Books like 'The Comeback Summer'
Readers who enjoyed The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
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Beard Necessities by Penny Reid
Billy Winston’s family is going to see him happy and in love if it’s the last thing they do. No one deserves a happily-ever-after quite as much as the second oldest Winston brother and his lady love, Claire McClure (aka Scarlet St. Claire). Cruelty and circumstance tore them apart almost twenty years ago. Secrecy and bitterness kept them separated...Categorized as:
second chances forced proximity sweet heroine humor contemporary angst friends to lovers new adult -
Talk Nerdy To Me by C.M. Owens
Despite the fact it seemed like Base Masters was all over Sterling Shore, I'd never really known much about him, aside from random factoids. Things like...he's a semi-estranged cousin of one of my brother's friends, plays guitar in a local band, and he doesn't get mentioned much unless he's on stage. Until.. -
Space by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny ReidOne week.Private cabin.Famous physicist.Still an unrepentant slacker.What’s the worst that could happen?Mona’s meticulously planned allotment of relaxation is thrown into chaos by the unscheduled appearance of her older brother’s band of friends, including the one person she'd hoped to never face again... -
Time by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid A (brokenhearted) physicist. Now an infamous (who is LITERALLY EVERYWHERE!! UGH!) musician. The worst has already happened. Mona has learned that she has nothing figured out and plans are meaningless. After leaving her in Aspen, Abram is now breaking sales-records, rising to rock star fame almost overnight. Mona can’t seem to escape him...Categorized as:
sweet heroine second chances humor new adult contemporary friends to lovers m-f dual-pov -
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How to Be a Movie Star by T.J. Klune
Sequel to How to Be a Normal PersonA How to Be Novel Josiah Erickson wants to be a movie star. The problem with that is so does half of Los Angeles. But he’s on his way, what with memorable roles as a TV show background cadaver and a guy in a commercial for herpes medication. All he needs is his big break...Categorized as:
sunny hero forced proximity m-m contemporary humor friends to lovers queer found-family -
Sweat and Soap, Vol. 1 by Kintetsu Yamada
In an office romance, there's a fine line between sexy and awkward... and that line is where Asako -- a woman who sweats copiously -- met Koutarou -- a perfume developer who can't get enough of Asako's, er, scent. Don't miss a romcom manga like no other!Yae's living her dream, working at the toiletry maker Lilia Drop...Categorized as:
sunny hero curvy heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor office new adult friends to lovers -
Forever With The CEO by Layla Hagen
It began as a fake marriage. It became so much more. I’m Nick Whitley, CEO of Whitley Sports Industries. I’m a bonafide bachelor, and never intended to settle down. But I’m also a dependable kind of guy and do what’s right when I can.So when my best friend and his wife pass away, leaving behind their twins, I do everything possible to help out their aunt—Allison... -
Haven by Bella Matthews
She’s a former Olympic figure skater whose world turned upside down. He’s a pro-football player who never let go of the past. What happens when these two finally have their second chance and a stalker threatens everything?Brandon Dixon came into my life like a quiet storm. Powerful and intense. I was sure he was my fresh start. But it turned out life had other plans... -
Nothing But It All by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a warm and romantic novel about a marriage in trouble, two conspiring kids, and the meaning of long-lasting love. After twenty years, the cracks in Lauren Reed’s marriage are showing. She and her husband, Jack, feel more like roommates than a loving couple...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances humor small town mature couple contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsListening Length 9 hours and 57 minutesA red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex...Categorized as:
second chances forced proximity m-m contemporary queer from hate to love angst friends to lovers -
The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini
How many weddings does it take to fall in love?One year ago, Amelie had it all.Almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant: her life was exactly what she’d ordered.Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, popped up out of nowhere and proved she might like something off menu.***One year later, Amelie has lost it all...Categorized as:
forced proximity sweet-hero second chances sweet heroine sunny hero contemporary humor new adult -
How to Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor
How is it possible for the chemistry between two chefs to be hotter than a ghost pepper yet colder than liquid nitrogen?When THE Tatum Elliott shows up to run the catering kitchen at my family’s farm and event center, I don’t trust her anymore than I did back in culinary school.But like it or not, she’s here. On my territory. My turf...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances contemporary humor office from hate to love length-medium m-f -
Seatmate by Cara Bastone
I have exactly 5 hours and 10 minutes to get from Boston to New York City or the professional opportunity of a lifetime disappears. My only travel option? The second to last seat on a discount bus. Across from the bathroom. Wearing last night’s clothes (don’t ask). All worth it if I can make it in time.My nerves almost get the best of me, but then there he is, sitting down in the seat next to me...Categorized as:
forced proximity independent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary humor m-f cheerful heroine -
A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce
Claire Ashford has always led a careful life—her family didn't nickname her Claireful for nothing. But after ending a relationship that was equal parts safe and unfulfilling, she recognizes just how much her caution has cost her and dedicates herself to leaving her Claireful ways behind. Her first chance to take a risk comes with a job opportunity in San Francisco...Categorized as:
forced proximity sweet heroine sweet-hero sunny hero insta-love contemporary christmas new adult -
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Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsEmerson just made her dream come true as a professional cheerleader for her favorite pro football team. But even though the plus-size athlete is breaking down boundaries, she still has to contend with the massive rulebook. Carbs? Nope. Chocolate? Definitely not. Still, Emerson loves her curves, and she’ll rock the hell out of this job even if it kills her...Categorized as:
independent heroine heroine athlete curvy heroine sweet-hero sports humor new adult contemporary -
Boone by Sawyer Bennett
Boone Rivers uses his fame and fortune as a professional hockey player to his advantage, but not in the way most people would think. Volunteering as often as his busy schedule will allow, Boone meets one brave young boy who turns his world upside down.As a first-line right winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, I thrive on the thrill of the game... -
Out of Focus by Cristina Santos
Can two people, brought together by chance and mutual need, overcome their differences and find a love that defies the odds?Rafael and Charlie are two souls destined to collide. He is a vibrant Brazilian CEO with a deep seated desire to find love. She is a British redhead navigating life in finance while trying to prepare for a potentially monotonous relationship... -
It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
From the USA Today bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script, a novel about a former adolescent TV actress-turned-Hollywood producer whose “fake it till you make it” mantra sets her on a crash course with her past, forcing her to spend a week on Long Island with the last man she thinks might make her believe in love.Love is a lie. Laughter is the only truth...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances sweet-hero independent heroine humor contemporary angst m-f -
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... -
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson
My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn.Talk about life being unfair.I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay... -
Dane by Kate Oliver
SummerReturning to her home town was supposed to be temporary. But things change when she realizes her mom needs her help. And when her old high school crush who lives next door finds her on the front porch crying, everything changes. It all feels like a dream come true. At least until reality sets in...Categorized as:
curvy heroine forced proximity sweet heroine sweet-hero second chances age play alpha male spanking -
Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner
A 6'5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life...no, this isn't the start of a bad joke.I had a chance encounter in a dimly lit bar that led to an earth-shattering kiss with a beautiful stranger.But then the next morning my world is rocked again--when I walk inside my team captain's house and see her...Categorized as:
independent heroine curvy heroine sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary humor sports hockey -
The Day the Jerk Started Falling by Max Monroe
My name is Oliver Arsen, but my mates call me Ollie. I live hard and love harder, and it’s love that usually gets me in the most trouble. According to the greater population, I’m the ultimate jerk. My affection tends to be short-lived—a quality I’ve been assured multiple times by the fairer sex isn’t becoming—and the leaving part of loving and leaving has always come natural...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances sunny hero independent heroine sweet-hero sports humor contemporary -
I Think I Might Need You by Christina C. Jones
Joia Love is all about… well, Joia. Her primary interests right now are how creative she can get with her video camera, how much weight she can bench press, and her social media brand. A man doesn’t even factor into her top five. Especially not Theodore Graham, the ex-boyfriend committed to becoming her next boyfriend... -
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In Her Jam Jar by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRevenge is best served cold, but Weston is smoking hot!Bullies never get what’s coming to them. Instead they lead charmed lives while their victims continue to spiral into an anxious ball of junk food and wine fueled self-care. No just me?Probably because I had to move back to my small home town with only broke and reeking of failure...Categorized as:
sunny hero independent heroine curvy heroine contemporary humor super rich hero length-medium m-f -
The Christmas List by Maren Moore
From bestselling author of The Mistletoe Bet, Maren Moore comes a second chance, single dad, holiday novella full of Christmas sugar and spice. I love Christmas. So much so that in my smalltown I’m known as The Queen of Christmas. And no one knows holiday festivities quite like Strawberry Hollow. Only this Christmas season delivers an unexpected twist in the form of Wyatt Owens... -
Third Party by Danika Bloom
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsTurns out that old saying is true, that money can’t buy happiness. But it sure can ruin it.Josh Rhodes was the love of my life. We were all set to do the ‘til death do us part’ thing. But when the video game he’d been working on for years sold for millions, I realized I wasn't prepared for the 'for richer or poorer' part. All I needed to do was prove that I could still support myself—if I had to...Categorized as:
second chances sweet-hero contemporary new adult humor tearjerkers christmas working class hero -
With These Words by K. Lashaun
Eden Foster finally achieved her lifelong dream of receiving an invitation to compete in the PFC, Professional Fighting Conference. But at what cost?The already-weakened bond within her family has fractured more than ever. Her two beloved boys are being used as leverage to control her. And she’s lost the man she wanted to spend forever with... -
WRAPPED by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Following a painful divorce, all pastry chef Shae Kenney wants for Christmas is one good date that doesn’t end in disaster. When Aidan Meyer, a smoking hot hunk from her past, matches with her on a dating app, Shae asks Santa for the strength not to screw it up...Categorized as:
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Her Fake Date for Christmas by Hailey Shore
What do you do when the dates are fake but the feelings are real? Hope for a Christmas Miracle…Almost everyone in Calico Cove knows how I feel about Mari…well, except for Mari. Truth is, I’ve had a serious crush on her since high school but I’ve been friend-zoned... -
Dirty Flirt by Mira Lyn Kelly
Bad ideas are kind of my superpower... I’m Ben Boerboom, the NHL’s favorite puck boy, and Lara's my slamming hot, former bestie. She's also the friend who got away and my dirty, dirty accomplice from those two insane weeks that weren't supposed to change anything... but did.I wanted it all. Would have wrapped my forever around her finger if she'd let me... -
Empty Net by Teagan Hunter
I have two goals this season:1. Stop enough pucks to get the Seattle Serpents to the playoffs.2. Don’t fall for my fake fiancée.When Lilah Maddison’s mother keeps trying to set her up on dates she’s not interested in, she blurts out that she’s already seeing someone. The problem? She’s single.So, I step in to help and agree to pretend to be her boyfriend for an event...Categorized as:
independent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero forced proximity hockey sports contemporary humor -
Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy by Becky Monson
She just wanted a Mr. Darcy… not her best friend’s brother in breeches. "Didn't see that coming" could be my life's motto. I mean, I certainly didn't foresee my roommate stealing my boyfriend—an unfortunate turn of events that led to me moving in with my best friend and her infuriatingly attractive brother...Categorized as:
sweet heroine sunny hero sweet-hero contemporary siblings-bff length-short glimpses-kisses humor -
Southern Snow by B.R. Goodwin
For the last three years, Georgia has called the quirky southern town of Sugartree home, dutifully moving back to manage her parent’s coffee shop after her father suffered a heart attack and finding contentment in her busy schedule and the occasional shenanigans of her three younger siblings...Categorized as:
second chances independent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero christmas christian contemporary humor -
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Spoke Too Soon by Dulcie Dameron
It’s every girl’s dream to move in with the hot guy who ghosted her...NOT.I’m about to be homeless at almost twenty-five.Cue the pathetic wah, wah, wah sound effect.And to make matters worse, I’m nowhere near having enough money to fund the clothing line startup I’ve dreamt about for years.But bemoaning my current situation won’t move the needle and it certainly won’t find me a place to live... -
Dr. Aster by Raylin Marks
I thought I had it all. She showed me just how wrong I was…Being a cocky, playboy, billionaire doctor is every bit as amazing as you’d expect. Or, itwas, at least. Until I met her.Dr. Mikayla Smith is everything I’m not—sassy, sunshiny, and idealistic. She’s also a much-younger resident at my hospital, which means she’s forbidden fruit. I should’ve left her alone.But I didn’t... -
Faking the Fall by Julie Christianson
What’s a movie star to do when giving up the spotlight could hurt the ones he loves most?My agent has this idea—an insanely bad idea—to reboot my Hollywood heartthrob status by having my long-lost love dump me … while I’m proposing to her on national TV.The theory? Women everywhere will swoon over poor Lincoln James, scrambling to repair his vulnerable, shattered heart...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances sweet heroine sweet-hero contemporary new adult length-medium m-f -
Under Your Spell by Laura Wood
The daughter of an aging rock star finds herself working for the hottest musician on the planet and is shocked when sparks start to fly—especially since she swore she’d never, ever date a celebrity—in this unputdownable romance. She wants three things. He isn’t one of them..Categorized as:
forced proximity sunny hero curvy heroine sweet heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor rockstars -
Not the man I thought he was by Phoebe MacLeod
Madison reckons she’s a pretty good judge of character.When a disaster at work brings professional photographer Toby into her life, she has him all worked out within minutes. As their work collaboration blossoms into friendship, her preconceptions about him are only strengthened...Categorized as:
forced proximity independent heroine sweet-hero humor length-medium behind-doors contemporary m-f -
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:
second chances sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary single-mother dual-pov humor length-medium -
The Ex List by Grace Pearce
Ryan has one hard and fast rule to dating—never settle.But following this rule has led her to become a serial dater. As her number of exes grows, so does the list of reasons why she had no choice but to let them go—the same list she coincidentally keeps texting one particular person after every breakup.Who cares? Grey blocked Ryan’s number after he broke up with her four years ago...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances contemporary humor length-medium explicit-open-door m-f slow burn -
Her Pretend Billionaire Boyfriend: A Clean Billionaire Romance Book One by Bree Livingston
Belle Evans just won a cruise and it couldn’t come at better time. Between her wrecked marketing career and finding out her fiancé was cheating on her, all she wants is an escape from life. The last thing she wants is a relationship—until she meets Tristan. Billionaire Tristan Stone is sick of being used... -
Wild Hopes: A smalltown rockstar romance by Evie Mitchell
The Bad Boy Rocker meets the Mousy Girl Next Door with a STEAMY Secret... Justice Wild tossed Peach Springs away a decade ago, leaving the town in his dust on his way to rockstar glory. Now, platinum plaques and tabloid headlines precede him, and his bad-boy persona is as electrifying as his guitar riffs. But under the leather and ink, the scars of his past run deep... -
Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPainfully shy plant mom Violet Parker is about to experience the thrill of a lifetime when her TV crush lands on her doorstep.Desperate to rehab his public image after a PR disaster, actor / playboy Jack Grant needs a wholesome fake girlfriend for the summer. Violet, meanwhile, needs help stepping out of her comfort zone so her fledgling flower and plant shop, Bloom, will thrive...Categorized as:
forced proximity curvy heroine humor found-family contemporary length-medium fake relationship -
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When The Rain Falls by Rea Riley
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSince losing his wife, Finn Hudson's struggled in the bedroom. Can the younger woman next door win over his heart...and his body? Aimee Jones is done being the “fun for a night” girl. She’s ready to be someone’s “forever.” Unfortunately, her impulsiveness and desire for thrills keep getting in the way, so does the broody older man next door...Categorized as:
forced proximity second chances age difference friends to lovers new adult contemporary angst humor -
Be Mine This Time by M.A. Clarke Scott, MaryAnn Clarke
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFrom the award-winning author of The Art of Enchantment, comes Be Mine This Time, a compelling, heart-warming story of second chances, divided loyalties and the power of love to heal the wounds of the past. Vancouver family mediator Kate O’Day adores her work in couple’s reconciliation, despite her own tragic history with relationships... -
When Fate Breaks by Nikki Witt
Do you believe in fate?It’s a simple question…unless you’re a strict life planner and serial overthinker like Annie Jacks. It’s a good thing she finally has it all figured out. Now twenty-eight and two months away from her wedding, Annie has found herself moving into the home of her dreams with her fiancé. The only issue with the move? The house has an old dilapidated greenhouse in the backyard...Categorized as:
second chances forced proximity sweet-hero suspense humor contemporary friends to lovers small town -
Honeysuckle Breeze by B.R. Goodwin
Would you rather know what your best friend’s lips feel like against yours but get ghosted immediately after… or never even taste the possibility of forever?What could be worse than inconveniently falling for your long-distance best friend? How ‘bout sharing an unexpected, but magical, Christmas kiss with him, then being ghosted ever after…It's been three months since Caroline has spoken to...Categorized as:
sweet heroine sunny hero sweet-hero contemporary christian single-father friends to lovers humor -
Seas the Dating Coach by Laura Langa
Seizing the day is great—but snagging a dating coach is better.All I wanted was to finally say hi to my longtime crush. Instead, I slipped on a puddle of coffee and landed in the arms of Finn Reynolds—the infuriatingly charming newcomer in town. When I tried again, I got utterly tongue-tied. Now I’m blushing, flustered, and somehow caught in Finn’s ridiculous proposition... -
Best Frenemies by Max Monroe
Going tit for tat with the man you hate is all fun and games until things get literal…and the jerk sees you naked.My beach getaway was only supposed to include three relaxation, wine, and fun in the sun.Mack Houston, on the other hand, should have never— ever— been involved.In no uncertain terms, he’s the bane of my existence.The thorn in my side.The sexy Mr...
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