Books like 'From the Start'
Readers who enjoyed From the Start by Katie Duggan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny grumpy sunshine from hate to love curvy-hero m-f bisexual height-difference neurodivergent nerdy-hero
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For Real by Alexis Hall
Laurence Dalziel is worn down and washed up, and for him, the BDSM scene is all played out. Six years on from his last relationship, he’s pushing forty and tired of going through the motions of submission. Then he meets Toby Finch. Nineteen years old. Fearless, fierce, and vulnerable. Everything Laurie can’t remember being. Toby doesn’t know who he wants to be or what he wants to do... -
![Talk Nerdy To Me by C.M. Owens]()
Talk Nerdy To Me by C.M. Owens
Despite the fact it seemed like Base Masters was all over Sterling Shore, I'd never really known much about him, aside from random factoids. Things like...he's a semi-estranged cousin of one of my brother's friends, plays guitar in a local band, and he doesn't get mentioned much unless he's on stage. Until.. -
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![Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe]()
Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBrooding, grumpy Des has a problem. He needs a date to his family's Thanksgiving reunion for reasons he'd...rather not say.Single mother and all-around hot mess Mia has an even bigger issue: She can't afford her rent, and her new landlord Des is a major you-know-what.So, they make a deal. One simple weekend away in exchange for a serious rent reduction... -
![The Hating Game by Sally Thorne]()
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Debut author Sally Thorne bursts on the scene with a hilarious and sexy workplace comedy all about that thin, fine line between hate and love. Nemesis (n.) 1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome. 2) A person’s undoing 3) Joshua Templeman Lucy Hutton has always been certain that the nice girl can get the corner office... -
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![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 neurodivergent sweet heroine nerdy-hero sweet-hero teacher-hero contemporary -
![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... -
![Rushing In by Claire Kingsley]()
Rushing In by Claire Kingsley
She’s the one girl he can’t have. With his dimpled grin and devilish charm, firefighter Gavin Bailey is hot as a five-alarm fire and twice as dangerous. The youngest of five brothers, he’s the daredevil of the family. Until the unexpected strikes and he finds himself sidelined. Skylar Stanley’s life didn’t just fall apart. It exploded. Spectacularly... -
![The Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman]()
The Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA beautiful vineyard. A new beginning. A summer that will change their lives forever...Linzi arrived at Green Valley Vineyard nine years ago, in need of a fresh start. In the lush emerald countryside and ripening grapes, she finally has a place to call home.But Linzi's world is rocked when the owner announces he is retiring, and his grandson is taking over... -
![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 m-f sweet heroine sweet-hero shy heroine contemporary forced proximity christmas -
![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... -
![The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang]()
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick. Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe... -
![Love the One You're With by Lauren Layne]()
Love the One You're With by Lauren Layne
As a leading columnist for Stiletto , Grace Brighton has built a career warning women about rotten, cheating liars. She just never suspected her fiancé would be one of them. After Grace takes a heart-mending hiatus, her first assignment is to go on a couple of dates with a counterpart from the men's magazine Oxford and report her impressions. Grace 1...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine cold heroine career professional m-f humor contemporary office -
![Greek Secret by Francesca Catlow]()
Greek Secret by Francesca Catlow
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsSet on the sun-drenched island of Corfu, Greek Secret is the perfect romantic getaway for fans of Karen Swan, Kate Frost and Paige Toon.When Ruby arrives in Corfu, she’s greeted by a sparkling sea, hot sand and a new future... -
![Nun the Wiser: A Grumpy Sunshine Romantic Comedy by Smartypants Romance, Lissa Sharpe]()
Nun the Wiser: A Grumpy Sunshine Romantic Comedy by Smartypants Romance, Lissa Sharpe
Matilda Markov is ready to put her former nun days behind her and experience all the worldly pleasures she can. (ALL the worldly pleasures.) But when she feels her friend group starting to slip away from her, just like she's lost so many people who were close to her before, she takes some bold action to try to keep everyone together...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine cold heroine curvy-hero contemporary humor length-medium open-door -
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![The Risks of Reuniting by Aspen Hadley]()
The Risks of Reuniting by Aspen Hadley
Chloe Moore doesn't fly. Chloe Moore has always refused to step foot on a plane - a.k.a Death Bucket. Not happening. However, when she goes down a rabbit hole of self-help books after a painful breakup, she finds herself signing up for a humanitarian trip to Peru in order to rediscover herself by serving others... -
![Seas the Dating Coach by Laura Langa]()
Seas the Dating Coach by Laura Langa
Seizing the day is great—but snagging a dating coach is better.All I wanted was to finally say hi to my longtime crush. Instead, I slipped on a puddle of coffee and landed in the arms of Finn Reynolds—the infuriatingly charming newcomer in town. When I tried again, I got utterly tongue-tied. Now I’m blushing, flustered, and somehow caught in Finn’s ridiculous proposition...Categorized as:
m-f from hate to love shy heroine sweet heroine teacher-hero sweet-hero contemporary humor -
![Protective Heart by Brighton Walsh]()
Protective Heart by Brighton Walsh
I’ve lied to myself for years about being in love with my best friend. Everly Bowman and I don’t make sense. She’s sunshine personified and I hate everyone. Well, everyone but her. It’s easy to pretend like she isn’t my whole world. Or it was until she needs a place to stay, and my apartment is her only option. Suddenly, she's everywhere I turn. Even her scent is branded into my sheets... -
![Dating-ish by Penny Reid]()
Dating-ish by Penny Reid
There are three things you need to know about Marie Harris: 1) She’s fed up with online dating, 2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and 3) She knows how to knit. After the most bizarre and irritating first date in the history of human kind, Marie is looking for an alternative to men... -
![Holding on to Chaos by Lucy Score]()
Holding on to Chaos by Lucy Score
“I want to be upfront with you. No surprises, no secrets. I want you, Eva. And I think you might be it for me.” Eva is a hot mess running from her past and doesn’t mind telling a fib or two to protect her secrets. It’s too bad that she moved to the nosiest small town in the world with Sheriff Sexy—the tall, built human lie detector...Categorized as:
insta-love possessive hero m-f sweet-hero humor contemporary small town men in uniform -
![Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne]()
Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese three women are the toughest juries they’ll ever have to plead their case to.THIS BOX SET INCLUDES…Clean Slate (Charity Case #0.5)Moving two thousand miles away wasn’t my plan, but when family needs you, you come. Before I can head back to my hometown of Chicago though, I have two men to say good-bye to. Neither one of them will be happy to hear the news... -
![America's Geekheart by Pippa Grant]()
America's Geekheart by Pippa Grant
Remember that time you accidentally sexted your in-laws? Yeah. I just did that. Except worse. Now my million social media followers are reading and sharing the rude, smartass message I meant to send privately to my little sister...and I’m officially public enemy number one. I’m Beck Ryder. Former boy bander. Underwear model. Fashion mogul... -
![The Bright Side of Christmas by Morgan Elizabeth]()
The Bright Side of Christmas by Morgan Elizabeth
Wren King is the one person in town everyone can rely on: need someone to watch your kids? She’s got it, you deserve a night off! Want a five dozen cookies for a bake sale? Call up Wren; she loves to bake. As the small town of Holly Ridge’s sweetheart, she’s always available to help, even if it leaves little time for herself along the way. But this holiday season, it’s ramped up to the next level... -
![One Enchanted Moment by Sarah Morgan]()
One Enchanted Moment by Sarah Morgan
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsUSA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan will sweep you away with her Puffin Island series! Life has just thrown Skylar Tempest a serious curveball. So she’s returned home to Puffin Island to regroup among friends. Unfortunately, that means seeing Alec Hunter, who’s become a big-deal TV historian. Sky’s never liked the cynical Alec, and the feeling was mutual. But maybe that was then... -
![Undesired Lust by Eden Summers]()
Undesired Lust by Eden Summers
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThey used to be the perfect team. Two years ago, songstress Sidney Higgins ruined her life by sleeping with not one, but two of the famous Reckless Beat men, Mason Lynch and Sean Taiden... -
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![A Not So Merry Kiss-mas: A Sweet Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine Holiday RomCom by Abby Greyson]()
A Not So Merry Kiss-mas: A Sweet Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine Holiday RomCom by Abby Greyson
Next Door Neighbors. A Blind Match. And a Kiss That Melts the Ice. MelMy neighbor’s easy on the eyes, but his blaring music and clanging weights keep me awake. Michael Matthews is all charm and good vibes—qualities that drive my sleep-deprived self up a wall; even if his smile does spark an annoying flutter.MikeCole’s been raving about Noelle's best friend since they started dating...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine from hate to love cold heroine sweet-hero humor length-novella glimpses-kisses -
![Set My Heart Bonfire by Marika Ray]()
Set My Heart Bonfire by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe's a dashing millionaire who thinks everything in life is one big joke, probably because he bathes in piles of money each morning. He’s also my new neighbor, and after a humiliating experience in the cemetery that is my backyard, he becomes my shadow, showing up everywhere just to annoy me.I’m not a fan of happy people...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love m-f contemporary super rich hero humor small town length-medium -
![Space Age: Houston, Prepare to Launch by Sara L. Hudson]()
Space Age: Houston, Prepare to Launch by Sara L. Hudson
NASA Flight Surgeon Dr. Rebecca Sato has earned her dream job. Now she’s ready to explore the next frontier…having a family.While responsible for the health of astronauts who fly through space in the International Space Station, her feet are firmly planted on the ground.But at thirty-six, the men on her radar are either intimidated by her intellect or not interested in having kids... -
![A Fish Out of Water by Savannah Scott]()
A Fish Out of Water by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI knew trying to make a fresh start on Marbella Island would mean reinventing myself.I'm only here while I work my way up to my dream role in a major motion picture in Hollywood.Which explains why I took a role playing a mermaid in the island production of In So Deep . What I didn't count on?Ben. The charmer who just took a job as a water sports instructor.Everyone loves Ben.Everyone but me... -
![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:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary super rich hero humor forced proximity suspense -
![Falling for the Jerk by Amy Alves]()
Falling for the Jerk by Amy Alves
It was an accident, I swear. Jensen Vaughn may be the absolute worst, but I didn’t push him down those stairs. Not intentionally, anyway. It was supposed to be my graceless butt lying in a broken heap at the bottom of the steps. But no, the golden boy firefighter and beloved town hero had to take the fall meant for me. He saved me. And now the whole town thinks I maimed him on purpose... -
![The Promise by R.L. Mathewson]()
The Promise by R.L. Mathewson
Reed Bradford and Joey Lawson's story How far would you go to keep a promise? Reed Bradford never should have made that promise. He’d barely survived the first time around, but now she was back, his best friend’s little sister, his one-time neighbor, and the woman that he never should have promised to protect... -
![Laid Bare by Penny Clarke]()
Laid Bare by Penny Clarke
Natalie needs to get laid.Bad time management skills. Partying a little too much. Glitter in unmentionable places. When boys meet me, they tend to focus less on the hot and more on the mess. Which means I’ve always just been one of the guys. Making it harder to get, well, you know... -
![The Sweetest Fix by Tessa Bailey]()
The Sweetest Fix by Tessa Bailey
Reese dreams of seeing her name in lights on Broadway, but so far she has only graced the used car parking lots of rural Wisconsin. With her window of opportunity shrinking fast, a miracle happens. She wins an audition with Bernard Bexley, Broadway’s most respected dance choreographer...Categorized as:
insta-love curvy-hero grumpy sunshine height-difference sweet-hero m-f sweet heroine exhibitionism -
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![Tempt Me With Forever by Maria Luís]()
Tempt Me With Forever by Maria Luís
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNever trust a bad boy. That's what Beauty Influencer Lizzie Danvers tells her YouTube subscribers after getting dumped on Instagram. Lizzie may have the devil's luck in choosing men, but she's determined to prove that the age-old "once a playboy, always a playboy" theory is bulletproof. All she needs is thirty days and one sexy commitment-phobe to do it.. -
![Puffin Bay by Annie Dyer]()
Puffin Bay by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHeartbreak led me to Puffin Bay, searching for peace in a small, coastal town. Four years later, my bar is thriving and my next business is just what the town needs. It doesn’t need Roman Tominey. Arrogant, city-boy, suit-wearing grump - he knows how to push every one of my buttons, and after an evening of bad decisions, he knows how to push that one too...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine insta-love m-f humor contemporary single-father dual-pov -
![Mr. Gray Sweatpants by Whitley Cox]()
Mr. Gray Sweatpants by Whitley Cox
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNever underestimate the power of a strange pussy (cat).A hot boy summer romantic-comedy. The boy next door, the girl with a million secrets and an a$$hole cat that cares about nobody. This book takes passing love notes in class to a whole new level. Guitar music on the beach, plenty of hardcore wooing and way too much assuming. And we all know what assuming does ...Casey Savage is a workaholic...Categorized as:
insta-love from hate to love friends-benefits contemporary forced proximity abuse alpha male humor -
![Summer Loving by Barbara Freethy]()
Summer Loving by Barbara Freethy
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"Ocean Shores is now my fictional happy place!" Goodreads Reviewer In a vibrant southern California coastal town, sparks fly when Gabe Herrera, the charismatic owner of a beloved food truck, finds himself at odds with Madison Baldwin, the meticulous chef of a prestigious fine dining restaurant... -
![Rhodie by Cleo Browne]()
Rhodie by Cleo Browne
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTuesday Tombs’ greatest assets are her family and her genius mind. She’s a whirlwind of sass with a thirst for justice. Her latest target? To infiltrate Devil’s Rose MC. But things take a turn when she encounters Rhodie, the MC’s imposing Enforcer. His gruff exterior and soft spot for her throw a confusing wrench in her well-laid plans... -
![Some Girls Do by Clodagh Murphy]()
Some Girls Do by Clodagh Murphy
Claire Kennedy, aka internet sensation NiceGirl, is the anonymous author of a steamy sex blog. She's an expert at writing about sex, but little do her fans know that bookish Claire isn't quite as experienced in the bedroom as her online persona. But everyone makes stuff up on the internet, right? Except that NiceGirl attracts the attention of London publisher Mark Bell...Categorized as:
shy heroine friends-benefits m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers sassy heroine length-long -
![His Submissive by Jane Henry, Maisy Archer]()
His Submissive by Jane Henry, Maisy Archer
*** Special release weekend price of $2.99 (will be $4.99 on Monday, June 27th) *** Matteo Angelico, former Marine and experienced, longtime dominant, knows what he likes--sexy, submissive women who do what they're told and are willing and able to give him the control he craves. But he also knows what he doesn't like--the demands of a full-time dynamic and a committed relationship...Categorized as:
bdsm m-f height-difference grumpy sunshine friends-benefits hurt-comfort insta-love bondage -
![Batter of Wits by Karla Sorensen]()
Batter of Wits by Karla Sorensen
Hate at first sight couldn’t possibly exist, right?That’s what Grace Buchanan thought, before her useless car stranded her on the side of a deserted road just inside the Green Valley city limits.When Tucker Haywood—tall and handsome and full of southern charm— shows up to help, her reaction to him is the strongest thing she’s ever felt in her life, and it makes no freaking sense...Categorized as:
from hate to love insta-love sweet heroine m-f humor contemporary new adult secret-relationship -
![How to Find Love When You're Weird by Camilla Evergreen]()
How to Find Love When You're Weird by Camilla Evergreen
I am a perfectly functional adult. So why is it so hard to get a date? When my father decided last year that I wouldn’t receive my inheritance until I am in a stable relationship, I let the ever-important deadline slip through the cracks. Why bother dating, when I can read, right? Wrong...Categorized as:
m-f height-difference neurodivergent grumpy sunshine insta-love shy heroine sweet-hero contemporary -
![One Day by Samantha Young]()
One Day by Samantha Young
Getting dumped four times over the course of the past ten years on Valentine’s Day was definitely not in Hazel Benny’s life plan. So when her boyfriend of three months dumps her a week before Valentine’s Day to save her the humiliation of a fifth VD dumping, Hazel decides to take a break from life altogether by borrowing her brother’s camper van and taking off to the highlands... -
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![Royal Package by Lili Valente]()
Royal Package by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe Royal Package is a legend in its own time, a pleasure-giving national treasure I’m far too generous to keep to myself. But I have one rule: No good girls. And they don’t get much nicer than sugar-and-spice Princess Elizabeth. You’d think a woman who designs lingerie would be sexy and fun. You would be wrong... -
![Hard To Handle by R.C. Boldt]()
Hard To Handle by R.C. Boldt
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsRC Boldt’s Teach Me series gives us a closer look at just how thin the line is between love and hate… Fifth grade social studies teacher, Laney Kavanaugh, is no stranger to being left behind – her father taught her that at a young age. That’s why she always has her eyes wide open when it comes to men. She’s determined she will never again be the one left behind... -
![Nice Guys Still Finish by Harlow James]()
Nice Guys Still Finish by Harlow James
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“Come on. What’s the risk of getting to know me if I’m just some dorky guy that’s hopeless when it comes to dating? I mean, it’s not like you’re going to fall for me.”But hey, a guy could hope, couldn’t he?That was my idea when I met Ariel Logan—my sister’s new assistant on her talk show—to get her to agree to be my relationship tutor in hopes that she’d realize I’m the man she needs... -
![The Business Card Boyfriend by Krista Sandor]()
The Business Card Boyfriend by Krista Sandor
Hailey Higgins just got dumped at the altar—and she’s nearly broke. Her only saving grace is a remote cabin a long-lost relative left her in the tiny mountain town of Starrycard Creek. It should be the perfect place to shut out the world and shun love. Under no circumstances should she want anything to do with the ruggedly handsome Finnegan Starrycard... -
![Her Maryland Crabby Daddy by Golden Angel]()
Her Maryland Crabby Daddy by Golden Angel
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGeographically UnDesirableCrabs, good friends, and beer.That's pretty much what Ethan Davies' life consists of, and he's not looking to change it.He's certainly not looking for his sister's gorgeous, curvy best friend to turn his bachelor pad into her temporary home away from the Big Apple... -
![Her Wild Lumberjack by Clara King]()
Her Wild Lumberjack by Clara King
He’s an ex-convict who just got out of prison.She’s the daughter of the sheriff who put him there.HazelBig, inked, and grumpy as heck, Ronan Black isn’t your typical Prince Charming.My dad says he’s trouble. He warns me to stay away.But when a flood leaves me stranded at Ronan’s cabin, I decide to judge him for myself.Turns out, there’s a heart of gold buried beneath his tough exterior...
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