Books Like...
If you liked A Ruthless Proposition, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A deeply emotional, sometimes painful romance packed with drama, angst, and genuine character growth. Perfect for readers craving a meaty redemption arc, but it may be too heavy for those who prefer lighthearted love stories.
A Husband's Regret by Natasha Anders is a story of redemption and second chances in a marriage that has been torn apart by misunderstandings and hurtful actions. The plot revolves around Bronwyn and Bryce's tumultuous relationship, filled with emotional turmoil and deep-seated pain. The writing style captures the heart-wrenching journey of two flawed characters as they navigate through trust issues, miscommunication, and the complexities of love and forgiveness.
Voices faded in and out of her consciousness and Bronwyn struggled to make sense of what they were saying. She was comfortable again, no longer dizzy and no longer achy. She felt like she was floating... - #2
A fun, steamy, and surprisingly heartfelt rom-com with a great balance of laughs and emotion - perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and accidental pregnancy storylines, but may not convert the trope-averse.
'One Moment Please' by Amy Daws follows the story of Lynsey, a woman who unexpectedly finds herself pregnant after a steamy encounter with a moody doctor named Josh. As they navigate their newfound parenthood together, their relationship evolves from enemies to lovers, with crackling chemistry and emotional depth. The writing style of the book is described as light, sexy, and entertaining, with moments that range from scorching to playful to angsty, keeping readers engaged throughout the story.
And this whole situation is a damn shame because all that deliciousness is completely wasted on him. What’s he got to be so angry about? You’d think a guy who looks like a stallion horse bred straight...April 2020•314 pages - #3
A short, angsty, second-chance romance with familiar themes - enjoyable for fans of the genre, but not groundbreaking.
'Nothing in My Heart' by Peri Elizabeth Scott is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Beckett and Grace, a married couple facing challenges in their relationship. Beckett, feeling trapped in the marriage, shows disdain towards Grace, leading her to make a decision to leave him. However, as Grace starts to distance herself, Beckett begins to notice a change in her, prompting him to reevaluate his behavior towards her. The book explores themes of marriage, misunderstandings, personal growth, and redemption, with a focus on the evolving dynamics between the two main characters.
With a writing style that keeps the reader engaged, 'Nothing in My Heart' presents a storyline that delves into the complexities of relationships and character development. The author skillfully portrays the journey of Beckett and Grace as they navigate through their issues, showcasing moments of introspection, growth, and reconciliation in a compelling manner.
May 2018•141 pages - #4
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
A deeply realistic, steamy, and emotional romance that’s perfect for readers who want an honest look at imperfect people finding love in challenging circumstances - just be prepared for a long, detail-rich journey!
'Nameless' by Claire Kent is a compelling love story that delves into the lives of the main characters, Erin and Seth, as they navigate a complex relationship stemming from an unexpected pregnancy. The writing style captures the gradual development of their bond, portraying imperfect and wounded individuals finding love amidst challenging circumstances. The plot unfolds smoothly, focusing on the realistic progression of their relationship, showcasing genuine emotions and heartfelt moments.
According to Mac, Seth was orphaned early and raised by his grandfather, who’d owned a car dealership a few counties away and had left him to the care of a nanny. The small town was predisposed to wel...April 2013•519 pages - #6
Intense, angsty, and imperfect - this book will break your heart and test your patience, but it’s a must if you love emotionally charged, messy romances with a side of real-life grit.
Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn is a heart-wrenching story that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and rebuilding relationships. The plot follows Kate, who finds herself caring for her best friend Rachel's children after a tragic accident, and Shane, Rachel's widowed husband who is struggling with his feelings for Kate. The writing style is emotionally charged, capturing the raw reality of human emotions and relationships. The slow-burn romance between Kate and Shane unfolds amidst a backdrop of grief, guilt, and forgiveness, making for a compelling and realistic portrayal of flawed characters navigating through life's challenges.
The house was quiet as I made my way through the living room carrying an awkwardly large gift bag. I should have just wrapped Gunner’s birthday present, but I hadn’t thought I had the time. I felt lik...June 2016•368 pages - #7
A twisty, passionate office romance bursting with angst, drama, and chemistry - perfect for readers who love their love stories a little complicated and a lot steamy!
Hero by Samantha Young is a captivating love story that follows the lives of Alexa Holland and Caine Carraway, two individuals with intertwined pasts and complicated presents. Alexa, a strong and independent woman, attempts to make amends with Caine, who harbors resentment towards her due to her father's actions. As their relationship evolves from animosity to intense attraction, they navigate through shared tragedies, family issues, and a push-pull dynamic that keeps readers engaged. The story is filled with twists, turns, and emotional depth, showcasing the characters' growth and the complexities of their connection. Samantha Young's writing style creates a vivid and immersive experience, drawing readers into the world of the social elite and exploring themes of love, redemption, and second chances.
I curled my hands into fists to stop them from shaking as I made my way through the hallway into the open-plan living area of the penthouse apartment. It had high cathedral ceilings and a wall of wind...February 2015•415 pages - #8
A super-angsty, old-school romance packed with pain, healing, and complicated characters. If you're an established Linda Howard fan or love dramatic, emotional journeys, give it a try; otherwise, this 80s romance may not be your cup of tea.
'Sarah's Child' by Linda Howard tells the story of Sarah and Rome, focusing on unrequited love, second chances, and overcoming grief. Set in a domestic setting, the plot revolves around Rome marrying Sarah as a marriage of convenience after his family tragically dies in a car accident. The story follows their journey through the complexities of their relationship, with Rome initially being abusive but later showing signs of healing and genuine love, while Sarah navigates her deep feelings for Rome from afar to being his wife.
The writing style in 'Sarah's Child' is described as emotional and gripping, with heartwarming moments and realistic character growth. Linda Howard's storytelling is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, especially in depicting the themes of love, loss, and second chances. Despite some criticisms of the characters and the time period in which the book was written, the overall sentiment is that the book offers a poignant tale of love and redemption.
It was the end of a long week, and Sarah knew that she should go home, but just the thought of facing the broiling late August heat was enough to keep her sitting in her chair with the air-conditionin...March 1985•297 pages - #9
Prepare for angst and a journey of redemption - if tough second-chance love stories are your weakness, Nothing But This will hit you right in the feels.
'Nothing But This' by Natasha Anders is a second chance romance that follows the journey of Libby and Greyson as they navigate their troubled marriage, miscommunication, and betrayal. The story delves into themes of love, forgiveness, redemption, and rebuilding trust between the characters. The book interweaves the narratives of the characters from the first book in the series, providing a deeper insight into the relationships and emotions at play. Natasha Anders' writing style captivates readers with its emotional depth, authentic portrayal of characters, and a storyline that keeps readers engaged.
“He’s on his way,” Harris promised, and Libby sobbed as she reached for his hand and squeezed painfully. She hated that Greyson wasn’t here. She had tried to ignore the first signs of labor, denying r...July 2019•395 pages - #10
An emotional, angst-filled classic romance with all the high drama and steamy scenes of its era. If you're up for a full-throttle rollercoaster of feels and grovel, it's worth a read - just brace yourself for some very old-school tropes.
'To the Ends of the Earth' by Elizabeth Lowell is a passionate romance novel set along the California coast in Laguna Beach. The story follows Cat Cochran, a talented photographer who is struggling financially to support her family. When she is assigned to photograph the elusive ship designer T.H. Danvers, their unexpected meeting sparks instant chemistry. Travis Danvers, a ship designing genius with a troubled past marriage, initially views women with distrust. As Cat and Travis navigate their growing attraction, they both must confront their past traumas and learn to open their hearts to love.
The writing style of 'To the Ends of the Earth' is intense and moody, creating a sensual atmosphere that mirrors the emotional journey of the characters. Through vivid descriptions and emotional dialogues, Elizabeth Lowell weaves a tale of love, passion, and self-discovery that keeps the readers engaged from beginning to end.
Travis Danvers looked up from his computer screen and blinked like a man surfacing after a long dive into uncharted waters. His blue-green eyes were unfocused. He rubbed his short, tawny beard, shook...1983•384 pages











