Books like 'The Design of Us'
Readers who enjoyed The Design of Us by Sajni Patel also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny south asian multicultural grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love
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Where It All Began by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAvailable only through Lucy's newsletter, this free book is the prequel to the popular Blue Moon series and is set in 1985. John Pierce has plans for these two hundred rundown acres. He sees a farm, a family, a future. He’s not about to drag someone in on the ground floor, not before he’s put in the work to turn rubble into home... -
![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 contemporary office humor length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
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![Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil]()
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be a quick meeting. I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
![The Innkeeper by Rebecca Sharp, Samantha Cook]()
The Innkeeper by Rebecca Sharp, Samantha Cook
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsElouise ‘Lou’ Kinkade is happy that all her siblings have found love. She’s less than happy that now all they want is for her to do the same. Lou doesn’t have time for romance; she has a business to run. And that business was shooting to success when a Hollywood degenerate takes a drunken tumble down her stairs... -
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![Anger Banger by S.M. Shade]()
Anger Banger by S.M. Shade
The residents of Happy Haven Trailer park have been waiting for this for a long time. The slumlord who abandoned this place and let our homes deteriorate has been court ordered to live here while making repairs. Imagine our surprise when the guy who shows up to move in to the dilapidated trailer across the street isn't the sixty year old man we expected, but his son... -
![Faking Cinderella by Pippa Grant]()
Faking Cinderella by Pippa Grant
A grumpy former bodyguard, an heiress in disguise, and an accidental roommate situation…. If I’d known a tall, broad mountain of a man would crash the one-bedroom cabin I’m borrowing, I might have handled things differently. I still would’ve lied to him. He doesn’t need to know all of my reasons for wanting to meet my surprise triplet half brothers while undercover as a housekeeper... -
![Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks]()
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks
A knight in shining armor? Hardly. More like my worst enemy wrapped in a swoon-worthy tux…. When Brooks Salinger saves me from heartbreak at a wedding, I never expect to see him again—let alone find him back in my life, set to destroy my family’s bookstore. But when he offers me a wild deal—pretend to be his girlfriend at a ritzy wedding in exchange for saving the store—I reluctantly agree... -
![One Last Job by Anise Starre]()
One Last Job by Anise Starre
When designer Amber Wyatt gets the opportunity to project manage a lucrative contract with The August Room, an exclusive and glamorous private members’ club, she can’t wait to get started. That is until she meets handsome managing director, Finn Hawthorne. Finn has no respect for her hard work, continuously undermines her and, worst of all, has the uncanny ability to charm everyone he meets...Categorized as:
from hate to love multicultural forced proximity contemporary humor bwwm dual-pov office -
![Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp]()
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’m sarcasm with a messy bun. He’s a sweetheart with a slapshot. Sparks were one thing—those fireworks, though? Yeah…no one warned me about those. Mabel. Returning to Maple Falls wasn’t part of my five-year plan—or my backup plan. Or any plan, really. But here I am, back in my quirky hometown, dodging my mother’s judgment and trying not to cringe every time someone mentions the viral moment... -
![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:
from hate to love forced proximity grumpy sunshine office humor length-medium contemporary m-f -
![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... -
![Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs by Dana LeCheminant]()
Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHigh school teacher Brooklyn Briggs has always been great with chemistry but terrible with relationships. When a guy drops into her life—literally—and offers to coach her into getting a date with her longtime crush, she's willing to accept any help she can get. Even if her new flirting coach is her brother Houston's best friend, the guy who drove her crazy all throughout high school... -
![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 forced proximity friends to lovers 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... -
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![Never Meant to Stay by Trisha Das]()
Never Meant to Stay by Trisha Das
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsA bighearted romantic comedy about family and finding the perfect match set against the exuberant backdrop of contemporary Delhi. Home has always been a temporary arrangement for Samara Mansingh, a wayfaring wedding photographer and the daughter of a diplomat. When her father is uprooted once again, Samara needs a place to stay in Delhi. Next the Khanna family... -
![Fa-La La-La Land by Brittany Larsen]()
Fa-La La-La Land by Brittany Larsen
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s got a list to finish. He’s got a song to escape. Neither planned on falling in love this Christmas. Stella Sparks has no time for love—not when her 30 Before 30 list is calling and her new job depends on reviving rockstar Rhys James’s image before he headlines Winter Lights Live... -
![Men or Paws by Rich Amooi]()
Men or Paws by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWatch a dog for three weeks, get fifteen thousand dollars. Piece of cake, right? Wrong. First, I have to stay in my client’s guesthouse while he’s in the main house working on an important project. That may not sound so bad, but HE is Hollywood’s Bad Boy, Rocco Romano, voted “Sexiest Man Alive. ”. The guy could charm the pants off a mannequin. Luckily he’s not my type. Seriously...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity humor contemporary length-long standalone standalone-first -
![The Agent by Kimberly Kincaid]()
The Agent by Kimberly Kincaid
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNothing rattles stone-cold FBI Agent Kai Roman. Not chasing down ruthless criminals. Not the grief of losing his wife years ago. Not even inadvertently being caught in the middle of a bank robbery. Except Camila Garza is right beside him when danger strikes, and suddenly he’s the only person who can protect the off-limits beauty. No matter how much her older brother hates him... -
![Save the Drama for Your Mama by Rich Amooi]()
Save the Drama for Your Mama by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsForget meet-cute. This is a meet-disaster. Melody. Cooper Galloway was my bookstore crush for all of five minutes. Then he opened his mouth and ruined my fantasy. Things go from bad to worse when I arrive for my new job and HE greets me at the door... -
![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... -
![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 -
![Tease by Camilla Stevens]()
Tease by Camilla Stevens
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“Hello, neighbor. Going down? ”. Miss Pink. That’s what I call her. Her “real” name is too ridiculous to repeat. Besides, my nickname for her is more than apt. Everything about her is pink, from the pink champagne she gets delivered by the caseload, to the tiny pink feathers I find randomly breezing down the hallway of our apartment building in her wake. It’s ridiculous…in the most addictive way... -
![Some Kind of Blunderful by Livy Hart]()
Some Kind of Blunderful by Livy Hart
If you ask Mia Madden, the road to dating hell is paved with suspiciously hot online profiles. Take tonight’s date, for example. Alex Conroy’s whole “boardroom in the streets, lumberjack in the sheets” thing totally works for her, but his profile did not convey that he represents everything she loathes about corporate hustle culture. He’s not even worth her bottle of purse wine... -
![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 forced proximity contemporary super rich hero humor suspense m-f -
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![The Atelier Assignment by Annie Dyer]()
The Atelier Assignment by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHer assignment is to not fall in love with him…. Zeke Brooksbank is in need of a wake-up call. One that shakes him out of the grump he’s permanently in and turns him into a reasonable human being. I’m not staying at his country residence to tame the beast. I’m meant to be cataloguing his art collection, not fangirling over his own paintings, or becoming attached to his little daughter... -
![Gone Country by Hunter Snow]()
Gone Country by Hunter Snow
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTwo worlds. One accidental hit song. The stage is set for the ultimate showdown. Jamie Keaton is a rock star with a reputation as fiery as her songs. Clayton Langley is a country singer who epitomizes Southern charm...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love dual-pov contemporary single-father humor length-long -
![The Trip by Robin Alexander]()
The Trip by Robin Alexander
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWho wants to take a road trip with two old, bickering women and a complete stranger? Not Jill Savoy. She finds herself behind the wheel of her father’s sacred Winnebago anyway, responsible for her grandmother and adopted aunt, both of whom are mischievous teenagers in old bodies, and then there’s Shay. The last thing on Shay Macaluso’s mind was a vacation... -
![Going Down by Cat Wynn]()
Going Down by Cat Wynn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsColin Rush is an overworked hotshot at a Big Four consulting firm. His neighbor Emma Smith is a cutesy but reserved first grade teacher who’s never so much as glanced in his direction. Needless to say, Colin’s positive that Emma’s not his type, and, in turn, Emma thinks Colin is an intimidating player, and probably a jerk. Frankly, they avoid each other at all costs... -
![The Fastball by Emily Childs]()
The Fastball by Emily Childs
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe's the coach's aggravating daughter. He's the shy guy on first base. And they have no idea they're keeping the same secret. After a devastating accident that leaves his throwing hand in shambles, MLB first baseman, Dax Sage, finds out the woman handling the PR for his recovery is none other than the gorgeous, frigid daughter of his head coach... -
![The Enemy Plot by Marion De Ré]()
The Enemy Plot by Marion De Ré
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s searching for Prince Charming, but can a grumpy neighbor rewrite her love story? My dream came true. A man walked into my bookstore asking to buy some books. As a hopeless romantic who's been kissing plenty of grenouilles, I thought I might finally meet my prince charming. Except it wasn’t Prince Charming—it was Deacon Collier, my neighbor and my personal nemesis...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine contemporary found-family age difference humor length-medium -
![Isabelle and the Beast: A Sweet Rom-Com Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Marie Soleil]()
Isabelle and the Beast: A Sweet Rom-Com Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Marie Soleil
It was supposed to be a quick meeting. I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone... -
![Mad About Yule by Genny Carrick]()
Mad About Yule by Genny Carrick
Santa came early this year, and he brought me a big lump of coal. When I asked for volunteers to help with our small town Christmas festival, I should have been more specific. Griffin McBride—the arrogant blast from my past who barges in like he’s taking over the project—isn’t who I had in mind. I want my gossip-fueled town to whisper about my successes instead of my failures for a change...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love christmas contemporary christian dual-pov humor -
![Ship Fate by Dulcie Dameron]()
Ship Fate by Dulcie Dameron
A quirky marine archeologist and a grumpy jaded fisherman are forced to spend the summer together. Or drown trying. .. Shipwrecks and heartbreaks are oddly similar. Both are reminders that all it takes is one devastating blow to sink something that was once beautiful. Then all you're left with is a pile of wreckage that clutters up the ocean. Okay, so analogies aren’t Perry Ford’s strong suit...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary humor length-short m-f glimpses-kisses -
![Luca & Ivy and the Four Calling Birds by Ellie Hall]()
Luca & Ivy and the Four Calling Birds by Ellie Hall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWould you rather be stranded in a snowstorm with Miss All-things Christmas or the Grinch? Ivy. If you ever find yourself on the run, do not, I repeat, do not drive off the road and into an icy pond. Should you have such an accident, do not wander into the woods to a chalet with a blazing fire. But if you lose feeling in your toes and go inside to warm up, do not, I repeat, do not, doze off. Luca...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love christmas contemporary humor length-short -
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![A Wedding Mismatch by Kaylee Baldwin]()
A Wedding Mismatch by Kaylee Baldwin
Let’s play a Two truths and a lie. 1. I am a self-help influencer who is a hot mess. 2. If I don’t get some quiet time between planning my sister’s wedding to finish my book, Happily Single, I’m in hot water with my publisher. 3. I’m blackmailing the hot grump next-door into letting me live with him until this book is done...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary humor glimpses-kisses found-family length-medium -
![Almost Real by Nicole Snow]()
Almost Real by Nicole Snow
A love for paws and claws unites a fiery vet tech and a bad boy billionaire in this intense and steamy fake engagement fiasco by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow. Lena Joly has a fierce soul for healing every pet who limps into her struggling clinic. Taming human jerkwads is nothing new—until the day Brady Pruitt storms in with an adorable lost puppy...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity super rich hero contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
![A Brooding Bodyguard by Angela R. Casella]()
A Brooding Bodyguard by Angela R. Casella
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s not easy being famous. Okay, you already hate me. .. can we start over? Sinclair. I’m Sinclair Jones, best known for playing a woman ten years younger than me on TV. Or at least I was until I quit my job and moved to Asheville. I came here to find myself...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love office suspense humor mystery contemporary -
![Luv Arranged by N.M. Patel]()
Luv Arranged by N.M. Patel
Luv (un)Arranged is a Steamy, Desi Arranged Marriage contemporary romance, packed with before-marriage courting, the magical engagement period, and living with the in-laws after marriage. Just like a Bollywood Masala movie, it's full of Romance, Dancing, and a very, chaotic Indian Family. Kriti Pandya. The eldest daughter of the Pandya family. I have three nonnegotiable conditions for marriage:... -
![Marriage & Masti by Nisha Sharma]()
Marriage & Masti by Nisha Sharma
Veera Mathur has been through a lot in the past year. Both of her friends found soul mates, the man she fell in love with got engaged to another woman, and her father fired her before selling the family company... -
![A Shore Fling by Jacob Chance]()
A Shore Fling by Jacob Chance
I’ve done everything right—built a career, climbed the corporate ladder, and put the family business first. But when my father tries to turn my love life into a merger deal, I realize it might be time to finally break a rule or two. So I do something entirely out of I run... -
![Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date by Lilian Monroe]()
Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom the author of Four Steps to the Perfect Revenge comes a deliciously witty and lighthearted romance brimming with misadventures, misdeeds, misunderstandings…and one perfectly mismatched couple. A notorious rule follower, the old Daphne Davis could do no wrong. But lately she can’t get anything right...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine from hate to love forced proximity contemporary humor office audiobook -
![Dirty Business by Sylvia Hart]()
Dirty Business by Sylvia Hart
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMy anonymous one-night-stand is the billionaire who bought my family’s resort. Now my dreams are going up in smoke… and Dante’s holding the match. I never meant to fall in lust with the handsome stranger. But a spilled drink, a charming smile, and a game of chance later, I’m left moaning his name. It’s incredible. Until it isn’t...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love dual-pov super rich hero contemporary humor length-long -
![& Then They Wed by Riya Iyer]()
& Then They Wed by Riya Iyer
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA roommates to lovers romcom with a grumpy chef MMC and a sunshine doctor FMC who fall in love over street-food dates and terrible jokes. Rian Shetty had a plan. His business was profitable. He was listed amongst the top up-and-coming restaurateurs in the world. He might even get a second Michelin star any day now... -
![The Art of Falling in Love with Your Enemy by Anne Kemp]()
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Enemy by Anne Kemp
All’s fair in love and war…until the man you love to hate throws you in jail. Etta: Moving to Sweetkiss Creek was supposed to bring me closer to family and offer a fresh start. Instead, it feels like everything is spiraling out of control. First, there's my mischievous dog who has a knack for escaping and ending up at the police station... -
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![The Problem with Perfect by Jillian Liota]()
The Problem with Perfect by Jillian Liota
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBellamy Mitchell is a meticulous planner. When her old flame returns to Cedar Point engaged, blowing apart her vision for the future, she claims to have a serious boyfriend. The problem? The first single guy she can think of is her brother’s much older, closed-off best friend. Rusty Fuller likes to keep people at a distance... -
![I Do [Hate You] by Sienna Blake, Sarah Willows]()
I Do [Hate You] by Sienna Blake, Sarah Willows
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRemember that time when you woke up naked and handcuffed to Sydney’s biggest player the day before your wedding to someone else? Yeah, well… neither do I. James Kane. Arrogant Playboy Billionaire. He eats companies for breakfast and pu$$y for dinner. My brother’s best friend. And totally off-limits. Which is why nobody knows that James and I have a wedding…situation... -
![The Lying Game: A sweet grumpy/sunshine, small town romcom by Sara Jane Woodley]()
The Lying Game: A sweet grumpy/sunshine, small town romcom by Sara Jane Woodley
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGetting trapped in a rundown motel with a grumpy stranger wasn’t how this night was supposed to end, but at least I’ll never have to see him again. Until he becomes my new roommate…When a dating disaster leaves me heartbroken, muddy, and stranded on the side of the road in the pouring rain, the last thing I expect is for an impossibly hot (and impossibly grouchy) man to offer me a ride home... -
![Barefoot Lake by Kim Swizz]()
Barefoot Lake by Kim Swizz
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWhen her mother passes away from a long battle with cancer, Alice’s life is tilted on its axis. After ending her flat-lined, disastrous relationship, she flees Boston for the lake house her mother left behind in Wilcox Grove, New Hampshire. The presence of so much nature all around her is jarring enough on its own, but her quaint new home also seems determined to sabotage her... -
![You Kissed Me First by Cala Riley]()
You Kissed Me First by Cala Riley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKatie. A fourteen day Caribbean Cruise with my sister and her entire wedding party. Sounds like Heaven, right? Except Barrett, her fiancés brother, also happens to be the jerk who cheated on me a month before the wedding, leaving me to scramble to find a new roommate... -
![Miles Apart by Tanvier Peart]()
Miles Apart by Tanvier Peart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTest-driving the best friend of my best friend's husband between the sheets is off-limits. I know it, and so does Miles. We're not friends and only tolerate each other in small doses whenever our paths cross. Miles Walker is a pain in my side who challenges me to no end. But he's also my mirror who sees all of me, even the parts I try to hide...Categorized as:
from hate to love multicultural contemporary black-mc humor african-american length-medium
![I Do [Hate You] by Sienna Blake, Sarah Willows](https://s3.amazonaws.com/romance.io/books/small/65461c45c112bf11fe97f7cd.jpg)
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