Books like 'Unexpected'
Readers who enjoyed Unexpected by Lindsey Cord also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
from hate to love grumpy sunshine
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The Mistletoe Kisser by Lucy Score
Ryan Sosa, grumpy former corporate accountant, has had it up to here with surprises. He didn’t see getting fired coming. And he certainly didn’t anticipate flying across the country to the world’s hippie-est, happiest, most annoying town to save his great-uncle from some mysterious emergency...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love christmas contemporary humor cold hero small town length-medium -
Billionaire Unreachable ~ Wyatt by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat happens when the man you think you despise turns out to be a completely different guy beneath the surface? I didn't like Wyatt Durand. He might be my friend's older brother, but he was unpleasant, sarcastic, and the grumpiest guy on the planet. It didn't matter to me that he was a breathtakingly gorgeous, ultra-wealthy billionaire with the very prestigious Durand last name... -
The Grump by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsI love my job. So when a grumpy grouch wants to shut us down, I’m ready for the fight of my life.I was heading for serious career burnout until my dream job came true. Making pralines for a living has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. So it comes as quite a shock when I find out that the owner wants to shut down the LeBlanc-Broussard confectionery because it’s not profitable... -
Off Duty Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHazard and Somerset: Off Duty Volume 2 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“John-Henry Somerset: Sold!”Somers enters a charity bachelor’s auction without telling his boyfriend. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty.“Pretty and Pink and Perfect”Hazard plans a toddler’s birthday party. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty... -
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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... -
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... -
The CEO I Hate by Leslie North
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Hating Game meets a much hotter Morning Glory—if the grumpy media exec was her brother’s best friend, and this time they actually kissed.Liam Lockhart is my brother’s best friend, a decade older, and the kind of mistake I swore I’d never make twice.Two years ago, we kissed—hard, hot, unforgettable—until he shoved me away like I was a mistake he couldn’t afford. Message received... -
Semantic Error 1 by Soori Jeo
Is this an Error or Love? Sangwoo Choo is a stickler for rules. So when his classmates free-ride on a group project, he doesn't credit them. But this prevents one senior, Jaeyoung Jang, from graduating. And like oil and water, Sangwoo and Jaeyoung don't mix. Can Sangwoo debug Jaeyoung — a semantic error in his perfect life? This volume collects episodes 01-15 of the webcomic Semantic Error... -
Daddy By Design: A Small Town Romantic Comedy by Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEnemies to Lovers meets Beauty and The Beast with a redemption arc and a Victorian ghost for some spice.Beauty:The night I accidentally attacked his truck in a case of mistaken identity started us off on a very wrong foot. Or maybe not, because for me and my Beast, fighting is foreplay.The gothic Victorian house on the lake was made for me... -
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 from hate to love forced proximity contemporary length-short audiobook -
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt was supposed to be a quick meeting.I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary forced proximity humor length-medium audiobook -
Off Duty Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHazard and Somerset: Off Duty Volume 2 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“John-Henry Somerset: Sold!”Somers enters a charity bachelor’s auction without telling his boyfriend. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty.“Pretty and Pink and Perfect”Hazard plans a toddler’s birthday party. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty... -
Fake Around and Find Out by S.M. Shade
An enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship romantic comedy.The Happy Haven Trailer Park is not where I hoped to be at age twenty-five.Circumstances have left me without a job or a car in a small town where work is scarce. When my insufferable neighbor approached me with a very indecent proposal to co-star in his videos on the Lonely Hands app, I had to resist the impulse to punch him in the mouth...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine humor contemporary dual-pov new adult found-family length-medium -
The Gruff Loner's Bargain by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBrook:I might be down on my luck, but I’m determined to open the best all-inclusive wedding venue in the U.S. But first, I have to scope out the competition. The only problem is I need a fake fiance to pull it off. Even worse, the only man available to do the job is the annoying handsome Landry Hendricks. Because of course I need the help of the one man in town who hates me... -
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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...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary friends to lovers forced proximity m-f -
Snowed in with the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
A stranded motorist might be the key to melting his icy heart.Since when does it snow on Thanksgiving?I've been away from my hometown in the mountains since college, but today, I'm traveling home to spend Thanksgiving with my grandmother. My little hatchback does a decent job climbing the mountain...until the halfway mark...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine contemporary m-f small town curvy heroine dual-pov virgin heroine -
The Burns We Carry by Marae Good
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOnce burnt, twice shy...Shay Davis is desperate for a fresh start — not just for her, but for the new life growinginside of her. But when she arrives in the quiet mountain town of Wallowpine, Arizona, thecold, unforgiving forest ranger who pulls her over seems intent on running strangers out oftown... -
All We Are by Jessie Walker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPride. Will and Waylon have been through hell and back—more than once. But they’re still standing, still loving each other, still embracing their found family. And that’s something Will is stupidly proud of. He’s happier than he’s ever been, and more in love than he ever thought possible. He just hopes he can find a way to make Waylon believe in them as much as he does. Pride... -
Grumpy Billionaire Playboy by Ava Nichols
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy brother’s best friend is my worst enemy… Now, he’s also my fake fiancé who just took my v-card.Drake Bennet is a handsome, arrogant, Real Estate shark who always has women throwing themselves at him.But I can’t stand him; we’ve always fought and bickered growing up.His mom has been badgering him to settle down, so he asked me to be his fake fiance... -
Set My Heart Bonfire by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe's a dashing millionaire who thinks everything in life is one big joke, probably because he bathes in piles of money each morning. He’s also my new neighbor, and after a humiliating experience in the cemetery that is my backyard, he becomes my shadow, showing up everywhere just to annoy me.I’m not a fan of happy people...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary super rich hero humor small town length-medium m-f -
Eoghan by Kate Randall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s a fighter, but I’m a criminal who will do whatever it takes to steal her heart.GemmaI rose from the ashes of my childhood like a phoenix, and never looked back.The last thing I need is the cocky bad boy of the Monaghan family barging in and turning my carefully constructed life into chaos.He’s everything I shouldn’t want, nothing I was prepared for, and the only thing I crave... -
Last Chance Seduction by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last time I saw Lexington Montgomery, he held my sister in his arms as my fiancé left me at the altar.Neither one of us knew it would be two years until we saw each other again. Or that it would be the last time my sister was part of our core group.Grieving, I’m back in Colorado trying to start over. I have no family and have no intention of dating ever again... -
Bad Influencer by Kenzie Reed
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWe’ve all heard about the public image consultant brought in to fix the bad boy’s image. That’s not me. Nope, quite the opposite. I’ve been hired—well, blackmailed is more like it—to be a bad influence on grumpy, gorgeous, humor-deprived billionaire Elliott Bradford. He’s just become the public face of his family’s company, Bradford Amusement Parks...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine humor super rich hero cold hero m-f length-short audiobook -
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... -
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녹색전상 1 by JAXX, 잭스
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 19 ratings초고층 빌딩으로 가득한 섬. 조각 전공생 매튜 레이너는 우연히 마주친 진청우에게 작품의 모델이 되어 달라 제안한다. 조직을 일으켜 세운 사나운 개, 섹스 중독자. 진창을 구르며 끊이지 않는 통증과 불면에 시달리던 신해파 간부 진청우. 맹목적으로 달려드는 매튜에 기이한 호기심을 느낀 진은 제안을 수락하는 대신 조건을 내건다. "모델을 서 주는 동안, 넌 내 말에 무조건 복종한다." 두 남자는 서로 다른 욕망을 감춘 채 거래를 시작한다... -
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 contemporary super rich hero humor forced proximity 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... -
The Grumpy One by Leslie North
Cleaning floors in Branson Couture was never part of my career plans.Neither was almost decapitating the CEO with a mop.Of course, I didn’t know he was the CEO—my mind only registered “intruder” and “hot”.Maybe not in that order.Meet James Branson: infuriatingly hot, obscenely wealthy, and as charming as a door slammed in your face.He’s the king of high fashion. And, apparently, of ruining my day... -
Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFrom the author of Four Steps to the Perfect Revenge comes a deliciously witty and lighthearted romance brimming with misadventures, misdeeds, misunderstandings…and one perfectly mismatched couple.A notorious rule follower, the old Daphne Davis could do no wrong. But lately she can’t get anything right...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary forced proximity humor office audiobook -
Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones
When 26 year old Reese accepts a position as a grad assistant, she has no idea an unpleasant encounter with a student will lead to the discovery of what she calls “the trifecta”: fine, intellectual, and a little bit rude – three qualities she finds irresistible in a man. She has no intention of doing anything with that discovery – nothing long term, at least...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine new adult contemporary cold hero open-door length-short audiobook -
A Risk on Forever by N.S. Perkins
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWhen Matthias Phillips imagined the new caretaker for his mother with ALS, the last thing he had in mind was a gorgeous twenty-something who didn’t look like she had a day of experience in the field. However, his mother has always been stubborn, and despite his objections, she’s insistent: it’s Adelaide Samson she wants him to hire... -
Tee'd Up For Trouble: A Small Town Sports Romance by Maya Alden
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsOne American Billionaire + One Irish Pub Owner = TroubleBurned by betrayal, Jax Caldwell, golf’s answer to Henry Cavill, needs a break from the spotlight. He didn’t expect to find it in the form of a busted Porsche on a muddy road leading to the edge of Ballybeg, Ireland... -
An Earl Unmasked by Rachel Ann Smith
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLady Diana Malbury is known for her charm and intelligence, why else would she rather solve another one of the late Earl of Chestwick’s word puzzles than entertain potential suitors for the Season?The old earl presents her with the highest-stake challenge yet…If she remains unwed for the Season, she can return to his estate next summer and solve the latest puzzle by way of his extensive library,... -
Baiting Burke by Jaclyn Quinn
Burke RussoI don’t do lovey dovey. Watching my four best friends trip and fall into their forever person has been both comical and confusing. When a hurricane hits Coral Pointe Inlet, it throws me into a tailspin I didn’t see coming—with a man who lives to drive me crazy. Jared, the sexy—I mean, the snarky fisherman, has been the bane of my existence for the last three years... -
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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... -
Hate You Up Close by Morgan Paige
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
Implode by Victoria Dawson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNicI should have stayed away from her. Even I know this.I used to convince myself that I’m irreparable. But what if the one woman I shouldn’t crave is the only person who can mend my jaded heart?Claire Nettles is hiding more than just her feelings from me. And when I find out what has her so scared, I’m never allowing her to walk out of my life again... -
All This Time by Zee Irwin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShe’s a book nerd and a cat whisperer. He’s scarred and intimidating. Can the beautiful, quirky bookstore owner tame the beast in the detective?♥Lily Young♥I admitted the book boyfriends by the dozen in my Cat’s Cradle bookstore had taken precedence over dating in real-life...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary suspense military length-short audiobook -
My Favorite Hero by Melanie Moreland
In a house full of rules, the only one they can't follow… is staying away.Jesse ThorneLocal hero, firefighter, loner, and now grumpy landlord.She wasn’t what he expected.His new tenant is a walking disaster wrapped in sunshine, breaking every rule he sets and driving him insane.Controlling her? Impossible.Ignoring her? Even harder.And he’s not sure he can stop it... -
Love à la Mode by Kali Hart
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsLove á la Mountain Men of Caribou Creek Book 6A Small Town Mountain Man Curvy Woman RomanceAuroraIt’s not that I’m trouble as much as trouble follows me everywhere.Especially when it comes to the Caribou Creek police chief, Garrett Bradley.Every time I cross paths with the man too sexy for his own good, trouble follows.Which is why I should know better than to speed through town... -
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... -
How to Fall For a Rockstar by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe last person single mom Leia expected to move in next door was a grumpy rockstar.I’m enjoying my new life in the small town of Winter Falls with my daughter. Until I knock over my new neighbor during a game of tag.One glance at him and I realize I’m the luckiest girl alive to be living next door to this sexy beast with a beard I want to dig my hands in and green eyes I could drown in... -
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:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love christmas contemporary forced proximity humor length-short -
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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 contemporary suspense abuse age difference length-short -
Morsel Enemies by Alexia Chase
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAre you ready to meet your next Man of the Month?Chocolate chips, year-round Christmas decorations, crystal-clear waters, and smoldering nights under the stars. What more could you ask for?Ava’s boss, Jax, wants the same land Miles wants, and she’s there to make sure Jax gets it and escape Hell Town, Florida, as fast as she can... -
The Joy of Us by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat happens when your rental cabin ends up being a scam and you’re forced to stay with a sexy lumberjack? You try to avoid him and his annoying Christmas spirit because the last thing you have time for is love. The Joy of Us is a reverse grumpy/sunshine, close proximity romance... -
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 -
Hoax and Kisses: A Small Town, Fake-Dating Romance by Elodie Colliard
He swore never to fall for a city girl again. She's on a mission to charm his small town.MATT BECKER is stretched thin. Running his flower shop solo is a full-time job, but now he’s also tasked with caring for his teenage sister while their parents are away. With her expensive new school draining his savings, Matt’s barely keeping his head above water. He needs money—and fast...
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