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 dual-pov office
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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...Categorized as:
strong heroine alpha male m-f sassy heroine dual-pov college forced proximity friends-benefits -
![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 dual-pov -
![Flaunt by Adriana Locke]()
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsLooking 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... -
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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... -
![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 -
![Handle With Care by Helena Hunting]()
Handle With Care by Helena Hunting
HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL. Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin...Categorized as:
friends to lovers alpha male from hate to love strong heroine forced proximity office m-f humor -
![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... -
![Stay Wild by Kaylee Ryan]()
Stay Wild by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsWhat happens when your wandering heart is captured by your friend with benefits?ScarlettArcher Kincaid is supposed to be all the fun and none of the strings, but the longer I stay in Willow River, the more I feel roots pulling me to settle down.I plan to complete a one-year photography contract with Captured Moments, then move on to travel the world...Categorized as:
friends-benefits dual-pov strong heroine angst friends to lovers m-f humor insta-love -
![Holy Frigging Matrimony by Emma Chase]()
Holy Frigging Matrimony by Emma Chase
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 62 ratingsWhat does Drew Evans have to say next? Find out in this forty page short story, filled with his sexy charm, unique advice and hilarious one-liners. Marriage: the final frontier. Steven went first. He was kind of our test subject. Like those monkeys that NASA sent off into space in the fifties, all the while knowing they’d never make it back. And now another poor rocket is ready to launch... -
![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 -
![Time by Penny Reid]()
Time by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid A (brokenhearted) physicist. Now an infamous (who is LITERALLY EVERYWHERE!! UGH!) musician. The worst has already happened. Mona has learned that she has nothing figured out and plans are meaningless. After leaving her in Aspen, Abram is now breaking sales-records, rising to rock star fame almost overnight. Mona can’t seem to escape him... -
![She Loves Me by Melissa Foster]()
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 24 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 -
![Killing Booth by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Killing Booth by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsEvery single thing you want is going to require you to be uncomfortable. Those words had been shared with her by the one man she didn’t think she could take a chance on. She just didn’t know that he was right, or that he was going to be the one making her uncomfortable. Nash Wilder Christopherson was the world’s golden boy. For fifteen years, she watched Nash race from the safety of her phone...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst from hate to love forced proximity dual-pov strong heroine m-f humor -
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![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Black Flag by Shey Stahl]()
Black Flag by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhen the taste you thought you never needed becomes a thirst you cannot quench, then what? Jameson Riley, a NASCAR rookie driver, and Sway Reins, his pregnant girlfriend, are put to the test. They have love; they have lust, and a bond that proves to be vital. But do they have what it takes to make it through his lifestyle. When tested, it’s either fight, or give in... -
![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...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male cold hero m-f dual-pov small town independent heroine sassy heroine -
![The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid]()
The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid
How can someone so smokin’ hot be so bad in bed? I mean, Sean Cassidy is absolute rubbish. RUBBISH. He is the epitome of walking, talking false advertising and I want a refund! Plus he’s an arsehole. So… what is wrong with me that I can’t stop thinking about him? THE PIXIE Lucy Fitzpatrick doesn’t like rugby... -
![Kiss Me Tonight by Maria Luis]()
Kiss Me Tonight by Maria Luis
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsI had it all.The Super Bowl rings.The hot shot TV gig.Then I got fired.Now I’m living in middle-of-nowhere Maine, playing assistant coach to the woman of my nightmares.Did I mention that she and her son are my new neighbors?If you talk to the locals, they’ll tell you Aspen Levi is the queen of high school football.But if you ask me, my new head coach is a pain in my left nut sac.She’s too blonde...Categorized as:
office from hate to love forced proximity dual-pov friends to lovers alpha male m-f sports -
![A Very Bossy Christmas by Kayley Loring]()
A Very Bossy Christmas by Kayley Loring
What’s the actual last thing you’d ever want your executive assistant to see you doing the morning after you had hot, drunk, angry sex with her in a terrible hotel room? Dancing around your terrible hotel room to “Come and Get Your Love” like Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy—naked? Yeah. Me too.And yet, here we are... -
![Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTwo enemies. One bed. What could possibly go wrong? Our new general manager is the most difficult man on the planet. The night before Drake begins working at my family's hotel, he finds me in the bar, trying to get rid of a boring date. But the guy won’t take even a not-so-subtle hint. Then Drake surprises me and comes to our table, but only to reprimand ME about dating in our workplace...Categorized as:
office from hate to love forced proximity m-f contemporary humor super rich hero rich heroine -
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![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 -
![The Champion by Shey Stahl]()
The Champion by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA powerful love story of tragedy, love, and commitment. The fourth book in the Racing on the Edge series submerges you in the lifestyle of a champion of a sport that dominates America. Through smoke and methanol, you learn the good, the bad, and the secrets no one wants you to know... -
![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 -
![This Is Love by Melissa Foster]()
This Is Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 22 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 -
![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... -
![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 -
![Dangerous Fling by Crystal Kaswell]()
Dangerous Fling by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 18 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... -
![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 -
![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... -
![A Reclusive Heart by R.L. Mathewson]()
A Reclusive Heart by R.L. Mathewson
From the New York Times best-selling author of the Neighbor from Hell series comes a contemporary romance about a painfully shy pushover with an unhealthy addiction to chocolate, her cranky agent, and the stalker determined to destroy everything. She could do this...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers from hate to love m-f bad boys dual-pov strong heroine office -
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![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... -
![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 -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 17 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: 4.23 of 5 stars · 25 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... -
![Blurred Lines by Jessica Prince]()
Blurred Lines by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThere was absolutely no way she was falling for her neighbor. No matter how gorgeous he was.Aurora Keller thought she’d lucked out when she decided to put down roots in Redemption, Tennessee. She had a new business, new friends, and a picture-perfect little house...Categorized as:
from hate to love bad boys alpha male sassy heroine forced proximity m-f dual-pov contemporary -
![Dirty Flirty Enemy by Piper Rayne]()
Dirty Flirty Enemy by Piper Rayne
He’s the arrogant Manhattan realtor with billboards advertising his six-pack more than his expertise in negotiations. I’m the competing broker who stupidly moved across the hall from his office. From day one, I’ve been his sworn enemy. Okay, so I might have accidentally stolen one of his clients... -
![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 -
![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... -
![Hitched by Pippa Grant, Lili Valente]()
Hitched by Pippa Grant, Lili Valente
She’s the last woman on earth I’d marry….again. Yet here I am. Saying my vows. Again. To save an alpaca. At least, that’s my story. But the truth might be a little more complicated. I didn’t want to let her go the first time. But now I have a second chance to win over my wife. We’re older. Wiser. And hornier. This time, I won’t fail...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends to lovers forced proximity male-pov dual-pov m-f humor contemporary -
![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... -
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![Wishing for Champagne Kisses by Brittanee Nicole]()
Wishing for Champagne Kisses by Brittanee Nicole
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBest Friends Don’t Kiss.Ryan Manning has been my best friend since we were kids. He’s my secret keeper. The holder of all my truths and the person I admire most in the world. He’s also a Lumbersnack and the man I’ve secretly pined after for decades.But we don’t talk about that.I’m just here in Lake Tahoe for the next week to play the part of his doting girlfriend...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity dual-pov angst alpha male humor contemporary christmas -
![The Day the Jerk Started Falling by Max Monroe]()
The Day the Jerk Started Falling by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsMy name is Oliver Arsen, but my mates call me Ollie. I live hard and love harder, and it’s love that usually gets me in the most trouble. According to the greater population, I’m the ultimate jerk. My affection tends to be short-lived—a quality I’ve been assured multiple times by the fairer sex isn’t becoming—and the leaving part of loving and leaving has always come natural... -
![Finding Dandelion by Lex Martin]()
Finding Dandelion by Lex Martin
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsWhen soccer all-star Jax Avery collides with Dani Hart on his twenty-first birthday, their connection is instantaneous and explosive. For the first time in years, Jax isn’t interested in his usual hit-it and quit-it approach. But Dani knows better. Allowing herself a night to be carefree and feel the intensity of their attraction won’t change anything when it comes to dealing with a player... -
![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 -
![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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers from hate to love forced proximity office cold hero friends-benefits m-f humor -
![How to Get Lucky by Lauren Blakely, Joe Arden]()
How to Get Lucky by Lauren Blakely, Joe Arden
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA sexy standalone romance written by #1 NYT Bestselling Author Lauren Blakely and Award-Winning Romance Narrator Joe Arden! Every man knows there are lines you don't cross. Like this one -- don't bang your boss's little sister.Too bad I didn't know sexy, clever, irresistible London is related to the guy who signs my paychecks...
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