Books like 'The Grumpy Player Next Door'
Readers who enjoyed The Grumpy Player Next Door by Pippa Grant also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny sports from hate to love forced proximity grumpy sunshine cold hero siblings-bff baseball m-f
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Where It All Began by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAvailable only through Lucy's newsletter, this free book is the prequel to the popular Blue Moon series and is set in 1985. John Pierce has plans for these two hundred rundown acres. He sees a farm, a family, a future. He’s not about to drag someone in on the ground floor, not before he’s put in the work to turn rubble into home... -
![Irresistible Trouble by Pippa Grant]()
Irresistible Trouble by Pippa Grant
I, Cooper Rock, baseball god, worshipper of women, hometown hero, beloved son and brother, and owner of a well-deserved ego, have always reached for the stars. Usually in baseball. In love? Nah. When you’ve played the field as much as I have and haven’t been bit by the bug, you’re immune. Or so I thought until she walked back into my life. Waverly Sweet. Pop music sensation... -
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![Made For You by Natasha Madison]()
Made For You by Natasha Madison
From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes. A brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance. A spin-off from the Only One series. Vivienne. I 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... -
![Planes, Reins, and Automobiles by Kate Watson]()
Planes, Reins, and Automobiles by Kate Watson
She's sunshine. He's frostbite. They've got 1,600 miles to go before Christmas—and he's about to discover his new enemy might be his anonymous online soulmate. Oliver Fletcher has one goal, and he's not happy about it: get home for his brother's wedding...Categorized as:
forced proximity baseball grumpy sunshine sports m-f slow burn sweet heroine cold hero -
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![Wicked Heart by Ivy Layne]()
Wicked Heart by Ivy Layne
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFinn Sawyer hates everything about being back in Sawyers Bend. He walked away from his family years before, living off his wits and skills in the kitchen, refining his craft as he worked his way across Europe. Then the father who left him for dead is murdered, and the will offers Finn a chance at his dream... -
![Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas]()
Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers. She's got a lot of baggage. .. literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real. For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but. So why can't he stay away? Knox and Fiona's story! Finally! -
![Don't Fall For The Billionaire: A Billionaire Single Dad/Nanny Romance With All The Autumn Feels by Sandi Lynn]()
Don't Fall For The Billionaire: A Billionaire Single Dad/Nanny Romance With All The Autumn Feels by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTaking the nanny job was supposed to be a temporary arrangement for me. I needed money, not a full-blown life detour, with no prior qualifications, and definitely not a brooding billionaire with a too-serious stare and a daughter who hadn’t smiled in months. But Ashton Cross isn’t what I expected. Yes, he’s powerful. Intimidating. Frustrating. He watches me like he’s starving...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine super rich hero cold hero humor contemporary boss & employee north-america -
![Now's The Time by Harlow James]()
Now's The Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get. ”. That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity from hate to love athletes secret-relationship m-f contemporary humor -
![Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil]()
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be a quick meeting. I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
![Date Yourself a Grinch by Savannah Scott]()
Date Yourself a Grinch by Savannah Scott
He’s allergic to Christmas. I’m practically made of tinsel. What could go wrong? I’m not saying Gage Lockett is the actual Grinch … but if someone in town woke up tomorrow to find all the candy canes missing, my money’s on him. The man glares at twinkle lights like they personally insulted his mother...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine m-f slow burn small town sweet heroine cold hero christmas contemporary -
![Just One Look by Rosalind James]()
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... -
![Delayed Call by Toni Aleo]()
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsVaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins' star player. He's brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn't afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self. Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders... -
![Knockout by Jessica Prince]()
Knockout by Jessica Prince
It wasn’t fair that the man I hated with a passion was so freaking gorgeous. Things in Layla Fox’s life were going great. She had a fantastic job, amazing friends, and a killer apartment. There was just one tiny glitch in all that perfect. Her upstairs neighbor was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome . . . and she hated the man with every cell in her body... -
![My Brother's Forbidden Friend by Piper Rayne]()
My Brother's Forbidden Friend by Piper Rayne
I’ve gone from crushing on my brother’s best friend to wanting to crush him. Cameron Baker and I have a few things in common. The first being that we were both born and raised in our small Alaskan town. Second, is that we hide our feelings and keep our hearts closed off from anyone who could break them. But hiding my feelings is harder to do with Cam than most... -
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![Houston, We Have a Problem by Dana LeCheminant]()
Houston, We Have a Problem by Dana LeCheminant
Houston Briggs is at a crossroads, facing the possible end of his career after a devastating injury. With an uncertain future ahead of him and his siblings finding their own happy endings, he’s desperately seeking peace and purpose. Enter Darcy Paxton, his refreshing new neighbor who is nothing like the women of his past relationships... -
![The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow]()
The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPreorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane series. Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what. All’s fair in love and…medicine? Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders...Categorized as:
small town forced proximity from hate to love m-f humor suspense contemporary length-medium -
![Jock Blocked by Pippa Grant]()
Jock Blocked by Pippa Grant
She can't let him score…. Call it superstition, but when a guy bats as hot as Brooks Elliott, you don't mess with what's working. And what's working is him keeping his pants zipped and doing all of his scoring on the field... -
![Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper]()
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 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... -
![Accidentally In Love with my Best Friend's Brother by Abby Greyson]()
Accidentally In Love with my Best Friend's Brother by Abby Greyson
This is a kisses only, sweet romance. My best friend’s annoying brother, some spilled tea, and a crazy proposition. Josh Owen’s is the top receiver in the NFL, with a bad boy reputation. He’s click bait fodder for any, and all, gossip columns. A released video shows us “kissing”, and the news is spreading like wildfire. Now me, "good girl" Brie, is in the rumor mills with him...Categorized as:
sports siblings-bff from hate to love forced proximity athletes m-f small town sassy heroine -
![Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp]()
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’m sarcasm with a messy bun. He’s a sweetheart with a slapshot. Sparks were one thing—those fireworks, though? Yeah…no one warned me about those. Mabel. Returning to Maple Falls wasn’t part of my five-year plan—or my backup plan. Or any plan, really. But here I am, back in my quirky hometown, dodging my mother’s judgment and trying not to cringe every time someone mentions the viral moment... -
![Beachside Kisses With My Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Kristin Canary]()
Beachside Kisses With My Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Kristin Canary
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the charming town of Hallmark Beach, love’s a food fight when old flames ignite and rivalries simmer. Things were sailing smoothly in my little slice of paradise until Blake “the Flake” Moffitt waltzed back into town, looking far too handsome for his own good—and mine. Once upon a time, I was hopelessly in love with my best friend's brother, but that fairytale is history... -
![Over & Out by Claire Wilder]()
Over & Out by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIntroducing a brand new enemies to lovers romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claire Wilder! Three months ago, a dirt bike accident stole my confidence, my beloved ride, and the one thing that made me feel alive. Now I’m going through the motions in my coastal tourist town, totally adrift… and trying not to think about the stranger who pulled me from the wreckage...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity m-f grumpy sunshine secret-relationship small town office humor -
![Be Still My Racing Heart by Madison Love]()
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... -
![Wrong Number, Right Grump by Piper Cook]()
Wrong Number, Right Grump by Piper Cook
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWrong number. Right timing. I left my ex the world’s most unhinged breakup voicemail—complete with colorful language, a few creative threats, and a playlist he could shove where the sun doesn’t shine. Only…I vented to the wrong number. Worse? The stranger listened to my rambling rant and had the nerve to respond...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine sassy heroine cold hero m-f contemporary humor length-novella dual-pov -
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![Book and Ladder by Savannah Scott]()
Book and Ladder by Savannah Scott
My nemesis is about to ruin my life. Is Patrick O’Connell gorgeous? Unfortunately, yes. Jet-black hair, smoldering eyes, and those muscles I accidentally saw when my friends dragged me to spy on the fireman calendar photo shoot. Is Patrick O’Connell also the bane of my existence? Absolutely. He wrecked my dream years ago, and I’ll never forget what he—and his family—took from me...Categorized as:
m-f from hate to love forced proximity slow burn small town sassy heroine humor length-medium -
![Not That Impressed by Ranee S. Clark]()
Not That Impressed by Ranee S. Clark
I’m totally fine if America wants to cast me as the villain. So why do I care if brooding football player Will Pemberton believes it too? But honestly? It stings more than it should when Will—grumpy football star and walking scowl—judges me based on a five-second video from Being the Bennets, my family’s reality TV show. Maybe it’s because his best friend is dating my sister... -
![Hockey Player Seeking Fan by J.S. Cooper]()
Hockey Player Seeking Fan by J.S. Cooper
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s the hottest hockey player in the league and she hates him. She’s his best friend's little sister and he knows to stay away. Neither one of them fully understands how he became her secret relationship coach. Hockey superstar Tyler Kane knew that Erica Carrington was going to be trouble the very first moment he met her...Categorized as:
siblings-bff sports from hate to love super rich hero hockey age difference contemporary alpha male -
![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... -
![Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa]()
Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings us a light-hearted small-town romantic comedy full of a swoon-worthy billionaire, single dad romance, and big laughs. I need a massive break. So long to my cheating boyfriend and betraying roommate. Goodbye hectic emergency room and long hours... -
![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 siblings-bff from hate to love m-f contemporary dual-pov multicultural humor -
![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:
sports from hate to love forced proximity grumpy sunshine cold hero m-f contemporary humor -
![Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott]()
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...Categorized as:
sports siblings-bff forced proximity m-f multicultural humor contemporary length-medium -
![Perfectly Complicated Christmas Romance by Grace Worthington]()
Perfectly Complicated Christmas Romance by Grace Worthington
He's allergic to Christmas. She practically bleeds tinsel. Their holiday collision is about to get complicated. Single mom Janie Bennett has one pull off the perfect Christmas pageant for her kindergarten class. What she doesn't need is the world's grumpiest hockey player ruining her holly-jolly plans. Enter Rourke Riley, Mr...Categorized as:
sports m-f grumpy sunshine from hate to love forced proximity sweet heroine athletes cold hero -
![Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe way she looks, smells, laughs is killing me. I fell in love with my sister’s best friend. To top it all off, she’s brilliant. And I’m failing Chemistry. Of course, when I get her help, she’s laidback about it. Charming and helpful as always, like she doesn’t know how much I want her. I’ve got to play it cool and let her see a different side of me... -
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![That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson]()
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson
My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…. That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn. Talk about life being unfair. I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay... -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
I moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy... -
![The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant]()
The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant
He's the last man I should've picked for a one night stand. .. See that guy over there? The insanely tall, broad-shouldered, dark-haired, scowling, “I don’t drink coffee” suit? Surprise! He’s the new owner of my family’s mountain café. The café that has been my life purpose since I was born in the kitchen there almost thirty years ago...Categorized as:
super rich hero grumpy sunshine from hate to love forced proximity cold hero m-f humor contemporary -
![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 from hate to love small town m-f contemporary humor military -
![Thunderstruck by Dana LeCheminant]()
Thunderstruck by Dana LeCheminant
Rugby player Cole Evanson doesn’t need romance complicating his life. So when the team’s new athletic trainer—the spunky and stunning Carissa Paxton—arrives, Cole knows he should steer clear and let his teammates make their moves. Easier said than done. Carissa’s vivacious and sweet nature tempts Cole to risk his infamous family curse, which would be a mistake for everyone... -
![Top Shelf by Teagan Hunter]()
Top Shelf by Teagan Hunter
I have two goals this season:. 1. Prove to the Seattle Serpents I’m more than just the old guy. 2. Don’t fall for my captain’s stepsister. In my defense, I had no clue who Vanessa was when we met. We were in a different city. How was I supposed to know she’s my teammate’s stepsister? Now she’s in Seattle, still healing from her divorce, and apparently, she’s here to stay...Categorized as:
sports secret-relationship forced proximity siblings-bff cold hero m-f athletes humor -
![You're Mine: A grumpy sunshine spicy romance by Melody Anne]()
You're Mine: A grumpy sunshine spicy romance by Melody Anne
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsCallan is a man always in control. Sasha is a woman with no plan. Will the two of them destroy each other, or will they go up in flames? Callan is the next brother in the game of boxes to open his so-called gift. He’s being sent to the small town of Seaville. What does this mean? He has no idea... -
![Set My Heart Bonfire by Marika Ray]()
Set My Heart Bonfire by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe's a dashing millionaire who thinks everything in life is one big joke, probably because he bathes in piles of money each morning. He’s also my new neighbor, and after a humiliating experience in the cemetery that is my backyard, he becomes my shadow, showing up everywhere just to annoy me. I’m not a fan of happy people...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love super rich hero small town m-f contemporary humor length-medium -
![The Mistake You Crave by Piper Hale]()
The Mistake You Crave by Piper Hale
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you get when you combine one drunken night in Vegas, your brother’s best friend, and a twenty-four-hour chapel? One giant, hot hockey player mistake. Growing up with a hockey hot-shot for a brother, I’ve spent my life surrounded by cocky men. I know the ins and outs of the games they play both on and off the ice. Which is why I’d never date one of them. And marriage? Absolutely not... -
![Tripp by Alex Wolf, Sloane Howell]()
Tripp by Alex Wolf, Sloane Howell
Tripp Patton is not the guy you take home to meet your mom. He is the number one sports agent in the world, and he didn’t get there by playing nice. On the verge of signing the biggest player of his career, someone gets in his way. Lennon Edwards, a younger agent trying to make a name for herself. She’s hungry for success, relentless, and drop-dead gorgeous... -
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![Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio]()
Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo authors, an intertwined plot, and one heck of an alluring ending to their highly-anticipated bestselling books. .. With her fantasy series, Bridget Paige is the newest member of the New York Times Bestseller list. Except no one knows who she is. To the world, she's Bridget. To those behind the scenes, she's introverted Paige Booker... -
![Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs]()
Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn my defense, I never claimed to be professional. .. At least that’s my excuse for why I mistook a billionaire for a waiter, made off-color comments and accidentally dumped a plate of food all over him. Embarrassing myself is a daily occurrence, just like my unpaid bill notices. But being in a wedding instead of planning one is not...Categorized as:
super rich hero from hate to love grumpy sunshine forced proximity m-f contemporary humor suspense -
![The Atelier Assignment by Annie Dyer]()
The Atelier Assignment by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHer assignment is to not fall in love with him…. Zeke Brooksbank is in need of a wake-up call. One that shakes him out of the grump he’s permanently in and turns him into a reasonable human being. I’m not staying at his country residence to tame the beast. I’m meant to be cataloguing his art collection, not fangirling over his own paintings, or becoming attached to his little daughter... -
![The Baby-whisperer and the Brute by Tru Taylor]()
The Baby-whisperer and the Brute by Tru Taylor
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou can’t appreciate all the implications of the word “conflicted” until you come face to face with the guy you’ve been secretly lusting after for weeks. .. and then learn he’ll be signing your paychecks—Angelina Rappaport. Some people might call me sheltered. That doesn’t begin to cover it. I’ve been practically sequestered my whole life... -
![Temptress by Jessica Prince]()
Temptress by Jessica Prince
Who knew the grumpy single dad next door would turn out to be The One? As Sloane Chambers stood at her window and creeped on the new guy moving in next door, she was immediately drawn to the tattoos, muscles, and the way his jeans hugged his perfect . . . frame. But when she caught him hacking up her rose bushes with a chain saw, the battle was on...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine cold hero from hate to love forced proximity m-f sassy heroine contemporary humor -
![The Ex Puck Bunny by Ellie Hall]()
The Ex Puck Bunny by Ellie Hall
Life Rule #1: Never date your brother’s best friend, especially if he’s a hockey player. He’ll break your heart. Life Rule #2: Never fall for your brother’s other best friend who’s also a hockey player. I’m a former hockey hype girl, aka a puck bunny. After a big win, I fell for the center who happened to be one of my brother’s best friends...Categorized as:
sports m-f from hate to love siblings-bff independent heroine athletes humor length-short
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