Books like 'Start Us Up'
Readers who enjoyed Start Us Up by Lexi Blake also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny office friends to lovers forced proximity grumpy sunshine found-family m-f
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Can't Help Falling by Courtney Walsh
All it takes to start a fire is one single match. . . Owen Larrabee is not my soulmate. He wasn't when I confessed my love to him on his wedding day, and he isn't now. I should probably say that I wasn't the bride when that happened. I don't have the best timing. He’s got a temper, he's moody, and he has a history of being misunderstood and making big mistakes...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine friends to lovers office m-f contemporary men in uniform humor siblings-bff -
![Truly Medley Deeply by Kate Watson]()
Truly Medley Deeply by Kate Watson
Lucy Jane. The first rule of touring? Don’t fall for your crew. Especially not the grumpy, emotionally caged, impossible-to-read sound guy who acts like tolerating pop-country singers is pure torture. Patrick “Patty” O’Shannan clearly doesn’t want to be here. He does his job and barely looks at me unless it’s to scowl...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine office contemporary humor length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
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![A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland]()
A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe BRAND NEW uplifting novel from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland Rosie feels like there's something missing in her life. She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District... -
![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 -
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![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... -
![The Love Bus by Annabelle Anders]()
The Love Bus by Annabelle Anders
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsI thought my life was perfect—until I found out my co-host-slash-fiancé was cheating on me. Live. On. TV. Overnight, I went from rising star to cautionary tale. Hiding in bed sounded like a solid plan. But fate (and my mother) had other ideas. Enter: The Love Bus. One ticket. A bunch of retirees, and The Southwest Bucket List Tour I never signed up for. I just wanted to escape the mess... -
![Hawaii Can Suck It by MéLisa Ryun]()
Hawaii Can Suck It by MéLisa Ryun
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsI’m supposed to film him. Not fall for him. I’m Camila Morales—cargo pants-wearing, scrunchie-collecting, videographer to Reece Dare—a growly, tattooed YouTube adrenaline junkie. He’s hot, sure, when he’s not judging me for smiling (calls it a sign of weakness)... -
![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 -
![Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas]()
Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place? Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
![Under the Radar by Melanie Moreland]()
Under the Radar by Melanie Moreland
When two new roommates discover their mutual crush, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Moreland takes us on a journey of falling in love. One of the Donner boys. Troublemakers. That was the reputation that followed Chase his whole life. Until he grew up and realized he could do better. Be better. But that choice cost him. His freedom, his family, his chance at love...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity found-family m-f humor dual-pov suspense contemporary -
![Enticing Her Love: Sutton Steele by Melissa Foster]()
Enticing Her Love: Sutton Steele by Melissa Foster
Pro: Stuck sharing a bed with my hot, broody boss. Con: He’s trying to get me fired. Discovery Hour reporter Sutton Steele spends her days trying to keep her job, while her insanely hot, infuriating boss, Flynn Braden, would love nothing more than to see her gone... -
![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... -
![A Greene Family Christmas by Piper Rayne]()
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:
friends to lovers grumpy sunshine m-f christmas contemporary humor age difference length-novella -
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![Fiona and the Fixer by Vanessa Vale]()
Fiona and the Fixer by Vanessa Vale
A bad boy fixer and a bombshell detective can work together on opposite sides of the law. .. or so I hear. I’m an overworked fixer who needs a break. When I’m asked to cat-sit in Coal Springs, I’m all for a few boring days. Except there is no break, and there’s no chance to be bored... -
![It's Always Sonny by Kate Watson]()
It's Always Sonny by Kate Watson
Sunshine always melts ice eventually. And I’m starting to feel the burn. People may call me an “overachieving ice queen,” but I would do anything for the people I love. So when my friends ask me to host an event at their famous farm, I’m more than happy to help…until I discover I’ve been set up. The “event” is actually a reunion for my ex’s family...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine m-f found-family contemporary sports football humor -
![The One I Need by Chelle Sloan]()
The One I Need by Chelle Sloan
You’re cordially invited to the wedding of Oliver Price and Izzy McCall…. That’s how my wedding invitations should have started. I should know, I’ve had my wedding planned since I was ten. I should’ve been wearing a designer tuxedo, not a tuxedo t-shirt. The wedding should’ve been in a church with family and friends, not in a 1960’s style chapel with Elvis as the officiant... -
![The Grump's Bodyguard by Latisha Sexton]()
The Grump's Bodyguard by Latisha Sexton
It was love at first sight . . . or at least, love at first bloody nose. Thor. If there’s one thing the Marines taught me, it’s that you don’t quit until you’ve completed your mission. Or you die trying. And by the way Clover Mason keeps shooting fire at me from those violet-colored eyes of hers, it just may be the latter... -
![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 grumpy sunshine friends to lovers m-f contemporary humor dual-pov glimpses-kisses -
![The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz]()
The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 11 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 for the West... -
![Over & Out by Claire Wilder]()
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:
office forced proximity m-f grumpy sunshine from hate to love humor length-medium contemporary -
![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... -
![Silver Linings by Violet Page]()
Silver Linings by Violet Page
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSilver James has perfected the art of keeping everything at a distance—her career, her friends, and most definitely romance. Her motto is simple: keep life carefree and fun. The more she avoids the unexpected, the less likely she is to get hurt... -
![Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison]()
Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThings are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day. Aren't they? Clarabella. Did I want to get married today? It's hard to say when he proposed in front of over a hundred people. Everything happened so fast, and I thought it was just nerves. It was not. The knock on the door showed me that what I was feeling was more than just cold feet. I was a runaway bride. Luke...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity office m-f contemporary from hate to love dual-pov alpha male -
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![Betting on the Best Friend by Melanie Jacobson]()
Betting on the Best Friend by Melanie Jacobson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI helped all my roommates find love. Now they want revenge. When my besties present me with a plan to find the man of my dreams, I pass. Easily. Until my recent ex of five years very publicly announces his engagement to someone he just met. If dating shows him I’m happy and thriving, I’m all in. But after half a dozen nightmare dates, I’m having doubts... -
![Just Add Happiness by Julie Hatcher]()
Just Add Happiness by Julie Hatcher
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom the author of Not Quite by the Book comes a deliciously witty novel about second chances, secret identities, and the art of rising above life’s bitter moments. At forty-six, Sophie Bianco’s life is half baked—trapped in a controlling marriage and estranged from her critical mother... -
![Salt Love by Marika Ray]()
Salt Love by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you do when you find out your husband’s cheating on you, your aunt just passed away in Florida, and your boss gave the promotion to your work nemesis, so you threaten him with bodily harm in the middle of a board meeting? Well, after getting escorted out of the building by security, I fly straight to Sunshine Key to deal with my aunt’s estate...Categorized as:
office grumpy sunshine found-family m-f contemporary mature couple humor length-medium -
![A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans]()
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:
found-family grumpy sunshine forced proximity small town contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
![Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa]()
Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings us a light-hearted small-town romantic comedy full of a swoon-worthy billionaire, single dad romance, and big laughs. I need a massive break. So long to my cheating boyfriend and betraying roommate. Goodbye hectic emergency room and long hours... -
![She Likes It, Hey Micah by Dana LeCheminant]()
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 office m-f contemporary age difference humor glimpses-kisses -
![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 found-family humor contemporary length-medium audiobook -
![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:
grumpy sunshine friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary humor menage length-long -
![Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray]()
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 m-f contemporary from hate to love humor small town military -
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![The Problem with Players by Brittainy C. Cherry]()
The Problem with Players by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsAs a female coach, I’ve always lived by a simple mantra: throw hard, swing for the fences, and never, ever look back--especially when it comes to past flames. So when my ex-boyfriend somehow manages to land the job as my new assistant coach, my life is flipped upside down. The game I thought I'd mastered is now being played with a whole new set of rules. My ex is baseball's all-star Nathan Pierce...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers found-family office m-f baseball sports from hate to love -
![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... -
![Conflicting Ventures by A.K. Landow]()
Conflicting Ventures by A.K. Landow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSkylar Lawrence is the quiet sister. The one that doesn’t need to be the center of attention. The one who wants happiness above all else. She’s been content to stay in the background and support her sisters as their stars shine bright. She internalizes her struggles. The lingering pain of losing her father, followed by the ending of her relationship with the man she thought was her forever... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Write or Wrong by Heidi Hutchinson, Smartypants Romance]()
Write or Wrong by Heidi Hutchinson, Smartypants Romance
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsZara Lorna is kind of a big deal. After winning Artist of the Year (again), having a public argument with her boyfriend (again), and being whisked away by a man she barely knows (that’s new), it feels like she can’t go anywhere without drawing attention. It’s taking a toll on her and she could use a break...Categorized as:
forced proximity office friends to lovers contemporary rockstars humor length-medium audiobook -
![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... -
![West of Port by Carina Taylor]()
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 office contemporary mafia insta-love age difference humor -
![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 grumpy sunshine friends to lovers contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
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![Cinnamon Roll Set Up by Genny Carrick]()
Cinnamon Roll Set Up by Genny Carrick
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGive me a book boyfriend over a real guy any day. After the way my parents destroyed their marriage, I prefer my romance fictional—for myself, anyway. When my best friend, Miles, needs a date to an awards ceremony, I'm more than willing to set him up. I’m his ideal matchmaker because I know the shy bookstore owner better than anyone, and I'm completely impartial... -
![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... -
![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:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity m-f contemporary super rich hero humor from hate to love suspense -
![The Chameleon Effect by Joe Arden]()
The Chameleon Effect by Joe Arden
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLights. Camera. Action…. I've got everything it takes to make it in Tinseltown: confidence, charisma, and a killer chin. Now all I need is a chance. But Los Angeles is full of hot, young hunks, and talent might not be enough to separate me from the cookie-cutter crowd. Well, you know what they say: fake it till you make it. So I devise a wild scheme to get noticed... -
![Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsTwo enemies. One bed. What could possibly go wrong? Our new general manager is the most difficult man on the planet. The night before Drake begins working at my family's hotel, he finds me in the bar, trying to get rid of a boring date. But the guy won’t take even a not-so-subtle hint. Then Drake surprises me and comes to our table, but only to reprimand ME about dating in our workplace...Categorized as:
office m-f found-family forced proximity contemporary humor super rich hero rich heroine -
![Every Chance After by Jessica Sherry]()
Every Chance After by Jessica Sherry
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen his reckless mistake upends her future, he’ll do whatever it takes to make it right. If she’ll let him. Marnie Strange’s life is about to turn the corner from just getting by to happily ever after. Today, she marries Ashe, the handsome, charming son of the affluent owners of Sunny’s Beach Market, where Marnie’s built a career she adores...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine friends to lovers m-f contemporary dual-pov age difference humor length-medium
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