They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.They say the best way to stay sober is to love yourself.I’m great at making bad decisions.Addict? Check. Poor impulse control? Check. Obsessed with the guy I’m sponsoring? Check Check Check...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers angst forbidden-love slow-burn multi-pov -
Stirred by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI don't want him. I can't do this. That's what my ex said after our son was born, leaving me a single dad. These days, my world consists of two things: Noah and my bar. Until her—the woman I want—but can never have. My ex’s sister wasn’t supposed to be stirred into the mix. Even though I try to push her away, my son falls in love with her...Categorized as:
age-gap angst cheerful-mc forbidden-love friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov -
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:
age-gap friends-to-lovers slow-burn multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Hold Me Until Morning by A.L. Jackson, Erin Mallon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI should have known I’d be playing with fire when I found the sexy as hell woman moving in next door...It was pouring rain, so I figured the neighborly thing to do would be to lend a hand.I nearly dropped to my knees when I realized who she was.Hailey Wagner.It’s been six years since I’ve seen her, and she’s always been the one person on earth who is off-limits... -
Just Like That by Lena Hendrix
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHe’s my sister’s ex, a stubborn jerk, and completely off-limits.Getting a man to give up custody of a son he didn’t know existed should have been easy. Trouble is, nothing with JP King is ever easy.Suave, grumpy billionaires aren’t supposed to have strong hands or filthy mouths, and I never expected our snippy banter to be so much fun...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov slow-burn friends-to-lovers forbidden-love -
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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... -
Cherished by Emilia Emerson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’m destined to be alone. They think they can rewrite my fate.One year after the fall of the Designation Government, Westin Anderson can barely comprehend her freedom. Now she can have a job and take part in the newly formed Omega Rights Committee, but she’s still barred from doing the one thing her heart desires—joining a pack...Categorized as:
fated-mates age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc paranormal romance omegaverse -
A Lodge Affair by Rachel LaBerge
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIvy Lawson loves a to-do list, hates surprises, and the only outdoor activity she’s interested in is brunch on a patio. After catching her long-term boyfriend—and co-worker—cheating, she’s thrown into leading a high-profile client event at The Emerald Canopy Lodge. AKA: her nightmare destination. Ivy finds herself desperate and anxious to get her job done and leave the lodge as soon as possible...Categorized as:
slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov romance contemporary forced-proximity -
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 female-mc contemporary small-town -
That Touch by Alexis Winter
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Small Town Friends to Lovers RomanceI didn’t mean to fall in love with my best friend’s wife.We were just kids when it happened.Now, a decade and a half later she and I have bonded over tragedy—she lost the love of her life and I lost my best friend.I always knew Dolly was gonna break my heart—but the truth is, she never even got the chance. The second she saw my best friend Dean, I was history...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers angst secrets second-chances grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Matchmaking a Roommate by Angela Casella, Denise Grover Swank
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s her next makeover project. She’s his next mistake.IvyI’m Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself I’m only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but that’s not the full story.I can’t go home. And the longer I stay, the less I want to...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov angst romance -
All The Little Things by Rachel Leigh
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Rachel Leigh comes an angsty brother's best friend, standalone romance. Four years ago my life was forever changed.One kiss.One moment.Five words."Enjoy all the little things."That's what Ryker said the night before he vanished from our lives for good.So that's what I did. I lived each day like it was the last-embracing all life had to offer...Categorized as:
angst coming-of-age forbidden-love friends-to-lovers multi-pov second-chances slow-burn abuse -
Keeping You Away by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe last time I saw my first love was twelve years ago. We fell hard and fast, but it didn’t stop me from leaving. I never expected to see her again, but when I move back to my small hometown, there’s no avoiding it—especially since her dad’s my new boss.The more time we spend together, the more I want a second chance to be the man she deserves. As old sparks resurface, we grow closer...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers multi-pov second-chances slow-burn adult book contemporary fiction -
Tragic Lies by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom bestselling author of the Rixon Raiders comes a new spin-off next generation series. More angst...More drama...More Raiders...Categorized as:
age-gap angst coming-of-age forbidden-love friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn abuse -
Every Time I Fall by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan brings you Every Time I Fall, a sexy standalone romance about a woman learning to love herself and the guy who’s loved her all along.He’s my brother’s best friend.The hot guy with the heart of gold I’ve never let myself want.Guys like Dean don’t go for girls like me.Curvy. Thick. A big girl... -
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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:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn 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:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov romance western -
Christmas On Stardust Lane by Garrett Leigh
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA scarred ex-biker with a hardened soul. The hot new nurse in town guarding his own bruised heart. Tam Dubois is used to being alone. With a body that bears the marks of his mistakes, he’s grown to like it. But scratching out a living with pen and ink is tough, the numbers don’t work, and the only solution he can think of gives him the opposite of Christmas cheer.A lodger...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc angst paranormal -
Shaken by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA see yourself out note isn’t how you want to celebrate the morning after your first one- night stand.The first time I meet Archer Callahan is when I block him in a parking spot.The second is a fender bender.The third is at a bar, drinking away our problems, and finding our way to his bed.I never expected to see him again...Categorized as:
age-gap angst cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov slow-burn -
Coming Full Circle (the Pembrooke series) by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe knew what it was like to feel unwanted. At an early age Eliza Anderson learned a very hard lesson. Sometimes the people who are supposed to love you the most are the ones that cause you the most pain. She learned to guard herself, hesitating to let anyone close for fear of feeling that rejection all over again... -
Meet Me in the Blue by A.M. Johnson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMeet me… in the place where the sun kisses the horizon and sinks into blue shades of you and me.Meet me there… where everything was always perfect. You and me and the damp grass at dawn and the gray dirt in the late evening rain.Meet me where we were ourselves and not these two people who can’t even say I love you...
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