Books like 'After the Fire: A Novel'
Readers who enjoyed After the Fire: A Novel by Maria Rigou also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary grumpy sunshine from hate to love angst forced proximity
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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... -
![Down To You by Jayne Frost]()
Down To You by Jayne Frost
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEvery story deserves a soundtrack. And ours is epic. She started from perfect. A star who shone brighter than the rest. But then fate took it all away. Now she's broken. A beautiful song with a fractured beat. But I'm still on the rise. Chasing a dream that she's already left behind. If I'm lucky, I can find my redemption in the spotlight. Destiny brought us together. Put her in my path... -
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![Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks]()
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]()
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... -
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![Protector of Misty Mountain: An ex-military, age gap, mountain man romance by Eve London]()
Protector of Misty Mountain: An ex-military, age gap, mountain man romance by Eve London
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe walked into my world like she belongs here… but I don’t let people stay.JuniperThe mountains were supposed to be my escape—a place to rebuild, to breathe, to prove to myself that I could make it on my own. But from the moment I set foot in Misty Mountain, one mountain man has made it his mission to send me packing. Griffin Calloway...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity age difference contemporary military length-novella -
![The CEO I Hate by Leslie North]()
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]()
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... -
![Wedding at the Riverview Inn by Molly O'Keefe]()
Wedding at the Riverview Inn by Molly O'Keefe
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsAn emotional tale of a magical inn, a wedding gone terribly wrong and a woman searching for a second chance.Alice has hit rock bottom. Once a Michelin-starred chef, she is now drowning in debt, working the line at a chain restaurant and drinking too much. The last person she ever expected to come knocking with a job offer and a fresh start is her ex-husband, Gabe...Categorized as:
angst forced proximity from hate to love contemporary second chances length-medium audiobook -
![Down To You by Jayne Frost]()
Down To You by Jayne Frost
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe started from perfect. A star who shone brighter than the rest. But then fate took it all away. Now she's broken. A beautiful song with a fractured beat. But I'm still on the rise. Chasing a dream that she's already left behind. If I'm lucky, I can find my redemption in the spotlight. Destiny brought us together. Put her in my path. It started with a road trip... -
![The Correspondent by Tess Thompson]()
The Correspondent by Tess Thompson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe can’t stand him. He loathes her. Fate has other plans.When a snowstorm strands these enemies in an abandoned cabin, will they begin to see each other in a whole new way?After fighting her way out of poverty, Stormi Collins is finally going places... -
![The Fix by Lisa Herrington]()
The Fix by Lisa Herrington
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSydney Bell knows exactly how far is too far when it comes to the law. She’s a cop’s daughter, after all. But the lines between right and wrong become blurred when it involves matters of the heart. After a devastating divorce, she escapes to the small lakeside town of Maisonville to pick up the shattered pieces of her life and make a fresh start. Unfortunately, her past isn’t ready to let go... -
![A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella by Audrey Carlan]()
A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Audrey Carlan comes a new story in her Marriage Auction series…“’Tis the Season,” some people say, as if the month of December could somehow magically make the world a better place. Fat chance of that happening in Sin City.In my world, nothing is merry and bright. More like dark and dank...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love contemporary length-short audiobook -
![Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil]()
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:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
![On Thin Ice by L.A. Cotton]()
On Thin Ice by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAn emotional and angsty grumpy x sunshine hockey romance from USA Today and WSJ bestselling author L A Cotton. Are you ready to fall in love with a Laker?When Harper Dixon discovers her father is the Lakeshore U Lakers new assistant coach, she wonders if her life can get any worse.Enter Mason Steele.Arrogant. Cold. With enough ice around his heart to freeze anyone who gets too close...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love angst grumpy sunshine sports new adult dual-pov college -
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![Once Upon a Grump by Penelope Bloom]()
Once Upon a Grump by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAll I wanted was a fresh start.Instead, I got him.Mr. Mysterious Millionaire in His Tower.Mr. Don't Dare Question Me.Mr. Grumpy With a Side of Fine.Well, he’s about to get introduced to his newest employee,Ms. Doesn’t Give A Flying Toot.All right, all right. I’m exaggerating a bit. I give one or two toots, but I just got finished fleeing the ruins of my former life... -
![The Gruff Loner's Bargain by Kat Baxter]()
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... -
![Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell]()
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 forced proximity from hate to love contemporary friends to lovers m-f -
![Malicious Compliance by E.M. Lindsey]()
Malicious Compliance by E.M. Lindsey
My life is good. I work from home, I answer to no one, and I pay my rent on time. In short, things are peaceful and solitary—exactly the way I like them. Yes, my apartment might be a dump with paper-thin walls and plumbing issues, but it’s mine all the same. And then he moves in...Categorized as:
from hate to love angst forced proximity grumpy sunshine m-m contemporary humor christmas -
![SEAL's Fake Girlfriend by Leslie North]()
SEAL's Fake Girlfriend by Leslie North
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsDanger and desire go hand in hand…When her little sister Robyn is kidnapped, Rhianne Carlson promises herself she’ll do anything to bring her home safely. Even if it means reluctantly teaming up with private security agent and former Navy SEAL Eric Cruz.Despite his smoldering good looks and undeniable talents, Rhianne has never trusted this sinfully sexy agent... -
![Tex by Zoe Dawson]()
Tex by Zoe Dawson
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMichael “Tex” Penn comes under fire when a mission goes bad and the Navy pilot embedded with the team is killed in action. The pilot's wife, the daughter of an influential senator, wants answers the Navy has forbidden him to give. The OP was as black as night and Top Secret classified... -
![Royal Haze by L.J. Evans]()
Royal Haze by L.J. Evans
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI pledge allegiance to her…and only her.The stunning conclusion to The Painted Daisies series. Singer and lead guitarist Nikki Rani will do whatever it takes to keep her mom and her band safe, even if it means keeping secrets about her friend's murder. She failed her loved ones once and won't be taken in again by a ridiculous story.There are no fairy tales in her future... -
![Men or Paws by Rich Amooi]()
Men or Paws by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWatch a dog for three weeks, get fifteen thousand dollars. Piece of cake, right?Wrong.First, I have to stay in my client’s guesthouse while he’s in the main house working on an important project. That may not sound so bad, but HE is Hollywood’s Bad Boy, Rocco Romano, voted “Sexiest Man Alive.”The guy could charm the pants off a mannequin.Luckily he’s not my type.Seriously... -
![Men or Paws by Rich Amooi]()
Men or Paws by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWatch a dog for three weeks, get fifteen thousand dollars. Piece of cake, right?Wrong.First, I have to stay in my client’s guesthouse while he’s in the main house working on an important project. That may not sound so bad, but HE is Hollywood’s Bad Boy, Rocco Romano, voted “Sexiest Man Alive.”The guy could charm the pants off a mannequin.Luckily he’s not my type.Seriously... -
![Grumpy Billionaire Playboy by Ava Nichols]()
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... -
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![Save the Drama for Your Mama by Rich Amooi]()
Save the Drama for Your Mama by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsForget meet-cute. This is a meet-disaster.MelodyCooper Galloway was my bookstore crush for all of five minutes. Then he opened his mouth and ruined my fantasy. Things go from bad to worse when I arrive for my new job and HE greets me at the door... -
![Last Chance Seduction by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
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... -
![The Fall of Us by Kennedy Fox]()
The Fall of Us by Kennedy Fox
What happens when you travel across the country for your dream job and end up sharing a bed with an older man who volunteers you to be his fake girlfriend? You hope you don’t fall in love when it’s time to say goodbye. The Fall of us is an age gap, fake dating, close proximity romance... -
![Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs]()
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 forced proximity contemporary super rich hero humor suspense m-f -
![The Atelier Assignment by Annie Dyer]()
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... -
![Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date by Lilian Monroe]()
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 forced proximity contemporary humor office audiobook -
![Love You From Afar by Morgan Paige]()
Love You From Afar by Morgan Paige
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI always thought a person had to be a ghost to haunt you, but Everett Thompson is very much alive, and to make matters worse, he's my fiancé's brother.For years, I promised myself I would stay away from him. I tried putting as much distance between us as possible, yet here we are on a twelve hour road trip together... -
![Hard Boss by Iona Rose]()
Hard Boss by Iona Rose
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJulietteHudson Sinclair is such a grumpy, snarly, arrogant nightmare no one on the temp agency's books is willing to take on the job of replacing his secretary while she is off sick.Well, here I am, it’s my first day at the agency and I should probably give it a pass as my first job too. At least, that would be the prudent thing to do, but ‘prudent’ is not on my list of virtues... -
![The Doctor Who Stole Christmas by K.C. Crowne]()
The Doctor Who Stole Christmas by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA grumpy doctor.A wicked blizzard.And only one bed in sight.What could possibly go wrong?I never expected to find myself trekking through a blizzard...All to deliver "vital documents" to the elusive Dr. Grump's remote cabin...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine contemporary super rich hero christmas length-medium -
![The Grump Who Saved Christmas by Tracy Leigh]()
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... -
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![Borrowed by Victoria Ashley]()
Borrowed by Victoria Ashley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI was never supposed to want to keep her.She was meant to be borrowed.Mine for six days and not a day longer.She doesn’t belong to me.She belongs to someone else.My brother…The closest person I have outside of the screaming fans and paparazzi—a constant in my new life— other than the whiskey I drown myself in to numb the pain left by someone else... -
![Implode by Victoria Dawson]()
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... -
![Going Down by Cat Wynn]()
Going Down by Cat Wynn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsColin Rush is an overworked hotshot at a Big Four consulting firm. His neighbor Emma Smith is a cutesy but reserved first grade teacher who’s never so much as glanced in his direction. Needless to say, Colin’s positive that Emma’s not his type, and, in turn, Emma thinks Colin is an intimidating player, and probably a jerk. Frankly, they avoid each other at all costs... -
![A Wilder Wedding by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
A Wilder Wedding by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Wilders know their weddings and this time it’s for one of their own. Naomi and Amos have been the secret backbone to the Wilder Brothers’ Retreat and Winery for years. They’ve also loved and hated each other along the way. Their on and off again relationship has always worked for them, but now it’s getting in the way of the next Wilder Wedding... -
![My Ex's Dad is Coming to Town by Eve London]()
My Ex's Dad is Coming to Town by Eve London
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSometimes, love finds you in the most unexpected places... like in the arms of your ex’s dad.WinterThis Christmas was supposed to be about getting away from the mess I left behind, not cozying up to the grumpiest man I’ve ever met—who also happens to be my ex’s father. But Cole’s steady presence and the way he sees past my defenses make me feel safe in a way I never thought possible...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity age difference christmas contemporary length-novella -
![Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn]()
Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fell for the enemy.He broke me, and then put me together again. Our future? It’s worth fighting for. Or it was before the accident.The accident stole Phoenix from me. Now, he’s nice… kind even. But the memory of me—of our baby—is gone. Despite everything, I’m left fighting for our child and the man I’ve come to love...Categorized as:
from hate to love angst forced proximity sports new adult found-family second chances contemporary -
![Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn]()
Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fell for the enemy.He broke me, and then put me together again.Our future? It’s worth fighting for.Or it was before the accident.The accident stole Phoenix from me. Now, he’s nice… kind even. But the memory of me—of our baby—is gone. Despite everything, I’m left fighting for our child and the man I’ve come to love...Categorized as:
from hate to love angst forced proximity sports new adult found-family second chances contemporary -
![My Worst Best Mistake by Kenzie Reed]()
My Worst Best Mistake by Kenzie Reed
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe thinks he can make me quit...I think I can drive him crazy. We've got 8 weeks to find out who's right...When it comes to sexy oil baron Grant Kingsley, you can leave out the drilling jokes—I’ve heard them all before...Categorized as:
angst forced proximity from hate to love contemporary humor super rich hero length-medium audiobook -
![Love à la Mode by Kali Hart]()
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]()
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... -
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![Fallen Crown by W. Million]()
Fallen Crown by W. Million
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaren Tucker is done with men who check in for the good times and check out for the bad. As a member of one of the oldest families in Bellerive, she doesn't have to play nice with the Summerset Royals. Especially not the youngest who represents everything she detests... -
![Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Breanna Lynn]()
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... -
![Mister Write by Elyse Kelly]()
Mister Write by Elyse Kelly
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s sunshine in a dress… and it’s driving me crazy.But that’s my fault for agreeing to spend the next 30 days in Candy Cane Key with Teddie, a sexy-as-sin redhead who I’m pretty sure sh!ts reindeer glitter. I’m stuck in a holiday-themed hell with the most cheerful woman I’ve ever met... -
![Luca & Ivy and the Four Calling Birds by Ellie Hall]()
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 forced proximity from hate to love christmas contemporary humor length-short -
![Charm Me: A Small Town, Single Dad, Enemies to Lovers Standalone Romance by Samantha Chase]()
Charm Me: A Small Town, Single Dad, Enemies to Lovers Standalone Romance by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThere isn’t anyone in Laurel Bay he hasn’t been able to charm.But charming a baby is a whole different story.Life has never been better for Jamie Donovan. Always has been. And now that it’s his turn to take charge of the family pub, he truly feels like everything in his life is just the way it’s supposed to be. Or it was until an early morning knock on his door ended with a baby on his doorstep...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love contemporary single-father length-medium audiobook -
![Cherry Lane by Kristen Proby]()
Cherry Lane by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all-new small town romance set in her beloved Huckleberry Bay series, Cherry Lane!Sometimes, love is waiting in the most unexpected of places.Zeke Cross is a big city guy who finds himself living in the smallest town on the face of the earth, running an auto repair shop with his best friend...
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