Books like 'Just a Heartbeat Away'
Readers who enjoyed Just a Heartbeat Away by Cara Bastone also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny age difference friends to lovers single-father slow burn competent heroine independent heroine sweet-hero working class hero
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Funny Story by Emily Henry
A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together... -
There's Something about Scarlett by Hannah Ellis
Three years of marriage, then they’ll go their separate ways…Scarlett Mercer dreams of starting her own publishing company. But with no way to finance university, she might be stuck working in her aunt’s café indefinitely.When a chance encounter leads her to an extreme solution, she’s desperate enough to go through with it. Even if it means marrying a guy she’s only just met...Categorized as:
third-person-pov dual-pov competent heroine independent heroine sweet-hero m-f new adult humor -
F*ck It by C.M. Owens, S.M. Shade
What’s a woman supposed to do after watching her cheating ex's wedding implode?Apparently, the answer is get fired.And evicted.And move to another state to start over as an independent woman who would rather stick her tit in a beehive than get into another relationship.It’s fine. Really.The only thing messing with my new, badass single girl life is an encounter with my childhood crush...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-father office dual-pov m-f contemporary humor second chances -
That Swoony Feeling by Meghan Quinn
USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn brings more humor and heart with the fourth novel of her Getting Lucky series: a story about breaking curses and finally finding that swoony feeling. I'm single . . . so single it's painful. Yup, ladies, Brig Knightly--that's me--is still a lonely bachelor, stumbling through the streets of Port Snow, looking for the girl he's supposed to end up with... -
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Time by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid A (brokenhearted) physicist. Now an infamous (who is LITERALLY EVERYWHERE!! UGH!) musician. The worst has already happened. Mona has learned that she has nothing figured out and plans are meaningless. After leaving her in Aspen, Abram is now breaking sales-records, rising to rock star fame almost overnight. Mona can’t seem to escape him... -
Bayou With Benefits by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThey are friends. Without benefits. Unfortunately.Michael LeClaire is small-town Louisiana. A firefighter. A single dad.And Amelia Landry is New York City. A social media influencer. A model.Sure, she’s his son’s favorite person on the planet...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference slow burn single-father m-f contemporary firefighter multicultural -
Lips Like Sugar by Jess K. Hardy
The last thing Cole Sanderson expects when he drives into the small ski town of Red Falls, MT for his best friend’s wedding is the gorgeous, green-eyed bakery owner hauling him across her counter and kissing him... -
Craft by Adriana Locke
They’re not quite enemies. Not really friends. More like frustrated balls of sexual tension and neither will give in. Lance Gibson drives Mariah Malarkey absolutely crazy. He uses her office like a phone booth, takes cupcakes from the corner of her desk like she baked them just for him. She didn’t... -
Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster
She’s a romance writer who, against her better instinct, is finding love in the friend zone in a fun, sexy, and unpredictable romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who... -
Savor It by Tarah Dewitt
Summer 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:
dual-pov m-f teacher-heroine friends to lovers slow burn found-family sweet heroine sweet-hero -
Loved Enough by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsEven though they’d never dated, Lily Shaw always just assumed she’d eventually end up with Ben, the boy who’s been her bestie since they were toddlers. So she’s understandably shocked to learn he’s getting married—and having a child with his fiancée. Shocked…but not terribly upset. The truth is, she's been feeling butterflies every time she’s near a particular horse trainer on her parents’ ranch... -
The Space Between by Sarah Ready
The love we choose can change everything.A fateful night in Central Park leads Andrea and Jace to one life-changing conclusion-they're meant to be.Andrea Leighton-Hughes is no stranger to wealth-she's the daughter of one of the richest men in Manhattan and has been used as a chess piece in her family's business empire since she was born...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov found-family m-f contemporary humor love triangle new adult -
Dr. NEURO by Max Monroe
From the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of TAPPING THE BILLIONAIRE comes a new three book series of Romantic Comedy standalones. I’m Dr. Nick Raines. Brain surgeon and notorious over-thinker, I take the analytical approach with everything , until I can determine the best, carefully calculated plan of action...Categorized as:
independent heroine career professional single-father m-f humor contemporary open-door length-short -
The Billionaire Book Club by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsThe Billionaire Book Club Questionnaire #1: Who is your least favorite character in the book? Me—Caplin Hawkins. I am an absolute idiot. #2: Who is your favorite character? Gorgeous, addictive, insanely challenging Ruby. She’s smart, driven, self-confident, and so beautiful, she makes my chest ache. #3 What is your biggest takeaway from the story? Ruby Rockford and I are meant to be... -
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Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe pro football player I’m faking a relationship with has the perfect solution to my career woes. He’s encouraging me to lean into the pseudo-celebrity life I was born into instead of trying to outrun it, and for the first time in my life, someone sees me for me.I feel like he’s falling for me, too.And then my ex shows up... -
Flipping Love You by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s the tattooed bad boy her mama warned her about. She’s his hot mess — but mostly hot — next door neighbor. Until a two-night-stand gives them the surprise of a lifetime... Jillian Morris is a workaholic who forgets to watch the time. And to eat. And to change her shoes. And to keep even a house-plant alive. And to have any kind of a personal life...Categorized as:
age difference independent heroine working class hero m-f contemporary humor small town insta-love -
Once Upon a Wild Fling by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThere are a million reasons why Miles Hart isn't the man I should date but allow me to enumerate the top three. He's friends with my brother, he's a single dad, and he's a sexy, in-demand rock star. He might as well wear an off-limits, totally unavailable, and don’t-even-attempt-to-ride-this-ride sign. And there’s one more, little itty-bitty thing -- he's never asked me on a date... -
Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison
Layla Dupree has given up on love.She’s waded through all of the fish in the sea, each one more disappointing than the last. Apparently owning the bakery at Inglewild’s most romantic destination does not help one’s love life—despite her best efforts. All she wants is a partner who gives her butterflies, not someone who ghosts her at dinner and leaves her with the check... -
Funny Business by Kayley Loring
A single dad, a model, and a comedian walk into a bar… They’re all Owen Brodie. It’s only funny if you aren’t the hilarious struggling comedian who has been hired to be his son’s nanny for the stand-up tour.Dear Ms. Hogan,I’m emailing to offer you the job as my son’s nanny because Sam had a temper tantrum when I told him I can’t hire you to come on my stand-up tour with us...Categorized as:
office single-father m-f contemporary humor from hate to love length-medium explicit-open-door -
Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae
A single text message can change everything! Flirting has never been Denny’s strong suit, but so what if she’s too shy to ask women out? She’s content with her simple life, working as a cashier and helping her sister raise her niece... -
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.They broke up six months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends... -
Filthy Little Midlife Fling by Lilian Monroe
She's about to discover exactly what this hunky, small-town mechanic is hiding under the hood...I’m having a bad week.First, I get a call from my scumbag ex-husband asking for a favor. He wants to hire me to organize his new house.The house he’s sharing with his new wife.The one he cheated on me with.But the worst part? I’m so broke I might have to take the job... -
Salt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat do you do when you find out your husband’s cheating on you, your aunt just passed away in Florida, and your boss gave the promotion to your work nemesis, so you threaten him with bodily harm in the middle of a board meeting?Well, after getting escorted out of the building by security, I fly straight to Sunshine Key to deal with my aunt’s estate... -
Rhode Trip by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe road less traveled by a sexy silver fox and a restless woman might be the path they need to restore both their hearts.Lindee FoxMy entire adult life has been a road trip, and I’m ready to put the brakes on the wanderlust in my veins. So, I bought a motel. The irony isn’t lost on me... -
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Mourning Wood by Heather M. Orgeron
She’s hard up.He’s just hard…After an ill-fated one-night stand, Wyatt Landry was the last person I ever expected to see again.By design, mind you, as I spent the last two years avoiding him.He was only ever meant to be a good time—a really good time—and now, thanks to one teensy little mistake, he’s back in my life and wielding an entirely different set of tools...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov office independent heroine working class hero sweet-hero new adult humor -
The Sweetheart List by Jill Shalvis
What makes life sweet?When Harper Shaw’s life falls apart, she knows it’s time for a change. She removes everything that doesn’t spark joy—from her soul-sucking job to eating kale to making lists—and sets off for the last place she was happy, Lake Tahoe (who wouldn’t feel good there, right?) to fulfill her dream of opening her own bakery... -
Dirty Little Midlife Dilemma by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA hot, hilarious fresh start! Nora’s forties begin with a bang…or rather, a crash.What’s worse than bumping into a parked motorcycle and tipping it over?Easy. It’s bumping into a motorcycle, tipping it over, and sending it crashing into an entire row of bikes like horrible, slow-motion dominos.What’s even worse than that?Nora knows the answer... -
Dating-ish by Penny Reid
There are three things you need to know about Marie Harris: 1) She’s fed up with online dating, 2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and 3) She knows how to knit. After the most bizarre and irritating first date in the history of human kind, Marie is looking for an alternative to men... -
Happily Letter After by Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward
From New York Times bestselling authors Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward comes a love story about taking chances, and the surprises that come with them.My love story all started with a letter.Only it wasn’t from the man I’d eventually fall in love with. It was from his daughter. A sweet little girl named Birdie Maxwell who’d written to the magazine that I worked for...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers sweet heroine office single-father dual-pov m-f humor -
John by Jenna Myles
I never planned on getting out of prison. I did what I did to keep my brother safe, and I could live with that.But now I'm out, and I don't know what the hell I'm doing. Everything is too loud, too busy, too overwhelming. And for a man who's used to every decision being made for him...well, let's just say I'm on the verge of doing something stupid to get sent back.Until she walks in, that is... -
Somebody to Lean On by Jess Mastorakos
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDo I want to kiss my best friend? Yep. Always have. Too bad it’s not that simple.Jackson Wilson and I are long-distance co-guardians of our friends' daughter, and even though we're best friends and we're totally committed to Phoebe, this isn't a romcom where the best friends get together in the end.Unfortunately .But now, Phoebe and I have nowhere to go but Jackson's tiny Tennessee town... -
The One I Want by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAs a professional football player, I had a playbook for everything on the field. Then I retired and found out there’s no playbook for life—especially when the one you thought was perfect gets flipped upside down. There’s no play for suddenly becoming a divorced, single dad. There’s no plan for moving your family back to the town you grew up in...Categorized as:
single-father age difference office friends to lovers sports contemporary humor forced proximity -
Flirt by Adriana Locke
WANTED: A SITUATION-SHIPI’m a single female that’s tired of relationships ruining my life. However, there are times when a date would be helpful. If you’re a single man, preferably mid-twenties to late-thirties, and are in a similar situation, we might be a match.Candidate must be handsome, charming, and willing to pretend to have feelings for me (on a sliding scale, as the event requires)... -
Because of You by Samantha Brinn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI have known Hallie Evans for my entire life.I was eighteen years old when I first realized I was in love with her.For more than a decade, I have kept my feelings a secret, afraid to risk the friendship that means so much to me and the close-knit bonds between my family and hers.But eleven years of waiting is my limit.At a career crossroads, Hallie has some secrets of her own... -
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The Chameleon Effect by Joe Arden
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLights. Camera. Action…I've got everything it takes to make it in Tinseltown: confidence, charisma, and a killer chin. Now all I need is a chance.But Los Angeles is full of hot, young hunks, and talent might not be enough to separate me from the cookie-cutter crowd.Well, you know what they say: fake it till you make it.So I devise a wild scheme to get noticed... -
Sudden Response by R.L. Mathewson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsJosephine (Joe for short) and Eric, the EMT crew of Echo 17 have been best friends since they were eight years old. They've been through a lot together over the years, but nothing like what they're about to experience. As the only man in Joe's life it's Eric's job to be there for her and take care of her even while he drives her crazy, especially if he's driving her crazy...Categorized as:
friends to lovers office dual-pov teacher-heroine m-f third-person-pov contemporary alpha male -
Not Boyfriend Material by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTrying not to fall in love can be … challenging.One might think that as an ER nurse, I live a full and exciting life. If you think this, you are sadly mistaken. I’m pretty sure there's hardly a soul more boring than me. Ask my best friend, she’ll agree. Which is why she's come up with a 30-day plan to transform me from boring Lucy to, well … the real Lucy. The Lucy before the accident...Categorized as:
office dual-pov friends to lovers contemporary forbidden love siblings-bff humor length-medium -
When the Walls Come Down: A Neighbors to Lovers Standalone by M. Mabie, Aly Martinez
Did you ever hear the joke about the guy whose wife cheated on him with his best friend? So he quit his job, moved into his parents’ basement, and gained fifty pounds?No? Because that wasn’t a joke. It was my life.Four years later, I'm back with a dream job, a killer apartment, and a set of abs that are better than ever... -
Lost Track by Heidi Hutchinson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSabine Debois likes her wine pink and her life predictable. As a private tutor for the rich and famous, she doesn’t get starstruck. But when a tattooed espresso fiend saves her from death by sweater, she’s a little bit… grateful. That’s all. Just grateful. Sunshine Capone just had the best album of his career, and then his girlfriend burned down his house. Well, his ex-girlfriend now...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov sweet-hero contemporary humor forced proximity beta-hero length-long -
An Unexpected Chance by Melanie Moreland
Simon Fletcher is a busy single dad. Between bringing up his daughter and moving cross-country to start a new life, he’s focused on making a fresh start for them.Amy McNeil isn’t in his plans.But the pretty, wild, and free woman who has caught his eye is so different from his cold, removed ex-wife, he can’t help himself. He’s drawn to her. Her warmth. Her light... -
Work Song by Danielle Allen
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen society tries to put you in a box, knock the walls down. –Tati Green “You have a pretty face” is such a back-handed compliment. It’s like telling me that my face is beautiful, but the rest of me is not. Despite what society says, my curves are hot. My love life, on the other hand, is not. My mom says I’ll never find love because of my weight...Categorized as:
office friends to lovers slow burn working class hero sweet-hero humor contemporary new adult -
Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins
One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back. Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges... -
The Project by R.L. Mathewson
From New York Time’s bestselling author of the Neighbor from Hell series comes a heartwarming romantic comedy about the only thing that matters when you’re about to lose everything that you’ve ever wanted. The one person that you can’t live without...Categorized as:
office friends to lovers sweet heroine independent heroine competent heroine m-f contemporary humor -
Come As You Are by Jess K. Hardy
He’ll win her heart one mixtape at a time.Ashley Cooke will do just about anything to save her struggling ski hill. When she hires the men from a local sober living home for the season to cut costs, even she thinks she’s gone too far... -
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The Best Friend Problem by Mariah Ankenman
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsPrudence Carlson has been lucky in life. A fulfilling wedding-planning business run with her girlfriends in Colorado, plus the best guy friend ever in her firefighter bestie Finn. All that’s missing from it is a baby. Luckily, it’s the twenty-first century—Pru can take matters into her own hands. She doesn’t need to find true love to create the future love of her life... -
It Doesn't Have to Be This Hard by Christina Hovland
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Christina Hovland comes a single parent, #DateMyCelebrityDad, forced proximity romance. Divorce her Beverly Hills check. Set the neighborhood dumpster on fire with her nightstand buddy… check. Her hunky celebrity chef neighbor rushes to her aid? Sigh. Check mate... -
Where We Belong by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes a best friend’s little sister, single dad romance featuring a hot doctor and his sweet little daughter. I’ve been in love with Benedict Farrow since I was fourteen years old.He’s my older brother’s best friend.One night we almost crossed that line.One night I almost got everything I wanted... -
On Ice by Stella Stevenson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe last thing Quinn Cooper needs is romance. Between her job and her dad’s diagnosis, she doesn’t have any extra time or need any added stress. She doesn’t have time for a hockey game either, but a favor finds her sitting in the stands as The Arctic takes the ice. Of course she’d end up sitting next to a man she can’t ignore, even if he’s cheering for the wrong team...Categorized as:
m-f dual-pov friends to lovers competent heroine sweet heroine sports hockey contemporary -
Bad Nanny by Maya Nicole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's a grumpy single dad. I’m his new nanny. And my life is an absolute toaster fire. My day started with my breakfast going up in flames and ended with me using a sock puppet during a job interview with the CEO of a billion-dollar company.He’s in desperate need of a nanny, and I need the job to keep my dad off my back... -
Conveniently in Bloom by Elise Kennedy
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLily Parker hates commitment. Annual subscriptions? No thanks. Tattoos?? Not on your life. She's already planned to leave Fairwick Falls after being there for 11 months...until a rogue patch of ice lands her in mandated physical therapy. The problem? She really meant to get health insurance (really!) but...it slipped her mind...
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