Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Lucy Lang isn't looking for fireworks.She's looking for a nice, decent man. Someone who'll mow the lawn, flip chicken on the barbecue, teach their future children to play soccer. But most important: someone who won't inspire the slightest stirring in her heart...or anywhere else. A young widow, Lucy can't risk that kind of loss again. But sharing her life with a cat named Fat Mikey and the Black Widows at the family bakery isn't enough either. So it's goodbye to Ethan, her hot but entirely inappropriate "friend with privileges" and hello to a man she can marry.Too bad Ethan Mirabelli isn't going anywhere. As far as he's concerned, what she needs might be right under her nose. But can he convince her that the next best thing can really be forever?
Tags
The Next Best Thing: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
Adult contemporary romance featuring a young widow navigating grief while pursuing safer romantic options. Contains sexual content and mature themes about loss and emotional healing.
What to know going in
This book has no graphic violence, steamy sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death of spouse, grief, and emotional trauma.
Who'll love this
Adult readers will appreciate Lucy's emotional journey as she tries to protect her heart while finding love again.