Books like 'Bad Cruz'
Readers who enjoyed Bad Cruz by L.J. Shen also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny single-mother angst new adult forbidden love poor heroine m-f forced proximity small town
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No Easy Dare by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsSecret heir. Pompous womanizer. King of lies. And my protector. Hunter McQuaid is definitely a fish out of water. Or maybe a shark out of the tank. He's a cocky, arrogant, playboy. Something he shouldn't be considering he can barely scrape together the rent for his craptastic apartment. After an ill-advised one-nighter with him, I end up pregnant. Which puts me in a precarious position... -
![Without You: Scotch and Sammy duet - book 2 by Emilia Finn]()
Without You: Scotch and Sammy duet - book 2 by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsSammy I left because I thought I was doing the right thing. I was falling on my sword. I thought I was saving everyone a lot of heart ache, and in exchange, I took all that ache on my own. I was supposed to be the hero, but instead I was the villain.He hates me with every fiber of his being…It’s been thirteen years since we last saw each other. It turns out ghosts can’t be buried... -
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![The Start of Something Wonderful by Jessica Redland]()
The Start of Something Wonderful by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsAutumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn't appear to be the answer... -
![Time by Penny Reid]()
Time by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid A (brokenhearted) physicist. Now an infamous (who is LITERALLY EVERYWHERE!! UGH!) musician. The worst has already happened. Mona has learned that she has nothing figured out and plans are meaningless. After leaving her in Aspen, Abram is now breaking sales-records, rising to rock star fame almost overnight. Mona can’t seem to escape him...Categorized as:
new adult m-f second chances angst from hate to love humor contemporary friends to lovers -
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![Space by Penny Reid]()
Space by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny ReidOne week.Private cabin.Famous physicist.Still an unrepentant slacker.What’s the worst that could happen?Mona’s meticulously planned allotment of relaxation is thrown into chaos by the unscheduled appearance of her older brother’s band of friends, including the one person she'd hoped to never face again...Categorized as:
new adult second chances from hate to love angst forced proximity m-f humor contemporary -
![Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe]()
Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBrooding, grumpy Des has a problem. He needs a date to his family's Thanksgiving reunion for reasons he'd...rather not say.Single mother and all-around hot mess Mia has an even bigger issue: She can't afford her rent, and her new landlord Des is a major you-know-what.So, they make a deal. One simple weekend away in exchange for a serious rent reduction... -
![Enticing Her Love: Sutton Steele by Melissa Foster]()
Enticing Her Love: Sutton Steele by Melissa Foster
Pro: 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 Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score]()
The Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score
Davis Gates. Naked. Tossing her a handful of orgasms like he was on a lust-themed parade float. A fifty-year feud.One failed smoke bomb matchmaking scheme.Two enemies turned fake lovers. For the past fifteen years, Eden has worked her ass off to overcome high school. She’s cornered the tourism market in Blue Moon offering visitors a place to stay in her hippie, dippy hometown... -
![Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown]()
Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBack home is the best place to start over in a heart-stirring Texas romance about friendship, second chances, and small-town scandals by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.Riverbend, Texas, doesn’t look like the crossroads of anywhere. But for four high school besties reuniting after twenty years, it’s a place to unpack a lot of baggage... -
![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... -
![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... -
![The Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman]()
The Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA beautiful vineyard. A new beginning. A summer that will change their lives forever...Linzi arrived at Green Valley Vineyard nine years ago, in need of a fresh start. In the lush emerald countryside and ripening grapes, she finally has a place to call home.But Linzi's world is rocked when the owner announces he is retiring, and his grandson is taking over... -
![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... -
![Jump by Emilia Finn]()
Jump by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI was a smokejumper for the majority of my career.Flinging out of planes at 15,000 feet and hoping to land with my bones in tact and a plan to slay wildfire quickly, safely, and with my crew all in one piece.Ainsley was a regular firefighter.You know, the kind who lives in town, rides in a truck, and wields a hose to save houses and hotels.We were a match made in adrenaline junky heaven... -
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![Dangerous Fling by Crystal Kaswell]()
Dangerous Fling by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHe's her rock star crush, her go-to fantasy, and he's offering to make all her dreams come true... Rock star Malcolm Strong is used to being in control. Of the band. Of his feelings. Of the woman he has tied to his bed. He never gets close enough to get hurt. He never wants to. Until Lacey. The sassy brunette is working on the band's latest music video... -
![The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini]()
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 forced proximity sweet-hero forbidden love second chances angst contemporary -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI 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... -
![Jerk It by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Jerk It by Lani Lynn Vale
Mavis always assumed that she would be in a hospital with the good drugs when her time came. Not in the middle of the road, with no one around but the damn town mechanic that hated her.But there she was, having a rock star’s baby, with no one to rely on but the one that let it be known around every turn that she was a horrible person...Categorized as:
from hate to love pregnancy single-mother contemporary humor explicit-open-door audiobook -
![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 seriesLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatAll’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 -
![Anger Banger by S.M. Shade]()
Anger Banger by S.M. Shade
The residents of Happy Haven Trailer park have been waiting for this for a long time. The slumlord who abandoned this place and let our homes deteriorate has been court ordered to live here while making repairs. Imagine our surprise when the guy who shows up to move in to the dilapidated trailer across the street isn't the sixty year old man we expected, but his son... -
![Reputation by Adriana Locke]()
Reputation by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsCoy Mason is a jerk.If there is one truth that Bellamy Davenport knows, it’s that. Hands-down. (Well, that and the fact that she didn’t mean to hurt him. Physically. Coy can’t be hurt emotionally because he doesn’t have a heart.)Coy is not just the small-town, literal boy-next-door...Categorized as:
second chances from hate to love new adult contemporary humor friends to lovers audiobook -
![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 -
![Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil]()
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 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 -
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![Yours for the Holiday by K. Nicole]()
Yours for the Holiday by K. Nicole
My father's gambling got out of control. I had no idea he had gotten a loan from the devils — Kyro and Krue Francis. One evening, they paid my father an unexpected visit, wanting their money. Somehow, I ended up in the middle of my father's mess and arranged to be at Krue's home by midnight. If not, it would cost my father's life.. -
![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 -
![Nailed by Cora Brent]()
Nailed by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA scorching ‘enemies to lovers’ office romance proves hazardous in this new stand-alone from NYT and USA Today bestselling author Cora Brent. The good news: Audrey Gordon has just received a dream assignment managing one of the city’s largest construction projects. The bad news: She’ll be teamed up with cocky office rival and former lover Jason Roma... -
![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:
from hate to love forced proximity new adult grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary humor sports -
![Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar]()
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... -
![Where Time Stands Still by N.S. Perkins]()
Where Time Stands Still by N.S. Perkins
Twenty-six-year-old Wren Lawson knows she will soon forget who she is. With early familial Alzheimer’s disease written in her genes, it’s a fact she’s wrapped her whole life around; to indulge in friends or romance is a risk for everyone around her—one she’s not keen on taking. Throwing herself into her work as a lawyer is the only thing she can do...Categorized as:
angst forced proximity new adult forbidden love friends-benefits sweet-hero m-f christmas -
![Just Don't Call Me Yours by Heather Garvin]()
Just Don't Call Me Yours by Heather Garvin
Sometimes it's hard to strike the right chord. Margot Reid has everything prepared for her first year of college. She picked her major, registered early for classes, and even brought the perfect roommate. The one thing she didn’t plan for is the annoying guy who plays guitar across the hall. Jackson Phillips may be insanely good looking, but he’s also insufferable... -
![The Even Odder Couple by Julie Christianson]()
The Even Odder Couple by Julie Christianson
Spencer Crane thinks I’m a human tornado.I think he’s a calendar app come to life.While he schedules? I spin-out.When I spontaneously combust? He overcompensates.And this is why convincing my new boss to hire him is a completely brilliant idea.You see, workplace romance is forbidden, but attraction between total opposites like Spencer and me is a non-issue.I repeat: Non. Issue... -
![Sure Shot by Kat Mizera]()
Sure Shot by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWelcome to Fort Lauderdale... where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter!I gave up everything for hockey… even my chance at love. But relocating to Florida to be the starting goalie for the Lauderdale Knights is still the best decision I’d ever made. I have everything… except someone to share it with... -
![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 small town m-f contemporary super rich hero humor length-medium -
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![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:
small town m-f grumpy sunshine forced proximity single-mother age difference contemporary humor -
![Summer Hate by Melissa Ivers]()
Summer Hate by Melissa Ivers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe was the last person I wanted to see on my girls trip, let alone share a room with.Donovan Fitzroy is grumpy. Irritable. Annoyingly perfect. And as handsome as he is uptight. He’s also my best friend’s older brother.My bestie promised me a relaxing week at her family owned resort, but when I got there all I got was an apologetic phone call and a promise that her brother would take care of me... -
![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 from hate to love new adult forbidden love m-f humor contemporary -
![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... -
![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:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine forced proximity m-f contemporary super rich hero humor suspense -
![Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date by Lilian Monroe]()
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 from hate to love forced proximity contemporary humor office audiobook -
![Return to You by Melanie Shawn]()
Return to You by Melanie Shawn
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsStand-alone Whisper Lake romance, complete with HEA--and plenty of heat and heart along the way! There is a thin line between love and hate. For Allison Walsh, that line was a tightrope hanging a hundred feet in the air, with no safety net to catch her if--or when--she fell. Ali was barely treading water after losing her big brother, who was her hero and best friend... -
![The Fix-Up by Sharon M. Peterson]()
The Fix-Up by Sharon M. Peterson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEllie should probably have listened to the part where inheriting her house came with a hot, grumpy stranger and six months to figure it all out…Ellie Sterns is a twenty-eight-year-old single mother who only ever seems to date seriously questionable men. But she’s just inherited both a home and thriving café, so life is looking up... -
![Rock And A Hard Place by Juliana Smith]()
Rock And A Hard Place by Juliana Smith
Sometimes history repeats itself, sometimes it rewrites itself entirely in this second chance, parent-trap-style romantic comedy. Someone was playing a cruel joke on Marigold Wells. And she had a feeling she knew exactly who it was. Ever since their divorce seven years ago, Marigold’s ex husband, Liam, had been making it his personal mission to push her beyond all her boundaries...Categorized as:
forced proximity single-mother new adult m-f second chances single-father humor length-medium -
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![Through the Lens by K.K. Allen]()
Through the Lens by K.K. Allen
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 16 ratings"He thought I was his muse. Turned out, he was mine too."Maggie Stevens is done feeling objectified.After spending her entire life in the spotlight and climbing the high fashion ranks as a model in LA, she’s willing to leave it all behind for a fresh start. Moving to Seattle seems like the perfect solution.A clean slate.New adventures.Endless opportunities.All is going according to plan... -
![Speak From The Heart: a small town romance by L.B. Dunbar]()
Speak From The Heart: a small town romance by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsWhen a small town, single father becomes enemies with the new girl in town, it’s either keep fighting her or give in to what his heart wants most.Emily Post isn’t staying. Back at her grandmother’s summer home, she’s only in Elk Lake City for a visit which can’t end soon enough. Especially when she can’t seem to get away from one grumpy repairman who shows up everywhere...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love small town contemporary humor single-father length-short -
![You've Got To Be Kidding by Ali Parker]()
You've Got To Be Kidding by Ali Parker
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe last time I saw my baby daddy, we were in the backseat of a limo at his brother’s wedding.Making magic—or a kiddo.No judging. There was a lot of liquor involved and the man is a god.He passed out before I could tell him my name, but payback is hell.I stole his pants for good measure. I’m sure he enjoyed that.It was supposed to be one night of fun...Categorized as:
from hate to love pregnancy single-mother humor contemporary secret child length-medium -
![Juicy Pickle: A Deserted Island with the Boss Romantic Comedy by J.J. Knight]()
Juicy Pickle: A Deserted Island with the Boss Romantic Comedy by J.J. Knight
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCan you imagine getting stuck alone on a deserted island with the person you hate most in the world? And no end in sight?Well, that’s me. Bailey Johansson, former assistant to the absolute worst boss ever to boss in the boss world. Stranded on a tiny island owned by a cruise line in an abandoned party hut.In a tropical storm.This is not a love story.It’s not a tale of redemption or heroism...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity new adult m-f contemporary humor length-medium first-person-pov -
![The Winning Score by G.K. Brady]()
The Winning Score by G.K. Brady
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe can’t stand him. The feeling is mutual. Can they make it through quarantine together?Quinn Hadley only does one thing as well as he plays hockey—wheeling the ladies. He’s the envy of his teammates. With puck bunnies on speed dial in every city, he never spends a night alone unless it’s by choice. He has a certain type—hot, blond, and easy... -
![Vibes & Feels by Sarah Skye]()
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...
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