Books like 'Check Mate'
Readers who enjoyed Check Mate by Leah Brunner also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny multicultural from hate to love forced proximity
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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... -
I Can't Even by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsEllodie Cassandra Solaire made a single, solitary New Year’s resolution.That resolution was set in stone, and she wouldn’t be breaking it, no matter what.It was simple: Say yes to every person who asks her out on a date until she finds a boyfriend.Easy, right?Wrong.She breaks that New Year’s resolution three months into the year after a guy gives her serial killer vibes...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love suspense contemporary military humor length-medium m-f -
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... -
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... -
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Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTwo enemies. One bed. What could possibly go wrong? Our new general manager is the most difficult man on the planet. The night before Drake begins working at my family's hotel, he finds me in the bar, trying to get rid of a boring date. But the guy won’t take even a not-so-subtle hint. Then Drake surprises me and comes to our table, but only to reprimand ME about dating in our workplace...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity contemporary humor super rich hero office rich heroine m-f -
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 from hate to love small town humor suspense contemporary length-medium m-f -
Devoted Enough by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNathan Shaw has been keeping a secret since high school. It was so tightly intertwined with someone else’s that exposing the darkest facts meant he couldn’t keep the other to himself. He’s had years of holding onto those truths... -
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...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity new adult found-family grumpy sunshine contemporary humor -
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 17 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... -
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... -
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:
multicultural forced proximity sports siblings-bff humor contemporary m-f length-medium -
The Day the Jerk Started Falling by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsMy name is Oliver Arsen, but my mates call me Ollie. I live hard and love harder, and it’s love that usually gets me in the most trouble. According to the greater population, I’m the ultimate jerk. My affection tends to be short-lived—a quality I’ve been assured multiple times by the fairer sex isn’t becoming—and the leaving part of loving and leaving has always come natural... -
Men or Paws by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWatch a dog for three weeks, get fifteen thousand dollars. Piece of cake, right?Wrong.First, I have to stay in my client’s guesthouse while he’s in the main house working on an important project. That may not sound so bad, but HE is Hollywood’s Bad Boy, Rocco Romano, voted “Sexiest Man Alive.”The guy could charm the pants off a mannequin.Luckily he’s not my type.Seriously... -
Men or Paws by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWatch a dog for three weeks, get fifteen thousand dollars. Piece of cake, right?Wrong.First, I have to stay in my client’s guesthouse while he’s in the main house working on an important project. That may not sound so bad, but HE is Hollywood’s Bad Boy, Rocco Romano, voted “Sexiest Man Alive.”The guy could charm the pants off a mannequin.Luckily he’s not my type.Seriously... -
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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 from hate to love contemporary suspense humor sassy heroine length-short -
The Trouble with Love and Ink by Harriet Ashford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEmily Lane is supposed to be on vacation. Instead, she’s in a meeting where a new hire steals the promotion she’s been slotted for. To make matters worse, the promotion thief is a bit of a jerk both inside and outside cubicle walls.Needing an escape, Emily takes on her sister’s dare to work for her calligraphy company. After all, Emily has been perfecting her pointed pen skills for over a decade... -
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... -
Love on Display by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey’re sworn enemies. They also happen to be incredibly attracted to one another.After bonding at a half-marathon, rival gym owners Cam and Kailani discover the person they thought could be their soulmate turns out to be the reason their respective businesses are failing...Categorized as:
from hate to love multicultural sports contemporary humor friends-benefits length-medium -
The Love Fixers by Angela R. Casella
**Book One in a new series of romantic comedies by USA Today-bestselling author Angela Casella**Send help and wine. My sister is trying to set me up with the grump next door.ClaireA few hours after losing my job, I get a call from a stranger who claims I’ve inherited property from my father. I assume it’s a scam, because my dad is very much alive. Turns out my mother is the liar... -
One Last Job by Anise Starre
When designer Amber Wyatt gets the opportunity to project manage a lucrative contract with The August Room, an exclusive and glamorous private members’ club, she can’t wait to get started. That is until she meets handsome managing director, Finn Hawthorne.Finn has no respect for her hard work, continuously undermines her and, worst of all, has the uncanny ability to charm everyone he meets...Categorized as:
from hate to love multicultural forced proximity contemporary humor bwwm dual-pov office -
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:
from hate to love forced proximity contemporary super rich hero humor grumpy sunshine suspense m-f -
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... -
50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover by Kelly Siskind
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom Kelly Siskind comes a slow-burn romantic comedy about one man’s creative attempt to win back his high school sweetheart after a change in fortune gives them a second chance at love.Growing up, I had it all—my art, close friends, a gorgeous girlfriend who owned my heart—but then my life exploded.Turns out my father was laundering money, and my whole family got shoved into witness protection... -
Once Upon a Grump by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAll I wanted was a fresh start.Instead, I got him.Mr. Mysterious Millionaire in His Tower.Mr. Don't Dare Question Me.Mr. Grumpy With a Side of Fine.Well, he’s about to get introduced to his newest employee,Ms. Doesn’t Give A Flying Toot.All right, all right. I’m exaggerating a bit. I give one or two toots, but I just got finished fleeing the ruins of my former life... -
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The Trip by Robin Alexander
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWho wants to take a road trip with two old, bickering women and a complete stranger? Not Jill Savoy. She finds herself behind the wheel of her father’s sacred Winnebago anyway, responsible for her grandmother and adopted aunt, both of whom are mischievous teenagers in old bodies, and then there’s Shay. The last thing on Shay Macaluso’s mind was a vacation... -
Anyone But The Superstar by Sara L. Hudson
Pre-order the brand new instalment in Sara L. Hudson's Anyone But You series!What happens when a moviestar and an heiress, both traveling incognito, have a one-night stand?Johnny, aka Felix Jones, is Hollywood's go-to action star. About to film his first romantic comedy, he's looking to change his image and show he's more than just a six pack with pithy one-liners... -
Twice Knightley in my Bed: A friends-to-lovers romance by Serenity Woods
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIt’s been zero days since I realized I’m in love with Leander Knight.Lee, or Knightley as everyone calls him, is my brother’s best mate, and he’s always treated me like his kid sister. Okay, so he might not put cockroaches in my lunchbox and lizards down my neck anymore, but even though we work together every day at Hartfield Wildlife Hospital, he’s never seemed interested in me in that way... -
Going Down by Cat Wynn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsColin Rush is an overworked hotshot at a Big Four consulting firm. His neighbor Emma Smith is a cutesy but reserved first grade teacher who’s never so much as glanced in his direction. Needless to say, Colin’s positive that Emma’s not his type, and, in turn, Emma thinks Colin is an intimidating player, and probably a jerk. Frankly, they avoid each other at all costs... -
Charlie Takes a Chance: An Enemies to Lovers Romantic Comedy by Carina Taylor
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen Charlie is hired to repair a lodge in Pine Ridge, she's stuck sharing a house with the grumpy ranch manager. And he is not happy she's here.Charlie is exhausted—tired of being told she’s “too much” and sick of boyfriends who stick around as long as a temporary tattoo... -
Perfectly Faked by Grace Worthington
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s a hot-headed hockey star. A grump with a broody glare. Hater of playing by the rules. Bigger hater of figure skaters like me. And now, my new fake boyfriend.I’ve spent my entire life working for a shot at Nationals, but when my figure skating partner gets an injury right before the biggest season of my career, my chances of making a comeback vanish overnight...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love contemporary sports hockey second chances humor length-medium -
Mixed Up with a Marine by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsCan a Marine turned baker and a jaded contractor find their way to a second chance?Braxton Whitmore needs a change. After leaving the Marines, he’s free to build a new life. But is he gonna be a baker? Really? When his buddy inherits a decrepit bar and proposes they partner up to turn it into a bakery, Brax figures why not? Until his ex comes walking in... -
Isabelle and the Beast: A Sweet Rom-Com Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Marie Soleil
It 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... -
The Suit by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHave you ever met someone who makes your blood boil simply by existing? Or turn your notorious, ice-cool demeanor volcanic in a nanosecond? Perhaps smother your usual air of indifference with a lightning-charged thundercloud, threatening to strike at any moment?Because that’s what she does.It’s been seven peaceful years since I last saw Beulah Holmes... -
Baby For The Off Limits Boss Daddy by Callie Stevens
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI never thought I'd break the bro code and HR rules in one fell swoop.Rowan Headley tops the list of people I never wanted to see again.She shattered my best friend's heart, turning him into a shell of his former self.I hate her for what she did.But guess who my company's new hire is?Yep, the last person I expected - Rowan Headley.It’s awkward, it’s tense, but we have to put up with each other... -
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Luca & Ivy and the Four Calling Birds by Ellie Hall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWould you rather be stranded in a snowstorm with Miss All-things Christmas or the Grinch?IvyIf you ever find yourself on the run, do not, I repeat, do not drive off the road and into an icy pond. Should you have such an accident, do not wander into the woods to a chalet with a blazing fire. But if you lose feeling in your toes and go inside to warm up, do not, I repeat, do not, doze off...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love christmas contemporary grumpy sunshine humor length-short -
CONFLICTING VENTURES by A.K. Landow
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsSkylar Lawrence is the quiet sister. The one that doesn’t need to be the center of attention. The one who wants happiness above all else. She’s been content to stay in the background and support her sisters as their stars shine bright.She internalizes her struggles. The lingering pain of losing her father, followed by the ending of her relationship with the man she thought was her forever... -
Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens… Dessa should have been mine... until my brother kissed her first. Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother... -
Bride or Die by Madison Score
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsProposal planner Claire Hartley thought calling off her own wedding would be the most traumatic event of her year. But when her ex-college roommate vanishes without a trace and Claire begins receiving mysterious threats, she realizes she has bigger problems...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity mystery office contemporary suspense humor length-long -
Game On by Riley Hart, Devon McCormack
CARTER Relationships--who needs 'em? As a personal-assistant-extraordinaire to one of the top PR firms in Los Angeles, I've dedicated most of my life to errand-running and people-pleasing. But when it comes to men, as much as I love to please them in the bedroom, I'm way too busy to give more than that. Fortunately, as far as my options go..Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity m-m humor contemporary friends-benefits queer explicit-open-door -
Charlie Takes a Chance by Carina Taylor
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen Charlie is hired to repair a lodge in Pine Ridge, she's stuck sharing a house with the grumpy ranch manager. And he is not happy she's here.Charlie is exhausted—tired of being told she’s “too much” and sick of boyfriends who stick around as long as a temporary tattoo... -
Dear Hattie by Cassie Mint
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHattie’s Guide to Crushing on Your Workplace Arch Nemesis:Rule one: Do not engage. Do not give that doorway-leaning, sinful-smirking jerk the satisfaction.Rule two: No more late nights together in the office. No more sparks flying by the water cooler. And absolutely no tackling him into the corporate ball pit.Rule three: Never forget that you loathe each other. Never admit to any squishy feelings...Categorized as:
from hate to love multicultural contemporary office dual-pov humor length-novella m-f -
Complex by Kortney Keisel
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTiny Little Lie #1: I want the new resort in Turks and Caicos to open on schedule.Tiny Little Lie #2:I'm not falling for Luke McKenna.Unfortunately, those tiny little lies snowballed into something bigger. Much bigger. Now I'm stuck.It sounds bad. But I'm not a bad person. I'm doing the right thing...I think. I'm telling myself I'm a superhero in heels, saving people I care about... -
A Manny for Christmas by Sara Madderson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMOLLYSingle parenting is not what Nancy Meyers made it out to be. There isn’t a hydrangea or hot younger doctor in sight. Not even a charming widower with an improbably festive home.Instead, my life is all flaky ex-husband, messy kitchen, grimy (if gorgeous) kids, and an alarm call at the arse-crack of dawn each day. To top it off, I have no childcare. I’m desperate...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love christmas contemporary humor small town length-medium -
Dirty Business by Sylvia Hart
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMy anonymous one-night-stand is the billionaire who bought my family’s resort. Now my dreams are going up in smoke… and Dante’s holding the match.I never meant to fall in lust with the handsome stranger. But a spilled drink, a charming smile, and a game of chance later, I’m left moaning his name. It’s incredible.Until it isn’t...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love dual-pov super rich hero contemporary humor length-long -
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Play Smart by Aly Stiles
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNash Ellis knows music. Producing, performing, writing—if it involves the creative process he’s there for it. He knows nothing about copy machines. Or financial reports. Or anything related to the stuck-up business world his best friends have been chasing since they were kids. But Nash also needs money, so when his roommate gets him a paid internship at Reedweather Media, he reluctantly agrees...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love contemporary humor new adult dual-pov office length-long -
His Christmas Gift by R.S. Elliot
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy high school enemy is my new boss. He’s also my fake fiancé and now…I’m having his baby.AutumnWhen my aunt sold her gym, I thought I was going to lose my job.Instead, I just got a new billionaire boss.The man I crushed on in high school even though he and his friends bullied me relentlessly.Dean is still gorgeous, confident, and totally not my type...Categorized as:
multicultural from hate to love contemporary new adult humor christmas angst length-short -
Lord of the Manor by Aven Ellis
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI hate Nicholas Banfield, Viscount Longwood. He’s cocky. Annoying. And most of all, he’s a liar.So why is he living rent-free in my head every hour I’m awake, and sometimes when I’m asleep?It may have something to do with the fact that I’m working on his historic estate. And . . . I may have had a crush on him that one summer when we were nineteen... -
The Hotel Inspector by Sienna Waters
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRoom service has never been so much fun...Ice queen hotel inspector Isla Seymour loves nothing more than her career. She’s demanding, critical, and terrible with people. Until a buy-out means she’s on shaky ground and about to take on what could be her last assignment.Hotel owner Katie Taylor is a washed-up singer with a heart of gold...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity f-f age difference humor contemporary queer length-medium -
I Do [Hate You] by Sienna Blake, Sarah Willows
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRemember that time when you woke up naked and handcuffed to Sydney’s biggest player the day before your wedding to someone else?Yeah, well… neither do I.James Kane.Arrogant Playboy Billionaire.He eats companies for breakfast and pu$$y for dinner.My brother’s best friend. And totally off-limits.Which is why nobody knows that James and I have a wedding…situation... -
The Lying Game: A sweet grumpy/sunshine, small town romcom by Sara Jane Woodley
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGetting trapped in a rundown motel with a grumpy stranger wasn’t how this night was supposed to end, but at least I’ll never have to see him again. Until he becomes my new roommate…When a dating disaster leaves me heartbroken, muddy, and stranded on the side of the road in the pouring rain, the last thing I expect is for an impossibly hot (and impossibly grouchy) man to offer me a ride home...
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