Books like 'Playing Dirty'
Readers who enjoyed Playing Dirty by Susan Andersen also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny from hate to love second chances suspense cruel hero curvy heroine independent heroine grovel betrayal
-
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...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love forced proximity m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers mystery -
Under the Influence by Kimberly Brown
Alanis Kapri is living the American Dream. As the star quarterback of the Carolina Hurricanes, life is luxury. Unfortunately for Alanis, he’s considered the NFL’s problem child. One too many negative press runs have landed his head on the chopping block. He’s been given an clean up his act or be cut from the team. Reluctantly, Alanis agrees to the terms...Categorized as:
angst m-f from hate to love forced proximity grovel hurt-comfort second chances sports -
Never faking about you by Aubry J.
Lynx From the day we met, Fire Carlson and I have been in chaos. His constant jokes and witty remarks drive me crazy, and he knows it. We argue and fight, but there are two things I can’t our undeniable attraction and how he excels as a father. One heated interaction changes our lives, and suddenly, Fire needs my help...Categorized as:
m-f from hate to love angst forced proximity slow burn grovel betrayal competent heroine -
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:
suspense strong heroine possessive hero slow burn m-f friends to lovers bad boys humor -
-
Space by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny ReidOne week.Private cabin.Famous physicist.Still an unrepentant slacker.What’s the worst that could happen?Mona’s meticulously planned allotment of relaxation is thrown into chaos by the unscheduled appearance of her older brother’s band of friends, including the one person she'd hoped to never face again...Categorized as:
second chances from hate to love angst forced proximity m-f humor new adult contemporary -
I Can't Even by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsEllodie Cassandra Solaire made a single, solitary New Year’s resolution.That resolution was set in stone, and she wouldn’t be breaking it, no matter what.It was simple: Say yes to every person who asks her out on a date until she finds a boyfriend.Easy, right?Wrong.She breaks that New Year’s resolution three months into the year after a guy gives her serial killer vibes...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity from hate to love m-f contemporary military humor length-medium -
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...Categorized as:
m-f second chances angst from hate to love humor new adult contemporary friends to lovers -
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:
independent heroine strong heroine m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers sassy heroine audiobook -
The Sculptor by Kristy Marie
Dr. Duke Potter is no hero. Nor am I some damsel that needs saving—if that’s what we’re calling it. But that’s exactly what Duke thinks he did when he found me on the arm of a short-tempered congressman, arranged to be married. I should have told him the truth. The real reason behind my involvement with the congressman...Categorized as:
forced proximity angst suspense m-f grovel second chances independent heroine competent heroine -
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:
suspense angst from hate to love forced proximity strong heroine m-f humor grumpy sunshine -
Jokes on You by Lani Lynn Vale
Booth Pena definitely didn’t make the smartest of decisions when he was a teenager.At eighteen, he knocked a girl up and signed up for the military all in the same day—signing his life away in more ways than one... -
Nothing But It All by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a warm and romantic novel about a marriage in trouble, two conspiring kids, and the meaning of long-lasting love. After twenty years, the cracks in Lauren Reed’s marriage are showing. She and her husband, Jack, feel more like roommates than a loving couple...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances mature couple humor small town contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsListening Length 9 hours and 57 minutesA red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex...Categorized as:
from hate to love second chances angst forced proximity m-m contemporary queer friends to lovers -
Time to Bounce by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLoneliness is overwhelming in its intensity. There are times you think you can cope, that you can make it despite the hollow feeling in your chest. Then there are the times when you realize you can’t breathe through the pain of loss. When Gable Buchanan Carter walks into Athena’s life, it’s like a light is switched on inside her chest. Suddenly she can breathe... -
-
Jump by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI was a smokejumper for the majority of my career.Flinging out of planes at 15,000 feet and hoping to land with my bones in tact and a plan to slay wildfire quickly, safely, and with my crew all in one piece.Ainsley was a regular firefighter.You know, the kind who lives in town, rides in a truck, and wields a hose to save houses and hotels.We were a match made in adrenaline junky heaven... -
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... -
The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini
How many weddings does it take to fall in love?One year ago, Amelie had it all.Almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant: her life was exactly what she’d ordered.Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, popped up out of nowhere and proved she might like something off menu.***One year later, Amelie has lost it all...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity second chances competent heroine sunny hero angst contemporary humor -
How to Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor
How is it possible for the chemistry between two chefs to be hotter than a ghost pepper yet colder than liquid nitrogen?When THE Tatum Elliott shows up to run the catering kitchen at my family’s farm and event center, I don’t trust her anymore than I did back in culinary school.But like it or not, she’s here. On my territory. My turf...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances from hate to love m-f contemporary humor office length-medium -
Happy Trail by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSometimes you have to talk to work things out. Luckily that works best without clothes. Petal I’ve loved Luka Fields my entire life. He was my first crush, my first kiss, my first time, and my first heartbreak. Love isn’t like in the movies, or the books you read. It’s hard. Sometimes you give up… And regret it your entire life... -
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:
suspense forced proximity from hate to love m-f small town humor contemporary length-medium -
Dating-ish by Penny Reid
There are three things you need to know about Marie Harris: 1) She’s fed up with online dating, 2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and 3) She knows how to knit. After the most bizarre and irritating first date in the history of human kind, Marie is looking for an alternative to men... -
Zach: The Four Families by Cee Bowerman
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWith the help of his friends in the Four Families, Zach Campana has been working hard to rectify his father and grandfather’s mistakes, but a decision made not long before his father’s sudden death could change Zach’s future and rip away everything he’s worked so hard to build. After watching the senior Campanas hurt everyone around them, Zach made a vow that he would never be like either of them... -
JINXED by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDrakeThey call me a flirt. ‘Detective Sl()ts-A-Lot’ when they’re feeling frisky, because my morals are loose, and my choice in women, according to the haters, is unfussy.But they don’t know I’ve been watching her.Waiting for her.The problem is, she’s half my age, and has no business being with a man like me.***RoryThey call me clumsy.Jinxed.And when they’re feeling a little dramatic, doomed...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity angst age difference humor contemporary new adult length-medium -
Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLife might be a highway but the last thing this grumpy silver fox expected was a cross-country road trip with a ray of sunshine."My sister is driving to California. She could give you a ride.""What?" Tucker Ashe and I say in unison.Mae FoxSurely, my older sister has lost her mind. There is no way I'm driving her insufferable – albeit sexy silver fox – boss two thousand miles... -
-
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... -
Forever Entangled by Kathleen Brooks
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsRyan Parker had always loved Sienna Ashton, but gave up on his fantasy years ago. After working as an undercover FBI Agent in Los Angeles, Ryan gets a phone call telling him to come home to the small town of Keeneston, Kentucky. The woman he thought he was over is now in serious trouble. Sienna Ashton fell in love with Ryan Parker too late... -
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... -
Love Scammed by Rilzy Adams
It’s the blind date to end all blind dates.When Monae Alexander turns up to Miami International Airport to meet her best friend, Tempest, for their anti-Valentine’s Day girls’ trip to Turks and Caicos, she realizes she’s been scammed... -
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... -
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson
My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn.Talk about life being unfair.I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay... -
Controlled Burn by Marie James
As the mechanic for Blackbridge Security, when I make a mistake things don’t work properly.Correcting that mistake is the only way to get things operational.I meet issues in my personal life with the same mindset.How was I to know the woman I’ve been flirting with at the gym is the same woman I called a noise complaint on?I got her kicked out of her condo.My first response: Move in with me...Categorized as:
suspense m-f angst forced proximity slow burn independent heroine strong heroine competent heroine -
Strictly The Worst by Carrie Elks
Enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity collide in this sizzling romantic comedy set on a lush tropical island. Linc Salinger and I have nothing in common. He’s a smooth PR executive; I’m his disciplined office rival. And he’s just stolen the project I’ve been working on for months. After tough negotiation I manage to bargain my way back on, but there’s a catch...Categorized as:
suspense from hate to love m-f contemporary humor office length-medium explicit-open-door -
In Her Jam Jar by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRevenge is best served cold, but Weston is smoking hot!Bullies never get what’s coming to them. Instead they lead charmed lives while their victims continue to spiral into an anxious ball of junk food and wine fueled self-care. No just me?Probably because I had to move back to my small home town with only broke and reeking of failure... -
Bride or Die by Madison Score
“At best, it was going to be a very long day. At worst, she might end up in jail for running Luke over with her car.”Proposal planner Claire Hartley thought calling off her own wedding would be the most traumatic event of her year. But when her ex-college roommate vanishes without a trace and Claire begins receiving mysterious threats, she realizes she has bigger problems... -
-
Second Chance Husband by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe First Time series concludes with an enemies to lovers romance that has been a long time coming. August and Paisley finally figure out what they’ve been missing.The first time I got married, I watched the man I love walk away from me.The second time around, I’m the one signing the dotted line first—this one a man who I realized I never loved.Once burned, twice broken, I’m done looking for love... -
Worth the Shots by Heather M. Orgeron
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHE’S COUNTRY MUSIC’S BAD BOY… COULD SHE BE THE GIRL TO FINALLY TAME HIM?Born into a life of wealth and privilege, Veronica Vanderbilt has never wanted for anything. Aside from a man, that is…Thanks to her overprotective father, Ronnie’s lovelife is non-existent. Attending a prestigious music school in Nashville seems like the perfect solution...Categorized as:
from hate to love angst hurt-comfort contemporary found-family virgin heroine humor audiobook -
Rook: Billionnaire, bad boy suspense romance by Jo Raven
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPain turns me on Danger lights me up But she sets me on fire It’s my turn to fight the shady Organization that’s dug its goddamn claws into every business in my town. Setting up my trap while keeping my friends safe is a challenge—and my private life shouldn’t interfere with my mission. Except it does...Categorized as:
suspense betrayal m-f christian humor contemporary super rich hero working class heroine -
Cowboy Up by Jordan Marie
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThey say old wounds will heal with time—but that's a damn lie. Blue Lucas knew the moment Meadow moved back to Mason she was going to rip him apart.Seeing her every single day is hell on earth, but he survives it--probably because losing her destroyed the most important parts of him years ago.Meadow has spent her life running away from Blue because who she is will never be enough for what he is... -
One Hundred Desires by Kelly Collins
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s all work.He’s all play.Can they meet in the middle for love?Vivian Armstrong has taken control of Vortex, her family's security business, and she’s determined to prove her worth. She may be the youngest of seven and the only woman bodyguard on the team, but she’s every bit as tough as her older brothers...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity from hate to love contemporary humor sassy heroine length-short audiobook -
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... -
The Love Fixers by Angela R. Casella
**Book One in a new series of romantic comedies by USA Today-bestselling author Angela Casella**Send help and wine. My sister is trying to set me up with the grump next door.ClaireA few hours after losing my job, I get a call from a stranger who claims I’ve inherited property from my father. I assume it’s a scam, because my dad is very much alive. Turns out my mother is the liar...Categorized as:
forced proximity suspense from hate to love m-f contemporary mystery humor length-long -
Goalie Interrupted by Anne Kemp
Coaching him was never part of the plan. Falling for her should NOT happen. But in hockey––and love––sometimes the best plays come when you break the rules.Elle: Coaching the River City Renegades is exactly where I want to be—hockey, small-town charm, and zero drama…but there’s him.Dixon Andrews. The team’s broody, infuriating, gorgeous goalie... -
Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray
I have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me.Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods.It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago...Categorized as:
m-f independent heroine competent heroine sunny hero humor contemporary age difference cold heroine -
Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn my defense, I never claimed to be professional...At least that’s my excuse for why I mistook a billionaire for a waiter, made off-color comments and accidentally dumped a plate of food all over him.Embarrassing myself is a daily occurrence, just like my unpaid bill notices.But being in a wedding instead of planning one is not...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity suspense m-f contemporary super rich hero humor grumpy sunshine -
-
The Trouble with Love and Ink by Harriet Ashford
Emily Lane is supposed to be on vacation. Instead, she’s in a meeting where a new hire steals the promotion she’s been slotted for. To make matters worse, the promotion thief is a bit of a jerk both inside and outside cubicle walls.Needing an escape, Emily takes on her sister’s dare to work for her calligraphy company. After all, Emily has been perfecting her pointed pen skills for over a decade...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f forced proximity suspense contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Southern Snow by B.R. Goodwin
For the last three years, Georgia has called the quirky southern town of Sugartree home, dutifully moving back to manage her parent’s coffee shop after her father suffered a heart attack and finding contentment in her busy schedule and the occasional shenanigans of her three younger siblings... -
Betting on the Best Friend's Brother by Melanie Jacobson
She doesn’t want a dating coach. Especially not one she’s been in love with since junior high.Ava’s roommates say she’s a workaholic. But when her boss temporarily suspends her extra lab time, her best friend and bossiest roommate makes fixing Ava’s love life her summer project... -
Turn of the Tides by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Beau Wade left his small hometown of Whitecap, Oregon, he swore to himself he’d never go back. But when his NFL career goes up in smoke, that’s exactly what he finds himself doing. Not much has changed in the ten years he’s been gone... -
Borrowed by Victoria Ashley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI was never supposed to want to keep her.She was meant to be borrowed.Mine for six days and not a day longer.She doesn’t belong to me.She belongs to someone else.My brother…The closest person I have outside of the screaming fans and paparazzi—a constant in my new life— other than the whiskey I drown myself in to numb the pain left by someone else...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity angst suspense m-f super rich hero humor new adult -
Valentine's Rebellion by Dani Elias
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFourteen Shades of Day 4 Lizzie I loathe Valentine’s Day, no, I downright despise it. This year, it feels like it's on steroids. But I refuse to let it get the better of me. There's only one escape. I manage to persuade my best friend, Coop, to ditch England and embark on a trip to a secluded Canadian village...Categorized as:
suspense mature couple curvy heroine friends to lovers contemporary humor length-novella
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences

Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.