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A bold, steamy, 80s-set marriage-in-crisis romance that’s equal parts drama, nostalgia, and heat. Great for fans of intense, emotionally messy love stories and not for the faint of heart.

If you liked Return to Monte Carlo, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    After the Billionaire's Wedding Vows... by Lucy Monroe
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    A juicy, drama-packed romance about a couple rediscovering their love, perfect for readers who adore angst, grovel, and big emotional payoffs.

    'After the Billionaire's Wedding Vows...' by Lucy Monroe is a heartwarming story about a troubled marriage between Alexandros and Polly. The plot revolves around Alexandros realizing the faults in his marriage and making efforts to mend it, especially when Polly is heavily pregnant. The story is filled with emotional depth, realistic relationship dynamics, and believable communication between the characters. Readers appreciated the intense emotional journey, the focus on the hero's growth, and the absence of unnecessary misunderstandings in the plot.

    delves into the challenges faced by a married couple who are still in love but struggling with issues of trust and communication. It portrays a realistic depiction of a relationship in trouble, where the hero must confront his own shortcomings and work hard to save his marriage. Through a mix of emotional angst, touching moments, and heartfelt conversations, the author crafts a narrative that resonates with readers on the complexities of love and marriage.

    GREEK BILLIONAIRE AND societal icon Alexandros Kristalakis stepped into the hall, having wrapped up an international call with one of his business interests in America, unsurprised to find his wife wa...
    January 2021
    224 pages

  2. #2
    King of Greed
    by: 
    Book 3 in the series:Kings of Sin

    King of Greed - Kings of Sin by Ana Huang
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    Perfect for fans of emotional second-chance romance and grovel-heavy billionaire love stories, but some may find it lacking in depth and emotional payoff compared to the hype.

    In "King of Greed" by Ana Huang, the story revolves around Alessandra and Dominic Davenport, a couple whose marriage is on the rocks due to Dominic's obsession with work. Alessandra decides to leave him after feeling neglected and unappreciated, leading to a tumultuous journey of self-discovery and second chances. The book delves into themes of love, loss, and redemption, showcasing raw emotions and vulnerabilities through well-developed characters and intricate relationships. Ana Huang's writing style evokes deep emotions and creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

    October 2023
    322 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kings of Sin )

  3. #3

    Kiss From A Rose by Maya Alden
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    A raw, emotionally charged journey of heartbreak, growth, and found family. Bring tissues - this one will stick with you long after you finish the last page.

    Kiss From A Rose by Maya Alden is a deeply emotional tale that follows the struggles of Rose, a woman navigating the complexities of her long marriage and the challenges of self-discovery after her children leave home. The plot centers around her tumultuous relationship with Gray, her husband, who often belittles her background and disregards her feelings. As Rose battles depression and the neglect from her family, she finds strength in her friendship with Malou, an unwavering support who helps her reclaim her identity. The narrative captures the raw realities of marriage, family dynamics, and the importance of self-worth.

    Maya Alden's writing style is poignantly relatable, drawing readers in with heartfelt emotions from the start. Her ability to depict Rose's pain and ultimate growth resonates, leaving a lasting impact. The author weaves a narrative filled with powerful moments, showcasing the deep bond between Rose and Malou while exploring the toxic aspects of family life. Fans appreciate Alden's skill in creating authentic characters and profound emotional journeys, making this book a memorable and inspiring read.

    I didn’t make a big fuss over anniversaries or birthdays because I’d learned early on that it would only lead to disappointment. Gray had forgotten a few of my birthdays, and there were times when he’...
    October 2024
    311 pages

  4. #4
    The Unwanted Wife
    Book 1 in the series:Unwanted

    The Unwanted Wife - Unwanted by Natasha Anders
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    A gut-punch of an angsty romance - if you want all the feels, dramatic groveling, and a once-cold hero trying to earn love, The Unwanted Wife is a classic of the trope. High on emotions, not for the faint of heart!

    In "The Unwanted Wife" by Natasha Anders, the story revolves around Theresa and Alessandro De Lucci's loveless marriage, where Theresa discovers that she was merely a pawn in a deal between Alessandro and her father. Despite the emotional turmoil and misunderstandings, Alessandro tries to salvage their relationship by groveling and proving his love for Theresa, leading to a journey of self-discovery and redemption for both characters. The writing style effectively portrays the characters' emotions and insecurities, creating a raw and intense storyline that keeps readers engaged until the end.

    The house was dark and quiet when she got home, with no seething Sandro waiting at the front door this time, just echoing silence as she made her way upstairs and back into the spare bedroom. After a...
    2012
    248 pages

  5. #5

    Hitting the Wall - Stonecut County by Cate C. Wells
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    Gritty, emotional, and unafraid to tackle tough issues - this is a contemporary romance for readers who want real stakes, deeply flawed but lovable characters, and a love story that earns every bit of its hopefulness. Definitely worth it if you crave something outside the usual formula.

    'Hitting the Wall' in the 'Stonecut County' series by Cate C. Wells is a story about Shay, a young mother facing challenges in her life, including raising an autistic child and dealing with difficult circumstances. The plot revolves around Shay's journey as a strong and resilient mother, navigating through life's obstacles while trying to provide the best for her daughter. The writing style in the book is praised for its emotional depth, realistic portrayal of characters, and the ability to draw readers into the story with powerful and relatable storytelling.

    My hands wanna shake, but I force them steady so no one notices I’m peeking through the blinds. Grandpa’s lady friend, Connie, is shuffling around at the sink. She’s spying, too. Bet she’s steaming ma...
    February 2021
    417 pages

  6. #6

    Love Her or Lose Her - Hot & Hammered by Tessa Bailey
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    A spicy, heartfelt look at a marriage on the brink - packed with steam, some laughs, and just enough angst. Great if you want your HEA hard-won, but skip it if miscommunication drives you nuts!

    In "Love Her or Lose Her," Rosie and Dom, a married couple, face challenges in their relationship due to lack of communication and emotional intimacy. Rosie decides to leave Dom, seeking to fulfill her dream of owning a restaurant and longing for a deeper connection. Through therapy and support from friends, Rosie and Dom navigate their troubled marriage, rediscovering their love and commitment to each other. The book explores themes of love languages, second chances, and personal growth, with a focus on the couple's journey towards understanding and supporting each other.

    Really, that’s what her name tag should have read, instead of COSMETICS CONSULTANT. In order to fulfill that title, someone would be required to consult her first, right? Problem was, no one ever aske...
    January 2020
    352 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hot & Hammered )

  7. #7

    After the Shut Up Ring by Cate C. Wells
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    A standout for its down-to-earth realism, tender growth arcs, and thoughtful handling of tough topics. Messy, heartfelt, and deeply human - perfect for readers craving authenticity with their romance.

    "After the Shut Up Ring" by Cate C. Wells is a heartwarming romance novel that follows the story of Angie and Brandon as they navigate through challenges in their relationship. The book starts with a powerful scene where Angie stands up for herself against her almost husband's humiliating actions, setting the tone for her journey of self-discovery. The author delves into sensitive topics such as living with HSV and the struggles of single parenthood, adding depth to the characters and their relationships. The writing style is down to earth, with well-developed supporting characters that add richness to the story's setting.

    My breath is shallow from nerves, but I can still smell the booze coming out of Tyler’s pores. He partied hard last night and started early today. Good thing he wasn’t the one who had to walk down the...
    May 2024
    256 pages

  8. #8
    The Fourth Child
    Book 4 in the series:Chatsworth

    The Fourth Child - Chatsworth by C.J. Carmichael
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    A heartfelt, realistic second-chance romance that doesn’t shy away from life’s gray areas - perfect for readers who like their love stories messy, mature, and hopeful.

    'The Fourth Child' in the series 'Chatsworth' by C.J. Carmichael revolves around the story of Claire and Kirk, a married couple with three girls, facing challenges when Kirk falls in love with a co-worker while Claire is pregnant with their fourth child. delves into themes of infidelity, family dynamics, and the efforts to save a marriage through counseling. The writing style is described as engaging, with relatable characters and a plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

    Her first reaction is to kick him out of the house. But he wants to try counseling. She's not sure she can forgive him. Still, she has three young daughters to think of, plus the child due in seven mo...
    May 2000
    300 pages

  9. #9

    Ever After Always - Bergman Brothers by Chloe Liese
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    A smart, moving romance that doesn't shy away from the hard parts of love. Grab it for the honest look at marriage, layered characters, and just the right amount of steam - perfect for romance readers who want something real (with happy feels by the end).

    Ever After Always by Chloe Liese is the third book in the Bergman Brothers series, focusing on Freya and Aiden's troubled marriage. The story follows the couple as they navigate through a rough patch in their relationship, dealing with poor communication, anxiety, and miscommunication. The book showcases the journey of Freya and Aiden as they work towards healing their marriage, with the support of the Bergman family and themes of love, trust, and personal growth. Chloe Liese's writing style expertly portrays the raw and realistic aspects of a marriage in crisis, with a blend of heartwarming moments and steamy romance.

    Some mutual friends threw together a pickup soccer game one balmy summer Sunday and invited us both. I’d played in high school, kept up with a recreational soccer league while I went through undergrad...
    January 2021
    342 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bergman Brothers )

  10. #10

    Untying the Knot - Billionaire Rom Coms by Meghan Quinn
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    A steamy, emotionally charged, and refreshingly real take on rebuilding love after marriage woes - prepare for laughs, tears, and some very spicy moments!

    Untying the Knot by Meghan Quinn is a gripping story about Myla and Ryot, a couple facing challenges in their marriage. Myla, who had a rough childhood, struggles with her past trauma and erects barriers around her heart, making it difficult for her to accept Ryot's affections. The book delves into their complex relationship, showcasing moments of passion, raw emotions, and heartbreaking conflicts. The writing style is described as deep, emotional, and raw, with an added level of emotional depth that surprises readers in the best way possible.

    I drum my fingers on the dining room table while staring at the clock on the stove I’ve made several meals on—meals that have felt empty and lifeless. Just sustenance to fill my stomach. Not a meal th...
    November 2022
    483 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Billionaire Rom Coms )

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