Books like 'The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam'
Readers who enjoyed The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam by Valerie Pepper also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny friends to lovers forced proximity suspense men in uniform virgin heroine
-
Gin Fling by Lucy Score, Claire Kingsley
A slow grin spread across his face and I had to turn away from the wattage. It was like staring at the sun. The handsome sun that was making my core temperature rise and causing a hormone dump in my brain. — Shelby Thompson Personal trainer Jonah Bodine discovers more than he bargained for with the half-siblings he didn’t know he had in small-town West Virginia... -
One Chance, Fancy by Lani Lynn Vale
Benson Bayou Beauregard is the president of the Bear Bottom Guardians MC, and the grandson of the Sergeant at Arms for the Dixie Wardens MC. He’s a mountain of a man and the warden of a prison, and there’s only one thing that can scare him—being told that he’s the father of a three-year-old little girl. A three-year-old little girl that has no clue who he is...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers virgin heroine men in uniform humor bikers alpha male contemporary -
Maybe Don't Wanna by Lani Lynn Vale
Peter Parker Penn. Unlike the superhero his mother named him after, Parker is no good guy. In fact, if there’s a picture in the dictionary under anti-hero, it’s his. Parker’s spent his life trying to get back on the right side of the tracks, but each step he takes forward, he takes two more steps back. To save one, he hurts others. To make this good, he turns that bad...Categorized as:
friends to lovers suspense virgin heroine humor military bikers alpha male contemporary -
Spark by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsNick Gallo works hard.He plays harder.And always steered clear of drama.Josephine Carmichael was born into Hollywood royalty.She is used to being in the public eye.She loves the finer things in life.But when Josephine’s stranded with the paparazzi and a crazy ex-boyfriend on her heels, Nick’s protective instincts kick in and he can’t walk away...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers new adult contemporary humor insta-love m-f length-medium -
-
Sweeper by Amy Daws
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsComing November 4The cocky footballer next door has some serious balls…luckily, Daphney Clarke knows how to play. Zander Williams is the hot new American determined to take European football by storm. His head is so big, it barely fits under his backwards hat. And when he’s recruited to one of the biggest up and coming clubs in London, he’s certain to make his name known... -
It Happens by Lani Lynn Vale
Zee + Annmarie and Tan + Jubilee. Forever. No exceptions. They were to have the picture-perfect life together. Everything was all planned out. Jubilee was to marry Eitan and Ezekiel was to marry Annmarie. That’s how it was always supposed to be from the moment that they met. Textbook, right? Wrong...Categorized as:
suspense virgin heroine men in uniform humor bikers alpha male from hate to love contemporary -
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsLooking for a Fake FiancéHave 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... -
Rising Storm by Kathleen Brooks
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsKatelyn Jacks was used to being front and center as a model. But she never had to confront the Keeneston Grapevine! After retiring from the runway and returning to town to open a new animal clinic, Katelyn found that her life in the public eye was anything but over... -
Dirty Minds by Liliana Hart
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsCoroner J.J. Graves and Sheriff Jack Lawson are in a race against time as they hunt down a sniper who is taking the law into his own hands. No one is safe, and everyone is a target...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers mystery contemporary humor heroine sleuth length-short m-f -
Inferno by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsStone Gallo has lived life like every day is a party. No attachments, no responsibilities, and absolutely no falling in love. He spent his days at Inked and his nights wherever he pleased. But when Stone rescues a beautiful woman in need, his entire world gets turned upside down, and he’ll never be the same.Opal hasn’t had much luck in life. No family, no friends, and absolutely no love...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers contemporary alpha male sweet heroine insta-love humor length-medium -
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...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity friends to lovers humor bikers military alpha male tortured hero -
I Can't Even by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsEllodie Cassandra Solaire made a single, solitary New Year’s resolution.That resolution was set in stone, and she wouldn’t be breaking it, no matter what.It was simple: Say yes to every person who asks her out on a date until she finds a boyfriend.Easy, right?Wrong.She breaks that New Year’s resolution three months into the year after a guy gives her serial killer vibes...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity contemporary military humor from hate to love length-medium m-f -
Together Under a Snowy Skye by Lisa Hobman
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAfter the heartbreak of a secret unrequited love, Millie Treadaway has finally found someone to spend her life with.Harry Rose is handsome, successful and treats her like a princess. That is until Millie presents her fiancé with a surprise birthday gift, and their future is suddenly doomed...Categorized as:
friends to lovers suspense christmas contemporary m-f small town humor length-medium -
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... -
-
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... -
Dark of Night by Suzanne Brockmann
Taking on the world's deadliest criminals is what the elite security force Troubleshooters Incorporated does best. But now they face a new and powerful threat from their most lethal enemy yet--a shadowy government outfit known only as The Agency...Categorized as:
suspense men in uniform friends to lovers contemporary mystery military alpha male humor -
Dirty Martini by Liliana Hart
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsWhen a friend from medical school shows up on J.J. Graves' doorstep in distress, J.J. offers her a sanctuary. But the woman has brought trouble to Bloody Mary, and no one is safe...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers mystery contemporary humor alpha male heroine sleuth length-medium -
Zane's Rebel by Loni Nichole
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFor once in his life, this strait-laced attorney is ready to throw caution to the wind. Too bad his sassy, rebellious soulmate refuses to take the risk.ZaneI take on the sassy-mouthed heiress’s case because she needs a good defense. She’s being sued by her father’s former business partner, who wants to destroy her. The odds in this small-town are stacked against her...Categorized as:
friends to lovers virgin heroine contemporary humor alpha male curvy heroine length-novella m-f -
Matchmaking The CEO by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsJake Whitley and I start on the wrong foot. And then it goes downhill from there.After my career implodes, I’m determined to make a living with my new event planning business.But Jake and I are at odds from the moment I step on his private plane.He wants to get rid of me. I want to throw his grandmother the celebration of a lifetime…on his property in Martha’s Vineyard... -
Give Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 15 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 humor super rich hero contemporary length-short m-f -
Loved Enough by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEven though they’d never dated, Lily Shaw always just assumed she’d eventually end up with Ben, the boy who’s been her bestie since they were toddlers. So she’s understandably shocked to learn he’s getting married—and having a child with his fiancée. Shocked…but not terribly upset. The truth is, she's been feeling butterflies every time she’s near a particular horse trainer on her parents’ ranch... -
Something Borrowed, Something You by Vi Keeland
No Strings Attached meets Me Before You in SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING YOU, a slow-burn, swoony romance from #1 New York Times bestseller Vi Keeland.My relationship with Hunter Delucia started backwards.We met at a wedding—him sitting on the groom’s side, me sitting on the bride’s. Stealing glances at each other throughout the night, there was no denying an intense, mutual attraction... -
Burning Bond by Emma Hart
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBURNING BOND is book six of the HOLLY WOODS FILES series. While it can technically be read as a standalone, it's advised to read the first five books prior to this for full enjoyment. -- Two men, both determined to protect me. I think I love one. I’m almost sure I’m in love with the other. Ride or die just got a whole lot realer... -
Quit Bein' Ugly by Lani Lynn Vale
There’s a crush, and then there are the type of feelings that Croft Cruisie evokes from a person.He’s everything that any straight woman would want: tall, handsome, charismatic, muscular, and sweet...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers contemporary military humor m-f length-short explicit-open-door -
-
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:
suspense forced proximity small town humor contemporary from hate to love length-medium m-f -
Bones by L. Wilder
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWall Street Journal and USA Today Best Seller L. Wilder brings you Wyatt’s book. He was only eight years old when Stitch found him at a local diner and took him under his wing. Now, he’s all grown up, and he has his own story to tell.We played a game of hide and seek.I tried to keep her at a distance.But no matter how high I built my walls, she was always there to seek me out.She saw me...Categorized as:
friends to lovers suspense bikers contemporary alpha male humor insta-love length-medium -
Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 21 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... -
Devoted Enough by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNathan Shaw has been keeping a secret since high school. It was so tightly intertwined with someone else’s that exposing the darkest facts meant he couldn’t keep the other to himself. He’s had years of holding onto those truths... -
Sterling Fight by L.B. Dunbar
These former friends might be faking their engagement, but revealed crushes prove there might not be anything fictional about their arrangement.In college, I often saw Judd Sylver in the library. He was a cool, broody type of guy who reminded me of a deeply tortured soul who might write poetry... -
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... -
JINXED by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDrakeThey call me a flirt. ‘Detective Sl()ts-A-Lot’ when they’re feeling frisky, because my morals are loose, and my choice in women, according to the haters, is unfussy.But they don’t know I’ve been watching her.Waiting for her.The problem is, she’s half my age, and has no business being with a man like me.***RoryThey call me clumsy.Jinxed.And when they’re feeling a little dramatic, doomed...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity age difference humor angst contemporary new adult length-medium -
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI 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... -
Grace Under Fire by Julie Garwood
A Navy SEAL will need every bit of his extensive skill set when he appoints himself as bodyguard to a woman determined not to need one in this thrilling new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood.Grace Isabel MacKenna had a hundred things to do today. Killing someone wasn’t one of them...Categorized as:
virgin heroine suspense contemporary military humor mystery from hate to love slow burn -
The Lost House of Ireland by Susanne O'Leary
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAn enchanting story about forgotten family secrets that will transport you to the charming village of Sandy Cove on the beautiful Irish coast.Allegra Casey is searching for a new beginning. So when she discovers an engagement ring buried in the sand near her home in Cape Cod, the last place she expects it to lead her is to the west coast of Ireland... -
-
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 head7 months spent in a coma6 months since he woke, a changed man5 hours since he’d been kidnapped4 minutes since he’d opened his eyes in an underground cavern3 minutes since he’d heard a woman calling for help…Two strangers trapped together.One impossible way out...Categorized as:
suspense friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary humor mystery angst length-medium -
Left-Handed Monkey Wrench by Giulia Lagomarsino
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsChase Carter. You’ve read about them in Reed Security. You’ve come to know a little about who the men of OPS are. But everything you thought you knew is a lie—smoke and mirrors. The truth of OPS is hidden deep inside, waiting to be revealed. Owens Protective Services. Defend. Investigate. Secure...Categorized as:
forced proximity suspense friends to lovers contemporary humor alpha male military length-medium -
Love You Again by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAn unexpected rescue rekindles an old romance between a single dad widower and a woman caught in a small town scandal that made her flee the one place where she belongs. Can a second chance at first love end in a happily ever after?Luke Luview has given up on love... -
The One I Need by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsYou’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... -
Shatterproof by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFrom USA TODAY Bestselling author Xavier Neal comes an all-new, best friends to lovers, forced proximity, bodyguard romance...The assignment is simple.Don't let the client get kidnapped.Don't let someone kill her.Don't confess that I've secretly been in love with her since we first met.It's the last part that complicates what would otherwise be a fairly routine operation...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity suspense multicultural bwwm military humor office -
Rookie by Amy Davies
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRookieWhen I came to the US from Ireland, I thought my life was panned out: become a police officer and help people. One incident changed all of that, and I became a Rugged Skull. My path in life changed. Being a member of the club has its perks, mainly women and booze. But we like something sweet from time to time, and one visit to Coffee Cove had me finding that sugary craving...Categorized as:
friends to lovers suspense contemporary insta-love bikers bad boys humor length-short -
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... -
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 humor contemporary m-f found-family length-medium open-door -
Overexposed by Heather Long, Tate James
With Dad’s medical bills piling up, the solution to our problems might lie in the world of glitz and glamor, which means following in his footsteps.I grew up in the whirlwind of celebrity scandals, where every moment is a potential headline. I know the thrill of the “Unicorn List”—the ultimate scoop that could change everything... -
First Comes Revenge by Penelope Bloom
USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Penelope Bloom returns with a new laugh-out-loud rom-com about getting revenge on the world’s worst ex in hilariously satisfying fashion. Steamy, heart-melting, and capped off with a swoon-worthy groveling apology you won’t forget.I can't tell you what my ex did to deserve this, but here's what I can tell you... -
-
Knock Out by Jiffy Kate
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn the blink of an eye, Willow Bernard goes from stocking shelves at the Piggly Wiggly to kicking butt at Viking MMA.Willow Bernard has taken a lot of hits in her twenty-two years but always manages to come back swinging. Hoping to fly under the radar for a change, she relocates to Green Valley...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity sports fighters contemporary grumpy sunshine humor length-long -
Just One Tease by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s the last single Dare sibling standing.She’s his lost love who disappeared.Now she’s back, bringing secrets and danger. Hadley Stevens is on the run with her younger sister—again—but this time, she’s in control. Zach Dare might hate her, but she knows he’d never turn away someone in need. He’s the only man she trusts. The man she’s never gotten over. Even if she left him without a word... -
The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz
Rated: 4.44 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 to the West...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity grumpy sunshine contemporary humor menage length-long -
The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYou are invited to a summer of sparkling champagne, warm buttery croissants and a little bit of je ne sais quoi… With a broken heart and a broken spirit, Hattie is in need of a summer escape. So when an opportunity comes up to work at a beautiful, stately chateau in the Champagne region of France she books her flights quicker than the pop of a cork...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary humor insta-love love triangle length-medium -
The Pocket Pair by Emma St. Clair
Do I have feelings for my sister's best friend? Of course not. That would be stupid, considering my sister once threatened to castrate me if I ever hurt Val. Hurting her is the last thing I want to do, which is all the MORE reason I can't have feelings for her. Val deserves the world, and I'm NOT the man who can give it to her... -
The One I Hate by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI hate Simon Banks.I also hate tequila. The first makes my blood boil with his devilish smirk and giant…ego. The second makes me do questionable things. Specifically, with Simon. Fine. Whatever. It’s a blip on my radar. Even though I can’t stop thinking about memories of our night…or his hands…and that mouth...
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences

Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.