Books with Jobs in the Title: 10 Harlequin Reads Featuring Working Heroes

To my bookshelf I go, with one mission: find books that have an occupation in the title. Okay, sounds easy enough. Hmm… but I definitely can’t find 10 with the same occupation. That’s odd. All the books that do have an occupation in the title are published by a Harlequin imprint. I’ll go with it. Clearly, I’m not only obsessed with Harlequin—I also like reading about various occupations.

Some I’ve read, some I haven’t, and I did supplement with three that aren’t on my shelf—because we’re going with a theme here, people.

The Amish Baker’s Secret Courtship by Amy Grochowski 
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Pages: 208
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon

A promise brought him home…

Will a pretend courtship make him stay?

Cassie Weaver dreams of opening a bakery—but that dream hinges on her good friend Martin Beiler. Martin once fled their Amish community due to his struggles with autism. Now he’s back to fulfill his promise to help Cassie set up her longed-for bakeshop. But when everyone suspects they are secretly courting, Cassie encourages the matchmaking. Because she’s hoping she can convince Martin this is where he truly belongs…

The Cowboy’s Forgotten Love by Tina Radcliffe
Series: Lazy M Ranch: Book 4
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication Date: October 22, 2024
Pages: 208
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Buy on Amazon

He finally found the love of his life

Now if only he could remember…

After an accident, rodeo rider Lucas Morgan is shocked to discover his memories of the last six months are gone. He remembers his best friend, Harper Reilly, but recent events are a blur—like the fact he’s opening a rodeo school with her…and who he bought an engagement ring for. With Luc under strict orders to rest and not stress, Harper can’t tell him about the kiss they shared or the feelings that blossomed—and with big career decisions to make, she fears they’ve missed their chance. Is it too late to fall in love all over again?

Earning the Veteran’s Trust by Lisa Jordan
Series: K-9 Companions: Book 30
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication Date: May 20, 2025
Pages: 208
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Buy on Amazon

A second chance at love

Could be what she needs to finally heal.

After leaving the navy, Mallory Stone plans to buy her best friend’s fruit farm, a safe place to raise her son and adopt senior dogs like her dear Rosie. Until her ex-husband, Jonah Hayes, drops a bombshell: he wants the same farm…and they’re still legally married. A trial partnership running the farm means the former marine can get to know the son he just met—and prove to Mallory he’s changed. As old feelings resurface, can Mallory open her heart for a chance at the future she’s always wanted?

A Family for the Cowboy Cop by Tanya Agler
Series:A Violet Ridge Novel: Book 3
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print
Publication Date: July 29, 2025
Pages: 336
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Buy on Amazon

To catch a thief

Or to capture a heart?

Denver detective Jase Virtue has one assignment: return to his hometown of Violet Ridge, catch an escaped bank robber, go back to Denver. Staying at Cassie O’Neal’s farm isn’t part of the plan. But the single mom and her two young children need protection—even if she is the robber’s half sister and suspected accomplice. Bonding with the O’Neals, and a sweet little hen, has Jase wondering if he can truly trust Cassie. Because she makes him long for the home and happily-ever-after he never thought he deserved.

The Farmer’s Marriage Bargain by Heidi Main
Series: Triple C Ranch – Book 3
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication Date: April 1, 2025
Pages: 208
Review
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon

They agreed to a practical marriage

But love never goes as planned…

Raising three children alone was never part of the plan, but after losing her husband, Emma Bailey is doing the best she can. Until she discovers that she can’t afford the medication her youngest child needs. Suddenly, her late husband’s best friend comes to the rescue. Carter McCaw promised he’d always watch over the family and the farm. But when he proposes a marriage of convenience, Emma’s not so sure. It seems like the perfect solution…until love blooms between them and complicates everything.

The Fire Chief’s Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt
Publisher:  Love Inspired
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Pages: 208
Review
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon

He wasn’t looking for love…

Until one little boy came into his life.

Fire chief Josh Rogers has just three months to get married or risk losing custody of his late foster brother’s infant son. So when Annie Greene offers to help him find a wife in exchange for repairs at her bakery, it seems like the perfect solution. As the three spend time together, Josh can’t help but feel that Annie’s the only person he can picture filling the role of Finn’s mother. But can they set aside their past insecurities and embrace a chance at happily-ever-after?


The Rancher’s Prayer by Donna Gartshore
Publisher:  Love Inspired
Publication Date: August 26, 2025
Pages: 208
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon

To earn the love he’s always wanted,
He must let go of his past…

Luke Duffy is desperate to save his family’s ranch. Especially after decisions made by his late father land their horse therapy business in trouble. But help comes in the unlikely form of guest Arabella Lark. As a PR expert, Bella has plans that could make the ranch thrive, but Luke’s rocky past makes him hesitant to rely on her. The single mom also has a lot on her plate: her job is on the line, and her daughter struggles with anxiety. Will they find the strength to face their challenges and create a new beginning together?

The Soldier’s K-9 Companion by Belle Calhoune
Series: K-9 Companions: Book 33
Publisher:  Love Inspired
Publication Date: July 29, 2025
Pages: 208
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon

A chance to finally heal

With the help of a four-legged friend.

Struggling with PTSD, retired Navy SEAL Luke Adams hopes getting a service dog will help him finally get his life back. Fortunately, his best friend’s sister, Destiny Johnson, runs a K-9 farm where she trains service dogs. When Destiny pairs him up with an Alaskan husky named Java and teaches him how to bond with the sweet pup, he realizes that he and Destiny have more in common than he thought. With their friendship growing into something deeper, can a dedicated K-9 help them both face their trauma…and come out stronger together?

The Teacher’s Match by Kristi Hong
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Publication Date: April 1, 2025
Pages: 335
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon

A new career. A new school.
And a very inconvenient new crush.

Joanna Lin is determined to avoid her mother’s matchmaking. With a new career as an art teacher at a Mandarin immersion school, Joanna refuses to let anything or anyone distract her. Especially her charming new colleague Jack Sun. His kindness and passion for teaching—not to mention those dimples!—are practically irresistible. But anything beyond friendship is impossible, especially when Jack’s moving to Taiwan at the end of the school year. But as spring—and the school’s Dragon Boat Festival—draws closer, love might send all of their careful plans tumbling overboard.

Winning Over the Baker by Danielle Thorne
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Pages: 208
Review
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon

Can this single mom have it all

Without losing her heart?

Just when Tam Rochester’s dreams of expanding her herb shop and being able to support her daughter are finally coming true, Patrick Butler arrives in town. She wasn’t counting on the single dad’s plans for a bakery right across the street or the competition it’ll bring. Tam’s not afraid to fight for her future, but going toe-to-toe with Patrick would be easier if she didn’t adore his kids—and if she could just ignore her growing feelings for the too-talented baker…

What is your favorite occupation to read about?

Thank you to The Artsy Reader Girl for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!


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7 responses to “Books with Jobs in the Title: 10 Harlequin Reads Featuring Working Heroes”

  1. Rissi Avatar

    I used to have SO many Love Inspired novels on my shelf. I read a lot but finally did donate them because there were so many and I haven’t been buying them now in recent years. They’re nice for those quick reads when you don’t want to commit to a full length novel. :) Thanks so much for visiting my list this week.

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    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I enjoy the Love Inspired books on the weekends. You can read one and still accomplish other things. Have a wonderful week!

      Like

  2. Alicia @ A Kernel of Nonsense Avatar

    Baker is such a good one and now I’m kicking myself for not using that words because I know there are books with baker that I’ve read.

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    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Yes, baker is a good one. I’m surprised I don’t have more than one on my shelf. They are probably in my kindle.

      http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail Virus-free.www.avg.com http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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  3. Carla Avatar

    Nice list, Carla. I think that’s the first time I’ve seen Farmer and Fire Chief today. Great choice to go with Harlequin books.

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      1. Carla Avatar

        They have a great variety.

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Welcome to Carla’s Book Crush where I share my favorite clean, Christian reads. I review everything from Amish and historical romance to suspense, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and the occasional devotional. If it has heart, hope, and a message that points back to Christ, it’s probably on my shelf. I also love chatting with authors and featuring interviews that give you a peek behind the pages. Whether you’re looking for a new release, a cozy weekend read, or just something uplifting and well-written, you’re in the right place. Clean stories. Encouraging faith. Books worth reading.

5 Stars – Overwhelmed me in a good way!
4 Stars – Strongly moved me
3 Stars – Entertaining, worth the read
2 Stars – Meh, take it or leave it
1 Star – Nails on a chalkboard