Books like 'Desire and the Deep Blue Sea'
Readers who enjoyed Desire and the Deep Blue Sea by Olivia Dade also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny forced proximity m-f grumpy sunshine office in-his-30s caretaking fake relationship competent heroine
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Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Vol. 6 by Fujita
THE TRUE END, OR JUST THE BEGINNING? Narumi slips up in front of her work friends, and the anxiety of outing herself as an otaku forces her to retreat inward. While Hirotaka is quick to console her, a difference in opinion devolves into an argument...Categorized as:
m-f office nerdy-hero contemporary humor friends to lovers length-novella glimpses-kisses -
![Where It All Began by Lucy Score]()
Where It All Began by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAvailable only through Lucy's newsletter, this free book is the prequel to the popular Blue Moon series and is set in 1985. John Pierce has plans for these two hundred rundown acres. He sees a farm, a family, a future. He’s not about to drag someone in on the ground floor, not before he’s put in the work to turn rubble into home... -
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![One More Made Up Love Song by Jenny Proctor]()
One More Made Up Love Song by Jenny Proctor
Rule #1: Do not fall in love with your very famous boss. Rule #2: See Rule #1. As the personal assistant of rockstar Freddie Ridgefield, Ivy Conway knows most women would love to have her job. It definitely has its perks. She gets to travel, the pay is great, and she’s among the first to hear Freddie’s new music...Categorized as:
office m-f fake relationship forced proximity competent heroine strong heroine contemporary humor -
![Truly Medley Deeply by Kate Watson]()
Truly Medley Deeply by Kate Watson
Lucy Jane. The first rule of touring? Don’t fall for your crew. Especially not the grumpy, emotionally caged, impossible-to-read sound guy who acts like tolerating pop-country singers is pure torture. Patrick “Patty” O’Shannan clearly doesn’t want to be here. He does his job and barely looks at me unless it’s to scowl...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine office contemporary humor length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
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![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:
m-f grumpy sunshine caretaking forced proximity competent heroine humor contemporary christmas -
![Ick Factor by Morgan Elizabeth]()
Ick Factor by Morgan Elizabeth
Kat has never been on more than seven dates with a man before catching the dreaded ick. That’s all it takes to realize he’s not the one for her. It’s usually something small—the way he puts ice in his cup, drinks his coffee, or his preferred name in the bedroom, but it’s enough to make her realize she could never spend an eternity with him...Categorized as:
office strong heroine forced proximity grumpy sunshine m-f fake relationship vengeance humor -
![Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil]()
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be a quick meeting. I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine contemporary from hate to love humor length-medium audiobook -
![Hawaii Can Suck It by MéLisa Ryun]()
Hawaii Can Suck It by MéLisa Ryun
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsI’m supposed to film him. Not fall for him. I’m Camila Morales—cargo pants-wearing, scrunchie-collecting, videographer to Reece Dare—a growly, tattooed YouTube adrenaline junkie. He’s hot, sure, when he’s not judging me for smiling (calls it a sign of weakness)... -
![The Fear of Falling by Dana LeCheminant]()
The Fear of Falling by Dana LeCheminant
What happens in Italy…follows you home. Avery was supposed to be married by now—not stuck working alongside her ex-fiancé, pretending their failed relationship never happened. So when a solo trip to Italy introduces her to a charming stranger with a devastating smile, a no-strings-attached fling feels like the perfect way to remember there’s more to life than work and heartbreak...Categorized as:
office m-f forced proximity competent heroine strong heroine humor glimpses-kisses contemporary -
![Enticing Her Love: Sutton Steele by Melissa Foster]()
Enticing Her Love: Sutton Steele by Melissa Foster
Pro: Stuck sharing a bed with my hot, broody boss. Con: He’s trying to get me fired. Discovery Hour reporter Sutton Steele spends her days trying to keep her job, while her insanely hot, infuriating boss, Flynn Braden, would love nothing more than to see her gone... -
![Fiona and the Fixer by Vanessa Vale]()
Fiona and the Fixer by Vanessa Vale
A bad boy fixer and a bombshell detective can work together on opposite sides of the law. .. or so I hear. I’m an overworked fixer who needs a break. When I’m asked to cat-sit in Coal Springs, I’m all for a few boring days. Except there is no break, and there’s no chance to be bored... -
![Out On a Limb by Josie Watts, Janice Whiteaker]()
Out On a Limb by Josie Watts, Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNever work for your family. Especially when that family consists of an octogenarian going through a mid-life crisis. Now, instead of running Sweet Side Gardens, my grandad's popping little blue pills and sneaking into closets with my friends’ grandmas…. Leaving me to handle everything else. And I was doing a pretty good job up until the night I found myself dangling from a tree. Topless...Categorized as:
office grumpy sunshine nerdy-hero humor friends to lovers contemporary dual-pov suspense -
![I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones]()
I Think I Might Love You by Christina C. Jones
Jaclyn Love is a magnet for trouble - it seems to follow her wherever she goes. Unfortunately for Kadan Davenport, she also seems to be a magnet for him - even after a disastrous first impression that leaves him - literally - black and blue. Jaclyn is busy trying to find some sort of balance, and Kadan is just trying not to get swept up in the chaos...Categorized as:
forced proximity office fake relationship competent heroine curvy heroine m-f humor contemporary -
![The Grump's Bodyguard by Latisha Sexton]()
The Grump's Bodyguard by Latisha Sexton
It was love at first sight . . . or at least, love at first bloody nose. Thor. If there’s one thing the Marines taught me, it’s that you don’t quit until you’ve completed your mission. Or you die trying. And by the way Clover Mason keeps shooting fire at me from those violet-colored eyes of hers, it just may be the latter... -
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![Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott]()
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 grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary humor friends to lovers dual-pov glimpses-kisses -
![The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz]()
The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen an outgoing musical maven meets the enigmatic neuroscientist next door, will their worlds clash in a dramatic showdown of art versus science, or will they discover that love is the ultimate experiment worth conducting? When celebrated Broadway composer Hadley Olivier’s best friend receives a life-threatening diagnosis, Hadley says goodbye to her beloved home in NYC and sets off for the West... -
![Over & Out by Claire Wilder]()
Over & Out by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIntroducing a brand new enemies to lovers romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claire Wilder! Three months ago, a dirt bike accident stole my confidence, my beloved ride, and the one thing that made me feel alive. Now I’m going through the motions in my coastal tourist town, totally adrift… and trying not to think about the stranger who pulled me from the wreckage...Categorized as:
office forced proximity m-f grumpy sunshine from hate to love humor length-medium contemporary -
![The Maverick of the Mountain by Tessa Klein]()
The Maverick of the Mountain by Tessa Klein
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe’s big. He’s bearded. AND HE HAS A CHAINSAW! ? You Only Live Once. .. My temporary tattoo feels more like a prescient warning than a gentle reminder after I nearly careen off an old mountain road during the worst storm I’ve ever encountered. I should’ve stayed in town. I should’ve thrown out the hand-drawn map the local gave me... -
![Betting on the Best Friend by Melanie Jacobson]()
Betting on the Best Friend by Melanie Jacobson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI helped all my roommates find love. Now they want revenge. When my besties present me with a plan to find the man of my dreams, I pass. Easily. Until my recent ex of five years very publicly announces his engagement to someone he just met. If dating shows him I’m happy and thriving, I’m all in. But after half a dozen nightmare dates, I’m having doubts... -
![Salt Love by Marika Ray]()
Salt Love by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you do when you find out your husband’s cheating on you, your aunt just passed away in Florida, and your boss gave the promotion to your work nemesis, so you threaten him with bodily harm in the middle of a board meeting? Well, after getting escorted out of the building by security, I fly straight to Sunshine Key to deal with my aunt’s estate...Categorized as:
office grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary found-family mature couple humor length-medium -
![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:
m-f fake relationship forced proximity office competent heroine insta-love sports humor -
![Perfectly Grumpy by Grace Worthington]()
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... -
![She Likes It, Hey Micah by Dana LeCheminant]()
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 grumpy sunshine office m-f contemporary age difference humor glimpses-kisses -
![This Is Love by Melissa Foster]()
This Is Love by Melissa Foster
Fall in love in Harmony Pointe, where hearts are lost, found, and sometimes misplaced…and everyone get a happy ever after. If a woman can’t find love in the quaint town of Harmony Pointe, it’s sure to find them—whether they’re looking for it or not. Here, the remaining single Dalton siblings are about to discover that they’re next in line to get swept away by love...Categorized as:
strong heroine forced proximity office m-f humor contemporary sassy heroine alpha male -
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![Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy]()
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]()
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. Who will come to her rescue, Jin or Isshin? ! Also, Isshin makes great progress in his work at Shinomiya-en! Their long-distance marriage is nearing its climax! -
![Beyond Us by Abby Brooks]()
Beyond Us by Abby Brooks
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo roommates. One pact. And a kiss that changes everything. Moving in with Eli Hutton was supposed to keep my heart safe. After both our relationships crashed and burned, cohabitation seemed like a no-brainer. A reset from chaos back to stability. A chance to protect one another from Cupid and his stupid little arrows... -
![The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant]()
The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant
He's the last man I should've picked for a one night stand. .. See that guy over there? The insanely tall, broad-shouldered, dark-haired, scowling, “I don’t drink coffee” suit? Surprise! He’s the new owner of my family’s mountain café. The café that has been my life purpose since I was born in the kitchen there almost thirty years ago...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity office m-f humor contemporary super rich hero from hate to love -
![The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz]()
The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen an outgoing musical maven meets the enigmatic neuroscientist next door, will their worlds clash in a dramatic showdown of art versus science, or will they discover that love is the ultimate experiment worth conducting? When celebrated Broadway composer Hadley Olivier’s best friend receives a life-threatening diagnosis, Hadley says goodbye to her beloved home in NYC and sets off to the West...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity friends to lovers contemporary humor menage length-long -
![Baby Drama III: A Billionaire Accidental Baby Romance by Sandi Lynn]()
Baby Drama III: A Billionaire Accidental Baby Romance by Sandi Lynn
Marley. My entire life changed when I met a hot and sexy billionaire named Charlie Stone at the Chicago airport. I wasn’t prepared for the journey I was about to embark on when I found out I was pregnant, which resulted from one drunken night neither of us barely remembered...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity competent heroine strong heroine nerdy-hero contemporary super rich hero angst -
![Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray]()
Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a giant of a man who grunts for words and barks out orders, yet circumstances require I be his fake girlfriend and spend the weekend with him in an isolated cabin. And of course there’s only one bed. Just my luck…But I need this commission check that only Boston can guarantee me...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity m-f contemporary from hate to love humor small town military -
![Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar]()
Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsLife might be a highway but the last thing this grumpy silver fox expected was a cross-country road trip with a ray of sunshine. "My sister is driving to California. She could give you a ride. ". "What? " Tucker Ashe and I say in unison. Mae Fox. Surely, my older sister has lost her mind. There is no way I'm driving her insufferable – albeit sexy silver fox – boss two thousand miles... -
![More Than I Could by Adriana Locke]()
More Than I Could by Adriana Locke
This grumpy single dad falls hard for the nanny. Chase Marshall is many things: · An attentive single dad · Jaw-droppingly gorgeous · My employer for the next thirty days He’s also the bane of my existence. He swears I’m a never-ending headache—the most infuriating woman he’s ever met...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity curvy heroine strong heroine office m-f contemporary cold hero -
![The Deal by R.L. Mathewson]()
The Deal by R.L. Mathewson
Some people marry for love. Some marry for money. Quinn and Dylan married for revenge. From New York Times Bestseller author R. L. Mathewson comes a new twist in the Neighbor from Hell series, where ultimatums, fake marriages, and revenge turn into something they never saw coming. Quinn Bradford needed to make a choice:. Get married or lose everything... -
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![Off the Record by Chelle Sloan]()
Off the Record by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFans of the Nashville Fury come to me for all things regarding their favorite professional football team. Stats, rumors and even what the players like on their pizza. What they don’t turn to me for is information about how their offensive coordinator is in the bedroom. The answer? It’s too hot for print... -
![Party Animal by Ali K. Mulford]()
Party Animal by Ali K. Mulford
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s never done love long-term. But will faking it lead to forever? Finch Lachlan works hard and parties harder. But tired of her siblings judging her fun-loving ways, the head veterinarian at her family’s zoo vows to prove she can make it past the third date. And maybe she can begin with the hottie who just seized her attention with a sizzling kiss. Chef, Frankie Benedetti, craves a fresh start... -
![Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 9 by Umebachi Yamanaka]()
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... -
![The Wedding Jinx by Becky Monson]()
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... -
![The Bloody Prince by Edwina Darke]()
The Bloody Prince by Edwina Darke
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShould your true love drive you crazy? Katie Warray knows that heroes rarely live up to expectations. Especially not the charming, roguishly handsome, thriller writer she’s had a crush on since she was a teenager. It’s disappointing that Tristan Prince turns out to be more frog than fairytale. But Katie doesn’t have to like the man to be his new editor. Tristan Prince doesn’t take much seriously... -
![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 grumpy sunshine office contemporary mafia insta-love age difference humor -
![Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente]()
Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSo let me get this straight. .. For the next few days I’ve got myself a grumpy fake husband who’s also kind of my. .. bodyguard? I guess that’s a better way to spend the weekend than binge-watching reality television, especially since it’s kind of my fault we’re on the run from the mob and I need a protector. Oops...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine friends to lovers contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
![Some Kind of Blunderful by Livy Hart]()
Some Kind of Blunderful by Livy Hart
If you ask Mia Madden, the road to dating hell is paved with suspiciously hot online profiles. Take tonight’s date, for example. Alex Conroy’s whole “boardroom in the streets, lumberjack in the sheets” thing totally works for her, but his profile did not convey that he represents everything she loathes about corporate hustle culture. He’s not even worth her bottle of purse wine...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine m-f humor contemporary from hate to love dual-pov new adult -
![A Fish Out of Water by Savannah Scott]()
A Fish Out of Water by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI knew trying to make a fresh start on Marbella Island would mean reinventing myself. I'm only here while I work my way up to my dream role in a major motion picture in Hollywood. Which explains why I took a role playing a mermaid in the island production of In So Deep . What I didn't count on? Ben. The charmer who just took a job as a water sports instructor. Everyone loves Ben. Everyone but me... -
![Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio]()
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... -
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![Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs]()
Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn my defense, I never claimed to be professional. .. At least that’s my excuse for why I mistook a billionaire for a waiter, made off-color comments and accidentally dumped a plate of food all over him. Embarrassing myself is a daily occurrence, just like my unpaid bill notices. But being in a wedding instead of planning one is not...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity m-f contemporary super rich hero humor from hate to love suspense -
![Red, White, and You by Ash Keller]()
Red, White, and You by Ash Keller
This Fourth of July, I'm declaring my independence from love. Too bad nobody told Phoenix Wood. Gigi Hart has two goals this summer: keep her bakery stocked with red, white, and blue cupcakes, and avoid anything—or anyone—remotely connected to her health-obsessed family and their fitness empire, Hart Health... -
![The Mistletoe Makeover by Grace Worthington]()
The Mistletoe Makeover by Grace Worthington
He’s the hottest country rock star in the country whose reputation needs repaired. I’m an unemployed event planner who’s desperate for a job. When I’m forced to team up with Mr. Smolder for the most ambitious Christmas event around, it might be my biggest mistake yet…. For me, Christmas has never been the most wonderful time of year... -
![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... -
![Puffin Bay by Annie Dyer]()
Puffin Bay by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHeartbreak led me to Puffin Bay, searching for peace in a small, coastal town. Four years later, my bar is thriving and my next business is just what the town needs. It doesn’t need Roman Tominey. Arrogant, city-boy, suit-wearing grump - he knows how to push every one of my buttons, and after an evening of bad decisions, he knows how to push that one too...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity office strong heroine m-f humor contemporary from hate to love
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