Books like 'The Pretend Wife'
Readers who enjoyed The Pretend Wife by Bridget Asher also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary m-f fake relationship forced proximity slow burn
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Someone Like You by Marie Force
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThe all-new Wild Widows Series about a group of grieving survivors who take Roni into their fold to help her cope with the loss of her husband. The group has only one requirement—members must be willing to entertain the possibility of a “Chapter 2,” as it’s called in widow circles, which means a second chance at love...Categorized as:
slow burn forced proximity m-f contemporary friends to lovers single-father death dual-pov -
Finding Monica by Susan Stoker
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsYears of abuse at the hands of her father has taught Monica Collins she can’t trust anyone—especially military men. Since escaping her home, she’s built a successful career as a nanny, showing other kids the love she was denied as a child. But when her employer’s ambassadorial home becomes fair game for intruders during a riot, she’s forced to rely on two SEALs to get her to safety...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary suspense military from hate to love length-medium audiobook -
Code Name: Libra by Janie Crouch
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsMy code name is Libra. The stars say I’m charismatic, intelligent, charming.The one with the easy smile.Zodiac Tactical has been the biggest part of my life for the past three years. We guard, protect, rescue...eliminate the threat when nobody else can. And I’ve always been at the front lines—first to help in whatever way was needed.Until I took a bullet to the chest... -
Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWolfe Emerson is notorious for two things: being an absolute beast in a boxing ring and being a voluntary mute. His story remains unspoken and he prefers to live his life in silence. That is, until, his world is turned upside down when he meets someone who is louder than life... -
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Forgotten Secrets by Christy Barritt
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFBI Special Agent Jesse Marx doesn’t know which is worse—waking up in a horse stable with no memories of the past two weeks or waking up to discover he’s wearing a wedding band. Not only has he been injured, but he’s also married—something he vowed to never do.Dakota Fleming refuses to feel a connection to any man, much less be tied down to one... -
The Real Thing by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsWhat happens when a pretend boyfriend wants more than make-believe? Find out in this Westmoreland novel from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson! No red-blooded man turns down the chance to escort gorgeous Trinity Matthews—and Adrian Westmoreland is definitely red-blooded. For her, he'll pretend to be her man. But keeping his hands to himself? That is impossible...Categorized as:
fake relationship m-f contemporary african-american black-mc multicultural length-short audiobook -
This Much Is True by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWhen celebrity Laina Kelley bolted from her small hometown church on her wedding day, she ran to the first place that came to mind—the home of the local farrier, a gorgeous playboy who just so happens to be her first love … and biggest frenemy... -
Reckless by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 26 ratings“How did you get in here?”That’s not what you want to hear when you’re staring into the sea-green eyes of the hottest man you’ve ever seen. Yet I suppose it’s a fair question, considering I’m an uninvited stranger standing in Boone Mason’s kitchen.If you think that’s bad—just wait. It gets worse...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary humor christian insta-love single-mother audiobook -
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:
forced proximity m-f small town friends to lovers contemporary humor christian audiobook -
Give Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe was my first love. Now he's my roommate. And he won't stop until he wins me back.Conned out of my business I have no other choice but to move back home to Chicago. I’m determined to rebuild everything, but I’m so broke that I can’t even afford to pay rent.Then my first love, Sam Maxwell, unexpectedly pops back into my life and turns out to be my knight in shining armor...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f humor super rich hero friends to lovers contemporary length-short audiobook -
The Prodigy by Shae Sanders
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"First day back home and already in some mess."Jakari Windermere hasn't been home to Midling in eight years. He's been laying low in Atlanta, and nobody knows why. But it doesn't matter now, because a tragedy draws him back to the town he grew up in...the town his family basically owns. But this won't be a pleasant homecoming, and he finds that out the moment he sets foot back in Midling...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity contemporary urban length-medium abduction black-mc african-american -
Count to Ten by Karen Rose
In all his years in the Chicago Fire Department, Lieutenant Reed Solliday ahs never experienced anything like this recent outbreak of house fires - devastating, vicious and in one case, homicidal. He has another problem - his new partner, Detective Mia Mitchell. She's brash, bossy, and taking the case in a direction he never imagined...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f suspense contemporary mystery men in uniform audiobook open-door -
Defending Home by Caitlyn O'Leary
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWill Two Tormented Souls Have The Courage To Reach For Love?The only family Nolan O’Rourke ever claimed were his Navy SEAL brothers, they had never let him down. His childhood wasn’t rough, it wasn’t hard, it was hell, and now any mission that he was assigned to was a cakewalk in comparison... -
Chasing Christmas Eve by Jill Shalvis
Meet cute... Run for the hills—temporarily . That's Colbie Albright's plan when she flees New York for San Francisco. Wrangling her crazy family by day and writing a bestselling YA fantasy series by night has taken its toll. In short, Colbie's so over it that she's under it. She's also under the waters of a historic San Francisco fountain within an hour of arrival... -
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Austen by Susan May Warren
There's Trouble Up North... Romance on the high seas…When a chance encounter brings a billionaire and a marine biologist together on a luxurious yacht, their vacation romance turns into a high-stakes battle against time, as they race to unveil a dangerous conspiracy lurking beneath the waves... -
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:
forced proximity m-f small town humor suspense contemporary from hate to love length-medium -
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:
fake relationship m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers open-door fated-mates audiobook -
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...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary humor grumpy sunshine friends to lovers dual-pov glimpses-kisses -
Duty Unbound by Dominic Pierce
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDuty was supposed to be simple—until she walked into his mission.Ethan Cross doesn’t get emotionally involved. As the head of Citadel Solutions, he handles high-stakes security with military precision and zero distractions. Protecting international pop star Nova Rivers from a dangerous stalker? Just another job.Until he meets her sister... -
Coming Swoon by Sarah Estep
A sequel twelve years in the making….Peter Green has led a charmed life. Born to be Hollywood royalty, he’s a leading man with a heart of gold. All that’s missing from his life is love. But he gave his heart away twelve years ago and he doesn’t want it back. When a PR disaster on his mother’s latest film hands him his dream role, it feels like fate...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary humor length-medium actors audiobook explicit-open-door -
Falling for You Again by Kerry Lonsdale
Fate reunites a young woman with her ex-husband in a delightful and inspiring novel about family, old loves, and marriage on a dare by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale.Furniture artisan Meli Hynes still abides by her uncle’s the only lasting love story is the one between artists and their creations...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f office marriage of convenience contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Bodyguard by Night by Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsProtecting my best friend's new sister-in-law Willow from a fan who wants to get a little too close is a no-brainer. Just requires me to do some checking around, to act as her shadow for a while, maybe even give her a place to stay so I can keep an eye on her—all so my best friend's small-town wedding to Willow's sister goes off without a hitch...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary super rich hero alpha male age difference length-long -
Cross My Heart by Logan Chance, Lilypad Lit
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Logan Chance comes a riveting tale about friendship, love, and lies. This scorching romance shatters the boundaries between love and make-believe.Thanks to podcaster gossip, my firm thinks I’m not a good fit for the high-profile case of my dreams. They want someone in a committed relationship...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f friends to lovers contemporary suspense super rich hero length-short audiobook -
She Likes It, Hey Micah by Dana LeCheminant
Micah Taylor is an eternal optimist, but with every first date that fails, her faith in true love weakens. When offered the chance to help reopen the lodge where her parents were married, Micah is determined to prove her worth and show her boss that she has what it takes to be a great event planner...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine age difference humor office glimpses-kisses -
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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... -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 6 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Chako works hard every day to take care of Isshin’s tea farm. One day, a huge typhoon hits the Kanto area! A pole blown off by a strong wind falls on Chako as she is checking the farm alone... -
Reckless Trust by Nyssa Kathryn
It’s a long-awaited homecoming…but not everyone’s happy about her return. Five years ago, Tilly Taylor’s father did something that cost her everything. Her home. Her friends. And all the trust she’d ever earned. Now she’s back, and ready to prove to everyone that she’s nothing like Martin Taylor. Unfortunately, the small town of Misty Peak doesn’t forgive or forget so easily...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary suspense military from hate to love explicit-open-door audiobook -
Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s okay to admit I’m scared.Outside forces are working hard to tear us apart, but we’ve teamed up against them. It’s the internal struggles we’re battling that could spell the ultimate end.When Ben makes a public show to prove how committed we are, I’m left confused as I struggle to figure out whether his feelings for me are real or if they’re part of the act...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f age difference sports friends to lovers contemporary length-short audiobook -
Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDid you ever see a guy and just know you had to meet him?That was me and Bodhi Merrick. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he donned his wetsuit at the famous big-wave surf spot, Mavericks. I'll never forget that day. Or every time our paths crossed after that. Big wave surfing is a small world. And, as it happens, Bodhi felt the same tug---this irresistible attraction that drew us to one another...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f sports multicultural siblings-bff humor contemporary length-medium -
Let's Make a Scene by Laura Wood
The companion novel to Laura Wood’s Under Your Spell follows Theo Eliott’s best friend Cynthie Taylor as she’s pulled back into a fake PR relationship with Jack Turner-Jones, the one costar she swore she’d never work with again.When Cynthie Taylor gets her first real acting job, starring in a small British movie, she is over the moon...Categorized as:
forced proximity slow burn m-f from hate to love contemporary humor length-medium actors -
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain? I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary friends to lovers grumpy sunshine from hate to love -
Sweet Spot by Jessica Prince
Who knew four little words and a very public kiss would change so much.Gage Langdon didn’t do relationships. After having his heart shattered years ago, he made a vow to never go down that road again. But when his past waltzes into his town, demanding his attention, he reacts without thinking and makes a very public display of kissing his best friend... -
Pining For You by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve been in love with my best friend since the day I met her freshman year of high school. She was a halo of sunshine on a rainy day, pulling me out of the shadows and making me feel like life was one big roller-coaster ride of excitement. Until the day we graduated and she left on the back of a Harley with some guy who didn’t deserve her, middle fingers in the air... -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 9 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Roa invited Chako and Isshin to her parents' house as a thank-you to Isshin for protecting her from an attacker at the tea festival in Fukuoka. While there, Chako gets drunk and sneaks into Isshin's room, wearing pajamas borrowed from Roa... -
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Operation Heartbeat by Em Petrova
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s all action. She’s all brains. But when danger heats up, their hearts might just be the biggest risk of all.Navy SEAL leader Ryan “Con” Constantine never planned to fake a marriage with a brilliant, offbeat cryptologist to stop a terrorist plot. But Sophie Edwards isn’t just cracking codes—she’s cracking his carefully guarded heart...Categorized as:
m-f fake relationship military length-short contemporary suspense dual-pov audiobook -
The Deeper I Fall by Erika Kelly
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe's a rough and rugged hockey player. She's a posh British princess. To win an enormous inheritance, they’re forced to live together.This is not going to go well.When his former hockey coach passes away, Declan Cadell is shocked to learn the man left him a cattle ranch. Well, not exactly. He’s got one little hurdle to jump first...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary sports small town from hate to love length-long audiobook -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 8 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Roa, a popular live streamer who views Isshin's bottled tea, Chako, as a rival, lost control, and Hananoki-en faced backlash! On top of that, they now have to compete with Roa, who is also a tea maker, in a national competition...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn fake relationship contemporary new adult humor length-short glimpses-kisses -
Fix Her Up by Julia Wolf
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAt thirty, I’m starting over after a scandal that nearly ruined me. New job, new fixer-upper house, and all new outlook.How did I end up with a tall, devilishly handsome Israeli roommate? I can't actually tell you. Avi Cohen steamrolled into my life, and I kind of liked it.He's a flirt, but we have a contract and rule number one is no sex... -
The Wedding Jinx by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA a person or thing that brings bad luck.I'm Mila Banks, the ultimate jinx. Not just in theory—I've got a track record. Seven weddings, seven disasters. Everything from a groom with a concussion to an attack of red ants (a long story) has happened because of me. So, when my bestie, Nadia, insists on making me her maid of honor, I can't help but try to find a way out of it... -
Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy
Painfully shy plant mom Violet Parker is about to experience the thrill of a lifetime when her TV crush lands on her doorstep.Desperate to rehab his public image after a PR disaster, actor / playboy Jack Grant needs a wholesome fake girlfriend for the summer. Violet, meanwhile, needs help stepping out of her comfort zone so her fledgling flower and plant shop, Bloom, will thrive... -
Vibration by K.C. Mills
NyahAs a journalist her life relies on facts.RightAs a protector his job is to keep those facts hidden.When lines get blurred and things aren’t what they appear to be, the only thing you can trust is what you can feel... -
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... -
Royal Line by Carrie Ann Ryan, Nana Malone
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA princess on the run finds her version of a prince in this epic beginning to the Tattered Royals stand-alone series.I never asked for my tiara.My dreams were always bigger than a palace. They're as big as the world.Being fourth in line for the throne should have guaranteed me freedom. I thought I was one step from walking away forever, but a long-forgotten rule forces me to run instead... -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 5 by Umebachi Yamanaka
After her childhood friend, Jin, confessed his feelings for her, Chako tells him she and Isshin understand their feelings for each other. However, Chako realizes she hasn't received a proper answer to her confession… Isshin's texts are blunt, and he doesn't come back on weekends...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn fake relationship contemporary humor new adult length-short glimpses-kisses -
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The Ex List by Grace Pearce
Ryan has one hard and fast rule to dating—never settle.But following this rule has led her to become a serial dater. As her number of exes grows, so does the list of reasons why she had no choice but to let them go—the same list she coincidentally keeps texting one particular person after every breakup.Who cares? Grey blocked Ryan’s number after he broke up with her four years ago...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f slow burn contemporary humor length-medium explicit-open-door second chances -
Bottom of the Ninth by Jami Davenport
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis long-awaited story of the third Wolfe brother introduces the Seattle Skookums baseball team. Zeke Wolfe, the man who's written off his entire family, rescues a young woman and three children on a stormy Seattle night. Before he knows it, he has an instant family and a fake fiancé he's certain he doesn't want...Categorized as:
fake relationship m-f sports contemporary cold hero single-mother baseball length-medium -
Tempting The Billionaire by Christina Tetreault
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSometimes temptation strikes when you least expect it. Straight-laced Courtney Belmont prefers to avoid the spotlight that the media always has focused on her family. She leaves any behavior that might catch its attention to her younger sister. All that changes when Josh Williamson, better known to his fans as J.T., sits down next to her while she’s on vacation...Categorized as:
m-f fake relationship super rich hero contemporary single-father length-short actors famous heroine -
A Lodge Affair by Rachel LaBerge
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIvy Lawson loves a to-do list, hates surprises, and the only outdoor activity she’s interested in is brunch on a patio. After catching her long-term boyfriend—and co-worker—cheating, she’s thrown into leading a high-profile client event at The Emerald Canopy Lodge. AKA: her nightmare destination. Ivy finds herself desperate and anxious to get her job done and leave the lodge as soon as possible...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine dual-pov humor length-medium childfree-couple -
Passing Ships by Amber Kelly
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsExcited to return to Sandcastle Cove as maid of honor for my best friend Avie’s wedding, I’m ready for sun, surf, and celebration. That is until I learn I’ll be sharing a beach cabana with the sexy-as-sin but uptight Naval officer, Lennon Harraway—the groom’s older brother and best man. With his strict, by-the-book personality, Lennon and I are complete opposites...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity friends to lovers new adult contemporary military length-medium audiobook -
Against the Wind by Harper Jackson, Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last person I expect—or want—to take shelter with as a hurricane bears down on Hatterwick Island is Daniel LaRue—the man who broke my heart barely three months ago. I’m not looking for distractions. The clinic’s been targeted by thieves. The island’s locked down tight against the storm...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary survival military second chances suspense length-short
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