Books like '40-Love'
Readers who enjoyed 40-Love by Olivia Dade also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny sports age difference curvy heroine athletes teacher-hero m-f strong heroine tall-heroine
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Book Lovers by Emily Henry
One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn’t see coming…Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby... -
Playboy by Brittanee Nicole
“In your dreams, Baby Hall.” Older. Hotter. And way out of my league, Hannah Prescott has been my obsession since the moment she uttered those five simple words. She thinks she’ll deter me by her dismissive attitude but her words only spur me on. I love a challenge and since Hannah is my literal dream girl, she’s worth putting in a bit of work...Categorized as:
sports athletes age difference m-f competent heroine independent heroine sassy heroine himbo -
Hat Trick: Alternate Cover by Chelsea Curto
Riley Mitchell has everything he could ever want.He’s a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion. He has great friends, a fun life, and he’s living out his dream of playing hockey in the NHL.Except one night, everything changes.After a car accident leaves him with an amputated right leg, he struggles with his identity... -
Fire and Icing by Savannah Scott
Talk about making a bad first impression.The rookie at Waterford’s fire station literally hauled me out of my own home—over his shoulder. Was my kitchen on fire? Yes. Did I have it nearly contained? Also yes.And now he’s been tasked with making up for his overzealous rescue attempts by showing up to my bakery to grovel daily. And beg for my donuts... -
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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... -
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance Wanted A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
Truly Medley Deeply by Kate Watson
Lucy JaneThe 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 office grumpy sunshine contemporary humor length-medium glimpses-kisses -
Spoke Too Soon by Dulcie Dameron
It’s every girl’s dream to move in with the hot guy who ghosted her...NOT.I’m about to be homeless at almost twenty-five.Cue the pathetic wah, wah, wah sound effect.And to make matters worse, I’m nowhere near having enough money to fund the clothing line startup I’ve dreamt about for years.But bemoaning my current situation won’t move the needle and it certainly won’t find me a place to live...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f cold heroine sassy heroine independent heroine sweet-hero himbo contemporary -
Goalie Interrupted by Anne Kemp
Coaching him was never part of the plan. Falling for her should NOT happen. But in hockey––and love––sometimes the best plays come when you break the rules.Elle: Coaching the River City Renegades is exactly where I want to be—hockey, small-town charm, and zero drama…but there’s him.Dixon Andrews. The team’s broody, infuriating, gorgeous goalie... -
Just One Look by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLuka Darkovic has some tackling skills. He hadn’t planned on using them to bring down a runaway dog the size of a Shetland pony, though, especially not when his neck is already buggered. At 33, a rugby forward protects his vertebrae.. He’s even less happy when the dog’s incompetent owner turns up in his hospital cubicle the next day with a plan to fix those vertebrae... -
Van by Melanie Moreland
Vince Morrison, known to most people as Van. Good with his hands, be it crafting a piece of wood, playing his guitar, or pleasing a lover—he excels at them all. Friendly, flirty, and talented, he’s cool under pressure, and hot everywhere else. But he keeps his heart closed, even as his interest and emotions are tested. Olivia Rourke works alongside him at BAM... -
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... -
Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens
A hilarious love story about a disillusioned divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker.Columnist Anna Appleby has left her love life behind after a painful divorce. Who needs a man when she has two kids, a cat, and uncontested control of the TV remote? Besides, she’d rather be single than subject herself to the hell of online dating... -
Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese
Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption... -
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Power Play Pursuit by Marion De Ré
In the game of love, can she learn to trust again? After a disastrous relationship, my heart is closed to men—especially smoldering hot hockey players.Only problem? James Adler, star player of the New York Raptors, hasn’t received the memo. He flirts with me like it’s a full-time job, but I’m not about to fall for his charm—no matter how many abs he sports... -
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:
m-f grumpy sunshine multicultural cold heroine sunny hero contemporary humor length-medium -
Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance by Abby Greyson
This is a dual POV, kisses only, sports romance and the fourth standalone in the interconnected Accidentally In Sports Series.A star shortstop. A benched heart. A second chance sparked by fate—and a sassy pup.DavidI saw my brother and best friend fake-date their way to true love, but that’s not for me. As a single dad and the Smokies shortstop, my heart’s been out of the game since my wife passed...Categorized as:
sports m-f forced proximity office sassy heroine competent heroine sweet heroine sweet-hero -
Trick You by Tracy Lorraine
I hated to trick her...But I knew she would never go for the real me.She was beautiful, smart and funny—everything I could want.And I was... well. Me.Tattooed, foul mouthed, bad boy.I told one little white lie hoping to meet someone different. And I did.Danniella Abbot... -
Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner
A 6'5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life...no, this isn't the start of a bad joke.I had a chance encounter in a dimly lit bar that led to an earth-shattering kiss with a beautiful stranger.But then the next morning my world is rocked again--when I walk inside my team captain's house and see her... -
The CEO I Hate by Leslie North
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Hating Game meets a much hotter Morning Glory—if the grumpy media exec was her brother’s best friend, and this time they actually kissed.Liam Lockhart is my brother’s best friend, a decade older, and the kind of mistake I swore I’d never make twice.Two years ago, we kissed—hard, hot, unforgettable—until he shoved me away like I was a mistake he couldn’t afford. Message received... -
I Knew He Was Trouble by Amanda Schimmoeller
I’ve never needed help from anyone. I certainly don’t need it from the infuriating doctor next door.I loathe my uncivil neighbor and the loud music he blares before the sun has risen. Even the dogs I walk—for one of my four jobs—despise him.I’d be happy never seeing him again... -
Be Still My Racing Heart by Madison Love
This is a dual POV, kisses only, sports romance in the Sweet Sports Kisses Series. A reformed bad boy, an heiress with a secret, and a forbidden love. Blake Groomed to run my father’s company, I dream of flying down the speedway. Not "flying" a desk.Forbidden from chasing my dream, I spend my free time helping kids chase theirs while waiting for fate to claim me... -
Kiwi Rules by Rosalind James
Need an escape? Coming soon: The brand-new, snarky, steamy, Kiwi-centric series by the bestselling author of Escape to New Zealand. Afghanistan hadn't quite killed me. Karen Sinclair just might.You don't find many too-pretty rich boys in the New Zealand Defense Force. Turns out there's a reason for that. Fortunately, you can find your true self in the oddest places... -
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 mature couple m-f contemporary found-family humor length-medium -
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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:
sports m-f forced proximity office competent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero athletes -
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 age difference office m-f contemporary humor glimpses-kisses -
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:
sassy heroine strong heroine tortured hero forced proximity office m-f humor contemporary -
Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDid you ever see a guy and just know you had to meet him?That was me and Bodhi Merrick. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he donned his wetsuit at the famous big-wave surf spot, Mavericks. I'll never forget that day. Or every time our paths crossed after that. Big wave surfing is a small world. And, as it happens, Bodhi felt the same tug---this irresistible attraction that drew us to one another...Categorized as:
sports multicultural forced proximity m-f siblings-bff humor contemporary length-medium -
Connell by Samantha Whiskey
I’m famous for two things—being one of the best defensemen in the NHL and my classic pranks. My teammates always said one of my jokes would bite me in my Scottish arse one day, and they were right. After a prank goes wrong, I’m sentenced to six weeks community service under none other than the sexy, rule-abiding, smart-mouthed city clerk of Sweet Water—Annabelle Clarke... -
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this rivals-to-lovers romance by the New York Times bestselling author of The Rule Book and Practice Makes Perfect. Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett... -
One Last Play by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe could be the one. I’ve spent twelve years caring for my niece Maddie who I adopted after my sister died. Having a daughter has made me picky when it comes to the women I spend time with. Not to mention dealing with the pressure of being a college football coach. But when I spot MJ at a mutual friend’s wedding, something draws me toward her...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine age difference m-f cold heroine teacher-heroine sunny hero teacher-hero -
The Plan by Karla Sorensen
Have you ever fake dated your bodyguard? I don't recommend it. Especially if he's anything like Erik Wilder: former football player, world class know-it-all and unapologetic grump. To be clear, I didn't want a bodyguard (hence the fake dating idea). Most days, I can’t figure out why he wants the job either. We drive each other insane, probably because we’re as opposite as two people can be...Categorized as:
sports age difference forced proximity grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary humor from hate to love -
The Day the Jerk Started Falling by Max Monroe
My name is Oliver Arsen, but my mates call me Ollie. I live hard and love harder, and it’s love that usually gets me in the most trouble. According to the greater population, I’m the ultimate jerk. My affection tends to be short-lived—a quality I’ve been assured multiple times by the fairer sex isn’t becoming—and the leaving part of loving and leaving has always come natural...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity m-f grumpy sunshine office athletes sunny hero independent heroine -
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 himbo sunny hero competent heroine independent heroine curvy heroine contemporary humor -
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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 FoxSurely, my older sister has lost her mind. There is no way I'm driving her insufferable – albeit sexy silver fox – boss two thousand miles... -
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 strong heroine m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers audiobook -
The Project by R.L. Mathewson
From New York Time’s bestselling author of the Neighbor from Hell series comes a heartwarming romantic comedy about the only thing that matters when you’re about to lose everything that you’ve ever wanted. The one person that you can’t live without... -
Body Check by Maria Luis
They call me the Bad*ss of Hockey.The Beast of the Northeast.And I’m not just referring to my stick play on the ice.As Captain for the Boston Blades, I’ve spent years working toward bringing home the Stanley Cup.But when the owners sell us out to Hollywood, suddenly we’re not just playing for thousands of fans, we’re cracking open our lives on a new reality show, Getting Pucked... -
The Shake Off by Lulu Moore
My name is Ace Watson, and I’m having an existential crisis.I finished last season as one of the league's best pitchers. Baseball’s smooth-talking boy wonder. The future of The New York Lions.I'm starting this season as the worst.And I don't want to sound dramatic, but the fault lies entirely with Payton Lopez...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine age difference m-f competent heroine sassy heroine curvy heroine sunny hero -
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 age difference m-f sweet-hero competent heroine from hate to love humor contemporary -
A Not So Merry Kiss-mas: A Sweet Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine Holiday RomCom by Abby Greyson
Next Door Neighbors. A Blind Match. And a Kiss That Melts the Ice. MelMy 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.MikeCole’s been raving about Noelle's best friend since they started dating...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine forced proximity cold heroine independent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero humor -
Give & Take by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI shouldn’t be thinking about him.Even though he tells me he can’t stop thinking about me.I’m turning 41.He’s 26.I’m a serious person.He’s fun-loving and carefree.It’s all wrong. But every time Raphael LaForest looks at me, it feels so, so right. Just a glance and my whole body melts. The simple brush of his hand on mine and every last nerve ending is on fire.But that’s not all...Categorized as:
age difference m-f grumpy sunshine forced proximity cold heroine sunny hero small town contemporary -
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:
grumpy sunshine sports office m-f forced proximity strong heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero -
Love on Display by Dana LeCheminant
They’re sworn enemies. They also happen to be incredibly attracted to one another.After bonding at a half-marathon, rival gym owners Cam and Kailani discover the person they thought could be their soulmate turns out to be the reason their respective businesses are failing...Categorized as:
sports multicultural m-f forced proximity competent heroine independent heroine sweet-hero himbo -
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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...Categorized as:
age difference m-f independent heroine competent heroine cold heroine sunny hero humor contemporary -
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... -
Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFrom the author of Four Steps to the Perfect Revenge comes a deliciously witty and lighthearted romance brimming with misadventures, misdeeds, misunderstandings…and one perfectly mismatched couple.A notorious rule follower, the old Daphne Davis could do no wrong. But lately she can’t get anything right...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity office contemporary from hate to love humor audiobook -
Christmas Bubble by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA Christmas snowstorm. Two opposites that most definitely attract. Only one bed.When the man of your absolute dreams slams their mouth into yours, there is only one course of action. Yours truly–that’s me–has broken it down into four easy steps for your convenience.You're welcome.Step one: make sure he really is attached to you. Lips to lips. You're a clam. Do not let go... -
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...
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