Books like 'Man vs. Durian'
Readers who enjoyed Man vs. Durian by Jackie Lau also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny multicultural cold heroine m-f east-asian-mc competent heroine independent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero
-
There's Something about Scarlett by Hannah Ellis
Three years of marriage, then they’ll go their separate ways…Scarlett Mercer dreams of starting her own publishing company. But with no way to finance university, she might be stuck working in her aunt’s café indefinitely.When a chance encounter leads her to an extreme solution, she’s desperate enough to go through with it. Even if it means marrying a guy she’s only just met...Categorized as:
new adult fake relationship competent heroine independent heroine sweet-hero m-f humor contemporary -
The Woodsman by Dr. Rebecca Sharp
Violet Royale’s entire life has bit the bullet. Between a cheating ex and her career imploding, she’s one shaved head away from a total breakdown. Needing an escape, she books a small cottage in Maine for the holidays.When a massive snowstorm promises to keep the outside world at bay, Violet believes fate is finally doing her a favor... -
Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author comes a brand new sizzling summer read that will have you laughing, swooning . . . and sweating. Scottie Price just started a new job and it's a real sausage fest. She's the only woman on a team filled with Brads and Chads. Expecting a bachelor pad atmosphere, she is quickly corrected when she finds out everyone is happily married... -
Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
It’s a room-mance for the books in this tender, steamy story about unexpectedly finding love and being brave enough to let it revise life’s narrative in the final book in the beloved Bergman Brothers series. Viggo Bergman, hopeless romantic, is thoroughly weary of waiting for his happily ever after...Categorized as:
m-f insta-love sunny hero grumpy sunshine cold heroine sweet-hero new adult caretaking -
-
One Day Fiance by Lauren Landish
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsI’m Poppy Woodstock.Romance author and wholehearted believer in Happily Ever Afters.A terminal case of writer’s block should be my biggest worry. Then I crash into him—literally—and fall into the most gorgeous pair of blue eyes I’ve ever seen. Connor Bradley.Thief, rebel… and my new neighbor.One slip with the bad boy next door, and my life becomes stranger than any fiction I could ever write... -
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
independent heroine sassy heroine m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers strong heroine audiobook -
Forever With The CEO by Layla Hagen
It began as a fake marriage. It became so much more. I’m Nick Whitley, CEO of Whitley Sports Industries. I’m a bonafide bachelor, and never intended to settle down. But I’m also a dependable kind of guy and do what’s right when I can.So when my best friend and his wife pass away, leaving behind their twins, I do everything possible to help out their aunt—Allison... -
Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen
Bridget Jones’s Diary meets Survival of the Thickest in Danielle Allen’s CURVY GIRL SUMMER, a smoking-hot, hilarious novel about the perils of online dating. “There’s got to be an easier way than dating. I want the shortcut. I just want to find my person and start our lives together.” After a one-night stand with her clingy ex, Aaliyah James has an this ain’t it... -
Trouble by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsShe wants something real. He wants something now. Together they’re trouble in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s sexy and funny twice-in-a-lifetime love story. With his shameless grin and let’s-play swagger, carpenter Penn Etling leaves women wanting in Dogwood Lane. What do they get? Avery Perry knows: a one-night stand. She’s been there...Categorized as:
new adult independent heroine m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers length-medium audiobook -
Attachment Theory by Kayley Loring
An actor, a model, and a younger man walk into a therapist’s office… They’re all Dylan Brodie. It’s only funny if you aren’t the single mom therapist he can’t stop flirting with. Dear Mr. Brodie, I hope this email finds you well. Your well-being and personal growth are of the utmost importance to me, as a therapist... -
The Mr. Right Checklist by Melissa Foster
A free-spirited proposal planner and a grumpy professor form a hilarious and unexpected situationship that just might lead to more in this steamy romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.Dog groomer and budding marriage-proposal planner Destiny Amor believes in true love and happily ever afters...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine new adult m-f fake relationship contemporary humor found-family length-medium -
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...Categorized as:
independent heroine sweet-hero m-f sunny hero insta-love sassy heroine competent heroine caretaking -
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 new adult m-f sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary forced proximity christmas -
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.They broke up six months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends... -
-
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...Categorized as:
insta-love independent heroine working class hero m-f contemporary humor small town age difference -
Happy Trail by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSometimes you have to talk to work things out. Luckily that works best without clothes. Petal I’ve loved Luka Fields my entire life. He was my first crush, my first kiss, my first time, and my first heartbreak. Love isn’t like in the movies, or the books you read. It’s hard. Sometimes you give up… And regret it your entire life... -
Almost a Bride by Jo Watson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThat awkward moment you catch your boyfriend in bed with another woman and then mistakenly get arrested #chargesdroppedAnnie knows life isn't always fair. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes you get mistaken for a crazed intruder when you come home early and find your boyfriend wearing nipple clamps with a coworker on the night you thought he was going to propose to you...Categorized as:
new adult slow burn fake relationship cheating sassy heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary -
Role Playing by Cathy Yardley
From Cathy Yardley, author of Love, Comment, Subscribe, comes an emotional rom-com about two middle-aged gamers who grow their online connection into an IRL love story.Maggie is an unapologetically grumpy forty-eight-year-old hermit. But when her college-aged son makes her a deal—he’ll be more social if she does the same—she can’t refuse... -
Gouda Friends by Cathy Yardley
Two high school BFFs reunite and endeavor to fix each other’s lives in this geeky romance from the author of Love, Comment, Subscribe.Tam Doan dumped her boyfriend after he threw away her gourmet cheese. Sure, it’s a little more complicated than that, but the point is, he had it coming...Categorized as:
new adult multicultural east-asian-mc sweet-hero m-f contemporary friends to lovers humor -
Finn Rhodes Forever by Stephanie Archer
The guy who broke my heart is now an arrogant, too-hot firefighter… who’s hellbent on getting me back.This summer, I have one goal: field work. I need it to finish my PhD. I never expected Finn Rhodes to offer help. He broke my heart twelve years ago, and now that he’s back in town, I want nothing to do with him.Finn wants one thing—me.We were inseparable as kids until everything changed... -
His Package by Penelope Bloom
His package ended up inside my box. Calm down, perv. My mailbox. As soon as I saw what was inside, I knew two things: It belonged to my hot neighbor, and he had a dirty secret. Normally, I was more of a cat person. As in, if I had to choose who lives, I’m going to take the cat nine times out of ten. It’s not that I particularly like cats, I just don’t particularly like most people...Categorized as:
new adult career professional m-f humor contemporary length-short open-door audiobook -
In Her Jam Jar by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRevenge is best served cold, but Weston is smoking hot!Bullies never get what’s coming to them. Instead they lead charmed lives while their victims continue to spiral into an anxious ball of junk food and wine fueled self-care. No just me?Probably because I had to move back to my small home town with only broke and reeking of failure...Categorized as:
m-f cheating sunny hero competent heroine independent heroine contemporary humor super rich hero -
America's Geekheart by Pippa Grant
Remember that time you accidentally sexted your in-laws? Yeah. I just did that. Except worse. Now my million social media followers are reading and sharing the rude, smartass message I meant to send privately to my little sister...and I’m officially public enemy number one. I’m Beck Ryder. Former boy bander. Underwear model. Fashion mogul... -
Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations by Sophie Andrews
Death is an awkward matchmaker…When my brother suddenly passes away, shattering my family, I’m left to pick up the pieces.Then Vince Mancini knocks on my door. My brother’s best friend from high school—and the boy I loved—is a funeral director, and he promises to answer whenever I call...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn hurt-comfort caretaking independent heroine sweet-hero siblings-bff contemporary -
-
Oops, I've Fallen by Max Monroe
If my time with Ryan Miller were a hit track on the radio, I imagine the lyrics would go something like this…“We’re so different, but they say opposites attract. Oops, I’ve fallen, and my heart doesn’t want to come back.”But, holy bingo night, is my attraction to the sexy, broody businessman so much more complicated than the chorus of a song... -
Tussle by Jacob Chance
“Why haven’t we had sex?” When Jesse Gunn, one of the biggest stars of World Class Wrestling, voiced that million dollar question, yet again, I was stunned. After turning him down countless times, I thought eventually he'd give up. Unexpectedly thrown together for a work project, my mind went to places I’d never allowed...Categorized as:
new adult m-f competent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero slow burn career professional sports -
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... -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 8 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Roa, a popular live streamer who views Isshin's bottled tea, Chako, as a rival, lost control, and Hananoki-en faced backlash! On top of that, they now have to compete with Roa, who is also a tea maker, in a national competition...Categorized as:
new adult m-f slow burn fake relationship contemporary humor length-short glimpses-kisses -
I Just Want to be Yours by Heather Garvin
Overcoming it all to hit the perfect note. All of Jackson Phillips’ dreams are coming true. His band is finally getting the recognition it deserves, he’s spending the summer with his best friend, and he can’t get enough of his gorgeous girlfriend. But everything is about to change when American Thieves goes on tour...Categorized as:
new adult m-f grovel independent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero hurt-comfort contemporary -
Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray
I have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me.Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods.It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago... -
Space Age: Houston, Prepare to Launch by Sara L. Hudson
NASA Flight Surgeon Dr. Rebecca Sato has earned her dream job. Now she’s ready to explore the next frontier…having a family.While responsible for the health of astronauts who fly through space in the International Space Station, her feet are firmly planted on the ground.But at thirty-six, the men on her radar are either intimidated by her intellect or not interested in having kids... -
The Billionaire and the Runaway Bride by Nadia Lee
Who knew the biggest drama in my life wouldn’t be from a wedding I'm trying my best to avoid--my own!Running away to L.A. was supposed to end all the drama in my life. Find an apartment, get a job, show my rich family I don't need their money...until I end up as the assistant to the world's Number One underwear model... -
The Pilot and the Puck-Up by Pippa Grant
He’s the biggest, baddest, most spider-fearing motherpucker on the ice… When you’re named after the king of the gods, the world expects certain things of you. Tough? Damn right. Smart? Don’t let the hockey uniform fool you. Large and in charge? Honey, I’m the biggest, baddest, mother pucking-est machine to ever own the ice. I shoot. I score. In and out of the rink... -
Southern Snow by B.R. Goodwin
For the last three years, Georgia has called the quirky southern town of Sugartree home, dutifully moving back to manage her parent’s coffee shop after her father suffered a heart attack and finding contentment in her busy schedule and the occasional shenanigans of her three younger siblings...Categorized as:
m-f competent heroine independent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero christmas christian contemporary -
-
Never With You by Kortney Keisel
Carly Catterson has one never date a coworker again.After her last office romance ended in humiliation—complete with a public breakup and a change in careers—Carly swore off love in the workplace. And especially love with Nate Farnsworth, the infuriatingly charming office rival at her new job... -
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 m-f slow burn fake relationship competent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero sports -
Saving the Sheikh by Ruth Cardello
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsRachid bin Amir al Hantan is fighting for the sovereignty of his small country. He needs to find some powerful allies - and fast. Attending the wedding of Dominic Corisi is as much about reconnecting with old friends as it is about celebrating nuptials. The last thing he needs right now is the distraction of a woman...Categorized as:
multicultural m-f career professional east-asian-mc super rich hero alpha male contemporary humor -
Work Song by Danielle Allen
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen society tries to put you in a box, knock the walls down. –Tati Green “You have a pretty face” is such a back-handed compliment. It’s like telling me that my face is beautiful, but the rest of me is not. Despite what society says, my curves are hot. My love life, on the other hand, is not. My mom says I’ll never find love because of my weight...Categorized as:
new adult slow burn sassy heroine working class hero sweet-hero humor contemporary office -
Blue Balls by R.C. Boldt
BLUE BALLS Truth: A painful condition caused by a prolonged state of sexual arousal without release. Myth: Only affects males. SARAH I’m beyond frustrated with the man who’s left me high and very far from dry. Multiple times. But, somehow, even though I’m not interested in a relationship, Mr...Categorized as:
new adult m-f caretaking independent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 5 by Umebachi Yamanaka
After her childhood friend, Jin, confessed his feelings for her, Chako tells him she and Isshin understand their feelings for each other. However, Chako realizes she hasn't received a proper answer to her confession… Isshin's texts are blunt, and he doesn't come back on weekends...Categorized as:
new adult m-f slow burn fake relationship contemporary humor length-short glimpses-kisses -
The Trope by Stella Stevenson
The two constants in Maggie’s life have always been books and her anxiety. A close third is that she’s been in love with her best friend’s older brother her whole life, not that she’s ever told him...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine new adult working class hero m-f fake relationship slow burn contemporary humor -
His Grumpy Childhood Friend by Jackie Lau
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt's been five years since Charlotte Tam had to endure a public proposal at a baseball game—literally the stuff of her nightmares—and realized her ex never really knew her. She hasn’t dated since, afraid that no man will understand her cranky, introverted, coffee-obsessed self, but she wants to try again. Her friend suggests she ask a guy to ease her into the dating game and give her some lessons...Categorized as:
multicultural east-asian-mc m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers length-short audiobook -
A Lodge Affair by Rachel LaBerge
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIvy Lawson loves a to-do list, hates surprises, and the only outdoor activity she’s interested in is brunch on a patio. After catching her long-term boyfriend—and co-worker—cheating, she’s thrown into leading a high-profile client event at The Emerald Canopy Lodge. AKA: her nightmare destination. Ivy finds herself desperate and anxious to get her job done and leave the lodge as soon as possible...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine childfree-couple m-f contemporary forced proximity dual-pov humor length-medium -
Resist Me by Lauren Connolly
She would do anything for the ones she loves. Even marry a stranger.Luna Lamont has a few short months to find a husband or else she loses out on a surprise inheritance. Content living life as an independent woman, she’s ready to give up the cash, even if that means her deadbeat father gets the windfall instead... -
-
A New Leaf by Samm Wilde
It’s never too late to turn over a new leaf… CharlieReturning to my hometown was never part of my plan. Suddenly, I find myself back where I grew up and taking over my late parents’ beloved plant store. With a permanent scowl and zero customer service skills, I have no idea how to run a business—or keep plants alive...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine m-f slow burn caretaking sunny hero competent heroine cold heroine new adult -
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...Categorized as:
insta-love caretaking slow burn m-f competent heroine independent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 2 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Somehow Chako ended up as a fake couple with a mysterious man called Isshin, who works for her family's tea farm. To save their struggling tea farm, the lie mustn't be revealed..Categorized as:
new adult m-f slow burn fake relationship from hate to love length-short contemporary humor -
Her Cherry by Penelope Bloom
How’d I meet her? Well, a gentleman never brags. Thankfully, I’m no gentleman. First, I paid for her cherry (pie, but that’s not the point), Next, I deflowered her. After that? I left my business card and walked out like I owned the place. Yeah, you could say we hit it off...Categorized as:
insta-love new adult independent heroine m-f super rich hero virgin heroine humor contemporary -
Make a Scene by Mimi Grace
Faking this relationship should be a piece of cake. Retta Majors is having a bad day. But that’s to be expected when your ex gets engaged to your cousin. Instead of (totally) freaking out, Retta decides to attend the wedding with her amazing, faithful, and handsome boyfriend. One problem. He doesn’t exist. Duncan Gilmore is living his dream... -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 4 by Umebachi Yamanaka
At first, Chako and Isshin had no choice but to fake a marriage... But finally, they confirmed their feelings for each other and kissed on the night of the summer festival! On the next day, Isshin leaves for Shizuoka alone. The person who waits for him at a major beverage company, Shinomiya-en, is his ex, Hikari. And there are super unique guys, too..Categorized as:
m-f fake relationship slow burn contemporary length-short humor love triangle glimpses-kisses
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences

Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.