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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Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not. Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost... -
![Davo by N.R. Walker]()
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 -
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![My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 4 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
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. .. but Wakana has a secret plan the other two don't know about! !Categorized as:
cheerful heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary length-short m-f high-school strong heroine -
![The Pact by Max Monroe]()
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... -
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![The Woodsman by Rebecca Sharp]()
The Woodsman by Rebecca Sharp
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsViolet Royale’s life has officially hit rock bottom. Fleeing heartbreak and a wrecked career, she heads to a remote small town in Maine, hoping a quiet holiday getaway will help her rebuild. But her plan backfires when a rugged woodsman storms into her rented cabin—claiming it's his...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love christmas contemporary dual-pov friends to lovers humor length-medium -
![How to Kiss on Christmas Morning by Jenny Proctor]()
How to Kiss on Christmas Morning by Jenny Proctor
She’s merry and bright. He’s…. not. But something between them is warming up. Megan Sheridan just landed the perfect holiday a quiet week in the mountains house-sitting an event venue while the owners are away. Check the mail, answer the phone, keep the pipes from freezing—easy. The only trouble? No one told Megan she’d be sharing the farmhouse with a very grouchy, very handsome farmhand...Categorized as:
forced proximity cheerful heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary m-f grumpy sunshine caretaking -
![Stella & Nine by Kennedy B.]()
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. -
![Romero and Juliette by Kat Baxter]()
Romero and Juliette by Kat Baxter
Cruz. I swore I was done with surprises. Then I found a stowaway in my van—a too-young, too-tempting mechanic who’s supposed to be fixing engines, not wrecking my focus. Juliette Winslow is everything good and sweet wrapped in grease-stained overalls, and she’s got no idea the guy she’s been flirting with on a dating app is me...Categorized as:
cheerful heroine working class heroine military humor open-door contemporary age difference texas -
![A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce]()
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 -
![Wrong Number, Right Mountain Man by E.C. Snow]()
Wrong Number, Right Mountain Man by E.C. Snow
One drunk text. One wrong number. One grumpy mountain man who's about to get his world turned upside down. SUNNY. My life is a series of beautiful disasters—my ex just got engaged three months after dumping me, my phone drowns in cake batter, and now I'm accidentally sexting a stranger...Categorized as:
cheerful heroine sweet-hero contemporary age difference small town length-novella open-door humor -
![Seatmate by Cara Bastone]()
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]()
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... -
![Full Throttle by Melanie Moreland]()
Full Throttle by Melanie Moreland
There’s a new mechanic in town. Dom Salvatore. Tall, serious, intense. A loner. Exactly what he wants to be. Until he meets her. Cherry Gallagher. Independent. Stubborn. Sexy as hell. And not interested... -
![The Christmas List by Maren Moore]()
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 -
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![Stay With You by Melanie Shawn]()
Stay With You by Melanie Shawn
Just when Chrissy Caldwell thought things couldn’t get any worse, life showed up and said, “Hold my beer. ”. The past year had been a living nightmare, one she couldn’t seem to wake up from... -
![Partnering with the Artist by Camilla Evergreen]()
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... -
![Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene]()
Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene
A viral photo, a fake relationship, and one big problem. Matthew. All 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. Beth...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity cheerful heroine sweet-hero sports humor length-novella glimpses-kisses -
![Musical Games by Evie Alexander]()
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 -
![A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott]()
A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott
I 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... -
![The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin]()
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... -
![Rent Yourself an Elf by Savannah Scott]()
Rent Yourself an Elf by Savannah Scott
She’s not feeling the holiday spirit. Maybe all she needs is to rent herself an elf. It's Christmas, and I should be full of cheer, but I'm having a hard time mustering the holiday spirit. That was always Grams' role. She loved Christmas so much she talked my parents into naming me Noelle. Yeah, Noelle Furst. Picture the boys in elementary school having a heyday with my name. But I didn't care...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love sweet-hero working class hero christmas humor length-novella m-f -
![Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz]()
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... -
![Beautiful Thing by Cassie-Ann L. Miller]()
Beautiful Thing by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Fake-dating my best friend’s brother should be easy. He’s grumpy. He’s guarded. He’s older. And he’d never fall for a complicated single mother like me. Or that’s what I need to tell myself…so I don’t fall in love with him. Archer Brighton needs a girlfriend. If the broody lumberjack shows up at his younger brother’s wedding without a date, his meddling family will drive him insane... -
![How to Marry Your Single Dad Neighbor by Camilla Evergreen]()
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 -
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![Dial L for Lawyer by Megan Wade]()
Dial L for Lawyer by Megan Wade
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen your career explodes and every law firm in Chicago won’t touch you, there’s only one man arrogant enough to help… for a price. SERENA. I’ve been avoiding Caleb Kingsley for six months. Six months since I agreed to dinner, then had a panic attack trying to squeeze into my shapewear. Why? Because billionaire lawyers who date supermodels don’t date ex-big girls with loose skin for days... -
![Third Party by Danika Bloom]()
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 -
![The Red-Hot Cajun by Sandra Hill]()
The Red-Hot Cajun by Sandra Hill
Rene LeDeux returns home to southern Louisiana after quitting his job in Washington as an environmental lobbyist. Years of battling with the oil industry and land developers have left him completely burnt out, and now all he wants to do is work on his cabin on Bayou Black. But his peace of mind is disrupted by a few things. One, his great-aunt Tante Lulu is determined to get him hitched...Categorized as:
sweet-hero forced proximity audiobook heroine sleuth contemporary abduction class difference m-f -
![The Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle]()
The Secret Ingredient by Nancy Naigle
Now a Hallmark Channel Original Movie! From the USA Today bestselling author of The Shell Collector comes a delightfully festive Valentine's treat, perfect for fans of Carolyn Brown, Susan Mallery, and Viola Shipman. Years ago, Kelly McIntyre couldn’t see her life getting any sweeter. She was engaged and dreaming of opening a restaurant with her fiancé, Andrew York... -
![Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas]()
Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFour friends. Twenty-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 promise. Now 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 life-changing adventure...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity christmas contemporary humor length-medium audiobook standalone -
![After The Vows by D.E. Haggerty]()
After The Vows by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe sexy cop next door wants nothing to do with me. Until he asks me to marry him to save his daughter. When Lucas moves in next door, I don’t waste any time trying to get his attention. But the police officer who looks strong enough to throw me over those wide shoulders of his and carry me away isn’t interested in me. Time for desperate measures... -
![West of Port by Carina Taylor]()
West of Port by Carina Taylor
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSydney is out for revenge no matter what it takes—including teaming up with a grumpy, retired cop who wants nothing to do with her. West has retired from the police force. Completely burnt out, he doesn't want to protect anyone anymore. All he wants is to be left alone so that he can refinish his new-to-him sailboat. Unfortunately for him, a woman shows up asking for his help—needing his help...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love contemporary grumpy sunshine mafia office age difference humor -
![Claimed By My Boss & His Twin by Sylvie Haas]()
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 -
![Just Breaking The Rules by Lauren Blakely]()
Just Breaking The Rules by Lauren Blakely
Everyone knows the golden rule of business—don’t bang your business partner. Especially if he’s your brother’s hot-as-sin, hockey-star best friend...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity cheerful heroine sweet-hero humor sports contemporary m-f -
![Man Candy by Vanessa Vale]()
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 -
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![Too Freaking Hot by Loni Ree]()
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. Sage. Firefighters 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...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity contemporary humor length-short first-in-series standalone-first -
![Catch Yourself a Snowmance by Savannah Scott]()
Catch Yourself a Snowmance by Savannah Scott
Getting stuck in an old cabin is not my idea of a great winter vacation. Getting stuck with Carson makes me wonder what I did do end up on Santa’s naughty list. My friend Noelle talked me into going on a group vacation with our friends. Then she sprung the news that her boyfriend is joinig us . .. with his friends. I’ve met these guys... -
![Falling in Vermont by Elise Kennedy]()
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... -
![Secret Kiss by Melanie Shawn]()
Secret Kiss by Melanie Shawn
Adam Dorsey was used to living a life of deceit and falsehood both professionally and personally. The former CIA operative—with an extremely high IQ—was ready for a quieter, more authentic life. Enter Jane, a gorgeous and adorable hazel eyed beauty that complicated his plan... -
![Kilt to Order by Susannah Nix]()
Kilt to Order by Susannah Nix
A nerdy wallflower recruits her athlete roommate to give her love lessons. As a Highland Games athlete and a firefighter, I’m used to women trying to get under my kilt. But I never expected to be propositioned by my bookworm roommate. Casey’s one of my best friends and my buddy’s younger sister... -
![Acting Merry by Martha Keyes]()
Acting Merry by Martha Keyes
She brought him to save her pride. He showed up ready to steal her heart. When Reese Cameron learns that her annual friend’s Christmas getaway will include her ex coming as her friend’s plus one, she considers a few. Stay home and nurse her prideBreak her leg skiing for a rock-solid excuse not to goAsk someone to come as her fake boyfriend. Enter Cole Bradley...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love sweet-hero humor length-short audiobook contemporary m-f -
![Leaping into Love by Loni Ree]()
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 -
![An Unexpected Path by Megan McSpadden]()
An Unexpected Path by Megan McSpadden
Sometimes 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... -
![Mr. Gray Sweatpants by Whitley Cox]()
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 -
![Vibes & Feels by Sarah Skye]()
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... -
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![The Treasure Hunt Hookup by Lila Monroe]()
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... -
![Pick One by May Archer]()
Pick One by May Archer
I once lived a fairly quiet existence as a math professor. Then Teagan Donahue crashed into my life like a shooting star. Now every day's a holiday, and my very best friend is also the guy I can't stop fantasizing about. The guy I'm madly in love with. The guy I'm ready to turn down my dream job for... -
![Throwing Hearts by N.R. Walker]()
Throwing Hearts by N.R. Walker
A fun and sexy romance where the kiln isn't the only thing that's scorching hot. Leo Secombe loves his life, and he’s convinced himself he’s happy to be single. In his spare time, he keeps himself busy at a local LGBTQ centre that pairs a younger person with a community elder to help them feel included in today’s rainbow family...Categorized as:
insta-love sweet-hero working class hero m-m humor contemporary friends to lovers queer -
![Lovestruck by Dana LeCheminant]()
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 -
![One Night, Two Holidays: A Christmas and Hanukkah Novella by Ali Brady]()
One Night, Two Holidays: A Christmas and Hanukkah Novella by Ali Brady
A romantic and heartwarming holiday novella from USA Today Bestselling author Ali Brady. This year, Christmas and Hanukkah come together–and for two neighbors stranded in a snowstorm, one magical night could change everything. Jack had big plans for fly home to see the family he misses like crazy, eat his weight in holiday cookies and enjoy plenty of forced-family fun in matching pajamas...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love cheerful heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor christmas length-novella -
![Claimed By My Lawyers by Sylvie Haas]()
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
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