Books like 'It Doesn't Have to Be This Hard'
Readers who enjoyed It Doesn't Have to Be This Hard by Christina Hovland also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny single-mother single-father friends to lovers forced proximity m-f career professional
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Rich in Your Love by Pippa Grant
A sweet, lighthearted romantic comedy from USA Today bestselling author Pippa Grant about one social media influencer’s dream of going off the grid and the IRL love she finds along the way. Secrets always catch up with you. The world knows me as Tavi Lightly, sugar-free social media influencer. But my true purpose lies in secretly restoring a cacao farm in Costa Rica... -
![Bishop by Marie James]()
Bishop by Marie James
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn the grand scheme of things five years isn’t a very long time. It goes by in a blink, literally. Waking up with no recollection of the last five years is devastating. The woman I remember loving is with someone else. The only family I had is gone, and I’m forced to relive those losses all over again... -
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![Bayou With Benefits by Erin Nicholas]()
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 Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score]()
The Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score
Davis Gates. Naked. Tossing her a handful of orgasms like he was on a lust-themed parade float. A fifty-year feud. One failed smoke bomb matchmaking scheme. Two enemies turned fake lovers. For the past fifteen years, Eden has worked her ass off to overcome high school. She’s cornered the tourism market in Blue Moon offering visitors a place to stay in her hippie, dippy hometown... -
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![The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown]()
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:
friends to lovers forced proximity m-f small town contemporary humor christian audiobook -
![Without You by Lacey Black]()
Without You by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTucker. I spend my days brewing beer for the popular Brew Crüe Beer Company and my nights devoted to being a dad. Raising a young child with special needs can be tough and stressful, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. He’s everything to me, and the reason I keep going. It’s him and me against the world, and I have no intention of changing that. Then, Kinsley McGregor walks back into my life... -
![Join the Club by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Join the Club by Lani Lynn Vale
There are a few lessons one has to learn for themselves. Then there are the lessons that most people don’t have to learn because it’s just not done. For instance, most people know instinctively that they shouldn’t crave the mother of their brother’s child. Bourne Pena isn’t most men... -
![Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas]()
Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers. She's got a lot of baggage. .. literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real. For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but. So why can't he stay away? Knox and Fiona's story! Finally! -
![Flaunt by Adriana Locke]()
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Looking for a Fake Fiancé. Have you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it? It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to go there is what counts. Hi. It’s me. I’m that person. The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and I should “lower my expectations... -
![Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson]()
Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsA reluctant woman, a determined popstar, and the song that started it all. After growing up in Nashville with two musician parents, I promised myself one thing—I would never, ever fall in love with anyone who had anything to do with the music scene. I will take my stable, albeit boring, accountant boyfriend, thank you very much, and live securely ever after. At least that was the plan...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers humor contemporary length-medium rockstars audiobook -
![The Wisteria Tree Cottage by Holly Martin]()
The Wisteria Tree Cottage by Holly Martin
Get swept away to the sparkling Welsh coast this summer, where the sea glitters in the sunshine and love is in the air. From the bestselling author of The Blossom Tree of Dreams, this is the perfect romantic treat to escape with this summer. Meadow has only ever loved one man – the very gorgeous Bear Brookfield... -
![Give Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Give Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe was my first love. Now he's my roommate. And he won't stop until he wins me back. Conned out of my business I have no other choice but to move back home to Chicago. I’m determined to rebuild everything, but I’m so broke that I can’t even afford to pay rent. Then my first love, Sam Maxwell, unexpectedly pops back into my life and turns out to be my knight in shining armor...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity m-f humor super rich hero contemporary length-short audiobook -
![Mountain Man's Lucky Charm by K.C. Crowne]()
Mountain Man's Lucky Charm by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 15 ratings"You're the only family these babies have. ". Life is gravy until a call turns it all around. 1. My idiot brother's behind bars. 2. He's the father of two little girls. 3. And some fool in charge assigns ME as their legal guardian. I'm ready to give the judge a piece of my mind. But the minute I see my nieces for the very first time. .. I'm speechless...Categorized as:
single-father single-mother m-f contemporary new adult military humor super rich hero -
![Knocking Boots by Jordan Marie]()
Knocking Boots by Jordan Marie
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsI’ve always heard, don’t fall in love with a cowboy. I just didn't listen. I've sworn off men. They’ve never given me much in life, except a bun in the oven and grief. My kids are my life and all that truly matter. Until him. Jansen Reed is a living fantasy straight from the old west. Sexy drawl, tight jeans and that glint in his eyes that make my knees weak. He promises me the ride of my life... -
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![Heavy Petting by Erin Nicholas]()
Heavy Petting by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s her best friend. A reformed bad boy turned hot teacher. And after one spur-of-the-moment Vegas wedding. .. her husband. Jordan Benoit and Fletcher Landry have been best friends since they were six. He’s always been The Guy. When she needed picked up, cheered up, or lifted up — like literally, to see the stage at a concert — Fletcher was the guy... -
![Aiden by Lisa Helen Gray]()
Aiden by Lisa Helen Gray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThis is the second book in A Next Generation Carter Brother Novel; a spin-off from The Carter Brothers. I wasn’t looking for love. I was Aiden Carter; I didn’t do the whole fuzzy, lovey, romantic crap. I loved to party. I loved sex. I loved women. If I wanted it, I got it. It was the way my world worked and I made no qualms about it. The only people I truly cared about were my family... -
![Dirty Little Midlife Secret by Lilian Monroe]()
Dirty Little Midlife Secret by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLily Viceroy arrived in Heart’s Cove with a suitcase by her side and two eensy weensy secrets tucked into the corners of her heart. Well, that’s if “eensy” and “weensy” are code for “terrifying” and “dire. ”. Clearly, the only thing for Lily to do is to engage in a good ol’ bout of denial... -
![Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott]()
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 friends to lovers m-f contemporary humor grumpy sunshine dual-pov glimpses-kisses -
![Without You by Lacey Black]()
Without You by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTucker. I spend my days brewing beer for the popular Brew Crüe Beer Company and my nights devoted to being a dad. Raising a young child with special needs can be tough and stressful, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. He’s everything to me, and the reason I keep going. It’s him and me against the world, and I have no intention of changing that. Then, Kinsley McGregor walks back into my life... -
![The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke]()
The Sweet Spot by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsShe wants forever. He plays it day by day. They’re both wishing for the best in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s charming and sexy hopefully-ever-after romance. Single mom Palmer Clark will not be sidelined by the new man in town. Sure, the honey-tongued baseball legend is gorgeous, loves puppies, and has charmed his way into the community’s heart, but Palmer craves stability...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity single-mother single-father m-f sports contemporary small town -
![The Maverick of the Mountain by Tessa Klein]()
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... -
![Reset by Janet Elizabeth Henderson]()
Reset by Janet Elizabeth Henderson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFormer soldier Ryan Granger’s life has become all about numbers:. 13 months since he was shot in the head. 7 months spent in a coma. 6 months since he woke, a changed man. 5 hours since he’d been kidnapped. 4 minutes since he’d opened his eyes in an underground cavern. 3 minutes since he’d heard a woman calling for help…. Two strangers trapped together. One impossible way out... -
![Takedown by Nikki Ash]()
Takedown by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMila. Pregnant and married at the young age of eighteen, I settled into my life not knowing there could ever be more. Until Mason, with his sexy smirk and magnetic baby blue eyes. With a single look and a few words, he made me feel sexy and alive. But as quickly as he came into my life, he was gone, leaving me wanting more... -
![Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy]()
Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy
I can't believe I'm at the point in my life where I need to convince a stranger to pretend to be my fiancée. My publicist came up with the idea to hire a fake fiancée to improve my bad-boy reputation and “win over the hearts and minds of fans. ” But I'm the one who impulsively decided to bring one home with me for my brother's vow renewal...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity m-f humor contemporary found-family length-medium audiobook -
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![Merritt and Her Childhood Crush by Emma St. Clair, Jenny Proctor]()
Merritt and Her Childhood Crush by Emma St. Clair, Jenny Proctor
I said I’d never set foot on Oakley Island again. Not so long as HE lives there. But after my life implodes, I’m reconsidering EVERYTHING. Including my reasons for avoiding the first—and only—man I’ve ever loved. I’m a high achiever. Driven. Maybe a little TOO driven... -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
I moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy... -
![The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz]()
The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen an outgoing musical maven meets the enigmatic neuroscientist next door, will their worlds clash in a dramatic showdown of art versus science, or will they discover that love is the ultimate experiment worth conducting? When celebrated Broadway composer Hadley Olivier’s best friend receives a life-threatening diagnosis, Hadley says goodbye to her beloved home in NYC and sets off to the West...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity grumpy sunshine contemporary humor menage length-long -
![Convincing Cara by Melanie Shawn]()
Convincing Cara by Melanie Shawn
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsCara McCord had a new lease on life. After hearing the news that she was cancer free, the Texas beauty was ready to move forward and live life to the fullest…starting with losing her virginity. There was only one problem, though—the gorgeous blonde’s heart beat for one cowboy alone, and he was someone she knew she could never have... -
![Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec]()
Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 20 ratings“Hawks fans still in shock after centerfielder, Shepherd Oliver, sustained season-ending injury last night in the 5th inning of the playoffs against Chicago. ”. Two years ago, I was a pretty big deal. I thought I had it all, until a blast from my past popped up on my social media feed, keeping my ego in check and reminding me how basic I am... -
![Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis]()
Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis
What would you change if you had to start your life—and love life—over again? When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma she learns that her fiancé and her BFF have fallen in love, she’s lost her job, and the life she knew is gone. Overwhelmed but grateful to be alive she starts over from scratch. Not as easy as it sounds, of course... -
![Silver Mayor by L.B. Dunbar]()
Silver Mayor by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsCharlie Harrington is a respectable man. Mayor to his small, mountain town. Successful attorney. Doting single father. After one mishap in the past, he avoids scandal. Making everyone happy is his goal. He’s nothing but content. .. and a bit boring. Then one morning, he finds a beautiful woman in his bedroom, and his world turns upside down. His good guy side suddenly wants to be a little bad... -
![Pining For You by Marika Ray]()
Pining For You by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve been in love with my best friend since the day I met her freshman year of high school. She was a halo of sunshine on a rainy day, pulling me out of the shadows and making me feel like life was one big roller-coaster ride of excitement. Until the day we graduated and she left on the back of a Harley with some guy who didn’t deserve her, middle fingers in the air... -
![Cabin Fever with My First Flame by Madison Love]()
Cabin Fever with My First Flame by Madison Love
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI'm a chef who can handle the heat. He's a firefighter that can douse a flame. But when sparks reignite between us and old fires begin to burn, dialing 9-1-1 is the last thing on my mind. After my divorce, I got the better end of the deal with three sassy daughters, my food truck, and what was left in the bank account...Categorized as:
single-mother single-father friends to lovers christmas christian humor betrayal contemporary -
![Flutter by Carrie Aarons]()
Flutter by Carrie Aarons
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe can’t stand her, and best believe, the feeling is mutual. Her life is the complete opposite of what he desires. So, why can’t they keep their hands off each other? Forrest Nash is a smug know-it-all... -
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![My Not So Wicked Boss by Jennifer Peel]()
My Not So Wicked Boss by Jennifer Peel
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"I had a feeling their story would be my favorite, and it is. This is the perfect ending to this series! " - Kathy Jo from KJ's Book Nook. "I love everything Jennifer Peel writes, but this book--this book is in a class by itself! It's everything romance is meant to be. " - Whitney Dineen, Number One Bestselling Author of The Relatively Series. Love knows no contract...Categorized as:
single-mother single-father m-f humor contemporary anthologies length-medium boss & employee -
![A Change of Heart by Hannah Ellis]()
A Change of Heart by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe was never meant to fall for her best friend’s brother. .. Seren has had a soft spot for her best friend’s brother for as long as she can remember. But when she starts to see Kit as more than just a friend, she knows she’s on dangerous ground. Avoiding him is probably her best course of action, but that’s easier said than done when you live on a tiny island... -
![Love You More by Julia Kent]()
Love You More by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsColleen Luview's love life is cursed. No—really. The small-town nurse is notorious in her touristy mountain community. After every third date she's ever had, the guy ends up in her emergency room. She's untouchable now, and it's not her fault...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity single-father small town humor contemporary length-long usa -
![Just Wanted You to Know by Kait Nolan]()
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 Wedding Jinx by Becky Monson]()
The Wedding Jinx by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA a person or thing that brings bad luck. I'm Mila Banks, the ultimate jinx. Not just in theory—I've got a track record. Seven weddings, seven disasters. Everything from a groom with a concussion to an attack of red ants (a long story) has happened because of me. So, when my bestie, Nadia, insists on making me her maid of honor, I can't help but try to find a way out of it... -
![Deja Brew All Over Again by Sylvie Stewart]()
Deja Brew All Over Again by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTrouble has always had a way of finding me, but I never expected to be carjacked by a hot girl in a wedding dress. As the official family screw-up, not many people count on me for anything but a good time. But Maisy Romero and her little brother need a knight in shining armor, and they need him yesterday... -
![After The Vows by D.E. Haggerty]()
After The Vows by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe sexy cop next door wants nothing to do with me. Until he asks me to marry him to save his daughter. When Lucas moves in next door, I don’t waste any time trying to get his attention. But the police officer who looks strong enough to throw me over those wide shoulders of his and carry me away isn’t interested in me. Time for desperate measures... -
![The Candidate by Alice Ward]()
The Candidate by Alice Ward
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLust drove us together. Our differences are driving us apart. As the Republican Party’s front-runner for the White House in 2024, I’m the man the media praises for having a silver tongue. By day, I’m a very conservative, buttoned-up professional. By night, my wild side comes out to prowl, searching for something. I end up in The Black Room. .. and find her... -
![Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente]()
Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSo let me get this straight. .. For the next few days I’ve got myself a grumpy fake husband who’s also kind of my. .. bodyguard? I guess that’s a better way to spend the weekend than binge-watching reality television, especially since it’s kind of my fault we’re on the run from the mob and I need a protector. Oops...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers grumpy sunshine contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
![Falling for the Single Dad by Whitley Cox]()
Falling for the Single Dad by Whitley Cox
When a blast from the past could blow up the future. Welcome to Seattle, the Emerald City and home to The Single Dads of Seattle. Ten sexy single fathers who play poker every Saturday night, have each other's backs, love their children without quarter, and hope to one day find love again. This is Liam's story . .. Single Dad of Seattle, Liam Dixon has a kick-*ss life...Categorized as:
single-mother single-father contemporary humor length-medium audiobook explicit-open-door -
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![Jesse's Girl by Hannah Brixton]()
Jesse's Girl by Hannah Brixton
Buckle up, Buttercup…. Three nosy relatives, two jobs, one fledgling side hustle, and zero roommate prospects. No wonder Ada Russo is saltier than the rim of a margarita glass. When her brother’s best friend lands in Lennox Valley needing a place to stay for the summer, Ada’s spare room is the logical choice...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers humor contemporary length-long explicit-open-door audiobook -
![Just My Type by Tara Sivec]()
Just My Type by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsLive in the best small town in the world? Check. Have the greatest job ever working on my family's pumpkin farm? Check. Marry the town pharmacist and have a nice, quiet life with our son? Check-check. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did you say you were happy? LOLOLOLOL! " ~ Life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-mother m-f humor contemporary insta-love cold hero length-short -
![Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio]()
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... -
![Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins]()
Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins
From the New York Times bestselling author of Good Luck with That comes a new novel about a blue-blood grandmother and her black-sheep granddaughter who discover they are truly two sides of the same coin. Emma London never thought she had anything in common with her grandmother Genevieve London... -
![Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins]()
Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins
One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back. Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges... -
![The Baby-whisperer and the Brute by Tru Taylor]()
The Baby-whisperer and the Brute by Tru Taylor
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou can’t appreciate all the implications of the word “conflicted” until you come face to face with the guy you’ve been secretly lusting after for weeks. .. and then learn he’ll be signing your paychecks—Angelina Rappaport. Some people might call me sheltered. That doesn’t begin to cover it. I’ve been practically sequestered my whole life...
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