Books like 'Kumquat'
Readers who enjoyed Kumquat by Jeff Strand also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny forced proximity insta-love working class heroine cheerful heroine sweet-hero working class hero horror
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Davo by N.R. Walker
When Fergus Galloway takes on a research trip to a tiny mining town in the far Western Australian outback, he’s as far from Sydney as he can get. Which is entirely the point. He arrives in Pannalego totally unprepared for the baking heat, unprepared for the people who call it home, unprepared for the craziness and the laughs...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity working class hero sweet-hero humor m-m contemporary friends to lovers -
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 5 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy romcom!Wakana has spent every summer vacation on his own.. -
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 4 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsA loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy romcom!The preparations for Marin and JuJu's group cosplay steadily advance...until at long last, the costumes are complete!!That should just leave the photo shoot..Categorized as:
cheerful heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary length-short m-f high-school strong heroine -
Your Tempting Love by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsChristopher Bennett is a persuasive man. With his magnetic charm and undeniable wit, he plays a key role in the international success of his family’s company. Christopher adores his family, even if they can be too meddling sometimes… like when attempt to set him up with Victoria, by recommending him to employ her decorating services...Categorized as:
insta-love cheerful heroine humor contemporary super rich hero strong heroine office length-medium -
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The Pact by Max Monroe
“I need a ride,” I said to a sexy stranger on a Harley.Three hours later? A six-foot-tall Marilyn Monroe was officiating our Vegas wedding at the Happy Chapel.But it’s not love—it’s business—a marriage pact made out of desperation so my career doesn’t go up in flames... -
Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene
A viral photo, a fake relationship, and one big problem.MatthewAll I wanted was a quiet few days.Instead, I get coffee poured on me, a gossip scandal, and a fake girlfriend.My agent insists this PR stunt will boost my career.Fake dating her for a few months? Fine. No problem.Except it’s definitely a problem.The more we fake this, the more I forget it’s not real...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity cheerful heroine sweet-hero sports humor length-novella glimpses-kisses -
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:
insta-love forced proximity contemporary humor christian single-mother m-f audiobook -
Royal Gone Rogue by Emma St. Clair
I need to find the perfect woman to be my queen. Love was never supposed to be part of the arrangement.I've always done things by the book--that's the burden of being the heir to the Elsinorian throne. So when my father grows ill and my coronation seems imminent, I intend to find my future queen the same way ... with logic and a list of eligible women who fit a detailed set of data points...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity contemporary royalty friends to lovers humor christian length-medium -
A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce
Claire Ashford has always led a careful life—her family didn't nickname her Claireful for nothing. But after ending a relationship that was equal parts safe and unfulfilling, she recognizes just how much her caution has cost her and dedicates herself to leaving her Claireful ways behind. Her first chance to take a risk comes with a job opportunity in San Francisco...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity sweet-hero contemporary christmas new adult m-f sweet heroine -
Seatmate by Cara Bastone
I have exactly 5 hours and 10 minutes to get from Boston to New York City or the professional opportunity of a lifetime disappears. My only travel option? The second to last seat on a discount bus. Across from the bathroom. Wearing last night’s clothes (don’t ask). All worth it if I can make it in time.My nerves almost get the best of me, but then there he is, sitting down in the seat next to me... -
Flipping Love You by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s the tattooed bad boy her mama warned her about. She’s his hot mess — but mostly hot — next door neighbor. Until a two-night-stand gives them the surprise of a lifetime... Jillian Morris is a workaholic who forgets to watch the time. And to eat. And to change her shoes. And to keep even a house-plant alive. And to have any kind of a personal life... -
That First Flight by Jenn McMahon
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsSomething tells me, nothing I do can stop myself from feeling things for my roommate.I’ve always wanted to be a chef.But the same day two pink lines showed up on the test, was the day I gave up chasing my own dreams to put my daughter first.I didn’t expect that to lead to a life of being scrutinized by my parents for every single move I made.After years of it, I was done...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love humor single-mother friends to lovers dual-pov contemporary pregnancy -
Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
Opposites attract when a free-spirited American singer-songwriter with ADHD teams up with a charming Irishman to revitalize his family’s pub in the next heartfelt romance from the author of Luck and Last Resorts. Raine Hart is used to the challenges of living with ADHD. It’s why she ditched her life in Boston to busk around Europe as a traveling musician. No boss. No schedule... -
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The Christmas List by Maren Moore
From bestselling author of The Mistletoe Bet, Maren Moore comes a second chance, single dad, holiday novella full of Christmas sugar and spice. I love Christmas. So much so that in my smalltown I’m known as The Queen of Christmas. And no one knows holiday festivities quite like Strawberry Hollow. Only this Christmas season delivers an unexpected twist in the form of Wyatt Owens...Categorized as:
forced proximity cheerful heroine sweet-hero insta-love humor christmas contemporary single-father -
The One I Need by Chelle Sloan
You’re cordially invited to the wedding of Oliver Price and Izzy McCall…That’s how my wedding invitations should have started. I should know, I’ve had my wedding planned since I was ten. I should’ve been wearing a designer tuxedo, not a tuxedo t-shirt. The wedding should’ve been in a church with family and friends, not in a 1960’s style chapel with Elvis as the officiant... -
Musical Games by Evie Alexander
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe's never been kissed, and she's about to rock his world... Bubbly actress Sam is on the brink of the bigtime — all she needs is one lucky break. But when she drops everything for the chance to meet Hollywood’s biggest star, she blows it by blurting out a lie.Now, she’s got ten days to write an album with a man who wants nothing to do with her...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love contemporary grumpy sunshine virgin hero humor length-medium audiobook -
Stella & Nine by Kennedy B.
Stella is inches away from the title of lonely cat lady. What’s even more tragic is she doesn’t realize she’s lonely until a concussion and a tow truck driver inserts himself into her life.Nine is mean, callous, and short tempered…until he meets a woman who he can’t seem to stay away from.Sugar cookies and synergy seal their fate, creating the perfect recipe for the perfect mismatched pair... -
The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYou are invited to a summer of sparkling champagne, warm buttery croissants and a little bit of je ne sais quoi… With a broken heart and a broken spirit, Hattie is in need of a summer escape. So when an opportunity comes up to work at a beautiful, stately chateau in the Champagne region of France she books her flights quicker than the pop of a cork... -
Third Party by Danika Bloom
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsTurns out that old saying is true, that money can’t buy happiness. But it sure can ruin it.Josh Rhodes was the love of my life. We were all set to do the ‘til death do us part’ thing. But when the video game he’d been working on for years sold for millions, I realized I wasn't prepared for the 'for richer or poorer' part. All I needed to do was prove that I could still support myself—if I had to...Categorized as:
working class hero sweet-hero contemporary new adult humor tearjerkers christmas second chances -
Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFour friendsTwenty-five years ago, Freya and her three best friends created a bucket list. The future seemed bright, full of hope and most importantly guaranteed . . .One promiseNow they are travelling to Iceland in memory of the friend they've lost, determined to fulfil her dream of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmas... -
A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsI live for happily ever afters.And I'm finally meeting my favorite romance author in person! Only, all this time, I thought author, Amelie De Pierre, was a woman. It turns out, Pierre Toussaint is the man behind the books that make me weak in the knees.He could be the consummate book boyfriend with his dreamy hazel eyes, strong jawline, and those black-rimmed glasses. Not to mention that accent... -
Claimed By My Boss & His Twin by Sylvie Haas
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDropping papers off at my boss's house shouldn't be a big deal. Except that I'm in love with him, and I have a little fantasy that he secretly feels the same.An unexpected change in his demeanor makes me think my fantasy is finally coming true, but the second I realize my mistake, the storm of the century unleashes a mudslide, trapping me at his house...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity m-f-m menage reverse harem contemporary age difference poly -
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Man Candy by Vanessa Vale
From USA Today best-selling author Vanessa Vale, a small-town billionaire romance with a hot-as-puck hockey hero and a wannabe romance writer.I’m looking for Mr. Right. Date after blind date, they’re all duds. None of them meet the requirements on my Man List.Until Dex James.My brain? It says he’s all kinds of wrong.He’s young. In town on vacation. A lazy billionaire.He’d only be a fling...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity contemporary humor sports super rich hero dual-pov grumpy sunshine -
Too Freaking Hot by Loni Ree
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s playing with fire. He’s more than ready to bring the heat.SageFirefighters are supposed to put out fires… not start them. But when Ian Hot walks into my classroom, my world goes up in smoke. Tall, muscled, and too charming for his own good, he’s a walking, talking fire hazard. And no matter where I go, he’s there. Coincidence? Yeah, right.He’s turning up the heat, and I risk getting burned... -
Host for the Holidays (Christmas Escape) by Martha Keyes
Madi is counting on Paris’s reputation as the City of Love. Now she just needs to figure out if it’s old love or new love...MadiAfter two years and zero proposals, my relationship could use a little spark. Paris during the holidays seems like just the ticket—one perfect, final opportunity for my boyfriend to take things to the next level...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity christmas contemporary clean humor love triangle other-man-woman -
Leaping into Love by Loni Ree
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLeap Year Baby…My horoscope said, “For all those Leap Year Babies out there, it’s your day! Take a leap into something fresh and exciting.”I don’t think my horoscope fairy meant for me hop into Mr. Walker’s pristine, Egyptian-cotton sheets. I had no idea my roommate's gorgeous employer was in the shower when I let myself in to take his dog for a walk...Categorized as:
insta-love sweet-hero humor contemporary virgin heroine alpha male super rich hero tycoon -
Mr. Gray Sweatpants by Whitley Cox
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNever underestimate the power of a strange pussy (cat).A hot boy summer romantic-comedy. The boy next door, the girl with a million secrets and an a$$hole cat that cares about nobody. This book takes passing love notes in class to a whole new level. Guitar music on the beach, plenty of hardcore wooing and way too much assuming. And we all know what assuming does ...Casey Savage is a workaholic...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love contemporary abuse from hate to love alpha male friends-benefits humor -
Be Mine This Time by M.A. Clarke Scott, MaryAnn Clarke
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFrom the award-winning author of The Art of Enchantment, comes Be Mine This Time, a compelling, heart-warming story of second chances, divided loyalties and the power of love to heal the wounds of the past. Vancouver family mediator Kate O’Day adores her work in couple’s reconciliation, despite her own tragic history with relationships... -
Vibes & Feels by Sarah Skye
Marco Woodruff has hit rock bottom. He drunkenly propositioned his ex-girlfriend at his own wedding rehearsal dinner just over a year ago and ended up dumped and jobless with a broken nose. He’s been the pariah of his social circle ever since. Now, he’s trying like hell to change for the better.Morgan Paulsen loathes Marco... -
Holiday Vibes by Sarah Brenton
Working for a sex toy company after failing to make it in the art world, Jessie Foley knows a di—er, phallus—when she sees one. And her brother’s best friend—the reason she can’t paint—is definitely a phallus...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love christmas from hate to love angst contemporary humor explicit-open-door -
The Treasure Hunt Hookup by Lila Monroe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJoin the hunt for love in this hot and hilarious rom-com with a black cat heroine, cinnamon roll hero, and all the pumpkin spice fall reading vibes! Perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Ali Hazelwood, and Emily Henry.Reeve Donovan is Hollywood’s hottest, most charmingly-stubborn director… and the last man I expected to find strolling down Main Street in my sleepy Blue Ridge hometown... -
Partnering with the Artist by Camilla Evergreen
Becoming millionaire comic artist Zakery Bachelor’s muse was not on my bucket list.Though, to be fair, neither was tumbling into his lap while running from my ex. At a comic con. In a furry costume disguise.When Zakery suggests we fake date for a month and make an appearance at a Creator’s Ball to prove something to my ex, I oblige for the sake of closure... -
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When Fate Breaks by Nikki Witt
Do you believe in fate?It’s a simple question…unless you’re a strict life planner and serial overthinker like Annie Jacks. It’s a good thing she finally has it all figured out. Now twenty-eight and two months away from her wedding, Annie has found herself moving into the home of her dreams with her fiancé. The only issue with the move? The house has an old dilapidated greenhouse in the backyard...Categorized as:
forced proximity sweet-hero suspense humor contemporary friends to lovers second chances small town -
The X-list by Evie Mitchell
RuneWhat kind of crazy person doesn’t read? Apparently my new neighbour. She’s loud, sassy, flirty and infuriatingly, annoyingly cheerful.And a non-reader. The worst kind of human.So why is that when I dare her to enter the charity read-a-thon, I suddenly find myself carefully curating her list?And those books… they’re definitely not your momma’s romance.GabbyI’m used to people underestimating me... -
Clean Sweep by Evie Mitchell
Erik: Nappies, poop and so many sleepless nights I was pretty sure in some countries this would be considered torture and my kids could be tried for war crimes. Yep, I was now a dad. A dad who had no clue what he was doing. A dad who somehow ended up with two kids who weren't his but I fuc- er, I mean - gosh-darn I loved them. Only... I needed help. A LOT of help... -
Lovestruck by Dana LeCheminant
In the glittering world of Hollywood, actress Bonnie Aiken lands the role of a lifetime in a captivating mystery romance. For Bonnie, this isn't just another gig—it's her chance to prove she's more than just a pretty face and showcase her depth and talent. But with fame comes scrutiny, and the tabloids are relentless in their pursuit of Bonnie's every move...Categorized as:
forced proximity cheerful heroine sweet-hero contemporary length-medium m-f glimpses-kisses humor -
Falling in Vermont by Elise Kennedy
Sophia Bertone books a six week stay at a quintessential Vermont pumpkin farm planning to perfect her rustic fall recipes for her upcoming cookbook. But after raccoons take up residence in her rental cottage pantry and the thatched roof caves in at the height of leaf-peeping season, she has no other option than to move in with her landlord, a quiet flannel-clad pumpkin farmer... -
How to Marry Your Single Dad Neighbor by Camilla Evergreen
I guess I’m a mother now?What do you do when your next-door neighbor’s daughter, who you probably shouldn’t be talking to about your fantasy romance books, hands you a guide and asks you to marry her father? Apparently, social disaster that you are, you do it...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity from hate to love humor christian clean single-father contemporary -
Claimed By My Lawyers by Sylvie Haas
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy lawyers make being naughty feel good!When a high-powered lawyer and his intern not only want to take my case but insist that I’m their girlfriend, I think I’m dreaming.But I’m not. And they’re serious. They want me to be theirs in every way...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity reverse harem menage contemporary humor poly length-novella -
Falling for the Bad Boy by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNever trust a man who answers the door wearing nothing more than a pair of low-cut jeans and a panty-melting smirk.That should've been my first sign.I write about guys like him for a living — sexy and charming, yet reluctant to get into a serious relationship. His body screams sex appeal, but his condescending personality makes him a classic f*ckboy.And I want nothing to do with that...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity contemporary new adult from hate to love humor alpha male bad boys -
Serenity & the Hermit by Megan Wade
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNelson Valentine has never been a man who enjoys company.Living in Whisper Valley where the Valentine name is synonymous with fun and levity means the townsfolk feel comfortable striking up a conversation whenever he’s picking up supplies...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity humor contemporary virgin heroine age difference length-novella -
Going All In by Kate Campfield
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s going to lose a bet… or I’m going to lose her heart.I’m about to lose my future wife, and we aren’t even married yet. But despite me being sure she’s the one I’m meant to marry, Holly’s convinced we’re not meant to be. That may have something to do with my mom being engaged to Holly’s dad, but we didn’t know about that until after the hottest night of our lives... -
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Without You by Jennifer Van Wyk
Small town romance author Jennifer Van Wyk delivers a friends-to-lovers romance with emotional twists and turns and a touch of humor. Without her, I was better off.I knew it the second she walked away and realized how much happier I was.Knew it the day I interrupted her wedding reception to show her what she was missing and locked eyes with someone I hadn’t seen in years.Those eyes.Her smile... -
Poe by Jisa Dean
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPoe had a simple job that night. Go with one of the rival motorcycle clubs’ enforcers for a quick drop of some…contraband. It should’ve been a get there and get back scenario but he should have known nothing’s ever that easy. Especially not for the Sons of Chaos. Now he has a murder on his hands, a traumatized witness, and a whole club of pissed-off bikers...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity age difference virgin heroine m-f humor bikers alpha male -
An Unexpected Path by Megan McSpadden
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSometimes unexpected paths lead to the best destinations.Highly sought after conflict photographer, relationship-averse Marley Cunningham thrives on adrenaline and the chaos of her nomadic life. But when the passion for her career starts to wane, she decides a hike far from the noise of life is the best way to shake the doubts from her mind and focus on what she wants... -
Sign Me Up: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Dulcie Dameron
What’s a girl to do when her co-worker bestie sends her mixed signals during a work crisis?This past year has been one for the record books…With my Pops checking himself into a nursing home after his dementia diagnosis, and my boyfriend of seven months ditching me for his cat, my life has begun a downward trend... -
Peppermint Passion by Hallie Bennett
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWhat happens when the Christmas Grump, actor Eli Cooper, meets a real-life Hallmark-esque heroine?Find out in the next installment of Christmas & Curves--a series dedicated to curvy heroines finding their dream heroes at MerryCon, a holiday extravaganza full of celebrities & Christmas...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love contemporary christmas humor curvy heroine length-novella -
The Best Friend Problem by Mariah Ankenman
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPrudence Carlson has been lucky in life. A fulfilling wedding-planning business run with her girlfriends in Colorado, plus the best guy friend ever in her firefighter bestie Finn. All that’s missing from it is a baby. Luckily, it’s the twenty-first century—Pru can take matters into her own hands. She doesn’t need to find true love to create the future love of her life...
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