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 dual-pov
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Made For You by Natasha Madison
From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comesA brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance.A spin-off from the Only One seriesVivienneI did the last thing I ever expected to do. I bought a boat. A beautiful boat that was all mine to spend the summer on.Only thing I was looking forward to was the calm being on the water brought me...Categorized as:
forced proximity dual-pov grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary sports athletes cold hero -
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 28 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... -
Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsA 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... -
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Sadie and the Bad Boy Billionaire by Emma St. Clair, Jenny Proctor
I will NOT fall for the smart-mouthed, pretty-boy billionaire who owns Oakley Island. But his yacht is another story …Love and happily-ever-after? It’s not for me. I’m much happier keeping everyone at arm’s length, focusing on my government cybersecurity work.But then I push things a little too far and hack my way into trouble...Categorized as:
forced proximity dual-pov from hate to love contemporary super rich hero humor length-medium m-f -
Fake Around and Find Out by S.M. Shade
An enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship romantic comedy.The Happy Haven Trailer Park is not where I hoped to be at age twenty-five.Circumstances have left me without a job or a car in a small town where work is scarce. When my insufferable neighbor approached me with a very indecent proposal to co-star in his videos on the Lonely Hands app, I had to resist the impulse to punch him in the mouth...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine dual-pov humor contemporary new adult found-family length-medium -
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... -
Beach Please by Melanie Summers
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA hilarious and heartwarming story that’ll have you snort-laughing, swooning, and sighing with happiness… Lola Gordon's dreams of a thriving surf shop were shattered when her ex vanished with all the money in their business account, leaving her on the brink of losing everything... -
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...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine forced proximity new adult found-family contemporary humor -
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... -
Dirty Flirty Enemy by Piper Rayne
He’s the arrogant Manhattan realtor with billboards advertising his six-pack more than his expertise in negotiations. I’m the competing broker who stupidly moved across the hall from his office. From day one, I’ve been his sworn enemy. Okay, so I might have accidentally stolen one of his clients... -
The Wild Card by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be harmless. One fake date with a football player.Except Harry Westbrook is the exact opposite of harmless. My first mistake? Underestimating that boyish smile, those playful eyes, the charming words on those perfect lips. He claims to have a crush on me. But, as hot as he is, I'd bet he's scheduling booty calls like a dentist booking teeth cleanings... -
Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley
He’ll break all her rulesNora Lakes is sophisticated, successful, and happily single. Career problems aside, her life is fine the way it is, thank you very much. Sure, her best friends are all moving into a new season of life—full of husbands and babies and white picket fences. But that’s not what Nora wants. Neither is the gruff, tattooed guy next door. Tattoo artist Dex St... -
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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The Day the Jerk Started Falling by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsMy name is Oliver Arsen, but my mates call me Ollie. I live hard and love harder, and it’s love that usually gets me in the most trouble. According to the greater population, I’m the ultimate jerk. My affection tends to be short-lived—a quality I’ve been assured multiple times by the fairer sex isn’t becoming—and the leaving part of loving and leaving has always come natural... -
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... -
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... -
Rockaway Bride by Pippa Grant
A Rock Star Kidnaps a Runaway Bride… Kidnapping the bride seemed like a good idea at the time. Her fiancé stole my fortune, so I stole his woman. Tit for tat. Or tat for tit. However you want to look at it. The one thing I didn’t expect? Willow Honeycutt, preschool teacher, boy band super fan, is completely crazy. And somehow she’s turned the tables on me...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine humor contemporary length-medium explicit-open-door -
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... -
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... -
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... -
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
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... -
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 dual-pov forced proximity contemporary humor bwwm office -
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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... -
Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 14 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 -
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... -
Once Upon a Grump by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAll I wanted was a fresh start.Instead, I got him.Mr. Mysterious Millionaire in His Tower.Mr. Don't Dare Question Me.Mr. Grumpy With a Side of Fine.Well, he’s about to get introduced to his newest employee,Ms. Doesn’t Give A Flying Toot.All right, all right. I’m exaggerating a bit. I give one or two toots, but I just got finished fleeing the ruins of my former life... -
Emergency Contact by Lauren Layne, Anthony LeDonne
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne--and her real life husband and high school sweetheart, Anthony LeDonne--comes a new holiday romcom that is sure to warm even the coldest heart.Katherine, an ambitious NYC attorney, gets diagnosed with a concussion and must be monitored for 48 hours to make sure it doesn't get worse... -
How to Love a Rockstar by D.E. Haggerty
I’m a librarian. Dylan’s a rockstar. We can’t possibly be a match despite what the meddlesome matchmakers of the small town of Winter Falls think.No one is more surprised than me when Dylan walks into a wall the first time he catches sight of me. Even more surprising? He immediately asks me out.Um, I don’t think so... -
Handsome Devil by Jaine Diamond
A scorching-hot enemies-to-lovers romance, featuring a strong, feisty heroine and the billionaire boss she’d love to hate, an unforgettable kiss, a whole lot of lies, an irresistible battle of will… and a twisted deal that just might save them both from losing it all.Dane Davenport was the most gorgeous, popular, and hatable guy I went to high school with... -
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... -
Just My Luck by Rebecca Rennick
Emma Johnson has the worst luck. No really, she does. Murphy’s Law never applied to anyone better. If something can go wrong, it usually does. Thankfully she’s figured out a way to deal with her bad luck curse, by becoming a risk assessment analyst. Until she gets blindsided by her boss who decides AI is cheaper than her... -
That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump by Julie Christianson
BRADYYeah, I shouldn’t have kissed Natalie Slater.Not on the porch. Or at the beach. Or in the storage closet. Especially not the storage closet. But to be fair, she kissed me first. Six months later, I’m still thinking about it.Trouble is, I’ve made promises that tie me to our small town, while Natalie can’t wait to escape. I’ve got no business pursuing her or my secret ambitions... -
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How to Love a Rockstar by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI’m a librarian. Dylan’s a rockstar. We can’t possibly be a match despite what the meddlesome matchmakers of the small town of Winter Falls think.No one is more surprised than me when Dylan walks into a wall the first time he catches sight of me. Even more surprising? He immediately asks me out.Um, I don’t think so... -
Best Frenemies by Max Monroe
Going tit for tat with the man you hate is all fun and games until things get literal…and the jerk sees you naked.My beach getaway was only supposed to include three relaxation, wine, and fun in the sun.Mack Houston, on the other hand, should have never— ever— been involved.In no uncertain terms, he’s the bane of my existence.The thorn in my side.The sexy Mr...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity grumpy sunshine dual-pov office contemporary humor m-f -
Just Say (Hell) No by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNeed an Escape to New Zealand?Valentine's Day. Even a hard man needs a soft side. Marko Sendoa isn’t a beach man. He’s not an Auckland man. He’s a hard man. Born Basque tough, raised in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, and bred on hard work, discipline, and getting the job done... -
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 PandyaThe eldest daughter of the Pandya family... -
Twice Knightley in my Bed: A friends-to-lovers romance by Serenity Woods
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIt’s been zero days since I realized I’m in love with Leander Knight.Lee, or Knightley as everyone calls him, is my brother’s best mate, and he’s always treated me like his kid sister. Okay, so he might not put cockroaches in my lunchbox and lizards down my neck anymore, but even though we work together every day at Hartfield Wildlife Hospital, he’s never seemed interested in me in that way... -
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 dual-pov forced proximity humor contemporary single-father office -
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... -
Juicy Pickle: A Deserted Island with the Boss Romantic Comedy by J.J. Knight
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCan you imagine getting stuck alone on a deserted island with the person you hate most in the world? And no end in sight?Well, that’s me. Bailey Johansson, former assistant to the absolute worst boss ever to boss in the boss world. Stranded on a tiny island owned by a cruise line in an abandoned party hut.In a tropical storm.This is not a love story.It’s not a tale of redemption or heroism...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity dual-pov contemporary new adult humor length-medium m-f -
A Lodge Affair by Rachel LaBerge
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIvy Lawson loves a to-do list, hates surprises, and the only outdoor activity she’s interested in is brunch on a patio. After catching her long-term boyfriend—and co-worker—cheating, she’s thrown into leading a high-profile client event at The Emerald Canopy Lodge. AKA: her nightmare destination. Ivy finds herself desperate and anxious to get her job done and leave the lodge as soon as possible...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity dual-pov contemporary humor length-medium childfree-couple m-f -
Going Down by Cat Wynn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
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Down for the Word Count by Piper Sheldon
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWith a single phone call, I swapped my life of movie scripts and paparazzi for bedtime stories and skinned knees.I always dreamed of having a family. As my two childhood friends settled down with partners of their own, I worried it was too late for me.Until her. The beautiful woman who chased me down and stole my heart.And to think she accused me of stealing... -
Charlie Takes a Chance: An Enemies to Lovers Romantic Comedy by Carina Taylor
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen Charlie is hired to repair a lodge in Pine Ridge, she's stuck sharing a house with the grumpy ranch manager. And he is not happy she's here.Charlie is exhausted—tired of being told she’s “too much” and sick of boyfriends who stick around as long as a temporary tattoo... -
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... -
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?IvyIf 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...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love christmas contemporary humor length-short -
Make Her Mine by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's my best friend's older brother and the bane of my existence. He's also my fake boyfriend for the next week... I know that I should just tell my ex to F-off when he announces to our entire hometown that he intends to get me back.But then I’m given the option to make him miserable instead…Yeah, I definitely go with door number two.Even though it means fake dating my arch-nemesis... -
Working with the Enemy by Lilian Monroe, Mandy Michaels
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHe’s rich, arrogant, and my mortal enemy. My new downstairs neighbor. And I just crashed through my rotten floor and landed in his bed.The bad news is, I’m wearing nothing but a few suds from my bubble bath.And he’s not wearing anything at all.That’s why I can see the perfect smattering of hair on his chest and the way his muscles shift when he turns to look at me in all my sudsy, startled glory...
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