Books like 'The Joy of Us'
Readers who enjoyed The Joy of Us by Kennedy Fox also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary christmas forced proximity grumpy sunshine friends to lovers from hate to love age difference
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Maybe We Won't by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsA sexy and soul-stirring novel about love, family, and rediscovering what matters most by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe We Will. When workaholic Boston attorney Deirdra de Messiéres is passed over for a well-deserved promotion, she takes a two-month hiatus to show her boss just how much he needs her and heads home to Silver Island... -
This Much Is True by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhen celebrity Laina Kelley bolted from her small hometown church on her wedding day, she ran to the first place that came to mind—the home of the local farrier, a gorgeous playboy who just so happens to be her first love … and biggest frenemy... -
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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 -
The Innkeeper by Rebecca Sharp, Samantha Cook
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsElouise ‘Lou’ Kinkade is happy that all her siblings have found love. She’s less than happy that now all they want is for her to do the same. Lou doesn’t have time for romance; she has a business to run. And that business was shooting to success when a Hollywood degenerate takes a drunken tumble down her stairs... -
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Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAlexander Palomino is a man defined by the ghosts of his past, of which there are his parents, his daughter, his wife…, and Jess. He’s a man defined by the promises he’s made. To never be like his abusive father, to never love again, never trust again, and to sever their ties for good. In the wake of their heart-wrenching end, Alex’s rash decision throws lives into chaos, including his own... -
A Greene Family Christmas by Piper Rayne
Preparing a Christmas to remember is no small feat with a family the size of the Greenes. Especially, when the woman who has always been the planner down to every minute detail falls ill, only five days before the holiday. The family has no choice but to scramble to ensure that nothing is amiss. Cookies need to be decorated, gingerbread houses assembled and decorations to be hung...Categorized as:
christmas friends to lovers grumpy sunshine age difference contemporary humor length-novella m-f -
His Wounded Heart: Small Town Romance by Caitlyn O'Leary
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s my soulmate. But will I be enough to heal his wounded heart? Simon. The Navy’s been my life. Being a SEAL is all I ever wanted, commanding them a dream come true. But I lost sight of everything else and missed the big things—things going on right in front of me. How could I not see how much my sister needed me? I knew her husband was off and should have checked him out... -
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks
A 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... -
Protector of Misty Mountain: An ex-military, age gap, mountain man romance by Eve London
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe walked into my world like she belongs here… but I don’t let people stay. Juniper. The mountains were supposed to be my escape—a place to rebuild, to breathe, to prove to myself that I could make it on my own. But from the moment I set foot in Misty Mountain, one mountain man has made it his mission to send me packing. Griffin Calloway...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary military length-novella -
Silver Linings by Violet Page
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSilver James has perfected the art of keeping everything at a distance—her career, her friends, and most definitely romance. Her motto is simple: keep life carefree and fun. The more she avoids the unexpected, the less likely she is to get hurt... -
MistleFoe by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratings‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, cookies, joy, and a little sprinkle of mom guilt on the side. Did I say little? I mean an entire sleigh full. Which is exactly why I’m on my way home to Winterbury for the holidays, something my parents have been pleading for since I left the small-town life for a view of the city nearly ten years ago. It’s not that I don’t come home to visit. I do...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity from hate to love grumpy sunshine m-m queer second chances contemporary -
Almost Pretend by Nicole Snow
Opposites attract in this sizzling, feel-good, grumpy sunshine romance about a lively illustrator and the brooding billionaire she literally falls for. Eleanor Lark is an upbeat illustrator plagued by headaches and unruly strawberry-blond hair. After a grueling cross-country flight, she blacks out cold... -
A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Audrey Carlan comes a new story in her Marriage Auction series…. “’Tis the Season,” some people say, as if the month of December could somehow magically make the world a better place. Fat chance of that happening in Sin City. In my world, nothing is merry and bright. More like dark and dank...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love contemporary length-short audiobook -
Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings us a light-hearted small-town romantic comedy full of a swoon-worthy billionaire, single dad romance, and big laughs. I need a massive break. So long to my cheating boyfriend and betraying roommate. Goodbye hectic emergency room and long hours... -
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Her Pretty Words by Amber Evergreen
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA canceled flight. A beautiful stranger who seems to delight in getting under her skin. A hotel with only one room. Everything that could go wrong during Macy’s escape to Florida does. But when Grayson—the frustrating stranger in question—offers to share the room he already has, she has no choice but to take him up on it—platonically, of course. One night with him is more than enough... -
Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s okay to admit I’m scared. Outside forces are working hard to tear us apart, but we’ve teamed up against them. It’s the internal struggles we’re battling that could spell the ultimate end. When Ben makes a public show to prove how committed we are, I’m left confused as I struggle to figure out whether his feelings for me are real or if they’re part of the act...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers forced proximity sports contemporary length-short m-f audiobook -
The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen an outgoing musical maven meets the enigmatic neuroscientist next door, will their worlds clash in a dramatic showdown of art versus science, or will they discover that love is the ultimate experiment worth conducting? When celebrated Broadway composer Hadley Olivier’s best friend receives a life-threatening diagnosis, Hadley says goodbye to her beloved home in NYC and sets off to the West...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary humor menage length-long -
Love You From Afar by Morgan Paige
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI always thought a person had to be a ghost to haunt you,. but Everett Thompson is very much alive, and to make matters worse, he's my fiancé's brother. For years, I promised myself I would stay away from him. I tried putting as much distance between us as possible, yet here we are on a twelve hour road trip together... -
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain? I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page... -
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... -
Pretty Drunk by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHallie. No one pushes my buttons the way Logan Johnson does. I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to ignore him, which isn’t easy when you live in a small town and share the same friends. So, when I have a little too much to drink and need a place to crash after our friends’ wedding, it would figure I find myself at Logan’s house. What I’m not expecting is ending up in his bed. With him. Naked... -
May's Ride with Thunder by Eve London
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHe’s the protector she didn’t know she needed; she’s the love he never thought he deserved. Ashley. When the Savage Bones MC targets my family’s ranch, I’m desperate for help. I turn to Thunder, a much older member of the Mustang Mountain Riders, and offer him the only thing I have. When he turns me down, I’m left questioning everything...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary bikers length-novella -
Holiday Heart-On: A Steamy Romantic Comedy Anthology by Serena Bell, Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGet a head start on the holiday spirit by reading for a great cause! Nineteen of today’s most entertaining rom-com authors have teamed up on #Books4Beats. This collection of festive shorts ranges from sweet to steamy and promises to entertain... -
Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSo let me get this straight. .. For the next few days I’ve got myself a grumpy fake husband who’s also kind of my. .. bodyguard? I guess that’s a better way to spend the weekend than binge-watching reality television, especially since it’s kind of my fault we’re on the run from the mob and I need a protector. Oops...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine friends to lovers contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
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The Scrooge of the Mountain by Tessa Klein
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s big and grumpy. A real scrooge of a mountain man. And now I’m stuck with him for Christmas. As a perpetually single Christmasholic, I have a complicated relationship with my favorite holiday. I love spreading joy, but I hate having my relationship status shoved in my face. This year will be different. This year, a matchmaker set me up with someone who loves Christmas as much as I do...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine christmas contemporary praise-kink suspense length-novella -
Gingerbread Gamble by Melody Tyden
Noelle never seems to come first. In her family, she’s the second daughter. In her college classes, she’s in a battle for top spot with the annoyingly clever Aaron. Her best friend, Eve, is richer and prettier and she just managed to hook up with Corey, the guy Noelle has had a crush on for years... -
Hate You Up Close by Morgan Paige
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHate You Up Close is a STANDALONE novel following Love You From Afar. A new job. A new city. This was supposed to be a fresh start for me. I expected the move to come with challenges, but no one could have prepared me for him. My new boss - Elliot Thompson. He’s cold, selfish, miserable, and the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I hate that he smells of whiskey and leather... -
Christmas Ever After by Sarah Morgan
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsSkylar Tempest has never understood Alec Hunter’s appeal. So what if he’s a world-renowned historian? He’s also cynical, aloof and determined to think the worst of her. So when a twist of fate finds her spending the lead-up to Christmas with Alec and his family, she’s not expecting the season to be either merry or bright... -
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... -
Dating For December by Lyndsey Gallagher
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHe's an expert at breakups. .. but this Christmas, can he master a love that lasts? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Lyndsey Gallagher is THE QUEEN page turners! ". My perpetually single status hardly serves as a shining advertisement for HeartSync, the dating agency I own. Nor is it likely to convince my incredibly successful movie star brother, Nate, to invest in my business... -
Every Chance After by Jessica Sherry
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen his reckless mistake upends her future, he’ll do whatever it takes to make it right. If she’ll let him. Marnie Strange’s life is about to turn the corner from just getting by to happily ever after. Today, she marries Ashe, the handsome, charming son of the affluent owners of Sunny’s Beach Market, where Marnie’s built a career she adores...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine friends to lovers age difference contemporary dual-pov humor length-medium m-f -
Spectrum by M.J. Duncan
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSparks fly the moment Bryn Nakamura lays eyes on Anna Fitzpatrick, and not in a good way. Driven, reserved, and recovering from another encounter with a life she would rather leave behind, all Bryn wants is to forget about Anna and focus on her beloved vineyard—but Fate has other plans...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers from hate to love f-f contemporary queer length-long -
The End of Us by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat happens when a stalker threatens your life and you’re flown to a private beach house with your sexy new bodyguard? You break the rules and hope he falls madly in love with you. The End of Us is an age gap, bodyguard, forced proximity standalone romance. -
Two Tickets by A.J. Manney
She’s a tender-hearted English teacher; he’s a hardened professional hockey player. They have nothing in common, but the world wants to see them together. Brielle Campbell is a fun-loving English teacher whose goal in life is to make everybody love Christmas as much as she does...Categorized as:
from hate to love christmas grumpy sunshine sports dual-pov contemporary length-medium behind-doors -
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The Doctor Who Stole Christmas by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA grumpy doctor. A wicked blizzard. And only one bed in sight. What could possibly go wrong? I never expected to find myself trekking through a blizzard. .. All to deliver "vital documents" to the elusive Dr. Grump's remote cabin. When I finally arrive I find a smoldering man,. Nearly a decade younger - with the petulance of an old grouch! Now I'm snowed in with the impossibly handsome man child,...Categorized as:
forced proximity christmas grumpy sunshine contemporary super rich hero length-medium -
The Grump Who Saved Christmas by Tracy Leigh
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen I first met Callum Reed, I thought he was one of the most handsome men I’d ever seen. Until he opened his mouth and ruined it all. Because the sexy-as-sin man dressed in a tailor-made suit is trying to steal my ranch from me... -
Perfect Pairing by Amanda Chaperon
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLife has been good for Ezra Wendt and his son, Hansen, since he accepted the head chef position at the Chateau Delatou winery. Well, mostly good—except for that time he pushed away Brie, the girl of his dreams, in a moment of cowardice. Bakery owner Brie Delatou has everything a girl could an amazing family, a thriving business, and the perfect small town to call home... -
The Fastball by Emily Childs
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe's the coach's aggravating daughter. He's the shy guy on first base. And they have no idea they're keeping the same secret. After a devastating accident that leaves his throwing hand in shambles, MLB first baseman, Dax Sage, finds out the woman handling the PR for his recovery is none other than the gorgeous, frigid daughter of his head coach... -
Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLynn Brooks is officially over it. With four overprotective brothers, the youngest Brooks sibling has had enough with bossy alphas. So, when professional baseball star Joey Martel makes a play for her, she's determined to steer clear of him and his toxic circle of jocks. Being the latest conquest for another overbearing caveman? No thanks...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference grumpy sunshine contemporary sports athletes humor length-medium -
My Ex's Dad is Coming to Town by Eve London
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSometimes, love finds you in the most unexpected places. .. like in the arms of your ex’s dad. Winter. This Christmas was supposed to be about getting away from the mess I left behind, not cozying up to the grumpiest man I’ve ever met—who also happens to be my ex’s father. But Cole’s steady presence and the way he sees past my defenses make me feel safe in a way I never thought possible...Categorized as:
age difference christmas grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary length-novella -
The Enemy Plot by Marion De Ré
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s searching for Prince Charming, but can a grumpy neighbor rewrite her love story? My dream came true. A man walked into my bookstore asking to buy some books. As a hopeless romantic who's been kissing plenty of grenouilles, I thought I might finally meet my prince charming. Except it wasn’t Prince Charming—it was Deacon Collier, my neighbor and my personal nemesis...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine age difference contemporary found-family humor length-medium -
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... -
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Breanna Lynn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis Christmas, rockin' around the Christmas tree has a new meaning. Lilah. Evan Andrews is a grinch. I don’t know why he hates me so much, but I have no problem giving just as good as I get from him. And that includes kissing me senseless. Now that he has, I won’t let it stop there. Good girls may end up on the nice list, but the naughty ones get Os for Christmas. Evan... -
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... -
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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? 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 -
Hold Me by Tawna Fenske
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRomeo. Boy Toy. Player. I’ve heard what they call me, and never gave it much thought. Then Zoe walks in with her library smarts and innocent eyes and one helluva dirty idea. I guess living in hospitals for two decades didn’t leave much time for dating. Or any kind of fun, really. Zoe’s a virgin with a bucket list, and guess who’s on it? No way am I satisfying her desires...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary found-family humor length-short -
Nanny for the Grump by Kate Lovelace
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHe’s a smoking-hot single dad and a world-class grump. I’m a runaway bride in need of a job. Being his nanny is my only option. On the surface, it doesn’t seem like the worst job in the world. He’s a total hunk with an adorable, eight-year-old son, and a huge house in the middle of nowhere. It’s the perfect spot to disappear...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love age difference contemporary suspense abuse length-short -
The Chad Next Door by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsTorn between a quiet life and the chaos of unexpected love, Private Investigator Chad Briggs is set to find out if a snowstorm can melt his heart in Laketown. When Hope, the all too attractive—and far too young—woman next door, Chad’s life is thrown into a whirlwind he would rather not face, but he doesn’t have much of a choice...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine age difference forced proximity contemporary mystery humor suspense length-short -
Stolen Vows by Penelope Black
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGraham Carter: ethical hacker, resident grump of Avalon Falls, and the man who’s about to make me his wife. For convenience, of course. I need an escape plan—fast. My family expects me to marry a man I can’t stand, and Graham needs a wife to secure his inheritance. A simple deal, no emotions involved. Just one year of marriage, and we both walk away with exactly what we want... -
Sweet Spot by TheFeveredBookaholic
Sierra Lancaster has had an agonizingly mediocre life. She grew up in a happy home, made loyal friends, graduated college, and is now pursuing her dream of running her own bakery. Boring, right? A story like this wouldn't be one for the books. At least not until you bring a hot neighbor into the mix...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine friends to lovers contemporary curvy heroine open-door
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