Books like 'I Never Expected You'
Readers who enjoyed I Never Expected You by Stefanie Jenkins also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town friends-to-lovers steamy enemies-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity angst age-gap
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Letting Go at 40 by L.B. Dunbar, Stella Hunter
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA bereaved widow finds herself with a chance at love after loss with the most unlikely of people: her late husband’s best friend.Anna Kulis has lost her husband. Their love was a perfect kind of love; a once in a lifetime experience. She never intended to find love again. Never expected to have this attraction stirring inside her...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity steamy age-gap romance contemporary family -
Untaken Twin by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA forbidden romance.There’s only one thing worse than your fiancé dying . . .It's having to look into his face every single day.Or should I say - the face of his twin.So I left.I never knew promises were made. Then broken.And I surely never expected those promises to be about me.When I return to my hometown and see his face, the heartache I’ve been running from is front and center...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn steamy adult book -
The Fisherman Series: Special Edition by Jewel E. Ann
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFEATURED IN THIS EDITION:• Special Edition Cover• A foreward from the author• The Naked Fisherman• The Lost Fisherman• Bonus content: select chapters from Fisher's point of viewUSA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Jewel E... -
Could Be the One: (Lucas and Becca) by Claire Kingsley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’ve always been the good girl, doing what people expect. But when I find myself dumped, instead of engaged, I realize it’s time for a change. I want to stop being so timid. Take risks. Find my naughty side. And who better to help me than my friend Lucas? Sure, Lucas is sexy as sin, with a smile that turns my brain inside out and a body that makes me think a lot of very bad girl thoughts...Categorized as:
steamy friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn romantic-love contemporary audiobook small-town -
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Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 7 ratings"Kissing you feels like catching the sun…" At seven years old, Ella Sunbury and Max Manning were inseparable—until life scattered them in different directions, forcing Ella to abruptly leave town. A decade later, she returns for their senior year of high school, moving in across the street from her childhood best friend. But she's not the same girl Max once knew...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers slow-burn angst romance young-adult contemporary high-school -
Until You Can't by Brittney Sahin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brittney Sahin comes a thrilling new standalone romance.She was the girl next door. His brother’s ex. And the woman he spent a decade pretending to hate . . .After twenty years of service, the Navy told me it’d be too risky to operate again, forcing me to retire as a Navy SEAL... -
Before the Sunset by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHe’s an actor in need of an image makeover. She’s determined to show her ex-fiancé that she’s moved on. A fake relationship between two best friends is the perfect solution. Or is it?Reese Murphy has been my best friend since before we took our first steps.She’s the yin to my yang.The peanut butter to my jelly...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov steamy slow-burn romance contemporary audiobook -
My Brother's Forbidden Friend by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’ve gone from crushing on my brother’s best friend to wanting to crush him. Cameron Baker and I have a few things in common. The first being that we were both born and raised in our small Alaskan town. Second, is that we hide our feelings and keep our hearts closed off from anyone who could break them.But hiding my feelings is harder to do with Cam than most...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn adult audiobook book -
The Line by Amie Knight
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI was a thief. The invisible girl only he could see. The woman who wanted to be more. He was the mark. The extraordinary cowboy who stole my sixteen-year-old heart. The damaged man who still owned it, even four years later.The Line was where we began.Where fates collided. Where truths derailed.The place where our love story ends... -
One Call Away by Emily Goodwin
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsChase Henson doesn't play by the rules. He doesn't let himself get attached, doesn't stay in one place long enough to call anywhere home. So when he returns to the small town of Summer Hill for the first time in years, the last thing he expects to find is a reason to stay. Sierra Belmont is lost... -
Charmed by Laura B. Pavlov
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCrew Carlisle is enemy number one.He’s also my new boss.I need this internship as much as Crew needs an ego lobotomy.He’s arrogant, cocky, and annoyingly good looking.Our families have despised one another since long before I was born.The man loathes me, and he makes no effort to hide his contempt.But everything I thought I knew isn’t as it seems.And Crew isn’t who I thought he was...Categorized as:
age-gap angst coming-of-age enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers adult book contemporary -
Perfect Wreckage (The Wrecked Series) by Catherine Cowles
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy past taught me to play it safe.To stay far away from handsome men who promised it all.My life was good without them. Stable, secure, predictable. But one kiss showed me that I’d been playing it safe for far too long.One night, and all I wanted was more of his wildfire.One challenge and my carefully constructed walls tumbled down...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn steamy adult audiobook -
Stay Over by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBrooksOverhearing my cousin’s best friend confessing that she’s never been satisfied wasn’t my fault… but offering to help her change that definitely was. Her brother is a friend of mine, and while this has a bad idea written all over it, it doesn’t stop us from becoming friends… with benefits. Palmer is gorgeous, off-limits, and stubborn as hell. For the first time, I’m the one left wanting more...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers age-gap steamy forced-proximity slow-burn romance contemporary small-town -
Seeing Red by Bailey Hannah
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAll Cassidy Bowman wants is one night of recklessness… and to get back at her ex.Cassidy has strict rules: she doesn’t date locals, she doesn’t sleep with men she isn’t dating, and she doesn’t do anything that might jeopardize her good girl reputation. But after a run-in with her ex-boyfriend—and a few too many drinks—she’s ready to buck those rules and get revenge...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers enemies-to-lovers steamy multi-pov forced-proximity romance western contemporary -
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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 slow-burn multi-pov forced-proximity coming-of-age romance -
The Deeper I Fall by Erika Kelly
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's a rough and rugged hockey player. She's a posh British princess. To win an enormous inheritance, they’re forced to live together.This is not going to go well.When his former hockey coach passes away, Declan Cadell is shocked to learn the man left him a cattle ranch. Well, not exactly. He’s got one little hurdle to jump first... -
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...Categorized as:
age-gap angst forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn adult audiobook -
Wicked Needs by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe edgy, angsty, addictive YA/NA crossover series from L. A. Cotton continues... It’s a fine line between love and hate. Bitch ... Ice Queen ... Frigid. Macey Prince is no stranger to a nickname or two. The words once hurt, now they’re her armor. Being a Prince might be a life sentence she can never escape but Macey isn’t willing for her heart to be collateral again...Categorized as:
angst coming-of-age enemies-to-lovers multi-pov book contemporary fiction high-school -
Forsaken Oath by Penelope Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeau Carter: kingpin, blue-eyed playboy from across town, and the only man I’ve ever shared my secrets with.And now, my fiercest competition.I never planned on racing in the Gauntlet, but with my sisters depending on me, winning this tournament is the only way to keep our heads above water. I work for a crew that trades in secrets, and Beau runs the underground races that keep this town alive... -
Simply Mine by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsShe’s looking for Mr. Right. I can offer her Mr. Right Now.That’s my specialty.He’s my best friend’s older brother.He was also my teenage crush and completely out of reach.But we had our secrets—moments that nobody knew about.I’d tucked them away in a safe place, and that’s where I’d planned to keep them.He’d moved to the city, and I’d moved on... -
No Vacancy by Stephanie Rose
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCan a summer fling become the love of a lifetime? Perpetual good girl Caterina Longo is dependable to a fault. At 33, she’s never called in sick. Never had a one-night stand. Never taken a chance in her entire life... -
Straight Up by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA new standalone in the Twisted Fox Series.Book 3, Straight Up: (Lincoln and Cassidy's story)... -
Someone to Love by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Seaside ChroniclesJanuary 3, 2023On the HookSeasiders,News on the beach is Braxton Bradley has caught the eye of Seaside’s very own darling, Harlee Tilson. Now, this might come as a shock to many of you, since the eldest Bradley sibling has been rumored to have made a vow to never marry. After all, his fishing charter has always been his number one love... -
Silent Chaos by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBraxtonOur senior year, I promised my girl forever. Forever, as it turned out, wasn't enough. She told me so in her actions. When she took a match to my life, burning it to ash. I headed to LA with my band—Raging Chaos—like we always planned, while Kaylee went to college, taking my damaged heart with her. This was where our story was supposed to end. Only six years later, our lives collide again...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers steamy adult book contemporary -
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Somebody to Love by Wendy Vella
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe was the bad boy no one trustedBailey’s burned out and not sure what leads her back to Ryker Falls, but has a feeling it’s got something to do with closure. Bad boy Joe Trainer was once her soulmate, but she isn’t sure she has a soul anymore. Finding he’s made something of his life is a shock, as he’d been on a one-way trip to hell when she left...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers steamy multi-pov enemies-to-lovers romance contemporary small-town fiction -
Kissing the Rival by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCharlotteI’m not just kissing the rival… I’m falling for him.Spencer Pennington has always been a shameless flirt, but when it came to being the best in our MBA program, all bets were off, and the competition was on.Fast-forward a few years, and all it takes is a bar at a failed wedding and my silly kiss-rating system to lock lips with the enemy...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers slow-burn steamy multi-pov forced-proximity angst romance contemporary -
That First Flight by Jenn McMahon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSomething tells me, nothing I do can stop myself from feeling things for my roommate.I’ve always wanted to be a chef.But the same day two pink lines showed up on the test, was the day I gave up chasing my own dreams to put my daughter first.I didn’t expect that to lead to a life of being scrutinized by my parents for every single move I made.After years of it, I was done...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn multi-pov steamy romance contemporary found-family -
Forgiven by Carrie Aarons
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn a split-second, a car crash killed almost everything between them. Ten years later, can one accidental ride fix tattered spirits, uncertain futures, and broken hearts? Lily Grantham has always done what she’s been told. The daughter of a senator, she grew up as the good girl of Fawn Hill, and carried that torch right on through to adulthood. Her only wild streak? Bowen Nash... -
Wallflower by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShe’d spent her entire life as a wallflower, hiding from the rest of the world.Willow Thorne had gotten really good at blending in with the wallpaper. The shy, quiet little mouse was more comfortable spending her days in her protective little bubble. Then she met a big, burly mechanic who looked really good on a motorcycle and made her feel things she’d never felt before... -
Here For The Cake by Jennifer Millikin
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA spicy, sassy, and swoony fake dating romantic comedy from Amazon Charts bestselling author Jennifer Millikin. A week on an island sounds like the stuff of beach dreams, but for Paisley Royce, it's a nightmare. Her little sister is marrying her ex-college sweetheart, and Paisley is serving as maid of honor. To add insult to injury, nobody will let Paisley forget she’s single... -
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... -
Falling for my Brother's Best Friend by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLet’s say you’re an independent, self-sufficient woman who runs the family company and you find yourself falling for your little brother’s best friend. Now, more than ever, you need to count all the reasons why you need to abandon falling.Abandon Falling #1 – He’s a womanizer. Hasn’t had a serious relationship a day in his life and changes women more often than he changes his sheets...Categorized as:
age-gap enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn steamy adult -
Taste by Melanie Harlow
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThe last person on earth I want to be stranded with is Gianni Lupo.But thanks to the blizzard of the century, I’m trapped in a roadside motel room with that cocky bastard for two straight days.With one small bed.Some women might thank Mother Nature for delivering a polar vortex that maroons them with six feet of solid muscle, those deep blue eyes, that sexy grin--but not me...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn steamy adult audiobook -
Enemies With Benefits by Roxie Noir
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsI don’t love him. I don’t even like him. I just want him. Eli Loveless was my nemesis from the first day of kindergarten until we graduated high school. Everything I did, he had to do better - and vice versa. The day he left town was the best day of my life. Ten years later, the day he came back was the worst. Now he’s my co-worker. Grown-up Eli Loveless is sexy as sin...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn steamy adult -
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Pining by Stephanie Rose
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA slow-burn, friends-to-lovers standalone holiday romanceThe bad guy never gets the girl. In the eyes of the law, I’ve paid for my youthful mistakes but I know I can never undo the damage I’ve caused. When I stepped out of my cell, I vowed to live a good life, make the right choices, and avoid temptation at all costs. Until her. She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving... -
Cry About It by Maggie C. Gates
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings-Joelle-You know what they say about enemies.* Know the enemy* Keep the enemy close* Outsmart the enemy* Make out with the enemyOkay, maybe not that last part. And maybe that’s what got me in trouble with Vaughan Thompson. But in my defense, he started it. That city boy should have known better than to act a fool in these parts.I don't get mad. I get even... -
Bad Taste In Men by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“You’ve been moping around long enough. Let me show you how these guys should be treating you.” Bailey Davis does not have bad taste in men. She’s just had some relationships that haven’t worked out. That’s totally normal. And she now has one broken engagement. Big deal. And an ex-fiancé who cheated on her. Okay maybe she has bad taste in men. At least the ones she plans to marry...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers steamy multi-pov forced-proximity contemporary small-town fiction book -
Last Round by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat’s the best way to get back at your cheating ex?Give every guy who hits on you his number. That’s what I did when I met Silas. Little did I know, we’d see each other again.One run-in leads to another.One fake date leads to a friendship.That friendship leads to feelings.But everyone knows feelings and friendship doesn't mix.We’re too much the same.It’d never work out...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn steamy adult book contemporary fake-relationship -
Dirty Promises by Aubrey Bondurant
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen Oakley Winters travels to her best friend’s wedding, the last thing she expects is to be stranded on the side of the highway by her date. Luckily, a handsome stranger stops to rescue her. But it turns out her hero isn’t a stranger after all. Max Brooks dreads a return to his small town, but it’s impossible to say no to his sister’s request to attend her wedding... -
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 forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn abuse book -
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... -
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... -
A Girl Like Lilac by Victoria L. James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe first time Toby Hunter got arrested for defending Lilac Clarke’s honour, he was only fifteen years old, but he’d loved her from behind his black-rimmed glasses for as long as he could remember...Categorized as:
angst coming-of-age friends-to-lovers multi-pov book contemporary fiction friendship -
Abandon by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes a new story in her Seaside Pictures series… It’s not every day you're slapped on stage by two different women you've been dating for the last year. I know what you're thinking. What sort of ballsy woman gets on stage and slaps a rockstar? Does nobody have self-control anymore? It may have been the talk of the Grammy's...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers multi-pov steamy adult anthologies audiobook celebrity -
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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... -
Wright with Benefits by K.A. Linde
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA feisty stand alone friends with benefits romance from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde. With new characters set in the bestselling world of the Wrights, this is a perfect jumping on point for new readers! I shouldn’t have hooked up with my one night stand... again. To be fair, I was having the worst day of my life. I was sure that nothing else could go wrong. Then in walks Jordan Wright...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers multi-pov steamy adult audiobook billionaire -
Only Rivals by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe first boy I ever hated was Jax Bridges.The first man I loved was his best friend.My plan was to meet a boy, fall in love, and live happily ever after.That ended when my boyfriend died and left me half of his business.Now, his best friend and I are business partners.There’s just one problem: We hate each other.Jax and I have been rivals since childhood... -
Broken Player by Heather Ashley
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe boy next door grew up to be one of the hottest rock stars in the world.When Maddox Everleigh escaped our hometown in the dead of night, he didn’t bother saying goodbye.I thought I’d never see him again, that he wouldn’t remember who I was if I did. I’d never quite forgotten his dark, hypnotic eyes and charming smile. He’d carved himself a permanent spot on my soul...Categorized as:
coming-of-age enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers multi-pov steamy adult anthologies contemporary -
No Romeo by Stevie J. Cole, L.P. Lovell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTo everyone in Dayton, Hendrix Hunt was the tattooed bad boy, the bully, the player. Guys hated and feared him. Girls wanted to tame him. And I just wished I could forget him.Two years ago, Hendrix was my world. Then the taint of Dayton ruined everything, breaking us both with secrets and lies. I destroyed him and now he wants to destroy me..Categorized as:
steamy enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers multi-pov forced-proximity angst romance new-adult -
Into the Tide by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsShe’s my best friend’s little sister. Completely off-limits. But every man has his breaking point. Lila James is my best friend’s little sister and I’ve always looked out for her.She's five years younger than me, and when she left for college, she was just a kid.But now she’s home for the summer—and she’s definitely not a kid anymore.She’s beautiful and smart and everything I didn’t know I needed...Categorized as:
age-gap coming-of-age forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn steamy adult
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