Books like 'Not the man I thought he was'
Readers who enjoyed Not the man I thought he was by Phoebe MacLeod also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny m-f height-difference forced proximity independent heroine sassy heroine shy-hero sweet-hero
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Becoming A Vincent by C.M. Owens
When you live in a place where “turbo speed” internet is a slight step above dial-up, men carry on nine-year beard-growing challenges out of stubborn pride, and your brothers do things like nail all your panties to the outside of your cabin just for funsies, you tend to be a little crazy. You can call it a "locational" hazard, if you will. That’s Tomahawk for you... -
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 5 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy romcom!Wakana has spent every summer vacation on his own.. -
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 4 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsA loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy romcom!The preparations for Marin and JuJu's group cosplay steadily advance...until at long last, the costumes are complete!!That should just leave the photo shoot..Categorized as:
m-f shy-hero sweet-hero humor contemporary length-short high-school cheerful heroine -
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:
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Alice Taylor is More Than a Princess by Jen Atkinson
He’s a man with a secret. She’s honest to a fault—and about to blow his cover.Alice Taylor is ready to leave her small-town life behind and start fresh. When the opportunity to work for billionaire Billy Baxter—who’s launching a professional soccer team—lands in her lap, she jumps at the chance.Adventure, a new city, and a career? Yes, please.Only Alice didn’t plan on Will... -
Reckless by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 26 ratings“How did you get in here?”That’s not what you want to hear when you’re staring into the sea-green eyes of the hottest man you’ve ever seen. Yet I suppose it’s a fair question, considering I’m an uninvited stranger standing in Boone Mason’s kitchen.If you think that’s bad—just wait. It gets worse...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary humor christian insta-love single-mother audiobook -
Trouble by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsShe wants something real. He wants something now. Together they’re trouble in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s sexy and funny twice-in-a-lifetime love story. With his shameless grin and let’s-play swagger, carpenter Penn Etling leaves women wanting in Dogwood Lane. What do they get? Avery Perry knows: a one-night stand. She’s been there...Categorized as:
independent heroine m-f humor new adult contemporary friends to lovers length-medium audiobook -
The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFamily, wounded hearts, and a Texas bed-and-breakfast are in need of repair in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s inviting novel about down-home comfort and second chances.Cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae are due for a change...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f small town friends to lovers contemporary humor christian audiobook -
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... -
Give Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe was my first love. Now he's my roommate. And he won't stop until he wins me back.Conned out of my business I have no other choice but to move back home to Chicago. I’m determined to rebuild everything, but I’m so broke that I can’t even afford to pay rent.Then my first love, Sam Maxwell, unexpectedly pops back into my life and turns out to be my knight in shining armor...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f humor super rich hero friends to lovers contemporary length-short audiobook -
The Last Sad Love Song by Kimberly Brown
“When wounds are healed by love, the scars are beautiful.” —David BowlesCalliope “Callie” Palmer is one year fresh out of a relationship with a heartbreaking end. Since she decided to focus on herself and her bakery, the last thing Callie was looking for again was love. When her best friend recruited her for a photoshoot with her fiancé, Callie had a feeling she was being set up...Categorized as:
m-f independent heroine sweet-hero length-short contemporary humor insta-love black-mc -
Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThings are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day.Aren't they?ClarabellaDid I want to get married today?It's hard to say when he proposed in front of over a hundred people.Everything happened so fast, and I thought it was just nerves.It was not.The knock on the door showed me that what I was feeling was more than just cold feet.I was a runaway bride... -
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:
forced proximity m-f small town humor suspense contemporary from hate to love length-medium -
The Christmas List by Maren Moore
From bestselling author of The Mistletoe Bet, Maren Moore comes a second chance, single dad, holiday novella full of Christmas sugar and spice. I love Christmas. So much so that in my smalltown I’m known as The Queen of Christmas. And no one knows holiday festivities quite like Strawberry Hollow. Only this Christmas season delivers an unexpected twist in the form of Wyatt Owens...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity height-difference independent heroine sweet-hero humor christmas contemporary -
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Chasing Christmas Eve by Jill Shalvis
Meet cute... Run for the hills—temporarily . That's Colbie Albright's plan when she flees New York for San Francisco. Wrangling her crazy family by day and writing a bestselling YA fantasy series by night has taken its toll. In short, Colbie's so over it that she's under it. She's also under the waters of a historic San Francisco fountain within an hour of arrival... -
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...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary humor grumpy sunshine friends to lovers dual-pov glimpses-kisses -
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... -
Coming Swoon by Sarah Estep
A sequel twelve years in the making….Peter Green has led a charmed life. Born to be Hollywood royalty, he’s a leading man with a heart of gold. All that’s missing from his life is love. But he gave his heart away twelve years ago and he doesn’t want it back. When a PR disaster on his mother’s latest film hands him his dream role, it feels like fate...Categorized as:
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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... -
The Bright Side of Christmas by Morgan Elizabeth
Wren King is the one person in town everyone can rely on: need someone to watch your kids? She’s got it, you deserve a night off! Want a five dozen cookies for a bake sale? Call up Wren; she loves to bake. As the small town of Holly Ridge’s sweetheart, she’s always available to help, even if it leaves little time for herself along the way. But this holiday season, it’s ramped up to the next level... -
Undeniable Temptation by Eden Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHaunted by a kiss. With his destructive marriage behind him, Ryan Bennett can no longer deny his insatiable attraction to the one woman in control of his future. He needs her. Craves her. She’s the only glimpse of happiness through the building drama in his life and yet one drunken kiss has pushed her further away. Tormented by what’s at stake... -
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:
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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 forced proximity m-f humor contemporary strong heroine alpha male tortured hero -
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:
forced proximity m-f sports multicultural siblings-bff humor contemporary length-medium -
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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... -
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
independent heroine sassy heroine m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers strong heroine audiobook -
Meet Hate Love by Stevie J. Cole
I hated Vance Morgan, my arrogant office mate, more than anyone in the world. And yet, there I was, on a Paris-bound flight, cramped in the small space by his six-foot-four, arrogant frame. And why? Because after the sexy, thieving bastard stole my dream assignment, I found out he had a Lonely Fans page. One dedicated to pictures of his man-meat stick in front of world monuments...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f sassy heroine sweet-hero new adult humor office from hate to love -
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...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity independent heroine sassy heroine shy-hero sweet-hero contemporary humor -
Wishing for Champagne Kisses by Brittanee Nicole
Best Friends Don’t Kiss.Ryan Manning has been my best friend since we were kids. He’s my secret keeper. The holder of all my truths and the person I admire most in the world. He’s also a Lumbersnack and the man I’ve secretly pined after for decades.But we don’t talk about that.I’m just here in Lake Tahoe for the next week to play the part of his doting girlfriend...Categorized as:
forced proximity sweet-hero sassy heroine m-f humor friends to lovers contemporary christmas -
Bridge of Lies by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBetrayal was such a simple word. But such a complex emotion. The woman I loved had turned her back on me. Taken everything I’d offered and thrown it away.I may have vowed to protect her, but she's thrown down the gauntlet. And no matter how much I crave her, there will be consequences.Emma Varma might be the beauty, but now she’ll meet the beast. I’ll keep my vow... -
Pining For You by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve been in love with my best friend since the day I met her freshman year of high school. She was a halo of sunshine on a rainy day, pulling me out of the shadows and making me feel like life was one big roller-coaster ride of excitement. Until the day we graduated and she left on the back of a Harley with some guy who didn’t deserve her, middle fingers in the air... -
Never Fall for the Bride's Father by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsPower outages. Runaway brides. Collapsed wedding cakes. Tainted caviar. Handsy grooms. And the always jealous MILs who wear white.No wedding catastrophe can faze Katie Gallagher, because when you plan for the worst, you deliver the best.The best wedding ever.Her company, Wedding Protectors, Inc., promises happily ever afters. Guaranteed. Whatever it takes...Categorized as:
sassy heroine m-f sweet-hero from hate to love age difference humor contemporary length-medium -
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... -
One Hundred Desires by Kelly Collins
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s all work.He’s all play.Can they meet in the middle for love?Vivian Armstrong has taken control of Vortex, her family's security business, and she’s determined to prove her worth. She may be the youngest of seven and the only woman bodyguard on the team, but she’s every bit as tough as her older brothers...Categorized as:
forced proximity sassy heroine contemporary suspense humor from hate to love length-short audiobook -
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The Wedding Jinx by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA a person or thing that brings bad luck.I'm Mila Banks, the ultimate jinx. Not just in theory—I've got a track record. Seven weddings, seven disasters. Everything from a groom with a concussion to an attack of red ants (a long story) has happened because of me. So, when my bestie, Nadia, insists on making me her maid of honor, I can't help but try to find a way out of it... -
A Love Like You by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter Mick Routlege catches the garter at his best friend’s wedding, everyone is convinced he’s next. Too bad the only woman he wants has him lodged firmly in the friend zone.Between her job as a nurse and the demands of her family, Juliette Chen feels like the world is on her shoulders...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f sweet-hero friends to lovers contemporary christmas humor small town -
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... -
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... -
I Just Want to be Yours by Heather Garvin
Overcoming it all to hit the perfect note. All of Jackson Phillips’ dreams are coming true. His band is finally getting the recognition it deserves, he’s spending the summer with his best friend, and he can’t get enough of his gorgeous girlfriend. But everything is about to change when American Thieves goes on tour...Categorized as:
m-f independent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero contemporary new adult humor explicit-open-door -
Not As Planned by Harlow James
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“So you’re single?” “Are you seriously hitting on me right now while I have breastmilk all over my shirt?”When Grant Thomas, the handsome stranger standing in front of me in line at the coffee shop, stripped his uniform shirt off and handed it to me, I could have sworn I was on an episode of Punked...Categorized as:
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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... -
Thick by Scott Hildreth
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBOBBI - Tate Reynolds was muscular, tattooed, and handsome. Seeing beyond his physical attributes allowed me to understand that the man beneath all the muscles was a compassionate, kind, and understanding romantic. I wanted him so bad I could taste it. There was only one real problem. He was an inmate in prison. And, I was a prison guard. TATE - Bobbi Madden was gorgeous... -
Falling for My Enemy by Claire Kingsley
“I thought if I could crack the code to falling in love, maybe someday it would work for me.”Corban Nash is a self-proclaimed data nerd with a sexy half smile and a set of abs that leave girls drooling. He developed a theory he claims will make two people fall in love. And after numerous tests on friends and family, it’s been successful for everyone who’s tried it...Categorized as:
shy-hero independent heroine sassy heroine m-f forced proximity contemporary new adult humor -
Opposites Attract by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsDelilah Northcutt has been described as weird, nerdy. But her favorite term is quirky. The eccentric flower shop owner definitely marches to the beat of her own drum. On the rebound from a cheating ex, she’s not looking to open her heart to someone else any time soon... -
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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... -
The Fast Lane by Sharon M. Peterson
A totally hilarious friends-to-lovers, brother’s best friend romantic comedyHe’s the only person who can give me a ride to my brother’s wedding, and he’s also the one man I absolutely CANNOT have feelings for. My brother’s best friend is strictly off limits… Isn’t he?I should have known my mom would go totally overboard packing for my brother’s big day... -
Spare Me by Tara Sivec
Ryan Hutton has spent his entire life being the shy, nerdy, rule-following nice guy on Summersweet Island. He’s the high school bowling coach and algebra teacher, who’s always predictable, and he’s always been fine with that. At least until a sexy nutjob gives him the best kiss of his life in his favorite pizza place. Suddenly, he doesn’t like being the quiet, obedient nice guy anymore...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f independent heroine sweet-hero shy-hero sassy heroine sports humor -
Blue Balls by R.C. Boldt
BLUE BALLS Truth: A painful condition caused by a prolonged state of sexual arousal without release. Myth: Only affects males. SARAH I’m beyond frustrated with the man who’s left me high and very far from dry. Multiple times. But, somehow, even though I’m not interested in a relationship, Mr...Categorized as:
m-f height-difference independent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero humor new adult contemporary -
A Lodge Affair by Rachel LaBerge
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIvy Lawson loves a to-do list, hates surprises, and the only outdoor activity she’s interested in is brunch on a patio. After catching her long-term boyfriend—and co-worker—cheating, she’s thrown into leading a high-profile client event at The Emerald Canopy Lodge. AKA: her nightmare destination. Ivy finds herself desperate and anxious to get her job done and leave the lodge as soon as possible...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine dual-pov humor length-medium childfree-couple -
Three Little Words by Jenny Holiday
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGia Gallo is officially in bridesmaid hell. Stranded in New York with her best friend's wedding dress, Gia has six days to make it to Florida in time for the ceremony. And oh-so-charming best man Bennett Buchanan has taken the last available rental car. Looks like she's in for one long road trip with the sexiest - and most irritating - Southern gentleman she's ever met..Categorized as:
sassy heroine forced proximity m-f humor contemporary tortured hero famous heroine length-medium
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