Books like 'Role Playing'
Readers who enjoyed Role Playing by Cathy Yardley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny mature couple friends to lovers sweet-hero grumpy sunshine cold heroine bisexual multicultural single-mother
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Book Lovers by Emily Henry
One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn’t see coming…Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby... -
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear.I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out.Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov m-f small town competent heroine sweet-hero slow burn single-father -
Summer Nights at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland
Welcome back to The Starfish Café for a glorious summer, but with a few dark clouds on the horizon...A new beginning...As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.A fragile heart.. -
Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster
She’s a romance writer who, against her better instinct, is finding love in the friend zone in a fun, sexy, and unpredictable romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who... -
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Stone Cold Kiwi by Rosalind James
Let's inventory, shall we? State of my professional life: Brilliant, if counted in terms of sales of eight Poppy Cantwell children's books starring my often-confused blue hippo, Hazel; the very substantial proceeds from selling my Kiwi Adventures New Zealand glamping business; and any number of glossy magazine articles about my charmed existence...Categorized as:
multicultural dual-pov sassy heroine strong heroine competent heroine single-mother sweet-hero m-f -
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
friends to lovers independent heroine sassy heroine strong heroine m-f humor contemporary audiobook -
Catch a Kiwi by Rosalind James
Breathe, smile, and move on. When you’re writing the next chapter in your rags-to-riches-to-rags story, you need about a million quotes like that. I might be short on inspiration, but I had determination. That was it, except for a very young cousin and a very old campervan, but I was all about starting over...Categorized as:
m-f strong heroine independent heroine dual-pov caretaking multicultural slow burn contemporary -
Knockout by Jessica Prince
It wasn’t fair that the man I hated with a passion was so freaking gorgeous.Things in Layla Fox’s life were going great. She had a fantastic job, amazing friends, and a killer apartment. There was just one tiny glitch in all that perfect. Her upstairs neighbor was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome . . . and she hated the man with every cell in her body...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine m-f dual-pov small town independent heroine sassy heroine slow burn strong heroine -
Mine To Love by Natasha Madison
Presley After my sisters’ disastrous weddings, I’m never going to get married. I’ll just stay single forever. It doesn’t matter that I’m in love with my brother’s best friend. Or that Bennett and I shouldn’t even be friends with benefits. Until the positive sign tells me I’m pregnant. Bennett I fell in love with Presley when she was eighteen and asked me for a favor...Categorized as:
sassy heroine friends to lovers strong heroine m-f contemporary humor pregnancy explicit-open-door -
Boomerangers by Heather M. Orgeron
Boomerangers [boo-muh-rang-ers] noun, informal: an adult that moves back home to live with a parent after a period of independence. Spencer I love sex. I love the power, the intimacy, the euphoria it brings. Too bad I’m not having any . . . You’d think as New Orleans’ most renowned sex therapist that I’d be swimming in single men. In a way, I am . .Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-mother dual-pov m-f independent heroine small town humor contemporary -
The Redo by Max Monroe
Put a finger down if you’ve ever been a single woman who got stuck in a New York City elevator in the middle of a summer blackout with your former high school sweetheart—whom you haven’t seen in years—while pregnant with a baby that isn’t biologically yours... -
Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott
A vintage VW van. Four friends. A cross-country road trip.It will be the best adventure of my life, if only I can shake the feelings I have for Cameron .Cameron Reeves is as gorgeous as his name makes him sound.He’s about six feet tall, which is the height I always wrote in my ideal man list in my journal. Yes. I have a list of qualities I want in a man... -
Gouda Friends by Cathy Yardley
Two high school BFFs reunite and endeavor to fix each other’s lives in this geeky romance from the author of Love, Comment, Subscribe.Tam Doan dumped her boyfriend after he threw away her gourmet cheese. Sure, it’s a little more complicated than that, but the point is, he had it coming...Categorized as:
friends to lovers multicultural east-asian-mc dual-pov sweet-hero m-f contemporary new adult -
What the Heart Learns by Jessica Gadziala
Liam has always preferred spending his life inside books, only looking up to occasionally growl at customers in his shop. Until the day someone new comes to town. A woman who could keep up with him, someone who sees beyond his guards, who makes him want something decidedly non -fiction for a change. The only problem is, Riley has a secret. One that just might tear them apart...Categorized as:
m-f small town competent heroine nerdy-hero third-person-pov hurt-comfort humor contemporary -
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Love Scammed by Rilzy Adams
It’s the blind date to end all blind dates.When Monae Alexander turns up to Miami International Airport to meet her best friend, Tempest, for their anti-Valentine’s Day girls’ trip to Turks and Caicos, she realizes she’s been scammed... -
Finn Rhodes Forever by Stephanie Archer
The guy who broke my heart is now an arrogant, too-hot firefighter… who’s hellbent on getting me back.This summer, I have one goal: field work. I need it to finish my PhD. I never expected Finn Rhodes to offer help. He broke my heart twelve years ago, and now that he’s back in town, I want nothing to do with him.Finn wants one thing—me.We were inseparable as kids until everything changed... -
When You Least Expect It by Jessica Prince
The last thing Stella Ryan had time for was a man. With her family in trouble and looking to her to fix everything, romance and commitment were the furthest things from her mind. Until she ran into a man with a jawline that could cut granite and arms she wanted to lick like an ice cream cone. A man who made her forget the things that really mattered... -
Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations by Sophie Andrews
Death is an awkward matchmaker…When my brother suddenly passes away, shattering my family, I’m left to pick up the pieces.Then Vince Mancini knocks on my door. My brother’s best friend from high school—and the boy I loved—is a funeral director, and he promises to answer whenever I call... -
Hotshot Doc by R.S. Grey
A full-length STANDALONE romantic comedy from USA TODAY bestselling author R.S. Grey. Dr. Russell has a bad reputation around our hospital. The scrub techs say he’s cold-blooded, the nurses say he’s too cocky for his own good, and the residents say he’s the best surgeon in the world— really, just a swell guy! —on the off chance he’s within earshot... -
Sterling Brick by L.B. Dunbar
Love wasn’t part of the blueprint when high school sweethearts reunite in their small town. But this former military man never forgot the girl he left behind and he’s more determined than ever to rebuild their relationship brick by brick and heart by heart.Getting locked in the men’s restroom during my mother’s funeral wasn’t exactly how I expected to run into my high school sweetheart... -
Give & Take by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI shouldn’t be thinking about him.Even though he tells me he can’t stop thinking about me.I’m turning 41.He’s 26.I’m a serious person.He’s fun-loving and carefree.It’s all wrong. But every time Raphael LaForest looks at me, it feels so, so right. Just a glance and my whole body melts. The simple brush of his hand on mine and every last nerve ending is on fire.But that’s not all...Categorized as:
small town m-f grumpy sunshine cold heroine single-mother age difference contemporary humor -
A Love Like You by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter Mick Routlege catches the garter at his best friend’s wedding, everyone is convinced he’s next. Too bad the only woman he wants has him lodged firmly in the friend zone.Between her job as a nurse and the demands of her family, Juliette Chen feels like the world is on her shoulders...Categorized as:
friends to lovers small town m-f multicultural east-asian-mc dual-pov sweet-hero forced proximity -
Craving by Lilian Monroe
THE WEDPOCALYPSE CONTINUES... Marlon St. James wants only one thing: to be left alone. He has a house, a successful private security business, and endless peace and quiet. Things are exactly as they should be. Until Camilla. His brother thrusts soft, sweet, curvy Camilla Fox in front of Marlon and announces that she’ll be moving into Marlon’s house. Otherwise, she’ll be homeless. Fine...Categorized as:
dual-pov friends to lovers third-person-pov grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary humor insta-love -
Break the Rules by Roxie Noir
She’s my best friend’s kid sister. Now she’s not a kid any more. As a forest ranger, I believe in the simple life. I prefer cabins to apartments, trails over freeways, and trees to people. My life is orderly, predictable, and quiet. Until it’s hit by a woman I never saw coming -- Hurricane June. She’s fierce. She’s feisty...Categorized as:
friends to lovers small town dual-pov grumpy sunshine m-f competent heroine sweet-hero nerdy-hero -
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Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady
A LibraryReads PickRivalry and romance spark when two bookstore managers who are opposites in every way find themselves competing for the same promotion.Despite managing bookstores on the same Boston street, Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson have never interacted much—Josie’s store focuses on serious literature, and Ryan’s sells romance only... -
The Midwife By The Sea by Jo Bartlett
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe last thing Ella Mehenick wants is the fifteen minutes of fame she’s found herself landed with. After all, who wants to star in a viral video of the very public ending of their relationship?Newly single, and desperate to get as far away from her former fiancé as possible, Ella heads back to the Cornish seaside town of Port Agnes, where she grew up... -
That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump by Julie Christianson
BRADYYeah, I shouldn’t have kissed Natalie Slater.Not on the porch. Or at the beach. Or in the storage closet. Especially not the storage closet. But to be fair, she kissed me first. Six months later, I’m still thinking about it.Trouble is, I’ve made promises that tie me to our small town, while Natalie can’t wait to escape. I’ve got no business pursuing her or my secret ambitions...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov grumpy sunshine m-f small town strong heroine sweet-hero humor -
The Friendship Pact by Jill Shalvis
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a powerful, moving story about a young woman on a quest to find the truth about her father who learns the meaning of true love along the way... -
Sweet Talk by Cara Bastone
Listening Length: 5 hours and 42 minutesStay up all night with this funny, surprising romantic comedy from Audie Award-nominee Cara Bastone — scripted exclusively for audio!It’s officially booty o’clock, I’m alone again in my kitchen choking down a slice of terrible chocolate cake…and I’m pretty sure I just got drunk texted by the man I have a ginormous crush on... -
But He's My Roommate by Annah Conwell
I’m being forced to move in with my brother’s best friend.After my life falls apart, the last person I want to face is my childhood crush. Much less live with him.Unfortunately for me, my overprotective brother and his equally overprotective best friend show up on my doorstep and don’t take no for an answer.I put up my best fight, but it’s no use...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-mother m-f dual-pov grumpy sunshine slow burn hurt-comfort small town -
All I Want by Jill Shalvis
From the “awesomely, incredibly talented”* New York Times bestselling author of Still the One, comes a sexy new Animal Magnetism novel set in Sunshine, Idaho, where the sky is the limit when it comes to love. Pilot-for-hire Zoe Stone is happy to call Sunshine, Idaho, her home base. But her quiet life is thrown for a loop when her brother’s friend Parker comes to stay with her for a week. The U...Categorized as:
strong heroine slow burn sassy heroine small town m-f contemporary suspense men in uniform -
The Second Chance Fixer Upper by Grace Worthington
Single moms don’t get second chances, right?In Hallmark movies, yes.In reality, doubtful.Especially when you have a five-year-old interrupting your “alone time” with the man of your dreams...Categorized as:
single-mother dual-pov m-f friends to lovers small town sweet-hero contemporary second chances -
His Grumpy Childhood Friend by Jackie Lau
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt's been five years since Charlotte Tam had to endure a public proposal at a baseball game—literally the stuff of her nightmares—and realized her ex never really knew her. She hasn’t dated since, afraid that no man will understand her cranky, introverted, coffee-obsessed self, but she wants to try again. Her friend suggests she ask a guy to ease her into the dating game and give her some lessons... -
It Doesn't Have to Be This Hard by Christina Hovland
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Christina Hovland comes a single parent, #DateMyCelebrityDad, forced proximity romance. Divorce her Beverly Hills check. Set the neighborhood dumpster on fire with her nightstand buddy… check. Her hunky celebrity chef neighbor rushes to her aid? Sigh. Check mate... -
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Keep It Together by Rachel John
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt's not awkward unless we make it awkward. Carmen... I’ve forgiven Isaac for being a jerk to me when we were kids, but while my grudge against him is gone, my fears are alive and well. I don't care how much chemistry there is between us. I’m done with guys and their commitment issues, and I’ve found a way to make life a whole lot easier.I friend-zone them. Every single one... -
After This by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA trip home for a friend's wedding turns out to be nothing she expected... and everything she's ever wanted.Heather would do anything for a friend, so when her college bestie and roommate needs a last-minute date for a wedding, she doesn’t hesitate. She hops a plane to Baltimore — current bestie in tow. But they’ve barely arrived before those plans have changed... -
Just a Client by Michelle Donn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“No one can ever know I met my new client when I was buck-naked holding a dead rat. Elmer, Texas is too small a town. I’d never survive the gossip.” Cameron Morgan has been single mom extraordinaire for the past sixteen years, with the town of Elmer as her trusty sidekick (it takes a village, after all). But now, with her daughter off to college, Cameron's got a fresh chapter in sight... -
Resist Me by Lauren Connolly
She would do anything for the ones she loves. Even marry a stranger.Luna Lamont has a few short months to find a husband or else she loses out on a surprise inheritance. Content living life as an independent woman, she’s ready to give up the cash, even if that means her deadbeat father gets the windfall instead... -
Falling for the Bachelor by Amy Alves
I'm cursed. Unlucky in love. So pretending to fall in love with my best friend's sister couldn't possibly make it worse.My avoidance of relationships has two neighboring towns joining forces to find me a girlfriend—one I don’t want...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov small town m-f sassy heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor -
Oops, I've Fallen by Max Monroe
If my time with Ryan Miller were a hit track on the radio, I imagine the lyrics would go something like this…“We’re so different, but they say opposites attract. Oops, I’ve fallen, and my heart doesn’t want to come back.”But, holy bingo night, is my attraction to the sexy, broody businessman so much more complicated than the chorus of a song... -
Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke
Neighbors to lovers can be a risky proposition in this funny, sexy, and swoony romantic comedy between a single mother and the grumpy man next door by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towel—right in front of her sexy new neighbor...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine small town mature couple single-mother m-f sassy heroine dual-pov contemporary -
New York, Actually by Sarah Morgan
Meet Molly New York’s most famous agony aunt, she considers herself an expert at relationships…as long as they’re other people’s. The only love of her life is her Dalmatian, Valentine. Meet Daniel A cynical divorce lawyer, he’s hardwired to think relationships are a bad idea. If you don’t get involved, no-one can get hurt...Categorized as:
career professional m-f dual-pov third-person-pov independent heroine slow burn humor contemporary -
The Roommate Arrangement by Jae
A feisty comedian. A former cop with a wounded heart. An unusual roommate arrangement…Comedian Stephanie Renshaw hopes to finally get her big break in LA. A chance encounter lands her the perfect apartment close to the comedy clubs, but it comes with a catch: she needs a roommate to afford the rent.Enter Rae Coleman, a former police officer working the door at one of the top comedy clubs... -
Spare Me by Tara Sivec
Ryan Hutton has spent his entire life being the shy, nerdy, rule-following nice guy on Summersweet Island. He’s the high school bowling coach and algebra teacher, who’s always predictable, and he’s always been fine with that. At least until a sexy nutjob gives him the best kiss of his life in his favorite pizza place. Suddenly, he doesn’t like being the quiet, obedient nice guy anymore... -
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A New Leaf by Samm Wilde
It’s never too late to turn over a new leaf… CharlieReturning to my hometown was never part of my plan. Suddenly, I find myself back where I grew up and taking over my late parents’ beloved plant store. With a permanent scowl and zero customer service skills, I have no idea how to run a business—or keep plants alive...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine dual-pov m-f nerdy-hero small town slow burn caretaking friends to lovers -
Flirting with Forever by Cara Bastone
Sometimes you get a second chance at a first impressionMary Trace is bright, bubbly and back in the dating pool in her midthirties. All of her closest friends are in love, and she refuses to miss out on romance. So when a regular customer at her trendy Brooklyn boutique wants to set Mary up on a blind date with her son, she gives a hesitant yes...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine slow burn friends to lovers dual-pov mature couple m-f competent heroine nerdy-hero -
I Knew He Was Trouble by Amanda Schimmoeller
I’ve never needed help from anyone. I certainly don’t need it from the infuriating doctor next door.I loathe my uncivil neighbor and the loud music he blares before the sun has risen. Even the dogs I walk—for one of my four jobs—despise him.I’d be happy never seeing him again... -
Slow Burn: A Multi-generational Second Chance Romance by Cara Malone
As the new director of Sunnyside Assisted Living, Lauren has her hands full with everything from a budget-obsessed boss to a 90-year-old muffin-juggling resident.And now Lauren’s got a brand-new fire to put out.There’s a beautiful stranger outside her office, waiting to steal a moment of Lauren’s time –with a fox perched on her shoulder... -
Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhen a single dad meets the former rock star crush of his youth, everything they thought they knew about happiness and love is thrown into chaos in this hopeful, heartwarming romantic comedyBilly Perkins is happy. No, for real. It’s kind of his thing, actually...Categorized as:
sweet-hero nerdy-hero single-mother m-f mature couple dual-pov third-person-pov contemporary -
Playing with Trouble by Amy Andrews
From pro rugby player to...Manny?Australian rugby pro Cole Hauser has had enough of speculations about his future post-injury. So when a football buddy puts his house in America at Cole’s disposal, he jumps at the chance for some peace and anonymity. The plan is perfect—until he discovers he’s roomies with a woman who knows how to wield a nail gun and her kid. Awesome. Not...
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