Books like 'Checkmate'
Readers who enjoyed Checkmate by R.L. Mathewson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny alpha male from hate to love strong heroine cruel hero bad boys friends to lovers office small town
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Worth It by S.M. Shade, C.M. Owens
What's the recipe to the ultimate disaster week? Three unruly friends. A wedding we shouldn't have been invited to. Two unexpected romances. A scoop of sexy. And a double scoop of chaos. Lydia is a good girl who is above revenge. Good thing she has us. No one cheats on our best friend and rides off into the sunset with his new bride... -
![Gin Fling by Lucy Score, Claire Kingsley]()
Gin Fling by Lucy Score, Claire Kingsley
A slow grin spread across his face and I had to turn away from the wattage. It was like staring at the sun. The handsome sun that was making my core temperature rise and causing a hormone dump in my brain. — Shelby Thompson Personal trainer Jonah Bodine discovers more than he bargained for with the half-siblings he didn’t know he had in small-town West Virginia... -
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![Boss Man Bridegroom by Meghan Quinn]()
Boss Man Bridegroom by Meghan Quinn
"Will you do me the greatest honor of all time and be my bridegroom?” she asks, hope in her eyes . . . How did I get here? My assistant, bent on one knee, holding my hand, her expectant face waiting for an answer. Just . .Categorized as:
friends to lovers from hate to love alpha male angst arranged marriage office cold hero m-f -
![Fire & Brimstone by R.L. Mathewson]()
Fire & Brimstone by R.L. Mathewson
What happens when a Bradford with questionable OCD, a tempter and a reputation for making his employees cry falls for the woman that refuses to accept the fact that he’s fired her and was terrifyingly more of a Bradford than he was? Well, we can’t share that here, because it would be seriously inappropriate, but we’re sure that you can see where this is leading… To the altar or a stint in...Categorized as:
from hate to love strong heroine alpha male possessive hero friends to lovers office m-f cold hero -
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![A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland]()
A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe BRAND NEW uplifting novel from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland Rosie feels like there's something missing in her life.She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District... -
![Heller's Punishment by J.D. Nixon]()
Heller's Punishment by J.D. Nixon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIn her latest adventure, rookie security officer Tilly Chalmers has three new assignments to cope with - chaperoning a devious addict to a rehabilitation clinic; live-in security for a strange and isolated religious cult; and protecting a national TV host in a damaging court case...Categorized as:
friends to lovers strong heroine bad boys alpha male possessive hero office m-f suspense -
![The Diary of Bink Cummings Vol 3.5 by Bink Cummings]()
The Diary of Bink Cummings Vol 3.5 by Bink Cummings
Fat and pregnant, I'm at the end of my rope with swollen ankles and exhaustion. Growing a little person inside of me is no small feat, and when that same little person decides it's time to be welcomed into the world, I'm suddenly catapulted into the beauty of motherhood. Join me in my birthing journey. You're in for one helluva ride. Must Read Vol's 1-3 First. --Novella...Categorized as:
alpha male strong heroine sassy heroine friends to lovers angst bad boys bikers age difference -
![Not Part of the Plan by Lucy Score]()
Not Part of the Plan by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 39 ratings“He’s the kind of man who would talk you into dropping your panties in a coat closet at a party, dole out orgasms like after-dinner mints, and then never call you again.”Photographer Nikolai Vulkov is a love ’em and leave ’em bad boy with a leather jacket, motorcycle, and sexy-as-sin grin.He is not Emma Merrill’s type...Categorized as:
friends to lovers from hate to love bad boys strong heroine small town contemporary humor dual-pov -
![Caught by Love by Melissa Foster]()
Caught by Love by Melissa Foster
He’s set on pleasure, but she’s all business. Sizzling chemistry and a surprising connection set this sexy love story in motion. But is it enough to last forever? Find out and fall in love on the sandy shores of Silver Island, home to coffee shops, boat races, midnight rendezvous, and the sexy, sharp-witted Steeles.Archer Steele is one of the leading vintners on the East Coast... -
![Craft by Adriana Locke]()
Craft by Adriana Locke
They’re not quite enemies. Not really friends. More like frustrated balls of sexual tension and neither will give in. Lance Gibson drives Mariah Malarkey absolutely crazy. He uses her office like a phone booth, takes cupcakes from the corner of her desk like she baked them just for him. She didn’t...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends to lovers angst office friends-benefits m-f humor contemporary -
![Flaunt by Adriana Locke]()
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Looking for a Fake FiancéHave you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it?It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to go there is what counts.Hi. It’s me. I’m that person.The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and I should “lower my expectations... -
![She Loves Me by Melissa Foster]()
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
friends to lovers independent heroine sassy heroine strong heroine m-f humor contemporary audiobook -
![The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown]()
The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFamily, wounded hearts, and a Texas bed-and-breakfast are in need of repair in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s inviting novel about down-home comfort and second chances.Cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae are due for a change...Categorized as:
small town friends to lovers forced proximity m-f contemporary humor christian audiobook -
![Falling Into Love with You by Lauren Rowe]()
Falling Into Love with You by Lauren Rowe
I’m obsessed with Laila Fitzgerald. There, I finally admitted it. I’ve tried not to want her. I tried to step aside when my best friend said he wanted her. But it’s proved impossible. She’s too gorgeous and talented, too charismatic and badass, for me not to want her for myself. Unfortunately, though, karma’s a bitch... -
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![Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas]()
Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers.She's got a lot of baggage...literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real.For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but... -
![Owen North by Nina Levine]()
Owen North by Nina Levine
A steamy forbidden office romance from USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nina Levine.My one-night stand is my new boss.I met him at the society wedding of the year.The man every woman in New York wants.He's rich.Devastatingly good looking.Charming.Mr. I-Could-Blow-Your-Mind.And yes, he did blow my mind.It was just supposed to be one night.I told him I don't date...Categorized as:
office alpha male sassy heroine friends to lovers m-f contemporary humor super rich hero -
![Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas]()
Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
![Knockout by Jessica Prince]()
Knockout by Jessica Prince
It wasn’t fair that the man I hated with a passion was so freaking gorgeous.Things in Layla Fox’s life were going great. She had a fantastic job, amazing friends, and a killer apartment. There was just one tiny glitch in all that perfect. Her upstairs neighbor was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome . . . and she hated the man with every cell in her body... -
![Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne]()
Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne
The last thing any professional hockey player wants is to be the old man in the game. The guy who doesn’t know when it’s time to retire. Still, I can’t bear the thought of leaving the game.This past year I’ve reflected on all my regrets, and I told myself that once I retire it’ll be the time to find the right woman. But this is where it gets tricky... -
![Dangerous Fling by Crystal Kaswell]()
Dangerous Fling by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHe's her rock star crush, her go-to fantasy, and he's offering to make all her dreams come true... Rock star Malcolm Strong is used to being in control. Of the band. Of his feelings. Of the woman he has tied to his bed. He never gets close enough to get hurt. He never wants to. Until Lacey. The sassy brunette is working on the band's latest music video... -
![Front & Center by A.M. Madden]()
Front & Center by A.M. Madden
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsJack was a rock star on the way to fame. Leila was following her dream and joining his band as a back-up singer. An insane attraction sparked between them that they couldn’t deny. Attraction quickly led to so much more. They ignored all the warnings and fell in love. When the couple embark on their tour, they couldn’t be more excited to travel the country hand in hand on the way to stardom...Categorized as:
alpha male bad boys friends to lovers college sassy heroine m-f contemporary musicians -
![Mine To Love by Natasha Madison]()
Mine To Love by Natasha Madison
Presley After my sisters’ disastrous weddings, I’m never going to get married. I’ll just stay single forever. It doesn’t matter that I’m in love with my brother’s best friend. Or that Bennett and I shouldn’t even be friends with benefits. Until the positive sign tells me I’m pregnant. Bennett I fell in love with Presley when she was eighteen and asked me for a favor...Categorized as:
sassy heroine friends to lovers strong heroine m-f contemporary humor pregnancy explicit-open-door -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy... -
![Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison]()
Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThings are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day.Aren't they?ClarabellaDid I want to get married today?It's hard to say when he proposed in front of over a hundred people.Everything happened so fast, and I thought it was just nerves.It was not.The knock on the door showed me that what I was feeling was more than just cold feet.I was a runaway bride...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity from hate to love alpha male sassy heroine office small town m-f -
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![Cheesy on the Eyes by Teagan Hunter]()
Cheesy on the Eyes by Teagan Hunter
Dating is hard. Dating in a small town? Impossible.Leave it to my little brother to come back home announcing he knocked up his fiancée and the wedding has been moved…to next month.When he tries to set me up with one of his football buddies, I tell him I’ll be bringing my own plus-one.Only problem? I’m hopelessly single.Enter Sullivan Scott, AKA my hero...Categorized as:
friends to lovers fake relationship fated-mates m-f humor contemporary open-door audiobook -
![The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow]()
The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPreorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane seriesLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatAll’s fair in love and…medicine?Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders...Categorized as:
small town forced proximity from hate to love m-f humor suspense contemporary length-medium -
![Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley]()
Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley
He’ll break all her rulesNora Lakes is sophisticated, successful, and happily single. Career problems aside, her life is fine the way it is, thank you very much. Sure, her best friends are all moving into a new season of life—full of husbands and babies and white picket fences. But that’s not what Nora wants. Neither is the gruff, tattooed guy next door. Tattoo artist Dex St... -
![First In by Danika Bloom]()
First In by Danika Bloom
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe's a career firefighter trying to fast-track his life. Me? I'm a 5'2" volunteer, still trying to figure mine out. I was in my last year of nursing. I was engaged. I was only supposed to come back to my hometown for three months. But here we are, two years later. I didn't finish my degree. My fiancé left me. And I'm about to lose the family home. Ostie de calice... -
![Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott]()
Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott
A vintage VW van. Four friends. A cross-country road trip.It will be the best adventure of my life, if only I can shake the feelings I have for Cameron .Cameron Reeves is as gorgeous as his name makes him sound.He’s about six feet tall, which is the height I always wrote in my ideal man list in my journal. Yes. I have a list of qualities I want in a man... -
![Conflagration by Tessa Teevan]()
Conflagration by Tessa Teevan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsIt isn't just a few flames; it's an especially large and destructive fire that causes devastation. Branson Wellington? The name, my name, is usually followed by fucking prick or self-serving bastard , and I can't say I haven't earned those titles. It's true. I'm not the good guy. I'm not the boy next door. I'm definitely not your Prince fucking Charming. Not even close...Categorized as:
alpha male possessive hero college cruel hero friends to lovers contemporary humor super rich hero -
![Over & Out by Claire Wilder]()
Over & Out by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIntroducing a brand new enemies to lovers romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claire Wilder!Three months ago, a dirt bike accident stole my confidence, my beloved ride, and the one thing that made me feel alive. Now I’m going through the motions in my coastal tourist town, totally adrift… and trying not to think about the stranger who pulled me from the wreckage...Categorized as:
from hate to love office forced proximity m-f small town humor length-medium contemporary -
![Making Room For You by M.A. Clarke Scott, MaryAnn Clarke]()
Making Room For You by M.A. Clarke Scott, MaryAnn Clarke
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the award-winning author of The Art of Enchantment, comes Making Room for You, an inspiring, heart-warming enemies-to-lovers romantic women’s fiction tale... -
![Reset by Janet Elizabeth Henderson]()
Reset by Janet Elizabeth Henderson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFormer soldier Ryan Granger’s life has become all about numbers:13 months since he was shot in the head7 months spent in a coma6 months since he woke, a changed man5 hours since he’d been kidnapped4 minutes since he’d opened his eyes in an underground cavern3 minutes since he’d heard a woman calling for help…Two strangers trapped together.One impossible way out... -
![This Is Love by Melissa Foster]()
This Is Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsFall in love in Harmony Pointe, where hearts are lost, found, and sometimes misplaced…and everyone get a happy ever after. If a woman can’t find love in the quaint town of Harmony Pointe, it’s sure to find them—whether they’re looking for it or not. Here, the remaining single Dalton siblings are about to discover that they’re next in line to get swept away by love...Categorized as:
sassy heroine strong heroine alpha male forced proximity office m-f humor contemporary -
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![The Billionaire Is Back by Kayley Loring, Connor Crais]()
The Billionaire Is Back by Kayley Loring, Connor Crais
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsPeople in this small town are whispering…What they’re saying is that the billionaire is back and he’s going after his best friend’s sister.What I’m trying to do is help Claire Sweeney’s bakery business.What I haven’t been able to admit to myself is that in all this time, no matter how hard I tried, I never forgot her.Now she’s all grown up. I can’t stop thinking about her muffin...Categorized as:
small town friends to lovers alpha male from hate to love angst m-f super rich hero humor -
![Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy]()
Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy
I can't believe I'm at the point in my life where I need to convince a stranger to pretend to be my fiancée. My publicist came up with the idea to hire a fake fiancée to improve my bad-boy reputation and “win over the hearts and minds of fans.” But I'm the one who impulsively decided to bring one home with me for my brother's vow renewal...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity m-f fake relationship small town humor contemporary found-family -
![Kiss Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Kiss Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsLast night, he was a sexy stranger I couldn't get enough of.Today, he's my new boss, who I can't seem to please.Bad luck seems to follow me. Last night, I grabbed a drink at the bar near my new workplace.I met the most sophisticated man when he “stole” my table. We bantered and danced, and I went home with a stranger for the first time in my life...Categorized as:
forced proximity alpha male possessive hero from hate to love bad boys m-f contemporary humor -
![Presently Perfect by Alison G. Bailey]()
Presently Perfect by Alison G. Bailey
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsPerfection is an illusion fueled by the perception of others. Tweet was my heart, my soul, and my purpose. She was my everything. Neither of us were perfect. We both made mistakes. Looking back, that was okay, because every choice brought us to where we needed to be at the time we needed to be there. The one constant, our love and friendship... -
![Incinerate by Tessa Teevan]()
Incinerate by Tessa Teevan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsKnox and Charlotte's story. When Knox Wellington opens the door to Charlie Davenport, he's not expecting the fiery brunette with whiskey colored eyes and a feisty personality. Sparks fly immediately, even though their initial meeting is nothing but hostile... -
![Earn Your Extra Credit by Meghan Quinn]()
Earn Your Extra Credit by Meghan Quinn
"She went home with someone else that night?" Hearing the disbelief from my best friend's mouth makes the events of my failed date sting that much more. I would like to make it known, I have a lot more swagger than what it seems. I don't normally ask a girl out, have her fail to recognize it's a date, and then give me a high five--as if I'm her wingman--and take off with someone else. No... -
![Falling Out of Hate with You by Lauren Rowe]()
Falling Out of Hate with You by Lauren Rowe
I’ve tried to like Adrian Savage, the mercurial frontman for Fugitive Summer, while serving as his band’s opening act on tour. We’re stuck together for three months, after all. And I’m well aware I’m lucky to be here. But it’s proved impossible. He’s far too rude and dismissive a guy to get along with. And way too good at getting under my skin... -
![The Roomie Rulebook by Crystal Kaswell]()
The Roomie Rulebook by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOliver is my best friend's older brother. He's brooding, bossy, and painfully off limits. But all rules are off when I move in as his new roommate. When I need a place to crash, I go straight to the guy I know best. My best friend's older brother, Oliver. Who's right in the middle of enjoying his alone time. No big deal, right? It's not like I'm going to die of embarrassment... -
![In Hate With My Boss by Lexi Calder]()
In Hate With My Boss by Lexi Calder
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThere are three things I know about Owen Bennett: He’s worth billions. He’s smoking hot. He’s a total asshole.Oh, and he’s my new boss. Which, I guess is technically four things. But who’s counting? Not Owen. Because all he can do is stare at my chest and make rude comments. He’s unprofessional, lazy, and the single most infuriatingly sexy man I’ve ever met in my life...Categorized as:
from hate to love office sassy heroine angst alpha male contemporary super rich hero humor -
![Can't Resist Him by Molly McLain, Sommer Stein]()
Can't Resist Him by Molly McLain, Sommer Stein
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 12 ratings*** SPECIAL PRE-ORDER PRICE OF $2.99!*** Sometimes what you want and what you need are two very different things. Always relegated to the "friends with benefits" corner of small town River Bend, Jenny Riley is done giving the milk for free. Falling hard for a bad boy? Not in the plan, either. Sexy, emotionally-wounded Marine Reservist Brody Nelson just needs someone to lend an ear... -
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![Love Hate Relationship by Jessica Prince, Becky Johnson]()
Love Hate Relationship by Jessica Prince, Becky Johnson
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 29 ratings**Love Hate Relationship is a STANDALONE Romantic Comedy that follows characters introduced in Shrinking Violet. It is not necessary to read Shrinking Violet first** People say that sometimes the line between love and hate is thin. What they don’t tell you is that sometimes it’s invisible...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers from hate to love office humor new adult contemporary poor heroine -
![CONFLICTING VENTURES by A.K. Landow]()
CONFLICTING VENTURES by A.K. Landow
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSkylar Lawrence is the quiet sister. The one that doesn’t need to be the center of attention. The one who wants happiness above all else. She’s been content to stay in the background and support her sisters as their stars shine bright.She internalizes her struggles. The lingering pain of losing her father, followed by the ending of her relationship with the man she thought was her forever... -
![Fling by Adriana Locke]()
Fling by Adriana Locke
CONTEST: WIN A DATE TO MY HONEYMOONI realize that a social media post isn’t the usual way to secure a date to your honeymoon—for obvious reasons—but here we are.My wedding was canceled. What’s not canceled is the nonrefundable, ten-thousand-dollar all-inclusive vacation at a luxury resort, and I’m not about to let it go to waste.I’m packed and ready to hit the beach... -
![Pop! by V. Kelly]()
Pop! by V. Kelly
A sex contract seemed like a good idea, until she fell in love. When Symone Esquire fails to woo her best friend into taking her virginity, his rejection is the catalyst that inspires her to create a sex contract with a local legend, a man nicknamed “The Cherry Popper”, to take her virginity instead... -
![Coaching the Kicker by Jacob Chance]()
Coaching the Kicker by Jacob Chance
From USA Today bestselling author Jacob Chance comes a brand new laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers romance about two professional athletes finding love where they least expect it. When I purchased a home in an upscale neighborhood, I never imagined having one of the Charleston Pirates living next door.Knox Irons knows just how to push my buttons... -
![Summer Hate by Melissa Ivers]()
Summer Hate by Melissa Ivers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe was the last person I wanted to see on my girls trip, let alone share a room with.Donovan Fitzroy is grumpy. Irritable. Annoyingly perfect. And as handsome as he is uptight. He’s also my best friend’s older brother.My bestie promised me a relaxing week at her family owned resort, but when I got there all I got was an apologetic phone call and a promise that her brother would take care of me...
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