Books like 'The Has-Been and the Hot Mess'
Readers who enjoyed The Has-Been and the Hot Mess by Isabel Jordan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny grumpy sunshine third-person-pov dual-pov m-f age difference forced proximity strong heroine rockstars
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Made For You by Natasha Madison
From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comesA brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance.A spin-off from the Only One seriesVivienneI did the last thing I ever expected to do. I bought a boat. A beautiful boat that was all mine to spend the summer on.Only thing I was looking forward to was the calm being on the water brought me...Categorized as:
forced proximity dual-pov grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary sports athletes from hate to love -
![Flaunt by Adriana Locke]()
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsLooking for a Fake FiancéHave you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it?It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to go there is what counts.Hi. It’s me. I’m that person.The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and I should “lower my expectations... -
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![Enticing Her Love by Melissa Foster]()
Enticing Her Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsPro: 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... -
![The Merger by Adriana Locke]()
The Merger by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsCrushes are harmless—unless they involve your best friend’s grumpy, off-limits brother. Gannon Brewer is the epitome of my type. He’s at least ten years older than me, emotionally unavailable, and highly disagreeable—a walking red flag in a tailored suit. But do I listen to that? No...Categorized as:
age difference m-f grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary humor office siblings-bff -
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![Falling for Mr. Bad by Melissa Foster]()
Falling for Mr. Bad by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsShe’s a badass musician and mechanic with no patience for overinflated egos. He’s a billionaire with no time for drama. Going head-to-head has never been so much fun...or so dirty. Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and loads of heart make this sexy enemies-to-lovers, close proximity, forbidden, workplace, small town standalone romance unputdownable...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f dual-pov age difference office secret-relationship from hate to love humor -
![Killing Booth by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Killing Booth by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsEvery single thing you want is going to require you to be uncomfortable. Those words had been shared with her by the one man she didn’t think she could take a chance on. She just didn’t know that he was right, or that he was going to be the one making her uncomfortable. Nash Wilder Christopherson was the world’s golden boy. For fifteen years, she watched Nash race from the safety of her phone...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity dual-pov strong heroine m-f humor friends to lovers pregnancy -
![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:
dual-pov strong heroine forced proximity grumpy sunshine age difference m-f vengeance office -
![Taming Hollywood's Baddest Boy by Max Monroe]()
Taming Hollywood's Baddest Boy by Max Monroe
Do people say they hate someone’s guts so that they can still fall stupidly, head-over-heels in love with the other parts? Asking for a friend. Okay, fine. I’m not asking for a friend. I’m asking for me—and I’m begging you to tell me that the practice of falling in love with your should-be-enemy is common...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity strong heroine grumpy sunshine m-f dual-pov humor contemporary -
![How to Kiss a Movie Star by Jenny Proctor]()
How to Kiss a Movie Star by Jenny Proctor
He’s Hollywood’s biggest star. She wouldn’t know him from the pizza delivery guy.I’m a wildlife biologist in a tiny mountain town, not some kind of law-breaking celebrity stalker. At least not on purpose.It was an accident when I wandered onto the property of one of Hollywood’s hottest movie stars. Five minutes ago, I'd never even heard of Flint Hawthorne...Categorized as:
forced proximity dual-pov m-f contemporary humor super rich hero length-medium behind-doors -
![Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas]()
Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
![A Greene Family Christmas by Piper Rayne]()
A Greene Family Christmas by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsPreparing a Christmas to remember is no small feat with a family the size of the Greenes. Especially, when the woman who has always been the planner down to every minute detail falls ill, only five days before the holiday.The family has no choice but to scramble to ensure that nothing is amiss. Cookies need to be decorated, gingerbread houses assembled and decorations to be hung...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine age difference m-f christmas contemporary humor friends to lovers length-novella -
![Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks]()
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsA knight in shining armor? Hardly. More like my worst enemy wrapped in a swoon-worthy tux… When Brooks Salinger saves me from heartbreak at a wedding, I never expect to see him again—let alone find him back in my life, set to destroy my family’s bookstore.But when he offers me a wild deal—pretend to be his girlfriend at a ritzy wedding in exchange for saving the store—I reluctantly agree... -
![Sadie and the Bad Boy Billionaire by Emma St. Clair, Jenny Proctor]()
Sadie and the Bad Boy Billionaire by Emma St. Clair, Jenny Proctor
I will NOT fall for the smart-mouthed, pretty-boy billionaire who owns Oakley Island. But his yacht is another story …Love and happily-ever-after? It’s not for me. I’m much happier keeping everyone at arm’s length, focusing on my government cybersecurity work.But then I push things a little too far and hack my way into trouble...Categorized as:
forced proximity dual-pov m-f contemporary super rich hero humor from hate to love length-medium -
![Miles Ever After by T.L. Swan]()
Miles Ever After by T.L. Swan
Miles Ever After...Categorized as:
age difference dual-pov grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary humor super rich hero friends-benefits -
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![Hot Heir by Pippa Grant]()
Hot Heir by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsIf I had to pick a bride of convenience, my first choice would NOT be Peach Maloney.My fiftieth choice would NOT be Peach.Top spot on my list of occupational hazards? Yes. Royal pain in the crumpets? Yes.A bride of convenience? No.But I’ve unexpectedly gone from royal bodyguard to monarch, having inherited a crown that was stolen from my family long before my birth... -
![Dirty Flirty Enemy by Piper Rayne]()
Dirty Flirty Enemy by Piper Rayne
He’s the arrogant Manhattan realtor with billboards advertising his six-pack more than his expertise in negotiations. I’m the competing broker who stupidly moved across the hall from his office. From day one, I’ve been his sworn enemy. Okay, so I might have accidentally stolen one of his clients... -
![Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson]()
Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA reluctant woman, a determined popstar, and the song that started it all.After growing up in Nashville with two musician parents, I promised myself one thing—I would never, ever fall in love with anyone who had anything to do with the music scene. I will take my stable, albeit boring, accountant boyfriend, thank you very much, and live securely ever after. At least that was the plan... -
![One Bossy Disaster by Nicole Snow]()
One Bossy Disaster by Nicole Snow
A wild twist of fate throws together two total opposites in this steamy and hysterical grumpy sunshine romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow.Trust me, I'm not falling for a human porcupine.I don't do older men with baggage a mile long.Billionaires? Nope, I'm Miss Independence, thank you very much...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity grumpy sunshine dual-pov m-f humor super rich hero contemporary -
![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... -
![Put Me in Detention by Meghan Quinn]()
Put Me in Detention by Meghan Quinn
"You got married on your divorce-cation?" That would unfortunately be correct. I was hanging with the girls, celebrating my divorce when I saw him, my crush, sitting in the corner of the bar all alone. Being single and looking for a wild night, I asked him if he wanted to join me. To my delight, he said yes... -
![Beach Please by Melanie Summers]()
Beach Please by Melanie Summers
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA hilarious and heartwarming story that’ll have you snort-laughing, swooning, and sighing with happiness… Lola Gordon's dreams of a thriving surf shop were shattered when her ex vanished with all the money in their business account, leaving her on the brink of losing everything... -
![Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar]()
Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 16 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... -
![The Shake Off by Lulu Moore]()
The Shake Off by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsMy 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:
dual-pov grumpy sunshine age difference m-f sports baseball contemporary found-family -
![Hello Tease by Kelsie Hoss]()
Hello Tease by Kelsie Hoss
Men view love as a game. One you can walk away from.At least that’s what the men in my life have taught me. My dad ran off when I was young, and just when I thought I was getting my own happily ever after, my ex left me on my own with two kids.Trying to pick up the pieces, I move to a small town where I can have help from my children’s grandparents...Categorized as:
dual-pov grumpy sunshine m-f single-mother humor contemporary suspense length-medium -
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![Next In Line by Amy Daws]()
Next In Line by Amy Daws
What happens when the cute mountain man you made out with in an ice fishing shack turns out to be your brother’s best friend? A whole lot of awkward, that’s what. Maggie’s mind is reeling when she discovers the guy she became tangled up with at Marv’s Bait & Tackle isn’t a stranger like she thought...Categorized as:
age difference dual-pov forced proximity m-f friends to lovers humor contemporary friends-benefits -
![Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne]()
Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese three women are the toughest juries they’ll ever have to plead their case to.THIS BOX SET INCLUDES…Clean Slate (Charity Case #0.5)Moving two thousand miles away wasn’t my plan, but when family needs you, you come. Before I can head back to my hometown of Chicago though, I have two men to say good-bye to. Neither one of them will be happy to hear the news... -
![Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs by Dana LeCheminant]()
Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHigh school teacher Brooklyn Briggs has always been great with chemistry but terrible with relationships. When a guy drops into her life—literally—and offers to coach her into getting a date with her longtime crush, she's willing to accept any help she can get.Even if her new flirting coach is her brother Houston's best friend, the guy who drove her crazy all throughout high school...Categorized as:
forced proximity dual-pov m-f contemporary siblings-bff from hate to love multicultural humor -
![The Wild Card by Cassie-Ann L. Miller]()
The Wild Card by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be harmless. One fake date with a football player.Except Harry Westbrook is the exact opposite of harmless. My first mistake? Underestimating that boyish smile, those playful eyes, the charming words on those perfect lips. He claims to have a crush on me. But, as hot as he is, I'd bet he's scheduling booty calls like a dentist booking teeth cleanings... -
![The Love Interest by Kayley Loring]()
The Love Interest by Kayley Loring
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsDear Fiona,I hope this letter finds you well—and by well, I mean significantly less infuriated than you were yesterday. I’ve wanted to continue our conversation from the night we met, but there are so many things I can’t say or do, now that I’m your professor.As an anonymous letter writer, I can give you some idea of what I have planned for us, once the year is over...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary humor secret-relationship length-medium -
![John by Jenna Myles]()
John by Jenna Myles
I never planned on getting out of prison. I did what I did to keep my brother safe, and I could live with that.But now I'm out, and I don't know what the hell I'm doing. Everything is too loud, too busy, too overwhelming. And for a man who's used to every decision being made for him...well, let's just say I'm on the verge of doing something stupid to get sent back.Until she walks in, that is... -
![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 -
![The Plan by Karla Sorensen]()
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:
age difference forced proximity grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary humor sports from hate to love -
![Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins]()
Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsFrom the author of Pack Up the Moon comes a funny, romantic, and deeply moving novel about the unexpected rewards that come from life’s detours.Lark Smith has always had a plan for her life: find a fantastic guy, create a marriage as blissful as her parents’, pop out a couple of kids and build a rewarding career as an oncologist.Things aren’t going so well.For one, the guy didn’t work out... -
![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 age difference m-f contemporary humor office glimpses-kisses -
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![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 dual-pov m-f humor contemporary from hate to love new adult -
![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 strong heroine dual-pov age difference m-f contemporary cold hero -
![Grizz's Passion by Loni Nichole]()
Grizz's Passion by Loni Nichole
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsShe's a sucker for a happy ending, and this bodyguard won't stop until she has one. With him.GrizzI should have known I was being set up when my boss couldn't stop grinning, but I took the last-minute private security gig anyway. Color me surprised when I show up to a bachelorette party and a crowd of drunk chicks start yelling for me to take it all off... -
![The Sneak Peak by Victoria Wilder]()
The Sneak Peak by Victoria Wilder
My Best Friend. Young. Tempting . She bid on me at my company’s charity auction and won. Back then, she was too young, with hearts in her eyes and her whole life ahead of her. That’s how we started, and after all this time, she’s become my best friend. Being a single dad of twins and running Colorado's most successful summer sports company requires control and focus...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity grumpy sunshine dual-pov sports contemporary humor boss & employee -
![Two Truths and a Marriage by Nicole Snow]()
Two Truths and a Marriage by Nicole Snow
The grumpiest billionaire accidentally scores a sunshiny fake fiancee and pure chaos in this hilarious, sweet, and deliriously steamy romance by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow. I can still pinpoint the exact second when my life became two truths and a lie. You don't forget delivering a mountain of fresh-baked sweets to a man like Dexter Rory... -
![Rockaway Bride by Pippa Grant]()
Rockaway Bride by Pippa Grant
A Rock Star Kidnaps a Runaway Bride… Kidnapping the bride seemed like a good idea at the time. Her fiancé stole my fortune, so I stole his woman. Tit for tat. Or tat for tit. However you want to look at it. The one thing I didn’t expect? Willow Honeycutt, preschool teacher, boy band super fan, is completely crazy. And somehow she’s turned the tables on me...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine humor contemporary length-medium explicit-open-door -
![Her Wild Lumberjack by Clara King]()
Her Wild Lumberjack by Clara King
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s an ex-convict who just got out of prison.She’s the daughter of the sheriff who put him there.HazelBig, inked, and grumpy as heck, Ronan Black isn’t your typical Prince Charming.My dad says he’s trouble. He warns me to stay away.But when a flood leaves me stranded at Ronan’s cabin, I decide to judge him for myself.Turns out, there’s a heart of gold buried beneath his tough exterior...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity grumpy sunshine dual-pov m-f humor virgin hero insta-love -
![Billionaire Boss by Julie Capulet]()
Billionaire Boss by Julie Capulet
Our deal was simple. One night. Fake names. No strings attached.Until it turns out he’s my new boss...I couldn’t believe my luck when I got sent to a work conference in Hawaii. Living the dream after years of pulling myself up by my bootstraps.The sand, the palm trees and the blue water were straight out of a romantic fantasy.So was the guy at the beachfront bar, let’s be honest. Blue eyes...Categorized as:
dual-pov age difference grumpy sunshine m-f super rich hero contemporary office alpha male -
![Close Call by Amelia Wilde]()
Close Call by Amelia Wilde
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSometimes, the greatest danger comes from those who are closest of all...Jameson Hill is no stranger to a prison cell—but this one feels strangely worth it. He might have released Lily Hayes into the arms of her relieved family, but she wasn’t theirs anymore. Not really. And there’s no way she can be his, either. Not now.. -
![Give & Take by Claire Wilder]()
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 small town contemporary humor length-long -
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![Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil]()
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
![Sit...Stay...Beg by Roxanne St. Claire]()
Sit...Stay...Beg by Roxanne St. Claire
Garrett Kilcannon, a former dot com super-success who now devotes his life to rescuing dogs and finding them homes, prefers to keep his secrets buried as deep as a dog hides his bone. So when he learns his father has invited a journalist to Waterford Farm to write and produce an in-depth profile on him, he doesn’t care that she’s a childhood friend or drop dead gorgeous... -
![Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray]()
Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI 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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs]()
Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 14 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
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