Books like 'Last Call at the Local'
Readers who enjoyed Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny office neurodivergent m-f hurt-comfort independent heroine cheerful heroine sweet heroine sweet-hero
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Funny Story by Emily Henry
A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together...Categorized as:
m-f small town forced proximity sweet-hero found-family hurt-comfort slow burn sweet heroine -
![Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone]()
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or NotLenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity hurt-comfort m-f cheerful heroine sweet-hero slow burn tortured hero -
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![One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune]()
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
A radiant escape to the lake from #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After and This Summer Will Be DifferentAs featured in People ∙ Good Morning America ∙ Cosmopolitan ∙ TODAY ∙ E! News ∙ Buzzfeed ∙ Us Weekly ∙ The New York Post ∙ SheReads ∙ and more!I never anticipated Charlie Florek.Good things happen at the lake. That’s what Alice’s grandmother says, and it’s true...Categorized as:
small town m-f slow burn sweet-hero cheerful heroine independent heroine sweet heroine hurt-comfort -
![Savor It by Tarah Dewitt]()
Savor It by Tarah Dewitt
Summer won't last forever. Sage Byrd has lived in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon (not to be confused with Forks, Washington) her entire life. She's learned to love her small world, with the misfit animals on her hobby farm, and her friendships with the town’s inhabitants...Categorized as:
small town m-f cheerful heroine found-family sweet heroine slow burn sweet-hero forced proximity -
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![First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison]()
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
A hopeless romantic meets a demoralized radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle-inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.Aiden Valentine has a secret: he's fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore's romance hotline, that's a bit of a problem... -
![A New Dawn at Owl's Lodge by Jessica Redland]()
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.. -
![Craft by Adriana Locke]()
Craft by Adriana Locke
They’re not quite enemies. Not really friends. More like frustrated balls of sexual tension and neither will give in. Lance Gibson drives Mariah Malarkey absolutely crazy. He uses her office like a phone booth, takes cupcakes from the corner of her desk like she baked them just for him. She didn’t...Categorized as:
office m-f working class hero working class heroine sweet heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary -
![A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland]()
A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 20 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... -
![Your Tempting Love by Layla Hagen]()
Your Tempting Love by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsChristopher Bennett is a persuasive man. With his magnetic charm and undeniable wit, he plays a key role in the international success of his family’s company. Christopher adores his family, even if they can be too meddling sometimes… like when attempt to set him up with Victoria, by recommending him to employ her decorating services...Categorized as:
insta-love cheerful heroine office m-f humor contemporary super rich hero strong heroine -
![Love Notes & Lifelines by Avery Maxwell]()
Love Notes & Lifelines by Avery Maxwell
The job was simple. Always answer the phone—no exceptions—then solve the caller’s catastrophe as efficiently as possible.The rules were simpler. They contact you, not the other way around. Never give them your real name, number, or any personal information not required to help a newly single dad keep his head above water.And never, ever get involved with a caller...Categorized as:
tortured hero forced proximity m-f found-family office sweet heroine insta-love hurt-comfort -
![The Woodsman by Dr. Rebecca Sharp]()
The Woodsman by Dr. Rebecca Sharp
Violet Royale’s entire life has bit the bullet. Between a cheating ex and her career imploding, she’s one shaved head away from a total breakdown. Needing an escape, she books a small cottage in Maine for the holidays.When a massive snowstorm promises to keep the outside world at bay, Violet believes fate is finally doing her a favor... -
![Untrainable by Jamie Schlosser, Sara Eirew]()
Untrainable by Jamie Schlosser, Sara Eirew
It doesn’t take much to become the laughing stock of reality television. Just ask Theodore “Theo-Dog” Legend. Once you’ve pissed on a fire hydrant in front of the paparazzi, no one ever lets you forget it. Hadley Holiday is on her way to being America’s sweetheart, thanks to her dog training routine on a national talent show... -
![Only and Forever by Chloe Liese]()
Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
It’s a room-mance for the books in this tender, steamy story about unexpectedly finding love and being brave enough to let it revise life’s narrative in the final book in the beloved Bergman Brothers series. Viggo Bergman, hopeless romantic, is thoroughly weary of waiting for his happily ever after... -
![Reckless by Adriana Locke]()
Reckless by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 26 ratings“How did you get in here?”That’s not what you want to hear when you’re staring into the sea-green eyes of the hottest man you’ve ever seen. Yet I suppose it’s a fair question, considering I’m an uninvited stranger standing in Boone Mason’s kitchen.If you think that’s bad—just wait. It gets worse...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity m-f contemporary humor christian single-mother audiobook -
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![The Potter's House by Hannah Ellis]()
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]()
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 Village of Lost and Found by Alison Sherlock]()
The Village of Lost and Found by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsScandal hit party girl Lucy Conway needs to leave London fast, so she packs her bags and escapes to the sleepy village of Cranbridge to take care of her beloved Uncle Frank.But the country village isn’t quite as idyllic as she remembers. To make matters worse, her Uncle’s pride and joy, The Cranbridge Times, is close to going out of business... -
![Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor]()
Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor
My requirements for a man are simple. Must love books. Must NOT love hockey. Which is why I will never be interested in my neighbor, the aloof and mysterious Felix Jamison, no matter how many books I see him hauling into his apartment. Unless he loses his pro hockey skates, I’m out. But then he shows up at my symphony concert. And I catch the sweet strains of Dvorak floating across the hall... -
![Until It Was Real: an enemies to lovers small town romantic comedy by D.E. Haggerty]()
Until It Was Real: an enemies to lovers small town romantic comedy by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI need a fresh start – not a workplace feud with a grumpy CFO who thinks I’m an absolute disaster. But here we are. I knew my first day as a billionaire’s assistant was off to a bad start when I woke up in my car. In the parking lot. Drooling on myself... -
![The Overdue Kiss by Callie Thomas]()
The Overdue Kiss by Callie Thomas
My new rule to remaining single: don’t kiss the sexy math teacher.Maya:Books have always been my emergency escape. Whether I’m tuning out the chaos of my boisterous family or recovering from a cheating ex-boyfriend, the joy of reading calms my anxious heart.So what if I prefer to live in fictitious worlds to protect myself from heartbreak—it’s no big deal...Categorized as:
m-f insta-love slow burn found-family neurodivergent small town cheerful heroine sweet heroine -
![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)... -
![Spoke Too Soon by Dulcie Dameron]()
Spoke Too Soon by Dulcie Dameron
It’s every girl’s dream to move in with the hot guy who ghosted her...NOT.I’m about to be homeless at almost twenty-five.Cue the pathetic wah, wah, wah sound effect.And to make matters worse, I’m nowhere near having enough money to fund the clothing line startup I’ve dreamt about for years.But bemoaning my current situation won’t move the needle and it certainly won’t find me a place to live... -
![Just a Little Secret by Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde]()
Just a Little Secret by Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde
He’s not just a bachelor up for auction …He’s her sexy birthday gift for the weekend.But will she be able to forgive him when she finds out he’s hiding more than a little secret?Georgia Brooks had no intention of bidding on a bachelor at the charity auction, but her sister has other ideas and gifts her with a man for her birthday weekend. But not just any man . . . Drew Daniels...Categorized as:
office sweet heroine insta-love forced proximity m-f contemporary super rich hero age difference -
![Trails of Love by Melissa Foster]()
Trails of Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFall in love with Graham Braden and Morgyn Montgomery in TRAILS OF LOVE. When Graham Braden travels to Oak Falls, Virginia to attend the wedding of his buddy Reed Cross to Grace Montgomery, he sticks around to help with renovations to Reed’s new theater. The last thing he expects is to be asked to assess and possibly invest in Grace’s sister Morgan’s business endeavor... -
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![The Village of Happy Ever Afters by Alison Sherlock]()
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... -
![Seatmate by Cara Bastone]()
Seatmate by Cara Bastone
I have exactly 5 hours and 10 minutes to get from Boston to New York City or the professional opportunity of a lifetime disappears. My only travel option? The second to last seat on a discount bus. Across from the bathroom. Wearing last night’s clothes (don’t ask). All worth it if I can make it in time.My nerves almost get the best of me, but then there he is, sitting down in the seat next to me... -
![This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune]()
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
This summer they’ll keep their promise. This summer they won’t give into temptation. This summer will be different.Lucy is the tourist vacationing at a beach house on Prince Edward Island. Felix is the local who shows her a very good time. The only problem: Lucy doesn’t know he’s her best friend’s younger brother...Categorized as:
sweet-hero m-f forced proximity small town slow burn found-family sweet heroine independent heroine -
![The Last Sad Love Song by Kimberly Brown]()
The Last Sad Love Song by Kimberly Brown
“When wounds are healed by love, the scars are beautiful.” —David BowlesCalliope “Callie” Palmer is one year fresh out of a relationship with a heartbreaking end. Since she decided to focus on herself and her bakery, the last thing Callie was looking for again was love. When her best friend recruited her for a photoshoot with her fiancé, Callie had a feeling she was being set up...Categorized as:
m-f insta-love independent heroine sweet-hero length-short contemporary humor black-mc -
![A Summer Wedding at the Cotswolds Candy Store by Hannah M. Lynn]()
A Summer Wedding at the Cotswolds Candy Store by Hannah M. Lynn
Going to the chapel, but will they get married? After the holiday romance to beat all other holiday romances, it’s back to regular life for Holly Berry, and the sweet shop is busier than ever. With Jamie and Fin’s wedding coming up, Holly is rushed off her feet, making sure their big day is perfect.So when her handsome boyfriend comes to visit, she is both elated to see him and overwhelmed... -
![Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 20 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 -
![Flipping Love You by Erin Nicholas]()
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...Categorized as:
small town insta-love independent heroine working class hero m-f contemporary humor age difference -
![A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce]()
A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce
Claire Ashford has always led a careful life—her family didn't nickname her Claireful for nothing. But after ending a relationship that was equal parts safe and unfulfilling, she recognizes just how much her caution has cost her and dedicates herself to leaving her Claireful ways behind. Her first chance to take a risk comes with a job opportunity in San Francisco...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity m-f sweet heroine sweet-hero contemporary christmas new adult -
![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... -
![Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese]()
Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese
Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity insta-love office small town cheerful heroine sweet heroine sweet-hero -
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![The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow]()
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 seriesLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatAll’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 -
![Pink Bits by J.B. Heller]()
Pink Bits by J.B. Heller
Did you know the medical term for a butt crack is intergluteal cleft? My name is Reagan, and spouting random facts like this one at inopportune moments is my affliction. I’m chronically awkward, socially inept and completely lack a filter. Believe it or not, men do not find these attractive traits...Categorized as:
working class hero neurodivergent m-f new adult humor contemporary friends to lovers length-short -
![The Christmas List by Maren Moore]()
The Christmas List by Maren Moore
From bestselling author of The Mistletoe Bet, Maren Moore comes a second chance, single dad, holiday novella full of Christmas sugar and spice. I love Christmas. So much so that in my smalltown I’m known as The Queen of Christmas. And no one knows holiday festivities quite like Strawberry Hollow. Only this Christmas season delivers an unexpected twist in the form of Wyatt Owens...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity cheerful heroine independent heroine sweet-hero insta-love humor christmas -
![Home on a Yorkshire Farm by Jane Lovering]()
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... -
![Searching for Steven by Jessica Redland]()
Searching for Steven by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsWhen Sarah Peterson accepts her Auntie Kay’s unexpected offer to take over her florist’s shop, she’s prepared for a change of job, home and lifestyle. What she isn’t prepared for is the discovery of a scarily accurate clairvoyant reading that’s been missing for twelve years. All her predictions have come true, except one: she’s about to meet the man of her dreams. Oh, and his name is Steven... -
![The Thief Who Saved Christmas by Angela R. Casella]()
The Thief Who Saved Christmas by Angela R. Casella
He'd like to be the man in her life, but she already has one-hundred-and-seven collectible Santa Clauses.RyanI'm not a ho-ho-ho kind of guy. My brother and I were raised in foster care, and the closest thing we had to a father was a career criminal who'd sooner steal Christmas than save it. I followed in his footsteps, I'm ashamed to say, and did things for him that I regret...Categorized as:
found-family m-f neurodivergent sweet heroine christmas contemporary humor length-medium -
![Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance by Abby Greyson]()
Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance by Abby Greyson
This is a dual POV, kisses only, sports romance and the fourth standalone in the interconnected Accidentally In Sports Series.A star shortstop. A benched heart. A second chance sparked by fate—and a sassy pup.DavidI saw my brother and best friend fake-date their way to true love, but that’s not for me. As a single dad and the Smokies shortstop, my heart’s been out of the game since my wife passed... -
![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 small town from hate to love humor length-medium contemporary -
![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 found-family m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine 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 forced proximity small town grumpy sunshine contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
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![Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene]()
Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene
A viral photo, a fake relationship, and one big problem.MatthewAll I wanted was a quiet few days.Instead, I get coffee poured on me, a gossip scandal, and a fake girlfriend.My agent insists this PR stunt will boost my career.Fake dating her for a few months? Fine. No problem.Except it’s definitely a problem.The more we fake this, the more I forget it’s not real... -
![Undeniable Temptation by Eden Summers]()
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]()
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 office m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine age difference humor glimpses-kisses -
![This Is Love by Melissa Foster]()
This Is Love by Melissa Foster
Fall in love in Harmony Pointe, where hearts are lost, found, and sometimes misplaced…and everyone get a happy ever after. If a woman can’t find love in the quaint town of Harmony Pointe, it’s sure to find them—whether they’re looking for it or not. Here, the remaining single Dalton siblings are about to discover that they’re next in line to get swept away by love...Categorized as:
tortured hero forced proximity office m-f humor contemporary sassy heroine strong heroine -
![That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson]()
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson
My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn.Talk about life being unfair.I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay...Categorized as:
found-family m-f forced proximity slow burn small town independent heroine sweet heroine sweet-hero -
![Rent Yourself an Elf: A Sweet Christmas Romcom Novella by Savannah Scott]()
Rent Yourself an Elf: A Sweet Christmas Romcom Novella by Savannah Scott
She’s not feeling the holiday spirit. Maybe all she needs is to rent herself an elf.It's Christmas, and I should be full of cheer, but I'm having a hard time mustering the holiday spirit. That was always Grams' role. She loved Christmas so much she talked my parents into naming me Noelle. Yeah, Noelle Furst. Picture the boys in elementary school having a heyday with my name. But I didn't care...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity insta-love sweet heroine sweet-hero working class hero christmas humor
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