Books like 'Axel'
Readers who enjoyed Axel by Kelly Finley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
small town romance mystery dark workplace organized-crime enemies-to-lovers stalking age-gap forced-proximity
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Highball Rush by Claire Kingsley, Lucy Score
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsRough around the edges Gibson Bodine takes his lone wolf image seriously. The tough guy. The bad boy. Gibson lives alone. Works alone. He doesn’t do love. And he wouldn’t have it any other way. In Bootleg Springs—home of moonshine and the nosiest neighbors in West Virginia—secrets don’t keep forever... -
![Exodus by Kate Stewart]()
Exodus by Kate Stewart
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsCan you live a lie?It’s a ghost town, this place that haunts me, the one that made me.It’s clear to me that I’ll never outgrow Triple Falls or outlive the time I spenthere.I can still feel them all, my boys of summer.Even when I’d sensed the danger, I gave in.I didn’t heed a single warning. I let my sickness, my love, both rule and ruinme...Categorized as:
age-gap billionaire crime dark enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine organized-crime -
![Broken Vow: A Dark Mafia Romance by Sophie Lark]()
Broken Vow: A Dark Mafia Romance by Sophie Lark
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsI’ll Protect Her… Whether She Likes It Or Not. Riona Griffin is gorgeous, intelligent, and iron-willed. My perfect woman, except she hates my guts.She thinks she doesn’t need anybody. But she needs me.She’s being hunted by an assassin who never misses his mark.I’m going to stay by her side, day and night, keeping her safe...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc crime dark enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine legal -
![Conquered by Riley Edwards]()
Conquered by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDylan Welsh was the last man standing…until Sawyer Glasgow brought him to his knees.Dylan wasn’t ready for Sawyer. He wasn’t ready to confront the truth of his past. He wasn’t ready to admit he’s fallen in love with the sweet, sexy woman who captivated him from the moment he saw her. He’s especially not prepared to face the hurt he’s caused Sawyer. But to keep her, he must do all three... -
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![Her Shadows, His Secrets by C.C. Monroe]()
Her Shadows, His Secrets by C.C. Monroe
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHannaI hid in the shadows all my life. That was where I felt I belonged the most, because I was ridiculed by the ones I loved, by society’s view of women like me.But now I believe someone is out to hurt me, yet I don’t know who it could be. I didn’t think I had anyone to fear, except for in the shadows, the same ones that used to keep me safe... -
![Playing with Lies by Riley Edwards]()
Playing with Lies by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA no-strings kinda guy and a forever kinda woman…what could go wrong?I had a stalker and I knew just who to ask for help—Detective Dalton Neary. My own personal Prince Charming. The problem was, he turned out not to be so charming, at least not in the forever kind of way I was looking for. He was a good-time guy with a sexy smile and a goat game that should be illegal. But not the man for me...Categorized as:
suspense grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity romance mystery law-enforcement -
![Code Name: Gemini by Janie Crouch, Danielle M. Haas]()
Code Name: Gemini by Janie Crouch, Danielle M. Haas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTasha Volkov has been on the run for three years from a brutal cartel who want her dead. her family.She already paid a heavy price for crossing them, and has the scars to prove it. Her only choice is to keep running, even if the tiny town of Pine Valley feels more like home to her than anywhere else she's ever been... -
![The Finish Line by Kate Stewart]()
The Finish Line by Kate Stewart
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsSecrets and Lies...I’ve lived the entirety of my life wrapped up in subterfuge for one purpose—revenge.Through the years, I lived more as an enigma than a man.For so long, I denied I had a beating heart of my own. Until her. Until she unearthed the starving vessel inside, forced me to acknowledge it, forced me to understand that I’m capable of bleeding the same as any other.For that, we paid...Categorized as:
age-gap billionaire cheerful-mc crime dark enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc -
![Fractured Sky by Catherine Cowles]()
Fractured Sky by Catherine Cowles
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsDamaged. Broken. Destroyed. I’ve heard it all. A single moment of trusting the wrong person shattered my life into pieces, and my family has never looked at me the same. It’s impossible to convince them that I’m anything more than the broken girl they rescued all those years ago.Until I meet him.Ramsey’s grumpy demeanor and menacing scowl scare most of the world away. But not me...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc dark forced-proximity found-family grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy -
![Possession by Helen Hardt]()
Possession by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsYour Escape Into A World of Dark Mysteries & Spicy Romance.Jade Roberts’s love for Talon Steel is the real deal, and she’s more determined than ever to help him come to grips with whatever is haunting him. To that end, she continues her investigation of the Steels…and unknowingly attracts some dangerous foes from their shrouded history... -
![Edge of Nowhere by Freya Barker]()
Edge of Nowhere by Freya Barker
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOpen roads and honor meets poke bowls and self-controlI’m a homesick nomad.A protégé, a mountain man, an ally, and a seeker.My name is Wapi.I’m a work in progress looking to belong, and though my road has been a winding one, my heart has found focus.I’m a straightlaced hellcat.A princess, a fool, a target, and a handle.My name is Lindsey... -
![The Beat of My Heart by Avery Maxwell]()
The Beat of My Heart by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOne week. No strings. Sexy stranger. What could go wrong?My name is Julia McDowell. I’m not the pretty girl next door, I’m the boss at work who solves all your problems. I’m an awkward genius with the worst taste in boyfriends; the last one left me with a 6-figure debt to prove it... -
![10-Code by Freya Barker]()
10-Code by Freya Barker
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs a forty-one-year-old mother of three boys, working two jobs, Marya Berger doesn’t have the time or energy to consider a relationship. Especially after a lifetime of poor choices in the romance department. But when the disappearance of a young boy strikes a little too close to home, and a younger man she’s tried to ignore offers his help, she doesn’t stand in the way... -
![Tallowwood by N.R. Walker]()
Tallowwood by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsCold cases, murder, lies, and an unimaginable truth.Sydney detective August Shaw has spent the last decade of work solving cold cases. Since the death of his boyfriend eight years ago, August works alone, lives alone, is alone — and that’s exactly how he likes it... -
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![Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid]()
Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe Devil is in the details . . . Cletus Byron Winston wishes to marry Jennifer Anne Donner-Sylvester (aka The Banana Cake Queen) posthaste! He’s spent the last year wanting nothing more than for the celebrations to be brief, libations flowing, and BYOB (bring your own blueberries)...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc crime grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy suspense action-adventure -
![Delicate Escape by Catherine Cowles]()
Delicate Escape by Catherine Cowles
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTrust doesn’t come easily when you’ve been running for as long as I have, which is why moving in with a man I barely know is such a bad idea.Shepard Colson is all golden-boy charm and devastating good looks. But I know what it’s like to be taken in by easy smiles and the promise of forever—I have the scars to prove it...Categorized as:
suspense forced-proximity found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc stalking dark -
![Obsession by Helen Hardt]()
Obsession by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsYour Escape Into A World of Dark Mysteries & Spicy Romance.Jade Roberts is in love with Talon Steel but no longer welcome in his home. While she resolves to move on, she still longs for the passion she and Talon shared…and when her boss asks her to dig up information on the Steels, she’s only too happy to comply... -
![Scheming Heart by Ivy Layne]()
Scheming Heart by Ivy Layne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsScarlettI don’t want to lie to him. I really don’t.First of all, he's hot. Really hot. I know I swore off gorgeous men for the rest of eternity, but Tenn Sawyer has me questioning all of my choices. At least, any choices that mean I can’t have him.Second, he isn’t just hot, Tenn is bossy and domineering and patient and his smile makes my panties melt. And that was all before he kidnapped me.After... -
![Wicked Heart by Ivy Layne]()
Wicked Heart by Ivy Layne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFinn Sawyer hates everything about being back in Sawyers Bend. He walked away from his family years before, living off his wits and skills in the kitchen, refining his craft as he worked his way across Europe. Then the father who left him for dead is murdered, and the will offers Finn a chance at his dream...Categorized as:
suspense enemies-to-lovers billionaire grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy romance -
![Reckless Refuge by Catherine Cowles]()
Reckless Refuge by Catherine Cowles
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBook four in the Wrecked Series. Synopsis coming soon... -
![Rebel Heart by Elle Thorpe]()
Rebel Heart by Elle Thorpe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe epic conclusion to Rebel, Fang, Kian, and Vaughn's story. Blurb coming soon... -
![Tyler by Nyssa Kathryn]()
Tyler by Nyssa Kathryn
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSometimes, the biggest secrets can bring both salvation and destruction.Emerson Charles grew up luckier than most, going from a difficult life to finding safety and a true home with her stepmother and stepbrother. Years later, when Levi's in trouble, Emerson will do anything for the brother of her heart, her greatest protector... -
![Off Duty Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe]()
Off Duty Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHazard and Somerset: Off Duty Volume 2 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“John-Henry Somerset: Sold!”Somers enters a charity bachelor’s auction without telling his boyfriend. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty.“Pretty and Pink and Perfect”Hazard plans a toddler’s birthday party. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty... -
![Ranger by Rebecca Sharp]()
Ranger by Rebecca Sharp
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSydney Ward woke up on the wrong side of life—that’s what it feels like when cancel culture claims another victim... -
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![Love Me by Ashley N. Rostek]()
Love Me by Ashley N. Rostek
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsColt is my comfort.He’s the first one to hold my hand when life becomes hard.Creed is my support.He always has my back, is always ready to help me battle the world or my insecurities.Keelan is my joy.He effortlessly makes me laugh and exudes a light even when days become dark.Knox is my strength.He holds me together even when I want to break... -
![Bourbon & Lies by Victoria Wilder]()
Bourbon & Lies by Victoria Wilder
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn Fiasco, Kentucky, there is one rule: never fall for a Foxx brother. Any woman who did, ended up dead—or so the rumor goes. Townies call it a curse. But I’ve lived it, and I won’t survive it again.I’m not a cop anymore, but I’ve seen enough danger to know that Laney Young, the beautiful stranger who just showed up in my small town, is running from it... -
![Things We Hide From the Light by Lucy Score]()
Things We Hide From the Light by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsNash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc crime enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity found-family grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy -
![Deserted by Cara Dee]()
Deserted by Cara Dee
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDeserted is the third book in the Auctioned Series, following book 1, Auctioned, and book 2, Stranded. Gray Nolan had survived a kidnapping where he was supposed to have been auctioned off to the highest bidder. He had also survived being stranded on an island, under siege from a different set of foes, and throughout the hell they’d all endured, their motto had been “Leave no man behind... -
![Battles of the Broken by Anne Malcom]()
Battles of the Broken by Anne Malcom
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSouls are interesting things. Not something you can prove you possess. Not something that can be measured, like a heartbeat. But something that can be destroyed by the absence of a heartbeat. No, you cannot prove you possess a soul. But once that soul dies, there doesn't need to be proof that you don't have one. Once that blackened pit opens inside you, the world can see it... -
![Flynn by Nyssa Kathryn]()
Flynn by Nyssa Kathryn
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSome pasts are harder to escape than others.When Carina Murphy is accused of a crime she didn’t commit, a fresh start in a new town is her only option. Unfortunately, Cradle Mountain may not be the safe haven she’d thought. The son of her new patient may be tall, dark and handsome…but he also knows all about her past.Keeping her job should be the hardest part...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers dark forced-proximity steamy suspense romance military contemporary -
![Sin's Enticement by Ciara St. James]()
Sin's Enticement by Ciara St. James
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAfter years of serving his country, Sin reclaims his life and forms the Ares Infidels MC, with like-minded military brothers. They decide his home town of Tenillo, Texas is the perfect place to build their futures. By forming a club where they get to make the rules and determine what orders to follow... -
![Pieces of a Life by Jewel E. Ann]()
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:
suspense enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity dark workplace -
![Gunner by Rebecca Sharp]()
Gunner by Rebecca Sharp
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom bestselling romantic suspense author, Dr. Rebecca Sharp, comes a surprise pregnancy romantic suspense...Della Bolden needs an escape—that’s what happens when your billionaire father has shielded your entire life.Growing up under the thumb of personal security—for her own safety—Della wanted one weekend of freedom on a ski trip with her friends... -
![Reckless Trust by Nyssa Kathryn]()
Reckless Trust by Nyssa Kathryn
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt’s a long-awaited homecoming…but not everyone’s happy about her return. Five years ago, Tilly Taylor’s father did something that cost her everything. Her home. Her friends. And all the trust she’d ever earned. Now she’s back, and ready to prove to everyone that she’s nothing like Martin Taylor. Unfortunately, the small town of Misty Peak doesn’t forgive or forget so easily...Categorized as:
suspense crime enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
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![There with You by Samantha Young]()
There with You by Samantha Young
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFor Regan Penhaligon, there’s no better place to run to than the exclusive Ardnoch Estate in the remote Scottish Highlands. Her impulsive behavior has finally caught up with her and Regan’s visit with her sister, Robyn, is an opportunity to hide from someone who has grown dangerously obsessed with her...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc dark enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine stalking -
![Fatal Felons by Elle Thorpe]()
Fatal Felons by Elle Thorpe
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsPlease note this is the third and final book in a trilogy, and this blurb contains spoilers for books 1 and 2. Start the series with Locked Up Liars, and Solitary Sinners before reading on!When a judge declared Heath guilty and sentenced him to death row, everything we’d been fighting for went up in flames.We have no excuses. No appeals. No freedom.Now, there’s only one way out...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc crime dark enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity found-family grumpy-mc -
![Corruptor's Claim by K. Loraine, Meg Anne]()
Corruptor's Claim by K. Loraine, Meg Anne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’m in love with my brother’s wife.When River came back, I thought I’d gotten a second chance to make her mine. I had Mama’s ring ready and everything. Until the moment I found out she was already married–to Cross.On paper, it’s a good thing, especially since the head of the Russian Bratva has her in his sights...Categorized as:
dark suspense crime age-gap enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity organized-crime steamy -
![Fearless by Tracy Lorraine]()
Fearless by Tracy Lorraine
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn all-new and addictive dark, why-choose, captive romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Tracy Lorraine.You know what they say about things that are too good to be true…We might have been in a safe house recovering, but we were in danger, and still the four of us found a way to be together.We’d even managed to find something that I never thought possible.Peace... -
![Crushed by A.K. Evans]()
Crushed by A.K. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat’s the price of survival?Sawyer McKinney didn’t want to come back. It wasn’t like anyone wanted to see her ever again anyway.But this was about life or death, and that meant there was only one place she could go.If Jesse Hale never saw Sawyer again, it would be too soon. After all the devastation she left behind years ago, he can’t imagine why she’d ever show her face again...Categorized as:
suspense enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity steamy romance contemporary mystery small-town -
![Be Still My Heart by Emily McIntire, Sav R. Miller]()
Be Still My Heart by Emily McIntire, Sav R. Miller
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSkelm Island, Maine has always been known for two things: lobsters and its broken lighthouse.But when corpses start showing up in the water, the isolated town becomes the face of a cryptic investigation.At the heart of which stands Lincoln Porter, a grumpy ex-SEAL whose lobstering business seems to attract more dead bodies than fish...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc crime dark enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine -
![Fish out of Water by Josie Watts, Janice Whiteaker]()
Fish out of Water by Josie Watts, Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGet a new job. Check.Find a new apartment. Check.Stake out geriatric hit men with my handsome sidekick. Check?Never rent an apartment over the internet.I learned that lesson the hard way. Turns out the sweet two bedroom I was thrilled to make mine is actually smack dab in the middle of a retirement community.Now instead of enjoying Florida’s night life, I’m helping Mrs... -
![Off Duty by Gregory Ashe]()
Off Duty by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHazard and Somerset: Off Duty is a collection of short stories. It includes the following: “Tickets to the Gun Show” Emery Hazard just wants to take his boyfriend to a concert, but some people are assholes... -
![Jason by Nyssa Kathryn]()
Jason by Nyssa Kathryn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDanger throws them together. Attraction keeps them from parting. Having lost her best friend, Courtney Davies lives every day like it's her last. Because if life has taught her anything, it's that some are cut far too short without warning. So when sexy former soldier Jason moves to Cradle Mountain, she shouldn't hesitate to express her immediate interest... -
![Jackson by Nyssa Kathryn]()
Jackson by Nyssa Kathryn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSometimes it’s the oldest wounds that cut deepest.River Harp fell in love with her brother’s best friend, a boy who was practically part of the family…a boy who broke her heart before leaving town. Sixteen years later, he’s back for her brother’s funeral. And River wants nothing to do with the man. At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself... -
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![Lift You Up by Jessica Gadziala]()
Lift You Up by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFriends of the family were forbidden fruit. You didn't get to take a bite, no matter how tempting it might be... -
![The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco by Pippa Grant]()
The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA reclusive former celebrity, a recovering good girl, and small town trouble...It started as a joke. After a string of bad boyfriends, I made up a fake boyfriend so people would quit asking when I was going to meet a grumpy lumberjack trying to save his mama’s inn in my adopted hometown.When my grandma demanded proof from afar, I sent her a picture of me and my “boyfriend...Categorized as:
forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family suspense romance contemporary -
![Pulse by Adriana Locke]()
Pulse by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke delivers a spicy, age gap, grumpy sunshine, workplace romance in the first book in the brand new Landry Security series.Troy Castelli acts like it’s my fault that we’re cooped up together in a room with one bed overlooking the ocean. I didn’t ask for a stalker to break into my house and then send me a threatening email detailing my demise...Categorized as:
suspense age-gap forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc workplace stalking -
![Hold Me Until Morning by A.L. Jackson, Erin Mallon]()
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...Categorized as:
suspense forced-proximity found-family workplace age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
![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:
enemies-to-lovers suspense age-gap found-family forced-proximity steamy dark romance -
![Lotus by Jennifer Hartmann]()
Lotus by Jennifer Hartmann
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsTo the rest of the world, he was the little boy who went missing on the Fourth of July.To me, he was everything.My heart hasn't been the same since he disappeared, but I've learned to build my life around that missing piece.Twenty-two years later, the last thing I expect is for that missing piece to come back.His name is Oliver Lynch, and this is his story.This is our story...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc crime dark forced-proximity found-family grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy
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