Books like 'The Mistletoe Motive'
Readers who enjoyed The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny from hate to love neurodivergent christmas office grumpy sunshine cold hero slow burn demi-sexual-heroine
-
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Vol. 6 by Fujita
THE TRUE END, OR JUST THE BEGINNING? Narumi slips up in front of her work friends, and the anxiety of outing herself as an otaku forces her to retreat inward. While Hirotaka is quick to console her, a difference in opinion devolves into an argument...Categorized as:
m-f office cheerful heroine sassy heroine nerdy-hero contemporary humor friends to lovers -
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Vol. 3 by Fujita
A tall, quiet gamer boy and a geeky girl whose life revolves around yaoi manga are old friends, but when they start working in the same office, they decide to date. It's a relationship of convenience at first, but could it become something more? This manga comedy is now a hit streaming anime! Extra-long book includes 2 Japanese volumes! SUMMER ROMANCE FOR NERDS... -
Sponsored links / Remove ads
-
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... -
How to Kiss on Christmas Morning by Jenny Proctor
She’s merry and bright. He’s…. not. But something between them is warming up. Megan Sheridan just landed the perfect holiday a quiet week in the mountains house-sitting an event venue while the owners are away. Check the mail, answer the phone, keep the pipes from freezing—easy. The only trouble? No one told Megan she’d be sharing the farmhouse with a very grouchy, very handsome farmhand... -
-
My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh
A humiliating break-up leads to an impulsive New Year’s Kiss with a complete stranger. What could possibly go wrong? It’s no secret that I love life. And Dr Pepper. But also, I love a challenge. . . So when the coach of the Chicago Comets gives me the opportunity to help their star player, newly traded to their team, acclimate to life in Chicago, I'm all in. I have to be...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine office hockey m-f cheerful heroine cold hero athletes height-difference -
Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
It’s a room-mance for the books in this tender, steamy story about unexpectedly finding love and being brave enough to let it revise life’s narrative in the final book in the beloved Bergman Brothers series. Viggo Bergman, hopeless romantic, is thoroughly weary of waiting for his happily ever after... -
A Holly Jilly Christmas by Emma St. Clair
My life is nothing like the movies we make at the studio where I work--especially not when it comes to relationships. Which means that there will be absolutely NO romance between me and Case, the grumpy exec I've had a crush on from our very first not-so-meet-cute. We're simply two coworkers scouting the town of Sheet Cake, Texas as a location for filming. That's it...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity from hate to love cold hero office grumpy sunshine humor christian -
Betting on the Best Friend: a Sweet Romantic Comedy by Melanie Jacobson
I helped all my roommates find love. Now they want revenge. When my besties present me with a plan to find the man of my dreams, I pass. Easily. Until my recent ex of five years very publicly announces his engagement to someone he just met. If dating shows him I’m happy and thriving, I’m all in. But after half a dozen nightmare dates, I’m having doubts...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn office cheerful heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero nerdy-hero contemporary -
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
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:
christmas grumpy sunshine m-f slow burn cheerful heroine cold hero sweet-hero contemporary -
Cooper Bailey Is A Cinnamon Roll by Jen Atkinson
I’ve hated Cooper Bailey since high school. So why would a few years, a set of swoon-worthy forearms, and one shiny new law degree change anything? Leah Bradford’s never been a fan of the spotlight—not years ago at her high school prom and definitely not now with the drama her ex-boyfriend is causing. Running her cinnamon roll shop is all she needs, thank you very much...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f competent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor audiobook -
One Enchanted Moment by Sarah Morgan
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsUSA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan will sweep you away with her Puffin Island series! Life has just thrown Skylar Tempest a serious curveball. So she’s returned home to Puffin Island to regroup among friends. Unfortunately, that means seeing Alec Hunter, who’s become a big-deal TV historian. Sky’s never liked the cynical Alec, and the feeling was mutual. But maybe that was then... -
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... -
A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne chalet in the Smokies. Four loving families. While all the grandbabies are on Santa’s Nice List, a few of the adults are getting coal in their stockings. But no matter their status with the man in the red suit, Elli Adler will spoil each and every one of her favorite people with love and holiday cheer... -
-
Lost the Handle by Toni Aleo
Emery. “Just tell me to wait for you,” Quinn whispers desperately as he slides his nose along mine. My ribs are having a hard time containing my hammering heart as I keep my eyes locked with his blue ones. I stroke my fingers along his cheek as a sob hiccups out of me. “I can’t. I wouldn’t do that to you. ”. “I would, though. ” His words match the promise in his eyes...Categorized as:
hockey new adult m-f grumpy sunshine forced proximity grovel curvy heroine cheerful heroine -
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... -
Honestly, I'm Totally Faking It by Amanda Gambill
Rach is a down-on-her-luck, happy-go-lucky kind of lady … Sure, she may be an assistant to personal assistants, crashing on her ex-boyfriend’s couch, and have a whole secret past, but mostly, things are great. Until she:. 1. Meets Pres — an aspiring politician, certified Capricorn, and a definitely “unlikable” dude (he knows, he had a poll done on it) —and. 2...Categorized as:
cheerful heroine m-f office nerdy-hero grumpy sunshine working class heroine tall-heroine cold hero -
Accidentally Fudging the Beast by Nichole Rose
Nothing tastes as good as chocolate…until it nearly kills the hot hockey star of your dreams. Dani. I had a vision when I made fudge for the team's homemade Secret Santa exchange. It didn't involve nearly killing Trent Kirk, the hot hockey star I've been obsessing over for months, but here we are anyway. Now, he's insisting that I spend Christmas break helping him recover...Categorized as:
m-f hockey athletes curvy heroine christmas sassy heroine sweet-hero grumpy sunshine -
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... -
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 office forced proximity m-f grumpy sunshine humor length-medium contemporary -
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 cheerful heroine sassy heroine cold hero m-f contemporary humor length-novella -
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 sassy heroine sweet-hero humor length-medium -
Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene
A viral photo, a fake relationship, and one big problem. Matthew. All 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. Beth...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn forced proximity office competent heroine cheerful heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero -
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...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love hockey office m-f forced proximity cheerful heroine sassy heroine -
-
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 cold hero m-f contemporary humor -
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:
christmas hockey m-f grumpy sunshine from hate to love forced proximity athletes cold hero -
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:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love forced proximity office cold hero m-f humor contemporary -
The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter
She daydreams of whipping up sauces and souffles in her own restaurant. His heart is set on helping foster children. Both dreams are at stake. So are their hearts. With grand plans to open her own bed & breakfast in Chapel Springs, PJ McKinley can't afford the most crucial part: the brick and mortar...Categorized as:
christmas new adult m-f from hate to love forced proximity contemporary christian length-medium -
Connell by Samantha Whiskey
I’m famous for two things—being one of the best defensemen in the NHL and my classic pranks. My teammates always said one of my jokes would bite me in my Scottish arse one day, and they were right. After a prank goes wrong, I’m sentenced to six weeks community service under none other than the sexy, rule-abiding, smart-mouthed city clerk of Sweet Water—Annabelle Clarke...Categorized as:
hockey new adult m-f height-difference from hate to love forced proximity grovel cheerful heroine -
The Deal by R.L. Mathewson
Some people marry for love. Some marry for money. Quinn and Dylan married for revenge. From New York Times Bestseller author R. L. Mathewson comes a new twist in the Neighbor from Hell series, where ultimatums, fake marriages, and revenge turn into something they never saw coming. Quinn Bradford needed to make a choice:. Get married or lose everything...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f grumpy sunshine office competent heroine cheerful heroine contemporary humor -
Fa-La La-La Land by Brittany Larsen
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s got a list to finish. He’s got a song to escape. Neither planned on falling in love this Christmas. Stella Sparks has no time for love—not when her 30 Before 30 list is calling and her new job depends on reviving rockstar Rhys James’s image before he headlines Winter Lights Live... -
Body Check by Maria Luis
They call me the Bad*ss of Hockey. The Beast of the Northeast. And I’m not just referring to my stick play on the ice. As Captain for the Boston Blades, I’ve spent years working toward bringing home the Stanley Cup. But when the owners sell us out to Hollywood, suddenly we’re not just playing for thousands of fans, we’re cracking open our lives on a new reality show, Getting Pucked...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine slow burn competent heroine sweet-hero athletes hockey m-f -
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 from hate to love m-f slow burn sweet-hero competent heroine age difference humor -
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 m-f humor contemporary dual-pov -
-
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... -
Making Changes by Lila Rose, Wander Aguiar
Six years with my knight in shining armor. Four years with my knight in dented armor. Two years with my knight in rusted armor. It is time to make a change. Time to find myself, even if it scares the hell out of me. I, Makenzie Mayfair, am leaving my husband. This is my chance to begin again, to rip my backbone out and yell, “I’ve found it... -
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 -
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 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... -
Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop: Curl up with this uplifting, cozy and hilarious winter read for 2025 by Annie Darling
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings'This cozy, heartwarming story is the literary equivalent of your favorite festive sweater - snug, sparkling, and just what you need for a feel-good escape' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. 'A beautifully written story with twists and turns that makes for a book difficult to put down. A real page turner' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. ❄️ 🧵Falling in love is never seamless. .. 🧵❄️... -
Bossy Grump by Nicole Snow
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow returns with a screaming funny romance where two office enemies fake love until they're all out of make-believe. You know that awkward moment when your lava-hot boss says "marry me? ". Not for love. Not for real. Not without a mammoth payoff. Of course, this fortune comes with a ginormous snag—Ward Brandt. Call me bananas...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love grumpy sunshine cheerful heroine office cold hero m-f super rich hero -
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPlaying hockey in Maple Falls was meant to be just a charity gig, but then my new publicist showed up, melting the ice—and my heart. Cooper. I never anticipated being roped into a charity hockey game during the off-season. But here I am, heading to Maple Falls, all because my publicist decided to retire. Change was inevitable, but I didn't foresee it coming so soon... -
British Black Sheep (Cocky Hero Club) by Lauren Smith
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn arrogant Brit might just be the right cup of tea for her…. He is exactly the kind of man Brie Honeyweather swore never to love…or lust after ever a sexy, arrogant, British bad boy in a designer suit. Alec is the last person Brie wants to be stuck on an international flight to London with, but hey…at least they’re in first class... -
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:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity childfree-couple m-f contemporary dual-pov humor length-medium -
-
On Ice by Stella Stevenson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last thing Quinn Cooper needs is romance. Between her job and her dad’s diagnosis, she doesn’t have any extra time or need any added stress. She doesn’t have time for a hockey game either, but a favor finds her sitting in the stands as The Arctic takes the ice. Of course she’d end up sitting next to a man she can’t ignore, even if he’s cheering for the wrong team... -
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... -
Ship Fate by Dulcie Dameron
A quirky marine archeologist and a grumpy jaded fisherman are forced to spend the summer together. Or drown trying. .. Shipwrecks and heartbreaks are oddly similar. Both are reminders that all it takes is one devastating blow to sink something that was once beautiful. Then all you're left with is a pile of wreckage that clutters up the ocean. Okay, so analogies aren’t Perry Ford’s strong suit...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love m-f contemporary humor length-short glimpses-kisses -
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? Ivy. If 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. Luca...Categorized as:
christmas grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love contemporary humor length-short -
ICED by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOliver Ice, one of Boston University’s notorious hockey players, has been on my radar since I slammed into his rock-hard body during my first week of college, three years ago. He helped me to my feet, muttered an apology, and ran off after his girlfriend, dashing my hopes of a happily ever after. Now, he’s the bartender where I work, and this time, very much single... -
Juicy Pickle 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
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.

