Books like 'Cruel Summer'
Readers who enjoyed Cruel Summer by Morgan Elizabeth also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny age difference single-father vengeance grumpy sunshine strong heroine forced proximity possessive hero working class hero
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Where It All Began by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAvailable only through Lucy's newsletter, this free book is the prequel to the popular Blue Moon series and is set in 1985. John Pierce has plans for these two hundred rundown acres. He sees a farm, a family, a future. He’s not about to drag someone in on the ground floor, not before he’s put in the work to turn rubble into home... -
A New Dawn at Owl's Lodge by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsCould one chance meeting change your life forever? Zara is at a crossroads in life. While she adores her job as a producer's assistant working on hit TV shows, travelling around the country means she doesn't truly feel that she has a home. With a fractured relationship with her family and unrequited love weighing heavily on her heart, she is torn about what her next step in life should be. . -
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Filthy Little Midlife Fling by Lilian Monroe
She's about to discover exactly what this hunky, small-town mechanic is hiding under the hood. .. I’m having a bad week. First, I get a call from my scumbag ex-husband asking for a favor. He wants to hire me to organize his new house. The house he’s sharing with his new wife. The one he cheated on me with. But the worst part? I’m so broke I might have to take the job... -
The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhen Lady Luck deals her a roadside diner in small-town Texas, a professional poker player discovers home may be the best win of all in this heartfelt romance by. New York Times. bestselling author Carolyn Brown... -
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Bayou With Benefits by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThey are friends. Without benefits. Unfortunately. Michael LeClaire is small-town Louisiana. A firefighter. A single dad. And Amelia Landry is New York City. A social media influencer. A model. Sure, she’s his son’s favorite person on the planet... -
The Potter's House by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSometimes facing up to the past is the only way to create a better future…. Since the tragic death of his father, Lowen Treneary has kept to himself in his pottery studio on the remote island of Bryher. His quiet life is just the way he likes it. Until Pippa comes along. The local café owner plunges his peaceful existence into chaos and brightens his days while she’s at it... -
The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFamily, wounded hearts, and a Texas bed-and-breakfast are in need of repair in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s inviting novel about down-home comfort and second chances. Cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae are due for a change...Categorized as:
small town forced proximity m-f friends to lovers contemporary humor christian audiobook -
The Vegas Lie by K. Alex Walker
“As I said, it’s Saraci. S-A-R-A-C-I. Learn to say it and learn to spell it. It’ll be yours one day…and so will I. ”. When what happened in Vegas. .. didn't. Raina Daniels and Lucas Saraci are sworn enemies. Warring dragons from rival factions. The Montagues and Capulets of the modern world. .. kind of...Categorized as:
bwwm age difference strong heroine m-f forced proximity multicultural suspense contemporary -
Don't Fall For The Billionaire: A Billionaire Single Dad/Nanny Romance With All The Autumn Feels by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTaking the nanny job was supposed to be a temporary arrangement for me. I needed money, not a full-blown life detour, with no prior qualifications, and definitely not a brooding billionaire with a too-serious stare and a daughter who hadn’t smiled in months. But Ashton Cross isn’t what I expected. Yes, he’s powerful. Intimidating. Frustrating. He watches me like he’s starving...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine single-father humor contemporary boss & employee north-america usa -
Ick Factor by Morgan Elizabeth
Kat has never been on more than seven dates with a man before catching the dreaded ick. That’s all it takes to realize he’s not the one for her. It’s usually something small—the way he puts ice in his cup, drinks his coffee, or his preferred name in the bedroom, but it’s enough to make her realize she could never spend an eternity with him...Categorized as:
vengeance strong heroine forced proximity grumpy sunshine age difference m-f office humor -
Three Reckless Words by Nicole Snow
A runaway bride brings trouble and temptation to a stone-hearted single dad in this emotional and scorching hot romance by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow. Is there any coming back after you blow your own wedding to pieces? I braced for the fallout when I left my emotionally unavailable groom. I expected the tears, the family wrath, the drama galore... -
The Village of Happy Ever Afters by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsMolly Hopkins has happily watched all of her friends’ dreams come true on Riverside Lane. Deciding to follow her passion for baking, Molly with the help of her friends takes the plunge and opens a Tea Garden in the village hoping to make it a summer to remember! Meanwhile, after a rather public end of his marriage, Logan Armstrong trusts no one but his beloved Grandad... -
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... -
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:
grumpy sunshine age difference m-f christmas contemporary humor friends to lovers length-novella -
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Flipping Love You by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s the tattooed bad boy her mama warned her about. She’s his hot mess — but mostly hot — next door neighbor. Until a two-night-stand gives them the surprise of a lifetime. .. Jillian Morris is a workaholic who forgets to watch the time. And to eat. And to change her shoes. And to keep even a house-plant alive. And to have any kind of a personal life... -
Never The Bride by Kortney Keisel
No rings. No vows. No ‘til death do us part. As a top divorce attorney who’s built her career—and her walls—on the belief that marriage doesn’t last, Camila swears she’ll never walk down the aisle. After years of watching relationships crumble, she’s made it her personal mission to convince her little sister to avoid getting married at all costs. The problem? Camila’s already married. Secretly... -
The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPreorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane series. Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what. All’s fair in love and…medicine? Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders...Categorized as:
small town forced proximity m-f humor suspense contemporary from hate to love length-medium -
Doughn't Let Me Go by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsIt was just supposed to be one night. No kissing. No feelings. A wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am tangle in the sheets and we go our own ways. Only it’s a small town, and I was bound to run into the irresistible Porter Jones again. I just didn’t expect it to be at my job interview…which he’s conducting...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity single-father small town m-f humor contemporary new adult -
The Last Thing by Bethany Monaco Smith
What do you do when the one night stand you were never supposed to see again shows up at your door as your daughter’s new nanny—and she’s pregnant with your baby? Convince her it’s all fate and you’re meant to be together, of course. From the moment Hallie Baker’s eyes met mine across a New York City bar, she’s owned me... -
Home on a Yorkshire Farm by Jane Lovering
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNeeding an escape, Dora swapped city living for life as a shepherdess on her grandad’s Yorkshire farm. More than a decade later Dora is still there, now farming the fifty acres and caring for the one hundred rare sheep by herself. She never hears the call of the city, but instead relishes the peace and simplicity of life on the Moors... -
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...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary humor friends to lovers dual-pov glimpses-kisses -
Over & Out by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIntroducing a brand new enemies to lovers romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claire Wilder! Three months ago, a dirt bike accident stole my confidence, my beloved ride, and the one thing that made me feel alive. Now I’m going through the motions in my coastal tourist town, totally adrift… and trying not to think about the stranger who pulled me from the wreckage...Categorized as:
forced proximity m-f grumpy sunshine small town from hate to love office humor length-medium -
The Maverick of the Mountain by Tessa Klein
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe’s big. He’s bearded. AND HE HAS A CHAINSAW! ? You Only Live Once. .. My temporary tattoo feels more like a prescient warning than a gentle reminder after I nearly careen off an old mountain road during the worst storm I’ve ever encountered. I should’ve stayed in town. I should’ve thrown out the hand-drawn map the local gave me... -
A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street. .. There's always time for tea. .. unless you've lost your teapot…. Cleo Jordan has only ever wished for one thing – to open her own teashop in memory of her lovely gran...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity small town found-family contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
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Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese three women are the toughest juries they’ll ever have to plead their case to. THIS BOX SET INCLUDES…. Clean Slate (Charity Case #0. 5). Moving two thousand miles away wasn’t my plan, but when family needs you, you come. Before I can head back to my hometown of Chicago though, I have two men to say good-bye to. Neither one of them will be happy to hear the news... -
Undeniable Temptation by Eden Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHaunted by a kiss. With his destructive marriage behind him, Ryan Bennett can no longer deny his insatiable attraction to the one woman in control of his future. He needs her. Craves her. She’s the only glimpse of happiness through the building drama in his life and yet one drunken kiss has pushed her further away. Tormented by what’s at stake... -
She Likes It, Hey Micah by Dana LeCheminant
Micah Taylor is an eternal optimist, but with every first date that fails, her faith in true love weakens. When offered the chance to help reopen the lodge where her parents were married, Micah is determined to prove her worth and show her boss that she has what it takes to be a great event planner...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine age difference m-f contemporary humor office glimpses-kisses -
Hello Trouble by Kelsie Hoss
What happens when the eternally single curvy girl becomes the blue-collar bad boy's new obsession? I love my small town and having all my friends and family around. But I'm almost forty and still single. Clearly, my Prince Charming isn't finding me here. Especially with my car continually breaking down and sending me to Hayes Madigan's shop... -
Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a giant of a man who grunts for words and barks out orders, yet circumstances require I be his fake girlfriend and spend the weekend with him in an isolated cabin. And of course there’s only one bed. Just my luck…But I need this commission check that only Boston can guarantee me...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity small town m-f contemporary from hate to love humor military -
The Sneak Peak by Victoria Wilder
My Best Friend. Young. Tempting . She bid on me at my company’s charity auction and won. Back then, she was too young, with hearts in her eyes and her whole life ahead of her. That’s how we started, and after all this time, she’s become my best friend. Being a single dad of twins and running Colorado's most successful summer sports company requires control and focus... -
Make Mine Sweet: A Grumpy-Sunshine Small Town Romantic Comedy by Genny Carrick
My heart's had a No Trespassing sign on it for years, but my next-door neighbor is tempting me to lay out a welcome mat. When I took my friend’s offer of cheap rent for me and my five-year-old son, I knew it came with a reclusive neighbor attached. I just didn’t realize he’s the same guy I adored from afar fifteen years ago...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine m-f forced proximity small town dual-pov humor length-medium -
Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsLife might be a highway but the last thing this grumpy silver fox expected was a cross-country road trip with a ray of sunshine. "My sister is driving to California. She could give you a ride. ". "What? " Tucker Ashe and I say in unison. Mae Fox. Surely, my older sister has lost her mind. There is no way I'm driving her insufferable – albeit sexy silver fox – boss two thousand miles... -
His Bride: The Complete Series by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSix gorgeous, bossy older men will change the lives of these feisty heroines forever in this series of sweet and spicy short romances. Meet the Titans of Tennessee – Men of industry (and music! ) who work hard, love harder…and go to ridiculous lengths to claim the sassy women meant for them...Categorized as:
age difference curvy heroine m-f virgin heroine alpha male contemporary insta-love humor -
More Than I Could by Adriana Locke
This grumpy single dad falls hard for the nanny. Chase Marshall is many things: · An attentive single dad · Jaw-droppingly gorgeous · My employer for the next thirty days He’s also the bane of my existence. He swears I’m a never-ending headache—the most infuriating woman he’s ever met... -
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She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 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:
independent heroine strong heroine m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers sassy heroine audiobook -
Pop! by V. Kelly
A sex contract seemed like a good idea, until she fell in love. When Symone Esquire fails to woo her best friend into taking her virginity, his rejection is the catalyst that inspires her to create a sex contract with a local legend, a man nicknamed “The Cherry Popper”, to take her virginity instead...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine strong heroine independent heroine possessive hero m-f humor new adult contemporary -
Espresso Your Love (The Coffee Loft: Fall Collection) by Bella Greene
Welcome back to The Coffee Loft, where a new round of stories has been brewed especially for you. Those of you stopping by to visit again, we’ve missed you. The feeling of home is the same that you loved before. If it’s your first time, prepare to be swept off your feet. While our menu hasn’t changed, we think you’ll be pleased with the fall favorites we’ve added... -
Just Wanted You to Know by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLivia Applewhite needs a change. Her awful boss has made the job she used to love a serious drag. On top of that, it seems everyone around her is paired off in romantic bliss. It's enough to give a girl a complex. Hoping a change of scenery will give her new perspective, she sets off for a two-week trip to Tennessee to visit her favorite cousin... -
The Christmas Dilemma by Sarah Vance-Tompkins
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSkipping Christmas is easy. But it’s impossible to deny your heart… Eli Adair is the first call whenever his family and friends need a hand. But this Christmas, he has no obligations, so he’s taking a break from the stress of big family celebrations. No presents under the tree. No stockings by the fireplace. No twinkling lights. All he wants is to be home alone at Hillcrest House... -
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 small town m-f contemporary from hate to love super rich hero humor length-medium -
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:
age difference small town m-f grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary humor length-long -
West of Port by Carina Taylor
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSydney is out for revenge no matter what it takes—including teaming up with a grumpy, retired cop who wants nothing to do with her. West has retired from the police force. Completely burnt out, he doesn't want to protect anyone anymore. All he wants is to be left alone so that he can refinish his new-to-him sailboat. Unfortunately for him, a woman shows up asking for his help—needing his help...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine age difference contemporary mafia office insta-love humor -
Hopelessly Romantic by Barbara Freethy
Welcome to OCEAN SHORES in the sun-soaked paradise of Oceanside, California where the ocean pounds the shore, surfers ride the early morning waves, and the local military base sends roaring jets into the sky... -
Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray
I have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me. Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods. It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago... -
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Auctioned to the Mountain Man by Kali Hart
Alida. I would never have agreed to this auction if I wasn’t desperate. One night in exchange for some financial freedom seems like a small price to pay. But on my way, I end up stranded on the side of the road. And that man who finds me is the last man I ever wanted to see again. Fox. When I caught wind that my late buddy’s sister was putting herself up for auction, I had to intervene... -
Devoted by Evelyn Sola
Maxwell Sutton and Summer Madison are back and on their way to the altar! At least that was their plan. The road to forever isn’t a smooth one. And these two are learning that firsthand thanks to Maxwell’s past. But, Maxwell is determined not to let any drama derail their future. Because simply put - Maxwell and Summer are devoted to one another and to making their relationship last...Categorized as:
strong heroine bwwm age difference m-f possessive hero multicultural contemporary humor -
Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo authors, an intertwined plot, and one heck of an alluring ending to their highly-anticipated bestselling books. .. With her fantasy series, Bridget Paige is the newest member of the New York Times Bestseller list. Except no one knows who she is. To the world, she's Bridget. To those behind the scenes, she's introverted Paige Booker... -
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:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity m-f contemporary super rich hero humor from hate to love suspense -
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... -
Thick by Scott Hildreth
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBOBBI - Tate Reynolds was muscular, tattooed, and handsome. Seeing beyond his physical attributes allowed me to understand that the man beneath all the muscles was a compassionate, kind, and understanding romantic. I wanted him so bad I could taste it. There was only one real problem. He was an inmate in prison. And, I was a prison guard. TATE - Bobbi Madden was gorgeous...Categorized as:
independent heroine m-f curvy heroine humor contemporary bikers forbidden love length-medium
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