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
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My Merry Mistake by Courtney Walsh
Sometimes the perfect gift is standing right in front of you. . . You're just too stubborn to see it. I don’t like to make mistakes. Ever. Especially when those mistakes are witnessed by the same person—flirty Finn Holbrook—who can’t seem to leave me alone...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine caretaking cold heroine independent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero slow burn -
Dynamite by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.74 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThey call us the devil twins - a fallacy and unfair assumption on everyone’s part. Well. .. mostly. My name is Luke Hart, and I’m the oldest of identical twin boys. Although I may be responsible for the ‘devil’ in our name, I have no urge to set the record straight and exonerate the innocent half of our pairing. There’s no point letting the truth get in the way of a good story. Right? Not so...Categorized as:
new adult m-f competent heroine independent heroine sports humor length-medium contemporary -
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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 -
Highland Holiday by Kasey Stockton
One rejected kiss. Two clashing personalities. And a snowstorm that traps them in an isolated cottage. Callie Winter is the kind of person who holds everything together—for her family, her friends, her coworkers. But this Christmas, she’s hoping to catch her breath in the Scottish Highlands and maybe rediscover a little joy along the way...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn sassy heroine independent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero humor glimpses-kisses -
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Stone Cold Kiwi by Rosalind James
Let's inventory, shall we? State of my professional life: Brilliant, if counted in terms of sales of eight Poppy Cantwell children's books starring my often-confused blue hippo, Hazel; the very substantial proceeds from selling my Kiwi Adventures New Zealand glamping business; and any number of glossy magazine articles about my charmed existence...Categorized as:
multicultural sassy heroine competent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero m-f caretaking hurt-comfort -
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... -
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 -
Trouble by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 29 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 -
The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini
How many weddings does it take to fall in love? One year ago, Amelie had it all. Almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant: her life was exactly what she’d ordered. Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, popped up out of nowhere and proved she might like something off menu. ***. One year later, Amelie has lost it all...Categorized as:
new adult m-f sweet-hero competent heroine sunny hero childfree-couple cheating contemporary -
Fiercely Emma by J. Bengtsson
Emma, older sister of renowned rock star Jake McKallister, has crafted a quiet existence for herself. Fiercely independent, scorned at work, and indifferent to relationships, she’s spent the past decade trying to move on from the crime that shook her family to the core... -
500 First Editions by Maggie Gates
Romance author Willow Winslet believes the best in everyone, unless that one is Ryan Ford. What’s worse than being the only single person in your friend group? A hot guy in the checkout line mocking your boring Friday night. But Ryan Ford isn’t just anyone. To Willow, he’s an intolerable dating coach, an obnoxious podcaster, and a life-coaching con artist...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine m-f caretaking insta-love competent heroine sassy heroine sunny hero sweet-hero -
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:
m-f slow burn competent heroine independent heroine sassy heroine sunny hero sweet-hero humor -
Cooper Bailey Is A Cinnamon Roll by Jen Atkinson
I’ve hated Cooper Bailey since high school. So why would a few years, a set of swoon-worthy forearms, and one shiny new law degree change anything? Leah Bradford’s never been a fan of the spotlight—not years ago at her high school prom and definitely not now with the drama her ex-boyfriend is causing. Running her cinnamon roll shop is all she needs, thank you very much...Categorized as:
m-f competent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero contemporary from hate to love humor audiobook -
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 -
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Racing Hearts by Lauren Landish
A tomboy tames the cocky cowboy next door in Wall Street Journal and Washington Post bestselling author Lauren Landish’s forbidden romance. Luke is damn near invisible, or at least that’s how he usually feels. He takes care of things around the ranch before his boss-brother even knows there’s a problem, and no one even notices when he's done... -
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 -
Never The Bride by Kortney Keisel
No rings. No vows. No ‘til death do us part. As a top divorce attorney who’s built her career—and her walls—on the belief that marriage doesn’t last, Camila swears she’ll never walk down the aisle. After years of watching relationships crumble, she’s made it her personal mission to convince her little sister to avoid getting married at all costs. The problem? Camila’s already married. Secretly...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine slow burn cold heroine independent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero contemporary -
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 -
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 #chargesdropped. Annie 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 -
Nun the Wiser: A Grumpy Sunshine Romantic Comedy by Smartypants Romance, Lissa Sharpe
Matilda Markov is ready to put her former nun days behind her and experience all the worldly pleasures she can. (ALL the worldly pleasures. ) But when she feels her friend group starting to slip away from her, just like she's lost so many people who were close to her before, she takes some bold action to try to keep everyone together...Categorized as:
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The Risks of Reuniting by Aspen Hadley
Chloe Moore doesn't fly. Chloe Moore has always refused to step foot on a plane - a. k. a Death Bucket. Not happening. However, when she goes down a rabbit hole of self-help books after a painful breakup, she finds herself signing up for a humanitarian trip to Peru in order to rediscover herself by serving others... -
Marriage is a Shore Thing: A Small Town, Accidental Marriage Sweet RomCom by Laura Langa
She’s tough. He’s golden. One dare later, they’re hitched. I’ve sworn off love, so accidentally marrying a stranger after a friendly game of Truth or Dare? Worst. Case. Scenario. Never mind that Evander Young is a brilliant ER doctor with a dimpled smile that makes my heart race...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine caretaking cold heroine independent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero humor -
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... -
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 m-f slow burn fake relationship competent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero sports -
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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 -
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:
m-f fake relationship insta-love sunny hero sweet-hero working class hero christmas humor -
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 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 -
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... -
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... -
Never Fall for the Bride's Father by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsPower outages. Runaway brides. Collapsed wedding cakes. Tainted caviar. Handsy grooms. And the always jealous MILs who wear white. No wedding catastrophe can faze Katie Gallagher, because when you plan for the worst, you deliver the best. The best wedding ever. Her company, Wedding Protectors, Inc. , promises happily ever afters. Guaranteed. Whatever it takes...Categorized as:
sassy heroine m-f slow burn sweet-hero competent heroine from hate to love age difference humor -
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... -
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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... -
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...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine competent heroine independent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero sunny hero humor -
Marrying My Billionaire Rockstar: A Mistaken Identity Opposites Attract Romance by Ellen Young
I’m a geeky virgin with trust issues. So I’m definitely NOT into hot bad boy rockstars. I thought the annoying, hot guy worked at the mansion. Turns out, he owns the mansion. A fact he forgot to mention…. He’s Caleb Wolfe—tattooed, cocky, infuriatingly hot, and apparently a famous rockstar. One accidental kiss at a charity event? Boom—tabloid chaos... -
A Not So Merry Kiss-mas by Abby Greyson
Next Door Neighbors. A Blind Match. And a Kiss That Melts the Ice. Mel. My neighbor’s easy on the eyes, but his blaring music and clanging weights keep me awake. Michael Matthews is all charm and good vibes—qualities that drive my sleep-deprived self up a wall; even if his smile does spark an annoying flutter. Mike. Cole’s been raving about Noelle's best friend since they started dating...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine cold heroine independent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero humor length-novella -
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... -
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 -
The Reluctant Billionaire by Sara Madderson
Lotta. I may be a total princess, but I’m not looking for a prince. Or even my usual type of wealthy, overly-groomed playboy. I’m done with smooth. I want a bit of rough. A real man, with a real job. One who’s good with his hands and not afraid to get them dirty. Someone exactly like the foreman on the new community project my team’s volunteering on. Aide. He’s delicious...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine grovel m-f new adult insta-love hurt-comfort independent heroine sassy heroine -
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 -
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 -
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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... -
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... -
Marrying the Gardener by Camilla Evergreen
I’m only his wife until I get my inheritance, then this relationship is over. Growing up in an environment that doesn’t value women has meant playing the incompetent princess in order to survive. Now that my grandfather—the man who holds the most power in the family—is dying, I have a chance to get what should have always been mine... -
The Naughty List: A Small Town Second Chance Christmas Romance by Sheridan Anne
Sometimes life has a way of bending you over and ramming you right up the ass, but if it’s going to do that, the least it can do is take me out on a date first. After an untimely firing caused by what could only be the best donkey meme ever created, I find myself back in my snowy hometown of Blushing, Colorado. And as beautiful as it is, there’s one big reason why I haven’t been home in six years... -
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 -
Off the Bench by Tiffany Noelle Chacon
Austin Taylor, once an undrafted free agent and a third-string quarterback, was never supposed to be the starting QB for the Tampa Bay Bucs. Except now, he is. Dani Marshall, the Bucs’ data analyst whiz, is all in—betting her career, and even her car, on Austin's success. The real challenge? Keeping her heart out of the game. Austin...
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