Books like 'Daring In a Blue Dress'
Readers who enjoyed Daring In a Blue Dress by Katie MacAlister also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny sweet-hero shy-hero nerdy-hero
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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:
shy-hero sweet-hero humor contemporary length-short m-f high-school cheerful heroine -
The Overdue Kiss by Callie Thomas
My new rule to remaining single: don’t kiss the sexy math teacher.Maya:Books have always been my emergency escape. Whether I’m tuning out the chaos of my boisterous family or recovering from a cheating ex-boyfriend, the joy of reading calms my anxious heart.So what if I prefer to live in fictitious worlds to protect myself from heartbreak—it’s no big deal... -
Sweat and Soap, Vol. 1 by Kintetsu Yamada
In an office romance, there's a fine line between sexy and awkward... and that line is where Asako -- a woman who sweats copiously -- met Koutarou -- a perfume developer who can't get enough of Asako's, er, scent. Don't miss a romcom manga like no other!Yae's living her dream, working at the toiletry maker Lilia Drop...Categorized as:
nerdy-hero sweet-hero contemporary humor office new adult friends to lovers shy heroine -
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One Giant Leap by Kay Simone
Houston we have so many problems… Curtis “Launchpad” Larkin’s career as an astronaut has had its share of ups and downs. Alternately lauded as the single-handed savior of NASA and condemned as a reckless, hot-headed bully, Curt has been through the wringer of public opinion and come out on top... -
Reinventing Cato by Barbara Elsborg
Fate is not always written in the stars…Being headhunted by NASA might be his ultimate dream, but Cato’s life still sucks. He’s tired of anonymous one-night stands. He’s tired of being lonely. And, frankly, he’s tired of himself. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, he realises the only thing to do if he wants to be happy is to reinvent himself... -
Betting on the Brainiac by Melanie Jacobson
An intense programmer and a hard partying social butterfly have nothing in common...But the sparks fly anyway when Madison Benedict offers Oliver Hayes a quiet space to work in the daylight hours of Austin's premiere nightclub where she makes major bank working bottle service for VIPs...Categorized as:
nerdy-hero sweet-hero marriage of convenience contemporary humor length-medium m-f glimpses-kisses -
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Love, loss, friendship, and the betrayals of the past all collide in this first women’s fiction novel from New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Autoboyography, Dating You / Hating You). The story of the heart can never be unwritten...Categorized as:
sweet-hero nerdy-hero shy-hero friends to lovers second chances contemporary angst humor -
The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men...Categorized as:
sweet-hero nerdy-hero contemporary humor forced proximity insta-love friends to lovers abuse -
The Even Odder Couple by Julie Christianson
Spencer Crane thinks I’m a human tornado.I think he’s a calendar app come to life.While he schedules? I spin-out.When I spontaneously combust? He overcompensates.And this is why convincing my new boss to hire him is a completely brilliant idea.You see, workplace romance is forbidden, but attraction between total opposites like Spencer and me is a non-issue.I repeat: Non. Issue... -
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:
sweet-hero contemporary new adult humor tearjerkers christmas second chances working class hero -
Perfectly Grumpy by Grace Worthington
A grumpy hockey player. A sunshine PR queen. One fake relationship to survive the off-season—and one summer that changes everything.The first rule of hockey PR?Never. Date. A. Player.Which shouldn’t be a problem—Tate Foster is the least dateable guy on the team.Logical. Bookish. Allergic to chaos.He hates attention almost as much as he dislikes me, the team’s PR rep...Categorized as:
nerdy-hero shy-hero sweet-hero grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary hockey sports -
WRAPPED by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Following a painful divorce, all pastry chef Shae Kenney wants for Christmas is one good date that doesn’t end in disaster. When Aidan Meyer, a smoking hot hunk from her past, matches with her on a dating app, Shae asks Santa for the strength not to screw it up... -
Break the Rules by Roxie Noir
She’s my best friend’s kid sister. Now she’s not a kid any more. As a forest ranger, I believe in the simple life. I prefer cabins to apartments, trails over freeways, and trees to people. My life is orderly, predictable, and quiet. Until it’s hit by a woman I never saw coming -- Hurricane June. She’s fierce. She’s feisty... -
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Spencer Cohen, Book One by N.R. Walker
Spencer Cohen is the guy who gets answers to relationship questions. Playing the role of the new lover, his job is to make his client’s ex realise one of two things: he doesn’t want to break up or he really does. Either way, his client gets answers. The ex would either apologize and beg, or turn and walk. But in the end, Spencer’s client won. If he wanted his ex back and got him, it was great...Categorized as:
shy-hero nerdy-hero m-m fake relationship tattoos friends to lovers humor contemporary -
Open Road by Kris Butler
Are you brave enough to discover what the open road has to offer you? At one time, I thought my life was planned out. Then a stalker entered the picture and tossed my world upside down. After everything settled, I thought I was ready to get back to normal, everyday life. But when a mysterious letter arrived, it felt like the answer I’d been waiting for... -
Perfect Match by Eliza McLane
They couldn't be more different, but wild-at-heart (and in bed) Rose and sweet-but-square Tyler have to make it through a romantic Valentine's weekend to win the prize at the end - all while proving they're certainly, definitely,really not the perfect match the dating app proclaims them to be.. -
Mystery at the Masquerade by Josh Lanyon
Love is in the Salt Sea Air--and So is Murder!Ellery Page, aspiring screenwriter, reigning Scrabble champion, and occasionally clueless owner of the village's only mystery bookstore, the Crow’s Nest, is both flattered and bemused when he’s invited to the annual Marauder’s Masquerade, the best and biggest social event of the season in the quaint seaside village of Pirate’s Cove, Rhode Island... -
Sweet Talk by Cara Bastone
Listening Length: 5 hours and 42 minutesStay up all night with this funny, surprising romantic comedy from Audie Award-nominee Cara Bastone — scripted exclusively for audio!It’s officially booty o’clock, I’m alone again in my kitchen choking down a slice of terrible chocolate cake…and I’m pretty sure I just got drunk texted by the man I have a ginormous crush on... -
Spare Me by Tara Sivec
Ryan Hutton has spent his entire life being the shy, nerdy, rule-following nice guy on Summersweet Island. He’s the high school bowling coach and algebra teacher, who’s always predictable, and he’s always been fine with that. At least until a sexy nutjob gives him the best kiss of his life in his favorite pizza place. Suddenly, he doesn’t like being the quiet, obedient nice guy anymore...Categorized as:
nerdy-hero sweet-hero shy-hero sports humor contemporary forced proximity length-medium -
The Build-a-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver
Bestselling and award-winning author Mason Deaver’s adult romance debut follows a journalist in a dead-end job who agrees to teach his disastrous blind date how to be a better boyfriend. Readers will delight in this sweet and steamy queer romance with trans representation! Eli Francis is stuck. Stuck in an assistant position at the online magazine Vent when he should be a writer... -
Not the man I thought he was by Phoebe MacLeod
Madison reckons she’s a pretty good judge of character.When a disaster at work brings professional photographer Toby into her life, she has him all worked out within minutes. As their work collaboration blossoms into friendship, her preconceptions about him are only strengthened...Categorized as:
shy-hero sweet-hero humor length-medium behind-doors contemporary m-f height-difference -
Lawyers in Love, Books 1 & 2 Boxed Set by N.M. Silber
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsOnce upon a time, two lawyers fell in love across a courtroom ... Join the crazy antics and spicy romance of the sexiest gang of attorneys in the Philadelphia Criminal Court System. For the first time ever, get the full, unforgettable, story of feisty Public Defender, Gabrielle Ginsberg, and formidable Assistant District Attorney, Braden Pierce... -
The Rest of Forever by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDoes love stand a chance between two very different long-time friends? Mike Dombruso’s life is anything but glamorous. He’s a shy, nerdy accountant and a widower with three young sons, whose world revolves around his kids. In many ways, Yoshiro Miyazaki is Mike’s polar opposite... -
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Say It Again: A Dazzling MM Romantic Comedy by Tessa Hatfield
Daniel Greene’s life is dance. What it is not? Really anything outside of that. He certainly doesn’t know how to hobnob with rich people or play bartender for their rich private parties, so when his best friend guilts him into doing exactly that, it ought to end in disaster. Instead, it ends with him pressed against a bathroom wall while a hot lawyer kisses his grand jeté-ing brains out... -
How to Kiss Your Best Friend by Jenny Proctor
Brody Hawthorne is not in love with his childhood best friend. If he says it out loud often enough, maybe he’ll start to believe it. There’s no chance things will ever work out with Kate, anyway. Most of the time, they aren’t even in the same country.Is it possible to love someone through their Instagram feed alone? Definitely. Is it fun? Absolutely not...Categorized as:
nerdy-hero shy-hero sweet-hero contemporary humor clean friends to lovers length-medium -
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... -
Out of Her League by Samantha Wayland
Lachlan Morrison’s family likes to tell people that he’s shy, but that’s like saying the sky is sort of blue, or good hockey is just a little bit rough. Lachlan knows perfectly well he’s a social disaster and works hard to humiliate himself as infrequently as possible. Then Michaela Price, the most beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes on, moves to town, and she needs a friend...Categorized as:
shy-hero nerdy-hero sweet-hero sports contemporary third-person-pov tall-heroine famous heroine -
Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsWhen a single dad meets the former rock star crush of his youth, everything they thought they knew about happiness and love is thrown into chaos in this hopeful, heartwarming romantic comedyBilly Perkins is happy. No, for real. It’s kind of his thing, actually...Categorized as:
sweet-hero nerdy-hero contemporary humor single-father teacher-hero famous heroine single-mother -
A Little Wilder by Serena Bell
What happened in Vegas? Definitely didn’t stay in Vegas. Gabe’s the oldest. Brody’s the bad boy. Clark’s the strong, silent warrior. Amanda’s the girl. And Easton—well, Easton’s the panty melter. I’m Kane.Don’t get me wrong. It’s not a bad job. But usually, I’m not the one people are talking about. That’s about to change...Categorized as:
sweet-hero pregnancy contemporary strong heroine humor small town explicit-open-door length-medium -
Packaged Husband by Noelle Adams
On a Wednesday afternoon, Owen Masterson asks me to marry him. I've never met the man before. All I wanted was a job repackaging his image. He needs to ramp up his cool-factor to attract partnerships with better designers for his family's department store. But he wants me to be his temporary trophy wife instead... -
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...Categorized as:
nerdy-hero sweet-hero humor friends to lovers contemporary office virgin hero length-medium -
Love in Writing by Dana LeCheminant
Allie has sworn off dating.Which is unfortunate, because the cute guy at the grocery store has finally struck up a conversation, and shy and sweet Ben is even more adorable than he looks. When an ex shows up trying to rekindle the flame at the same time her mother tries to set her up with a neighbor, Allie ropes Ben into being her fake boyfriend to get everyone off her back... -
On the Ropes by Kathryn Nolan
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSummer in the city heats up when the girl who got away moves in next door.Dean “The Machine” is a South Philly legend. Much to the dismay of fans who still hound him, the broody former fighter walked away from his boxing career right before clinching another championship belt... -
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Layla Meets Her Match by Ranee S. Clark
LaylaI’m not interested in falling in love.I used to dream of a glamorous life, falling in love, being a star... -
Hard Byte by Misha Bell, Dima Zales
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIt is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of facial hair must be in want of a shave. And tidying. And a fake date.My name is Holly Hyman. I love order and prime numbers—and I’m in trouble. The company I work for is pivoting, and not in a way I like. Our new management? Alex Chortsky, a gorgeous, scruffy Russian devil... -
Brushed With Love by Fearne Hill
Clement Constantine Church is a hot mess. With deadlines to meet. Whereas the striking Viking redecorating his seaside cottage is simply hot. As a precocious teen, Clem wrote a best seller. Now he writes for other people... -
Crushing on the Cop by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsCristian Bianco has two things against him-he's a police officer and he's a police officer in the 18th District…meaning my dad is his boss. Growing up as the Commander's daughter and having his magnifying glass focused on everything I did was more than I could handle. Now, I'm out on my own, living by my own rules. Well, mostly...Categorized as:
sweet-hero humor contemporary dual-pov independent heroine men in uniform length-medium audiobook -
Blind Date with a Book Boyfriend by Lucy Eden
Hi, I’m Jordyn. I flew from New York to Culver City, CA to interview for the job of a lifetime.When I walked into The Bookstore, I only wanted a steamy romance or two to help pass the time before my big meeting.I walked out with a gorgeous and sweet, cinnamon roll who was more funny and charming than all of my favorite book boyfriends combined, which definitely wasn’t the plan... -
Hooker by Brooke Blaine
Whoever said singles were missing out by not finding true love and getting married before the age of thirty had never experienced the sheer pleasure of nightly romantic comedy viewings in their underwear while eating one of Licked’s famous Crazy Cat Lady sundaes. Because life just doesn’t get better than that. At least, it doesn’t for Shayne Callahan... -
Unwritten by J.R. Gray
Success was lonely. I should have been on top of the world but I felt trapped, suffocated by fame. My life wasn’t my own. I belonged to the fans and the media. Too famous to leave my house without attracting a crowd. Like a prince in a palace of glass watching life pass me by... -
Can't Help My Shelf by Frankie Love, Kaylin Evans
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThere’s one thing in life I’ve always, always wanted.And I’m tired of waiting for my prince charming to sweep me off my feet to help make that happen.On my 26th birthday I make a life altering decision.But before the deed is done, Army officer Nash Nichols walks into the children’s section of the library where I work, changing my trajectory forever... -
Finn by Ruby Raynes
Finn - Love in Ink - Book 1 SpencerI was minding my own business when I ran into the sexiest tattooed god I’d ever seen. I’ve seen a ton, considering I own Dragonfly Books, which just so happens to be located next to Ink Me. You get the picture. While trying to find myself after the death of my mother Finn throws my world upside down... -
Karma's a Beach by Samantha Chase
It’s bad enough I have to fly home for a funeral.Not just any funeral either. My ex’s funeral. Where I have to give the eulogy. Let’s just say he was an ex for a reason, and I’d much rather write a speech about his flaws than wax poetic about what a great person he was. But I just couldn’t bring myself to say no to his mom when she asked. So here we are...Categorized as:
nerdy-hero sweet-hero shy-hero forced proximity contemporary humor m-f childfree-couple -
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Things Liars Fake by Sara Ney
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAuthors Note: This novella, along with all others in this series, is a standalone with no cliffhanger. You're welcome What if... Someone you barely knew asked you for a favor. What if... They needed you to be something you weren't, in exchange for nothing. Unless you count a mouth full of lies and a half-broken heart. Faker. Pretender. Liar. There are worse things to be called...Categorized as:
nerdy-hero humor new adult fake relationship contemporary length-short m-f audiobook -
ILY by Cora Rose, E.M. Lindsey
Whoever convinced me that quitting my job as an interpreter to take over my dead aunt’s farm should be covered in honey and left for the ants. Oh wait…that was me.I was burnt out and ready for a change, but I didn’t expect what came with it.An orchard full of fruit I’m allergic to.A bunch of farm equipment I don’t know how to use... -
Man Crush Monday by Kirsty Moseley
Perma-single Amy Clarke prides herself on three things: her pink hair, her Converse collection, and her ability to drink copious amounts of margarita without puking. She isn’t looking for love. She’s perfectly content with her simultaneous love affairs with Netflix and both Ben and Jerry. The trouble is, sometimes, love finds you...Categorized as:
nerdy-hero shy-hero sweet-hero humor contemporary new adult insta-love love triangle -
Five First Dates by Erin McCarthy
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsEvery perfect rom-com has a twist that leads the heroine to her happily ever after.Me? Somehow, in any room full of Prince Charmings, I always manage to find the one frog. So this time, I’ve found my own twist. Four of my friends will each set me up. Four first dates. Four chances at my own happily-ever-after.My brother’s best friend even offered to watch my baby while I’m out finding true love... -
Mistletoe Kisses & Something Merry by Ranee S. Clark
A sweet holiday romance inspired by Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility.Mila has the holidays all planned—board a plane, visit her brother Eli, and enjoy Christmas with family. So when a nasty flu hits and she finds herself puking into her overnight bag in an Uber instead, she isn’t happy.Nor is she happy that Eli has sent Landon, of all people, to take care of her... -
The One Night by Meghan Quinn
From USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a romantic comedy novella about the magic and misadventures of a one-night stand.Recently divorced Cooper Chance knows he’s officially in a rut when his parents take him barhopping in the hope of resuscitating his love life. At first, he’s skeptical. How could a gritty dive bar possibly solve his problems? But then he runs into Nora McHale...
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