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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Where It All Began by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAvailable only through Lucy's newsletter, this free book is the prequel to the popular Blue Moon series and is set in 1985. John Pierce has plans for these two hundred rundown acres. He sees a farm, a family, a future. He’s not about to drag someone in on the ground floor, not before he’s put in the work to turn rubble into home... -
![Shakedown by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Shakedown by Lani Lynn Vale
Wanted: someone to hand feed me Doritos so my hands don’t get orange. No weirdos. Belle Pena was an editor. Not a writer. When her brothers challenge her to create a dating profile, she makes up the most random biography she can think of. She never, not ever, thought she’d find anybody to respond. But she was sorely mistaken...Categorized as:
alpha male bad boys friends to lovers small town cold hero m-f possessive hero sassy heroine -
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![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…...Categorized as:
from hate to love strong heroine alpha male possessive hero friends to lovers office m-f cold hero -
![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 -
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![Heller's Punishment by J.D. Nixon]()
Heller's Punishment by J.D. Nixon
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 31 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 -
![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... -
![A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland]()
A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 21 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 Girlfriend by J.D. Nixon]()
Heller's Girlfriend by J.D. Nixon
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsTilly Chalmers’ life is complicated. Her boyfriend is demanding more attention while her boss, Heller, is always a distracting temptation...Categorized as:
bad boys strong heroine alpha male possessive hero office love triangle mystery suspense -
![The Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score]()
The Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score
Davis Gates. Naked. Tossing her a handful of orgasms like he was on a lust-themed parade float. A fifty-year feud. One failed smoke bomb matchmaking scheme. Two enemies turned fake lovers. For the past fifteen years, Eden has worked her ass off to overcome high school. She’s cornered the tourism market in Blue Moon offering visitors a place to stay in her hippie, dippy hometown... -
![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 strong heroine m-f humor grumpy sunshine -
![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 -
![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. So why can't he stay away? Knox and Fiona's story! Finally! -
![Flaunt by Adriana Locke]()
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Looking for a Fake Fiancé. Have 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... -
![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... -
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![Loving at 40 by L.B. Dunbar]()
Loving at 40 by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSexy silver alpha hero returns to his family’s lakeside cottage where there’s a single mother in his bed and her presence just might be the second chance he needs at love and family. Archer McCaryn has been a mystery to his family. At forty-five, he isn’t certain himself who he is anymore. When he returns to the family’s lakeside cottage, he finds there is someone in his garage apartment... -
![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... -
![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 -
![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 series. Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what. All’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 -
![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 -
![Holy Frigging Matrimony by Emma Chase]()
Holy Frigging Matrimony by Emma Chase
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 70 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... -
![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 -
![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 -
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![Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison]()
Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThings are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day. Aren't they? Clarabella. Did 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. Luke...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity from hate to love alpha male sassy heroine office small town m-f -
![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... -
![Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa]()
Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings us a light-hearted small-town romantic comedy full of a swoon-worthy billionaire, single dad romance, and big laughs. I need a massive break. So long to my cheating boyfriend and betraying roommate. Goodbye hectic emergency room and long hours... -
![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 strong heroine office cruel hero -
![This Is Love by Melissa Foster]()
This Is Love by Melissa Foster
Fall 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 -
![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... -
![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... -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
I 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... -
![Rock Chick Redux by Kristen Ashley]()
Rock Chick Redux by Kristen Ashley
In Celebration of 20,000 Likes on Facebook! Bonus Rock Chick footage. Oh yes…it’s always nice to get a little bit more. Download Rock Chick Redux. And thank you to my Facebook Rock Chicks for rocking my world! Rock On! See the story using the link in Official url. -
![Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley]()
Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley
He’ll break all her rules. Nora 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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![Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray]()
Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a giant of a man who grunts for words and barks out orders, yet circumstances require I be his fake girlfriend and spend the weekend with him in an isolated cabin. And of course there’s only one bed. Just my luck…But I need this commission check that only Boston can guarantee me...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love small town m-f grumpy sunshine contemporary humor military -
![Out of the Darkness by Jessica Prince]()
Out of the Darkness by Jessica Prince
The light had been snuffed out of Xander Caine’s world a long time ago, leaving him to suffer in darkness. After a tremendous loss, he closed himself off from anyone and everyone, content to live alone in the shadows. Then a woman blew into town with the force of a hurricane and shook everything up. Sage Winthrop was looking to start over... -
![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 -
![She Loves Me by Melissa Foster]()
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 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 -
![Blurred Lines by Jessica Prince]()
Blurred Lines by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 21 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 contemporary 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... -
![The Problem with Players by Brittainy C. Cherry]()
The Problem with Players by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsAs a female coach, I’ve always lived by a simple mantra: throw hard, swing for the fences, and never, ever look back--especially when it comes to past flames. So when my ex-boyfriend somehow manages to land the job as my new assistant coach, my life is flipped upside down. The game I thought I'd mastered is now being played with a whole new set of rules. My ex is baseball's all-star Nathan Pierce...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers from hate to love office angst m-f baseball sports -
![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... -
![Enemies to Lovers by Gena Showalter]()
Enemies to Lovers by Gena Showalter
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes another scorching Original Heartbreakers tale featuring an aloof bad boy and the rowdy Southern belle who rocks his world…. Millionaire video-game creator Lincoln West has a dark and tragic past. The sought-after bachelor lives by a rigid schedule and a single rule—one relationship per year, lasting no more than two months. No exceptions...Categorized as:
alpha male from hate to love small town friends to lovers contemporary humor new adult abuse -
![Conflicting Ventures by A.K. Landow]()
Conflicting Ventures by A.K. Landow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 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... -
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![The Bloody Prince by Edwina Darke]()
The Bloody Prince by Edwina Darke
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShould your true love drive you crazy? Katie Warray knows that heroes rarely live up to expectations. Especially not the charming, roguishly handsome, thriller writer she’s had a crush on since she was a teenager. It’s disappointing that Tristan Prince turns out to be more frog than fairytale. But Katie doesn’t have to like the man to be his new editor. Tristan Prince doesn’t take much seriously... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio]()
Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo authors, an intertwined plot, and one heck of an alluring ending to their highly-anticipated bestselling books. .. With her fantasy series, Bridget Paige is the newest member of the New York Times Bestseller list. Except no one knows who she is. To the world, she's Bridget. To those behind the scenes, she's introverted Paige Booker... -
![Temptress by Jessica Prince]()
Temptress by Jessica Prince
Who knew the grumpy single dad next door would turn out to be The One? As Sloane Chambers stood at her window and creeped on the new guy moving in next door, she was immediately drawn to the tattoos, muscles, and the way his jeans hugged his perfect . . . frame. But when she caught him hacking up her rose bushes with a chain saw, the battle was on...Categorized as:
cold hero from hate to love forced proximity alpha male m-f sassy heroine contemporary humor -
![Lucky Penny by Katherine Bitner]()
Lucky Penny by Katherine Bitner
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLucky Penny is book two in The Hometown series, however it can be read as a stand alone novel. Ten years ago, they were inseparable—until she left for college and he went to prison. Now there’s only one thing that can get Penny Hanson to return to her hometown of her little sister...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity from hate to love angst bad boys m-f found-family christmas
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