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An emotional, scorching romance that's both raw and heartfelt - many will find it addictive, but be prepared for flawed characters and serious angst.

If you liked Too Hard to Forget, here are the top 17 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Romancing the Clarksons)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 17 
  1. #1

    Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
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    A spicy, banter-filled romance with a side of rockstar drama - fun if you love Tessa Bailey’s signature style, but the instant romance and bold spice won’t be for everyone.

    'Wreck the Halls' by Tessa Bailey is a cozy and modern holiday romance that follows Melody Gallard and Beat Dawkins, the children of rockstar parents, as they join a reality TV show called 'Wreck the Halls' to reunite their mothers' famous rock duo, The Steel Birds, on Christmas Eve. The book is filled with witty banter, swoon-worthy moments, and an intense attraction between Melody and Beat as they navigate around-the-clock filming, brawling Santas, and social media haters, all while trying to keep their clothes on long enough to accomplish their mission. Despite the Christmas setting, the story is not overly Christmassy, making it a great read for any time of the year.

    Melody, a quirky and introverted rare book restoration expert, and Beat, a handsome and confident golden boy with a heart of gold, have a history that spans over 14 years. As they work together to bring their mothers together, they begin to break down each other's walls, finding confidence, love, and support in one another, ultimately leading to a heartwarming and swoon-worthy romance.

    October 2023
    358 pages

  2. #2
    Scandalous
    by: 
    Book 3 in the series:Sinners of Saint

    Scandalous - Sinners of Saint by L.J. Shen
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    A steamy, emotional, and addictive age-gap romance packed with angst and heart. You'll either binge it in a day or find the intensity too much - but it's a standout for anyone who loves their love stories raw and complicated.

    Scandalous by L.J. Shen is a gripping story about Edie, an 18-year-old with a troubled past, and Trent, a ruthless businessman with a hidden soft side. Their forbidden love story is filled with complications, intense emotions, and a push-pull dynamic that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of intricate family dynamics and complex relationships, the book delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle to find happiness amidst challenging circumstances. The dual POV narration provides a deep insight into the characters' journeys, as they navigate through obstacles and discover unexpected connections that lead to a heart-wrenching yet satisfying conclusion.

    “HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN you wrote it?” Sonya held the whiskey-ringed paper like it was her fucking newborn, a curtain of tears glittering in her eyes. The drama levels were high this session. Her voice...
    September 2017
    342 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sinners of Saint )

  3. #3

    The Trouble with Love - Sex, Love & Stiletto by Lauren Layne
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    A feel-good, angsty, and genuinely entertaining second-chance romance - perfect for readers seeking charm, sass, and emotional pay-off. Pick it up for the tension, stay for the heart!

    'The Trouble with Love' by Lauren Layne is a second chance romance that delves into the complicated history between Emma and Alex, who were once engaged but faced a disastrous breakup. The book follows their journey of rediscovering each other while working in the same field, unraveling past misunderstandings, and navigating the unresolved tension and emotions between them. The plot is filled with warmth, love, angst, heartbreak, and emotional depth, drawing readers into a story of forgiveness, growth, and the possibility of a happy ending. Lauren Layne's writing style is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions, create engaging character dynamics, and deliver a satisfying blend of romance and drama.

    Still. There were worse things than coming into work with your hair soaking wet and your makeup nonexistent, dressed in a hot-pink bridesmaid dress from your cousin’s wedding that was the only dry ite...
    March 2015
    240 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sex, Love & Stiletto )

  4. #4
    Letters to Molly
    Book 2 in the series:Maysen Jar

    Letters to Molly - Maysen Jar by Devney Perry
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    A beautifully raw, emotional second-chance romance that’s both heartfelt and real - perfect if you want a love story that earnestly explores mistakes, growth, and redemption.

    Letters to Molly by Devney Perry is a second chance romance novel that delves into the complexities of love, communication, and forgiveness. The story follows Molly and Finn, a divorced couple who are brought back together by a series of letters that force them to confront their past mistakes and unresolved feelings. The book is described as a heartfelt and emotional journey that showcases the struggles and growth of the characters as they navigate their way back to each other. The writing style is praised for its realism and ability to evoke a range of emotions from readers, making it a captivating and relatable read.

    Why did they even need to ask that question? Every loan application, PTA volunteer form and church questionnaire wanted to know your marital status. I was going to start checking the single box. What...
    June 2019
    395 pages

  5. #5

    Ghosted by J.M. Darhower
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    A powerful, heartfelt second-chance romance packed with emotion and redemption - perfect for readers who crave deep character journeys and real-life messiness in their love stories.

    'Ghosted' by J.M. Darhower is a second chance romance novel that delves deep into the lives of Kennedy and Jonathan. The story follows their tumultuous journey of love, heartbreak, redemption, and forgiveness. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as they witness the complexities of their relationship unfold through past and present narratives. Darhower's writing style intricately weaves together the characters' struggles, making the storyline angsty, heartbreaking, and poignant. The book is praised for its realistic portrayal of the characters and their raw emotions, drawing readers in from the very beginning.

    The beeping of the checkout scanner is monotonous, a dull drone I barely hear anymore, as it melds with Wilson Philips’s Hold On playing on the loudspeaker radio. The same songs, day in and day out. S...
    August 2017
    452 pages

  6. #6

    Tools of Engagement - Hot & Hammered by Tessa Bailey
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    A fun, flirty, feel-good romcom with infectious chemistry and lovable leads, if slightly short on realism but big on heart. Come for the banter - stay for the cozy, found-family feels.

    In "Tools of Engagement," Bethany, a perfectionist trying to break free from her family business, ventures into house flipping with the help of Wes, a young cowboy new to town, who is caring for his niece. Their love-hate dynamic evolves into a passionate relationship as they navigate personal insecurities and family dynamics while competing in a reality show to transform a house. The story explores themes of self-discovery, growth, and finding stability and happiness in unexpected places, all wrapped in Tessa Bailey's signature banter and steamy romance.

    The streetlamp outside the house let in just enough light for him to make out the silhouette of his five-year-old niece sitting on the end of his bed, wearing his cowboy hat. If these freaky wake-up c...
    September 2020
    368 pages

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

  7. #7

    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 )

  8. #8
    Blurred Lines
    Book 1 in the series:Love Unexpectedly

    Blurred Lines - Love Unexpectedly by Lauren Layne
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    A funny, flirty, and heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance that delivers exactly what it promises. Expect plenty of charm, banter, and all the feels - perfect for a comfort read!

    "Blurred Lines" by Lauren Layne follows the story of best friends turned roommates, Parker and Ben, who navigate their relationship from platonic to friends with benefits to potentially something more. The book delves into themes of friendship, love, and the complexities of transitioning from friends to lovers. The writing style is described as engaging, humorous, and with a perfect balance of humor and depth, making it a compelling and easy read for fans of friends-to-lovers romance.

    I guess technically they were platonic for a while. Stephen had a girlfriend named Libby Tittles, or something unfortunate like that, and Korie had this on-again-off-again thing with her junior high b...
    August 2015
    256 pages

  9. #9

    Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage - MacKenzies & McBrides by Jennifer Ashley
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    A steamy, angsty second-chance romance with flawed but endearing characters - great for historical romance fans who enjoy emotional depth (and a little family chaos), though some may wish for a faster pace and less repetition.

    Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage delves into the tumultuous relationship between Lady Isabella and Lord Mac Mackenzie. Their impulsive marriage following a scandalous debut ball leads to years of separation, fueled by Mac's alcoholism and disappearing acts. The book explores themes of second chances, reconciliation, and trust-building, all set against the backdrop of a mystery involving forged paintings and an imposter.

    All of London was amazed to learn of the sudden marriage of Lady I—S—and Lord M—M—, brother of the Duke of K—,last evening. The lady in question had her Come-Out and her Wedding the same night, leadin...
    June 2010
    337 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series MacKenzies & McBrides )

  10. #10
    Sugar Daddy
    Book 1 in the series:Travises

    Sugar Daddy - Travises by Lisa Kleypas
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    A beautifully written, slow-burning book that’s part coming-of-age, part romance - perfect for readers who like strong heroines, complex characters, and a generous helping of Southern atmosphere. Worth it for the emotional depth and satisfying, if unconventional, love story.

    Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas is a contemporary romance novel that follows the life of Liberty Jones, a Texas girl who grows up facing hardships in a trailer park. The book delves into Liberty's childhood and teenage years, her relationships with Hardy Cates and Gage Travis, and the choices she must make between the two men. The plot is narrated in the first person, providing insights into Liberty's struggles, growth, and eventual success in life. The writing style is praised for its vivid portrayal of characters and the engaging storytelling that captures the essence of East Texas.

    When I was four, my father died in an oil-rig accident. Daddy didn't even work for the drilling outfit. He was a company man who wore a suit and tie when he went to inspect the production and drilling...
    2006
    420 pages

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