Books like 'A Very Merry Mess'
Readers who enjoyed A Very Merry Mess by Elana Johnson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny christmas forced proximity office found-family
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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 office contemporary grumpy sunshine humor length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
Quitting the Quarterback by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA steamy Pro Football, Single Mom, Forbidden Doctor/Patient Romance from Amazon Top Ten Bestselling author Lisa Suzanne. I went to Vegas to celebrate my divorce, and the pro football star was there celebrating his new contract. I heard someone call his name, and I wasn't about to miss my chance to get with the man my ex had idolized... -
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Unwrapped by Them by Eva Ashwood
Snowed in with three gorgeous billionaires? I must be on Santa’s naughty list. As the manager of Whispering Pines resort, it’s my job to give the new owner, Cade McAllister, a tour of his latest acquisition. But I wasn’t prepared to show up at the lodge and realize I already know him. Biblically, I mean...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity office contemporary humor reverse harem grumpy sunshine super rich hero -
Hawaii Can Suck It by MéLisa Ryun
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsI’m supposed to film him. Not fall for him. I’m Camila Morales—cargo pants-wearing, scrunchie-collecting, videographer to Reece Dare—a growly, tattooed YouTube adrenaline junkie. He’s hot, sure, when he’s not judging me for smiling (calls it a sign of weakness)... -
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Chasing Christmas Eve by Jill Shalvis
Meet cute. .. Run for the hills—temporarily . That's Colbie Albright's plan when she flees New York for San Francisco. Wrangling her crazy family by day and writing a bestselling YA fantasy series by night has taken its toll. In short, Colbie's so over it that she's under it. She's also under the waters of a historic San Francisco fountain within an hour of arrival... -
Terms and Traditions by Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsFake dating my millionaire boss was not on my Christmas list, but I’m not complaining. Stephanie:. I’ve kept my crush on Nash Prescott under wraps for two years. We might be friends, but I’m still his PA... -
Miles Bailey Gets Down On One Knee by Jen Atkinson
I am Delaney Jones, courageous enough to defy my mother, fearless enough to leave my successful rock band, and daring enough to propose to a perfect stranger. Delaney:. Miles wasn’t planned. Which kind of made him perfect. Sure, I’d just said no—to a load of handsome men on a reality show designed to find me a husband, but I didn’t want any of them... -
Silver Linings by Violet Page
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSilver James has perfected the art of keeping everything at a distance—her career, her friends, and most definitely romance. Her motto is simple: keep life carefree and fun. The more she avoids the unexpected, the less likely she is to get hurt... -
Salt Love by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you do when you find out your husband’s cheating on you, your aunt just passed away in Florida, and your boss gave the promotion to your work nemesis, so you threaten him with bodily harm in the middle of a board meeting? Well, after getting escorted out of the building by security, I fly straight to Sunshine Key to deal with my aunt’s estate...Categorized as:
office found-family contemporary grumpy sunshine mature couple humor length-medium m-f -
A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street. .. There's always time for tea. .. unless you've lost your teapot…. Cleo Jordan has only ever wished for one thing – to open her own teashop in memory of her lovely gran...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity grumpy sunshine small town contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
A Not So Merry Ex-Mas by Abby Greyson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is a Dual POV kisses only, sweet holiday romantic comedy. . For years I've been dreaming of a real Christmas back home. Tree trimming, decorating, Christmas carols. What I wasn't expecting was Cole. If I was to dream up the perfect man even my wildest imagination would have fallen short compared to Cole Nichols... -
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... -
The Christmas You Crash by Piper Hale
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOne blizzard. One cabin. One uninvited hockey player. Ho, ho, humbug. Normally I love Christmas. The lights, the snow, the cozy traditions. Then my parents divorced. Intent to avoid awkward holiday drama, I head to our family’s secluded cabin for a nice, relaxing week alone. At least that’s the plan until Ryder Hanson shows up uninvited and dressed like a serial killer... -
Dearest Malachi Keogh by N.R. Walker
Julian Pollard never believed in love at first sight. That was until he met Malachi Keogh. Well, maybe it wasn’t love at first sight, but it sure was something. Julian had forgotten how to live, how to be happy, and Malachi changed all that. Now together for four years, Julian wants to give Malachi a Christmas he’ll never forget... -
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Holiday Heart-On: A Steamy Romantic Comedy Anthology by Serena Bell, Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGet a head start on the holiday spirit by reading for a great cause! Nineteen of today’s most entertaining rom-com authors have teamed up on #Books4Beats. This collection of festive shorts ranges from sweet to steamy and promises to entertain... -
Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFour friends. Twenty-five years ago, Freya and her three best friends created a bucket list. The future seemed bright, full of hope and most importantly guaranteed . . . One promise. Now they are travelling to Iceland in memory of the friend they've lost, determined to fulfil her dream of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmas. A life-changing adventure...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity contemporary insta-love humor length-medium audiobook standalone -
A Winter Warmer at the Little Cornish Kitchen by Jane Linfoot
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings‘Sparkling, laugh-out-loud, romantic’ Phillipa AshleySt Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere…. A clean slate in the world’s cosiest cottage by the sea…. When Gwen Starkey and her best friend, Ella Simpson, arrive in St Aidan to take on a cottage renovation, it’s the fresh start they both so desperately need... -
Write or Wrong by Heidi Hutchinson, Smartypants Romance
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsZara Lorna is kind of a big deal. After winning Artist of the Year (again), having a public argument with her boyfriend (again), and being whisked away by a man she barely knows (that’s new), it feels like she can’t go anywhere without drawing attention. It’s taking a toll on her and she could use a break...Categorized as:
forced proximity office contemporary rockstars friends to lovers humor length-medium audiobook -
What's Santa Got to Do with It? by Bix Barrow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA late-awakened bi guy and his secret crush try to play Santa for some kids. But there’s a hitman blocking the chimney. .. Have you ever been locked out of your apartment shirtless, holding a wet rabbit and getting served with legal papers right when your super-hot neighbor walks by? Maybe it’s just me... -
West of Port by Carina Taylor
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSydney is out for revenge no matter what it takes—including teaming up with a grumpy, retired cop who wants nothing to do with her. West has retired from the police force. Completely burnt out, he doesn't want to protect anyone anymore. All he wants is to be left alone so that he can refinish his new-to-him sailboat. Unfortunately for him, a woman shows up asking for his help—needing his help...Categorized as:
forced proximity office contemporary grumpy sunshine mafia insta-love age difference humor -
Stranded Ranch by Cindy Steel
Her past came back to surprise her. But her past is now a flirty hot cowboy so. .. I wasn't sure why I gave up a week in the Bahamas with friends to visit my grandparent's home in Wyoming. In January. But one phone call to the ranch to check-in was all it took. It didn't matter that the worst storm to hit Wyoming in years was upon us. I needed to be there. I just didn't know why...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity contemporary friends to lovers clean cowboys humor length-novella -
Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy
Painfully shy plant mom Violet Parker is about to experience the thrill of a lifetime when her TV crush lands on her doorstep. Desperate to rehab his public image after a PR disaster, actor / playboy Jack Grant needs a wholesome fake girlfriend for the summer. Violet, meanwhile, needs help stepping out of her comfort zone so her fledgling flower and plant shop, Bloom, will thrive... -
Cinnamon Roll Set Up by Genny Carrick
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGive me a book boyfriend over a real guy any day. After the way my parents destroyed their marriage, I prefer my romance fictional—for myself, anyway. When my best friend, Miles, needs a date to an awards ceremony, I'm more than willing to set him up. I’m his ideal matchmaker because I know the shy bookstore owner better than anyone, and I'm completely impartial... -
Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsTwo enemies. One bed. What could possibly go wrong? Our new general manager is the most difficult man on the planet. The night before Drake begins working at my family's hotel, he finds me in the bar, trying to get rid of a boring date. But the guy won’t take even a not-so-subtle hint. Then Drake surprises me and comes to our table, but only to reprimand ME about dating in our workplace... -
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Big, Bossy Surprise by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBonnie Delmar should be grateful for her new job. And she is! Being a nanny to a billionaire is a good gig. She’s more than grateful for the opportunity to work for Arlo Noble…until she meets him. That broad-chested, dark-haired, dark-eyed hunk? Yeah…she slept with him. Awkward... -
Dating For December by Lyndsey Gallagher
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHe's an expert at breakups. .. but this Christmas, can he master a love that lasts? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Lyndsey Gallagher is THE QUEEN page turners! ". My perpetually single status hardly serves as a shining advertisement for HeartSync, the dating agency I own. Nor is it likely to convince my incredibly successful movie star brother, Nate, to invest in my business... -
Wrapped Up at the Vintage Dress Shop: Curl up with this uplifting, cozy and hilarious winter read for 2025 by Annie Darling
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings'This cozy, heartwarming story is the literary equivalent of your favorite festive sweater - snug, sparkling, and just what you need for a feel-good escape' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. 'A beautifully written story with twists and turns that makes for a book difficult to put down. A real page turner' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. ❄️ 🧵Falling in love is never seamless. .. 🧵❄️... -
Lucky Penny by Katherine Bitner
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLucky Penny is book two in The Hometown series, however it can be read as a stand alone novel. Ten years ago, they were inseparable—until she left for college and he went to prison. Now there’s only one thing that can get Penny Hanson to return to her hometown of her little sister... -
The Sleight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFrom the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Plight Before Christmas and The Ravenhood Trilogy comes a heartwarming, spicy, holiday themed romantic dramedy with ALL of the FEELS! Now an AMAZON Top #20 Best Seller! * #1 Best Seller in Small Town Romance * #1 Best Seller in Enemies to Lovers Romance * #1 Best Seller in New Adult & College Romance. My kids are a**holes... -
She's a Keeper by Ali K. Mulford
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThey’re both used to temporary. Have they unexpectedly found forever? Lark Lachlan has her life under control. Although she enjoys the occasional summer fling with women, the devoted-to-her-career, bisexual zookeeper has no trouble keeping her heart in its cage. So she’s a little surprised to feel an instant, all-consuming attraction to the handsome new volunteer, Logan...Categorized as:
forced proximity office contemporary boss & employee humor length-long bisexual first-in-series -
Anyone But The Superstar by Sara L. Hudson
Pre-order the brand new instalment in Sara L. Hudson's Anyone But You series! What happens when a moviestar and an heiress, both traveling incognito, have a one-night stand? Johnny, aka Felix Jones, is Hollywood's go-to action star. About to film his first romantic comedy, he's looking to change his image and show he's more than just a six pack with pithy one-liners... -
Just a Football Star by Deb Goodman
He’s a competitive ex-athlete. Which is code for “He’s gonna break my heart. ”. When I started my career as a sports trainer for professional football players, I didn’t understand the dangers involved. I thought my knowledge and next-level love for the game would be all I needed to treat and motivate the guys. Now? It’s all gone... -
British Black Sheep (Cocky Hero Club) by Lauren Smith
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn arrogant Brit might just be the right cup of tea for her…. He is exactly the kind of man Brie Honeyweather swore never to love…or lust after ever a sexy, arrogant, British bad boy in a designer suit. Alec is the last person Brie wants to be stuck on an international flight to London with, but hey…at least they’re in first class... -
Christmas in Paradise by Brittany Larsen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCould an innocent fling turn into the real thing? I only want two things out of life: a career as a wedding planner extraordinaire and for Mom to stop treating me like a kid. Is that too much to ask? Probably. That is, until I get the chance to plan a televised, Christmas-themed wedding a thousand miles away from Mom in Paradise, Idaho. It seems like all my dreams might be coming true...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity found-family contemporary dual-pov humor length-medium audiobook -
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Pity Present by Whitney Dineen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMolly. I haven’t beeninterested in dating since my ex dumped me for a new girl at his law office. Since then, I’ve thrown myself into my work as a hotel gift shop designer. While being single isn’t what I expected, there’s truth to that old saying, “Once bitten, twice shy. ” And the bite of a cheater stays with you... -
The Principal Problem by Sienna Mills
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe golden boy who made my childhood miserable is all grown up… and my new boss. Look, I didn’t run away from my prestigious teaching job. I just… needed a change… as a substitute teacher… in the podunk town I left fourteen years ago. The cherry on top? The principal is Sawyer Strong, the boy whose relentless teasing would make me cry... -
Billionaire Bachelor by Laura Lee
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEscaping to my family’s cabin after my engagement imploded seemed like the perfect plan. But when Logan Edwards—my brother’s best friend, bad boy tech billionaire, and the man who’s haunted my fantasies for years—shows up unexpectedly, everything changes. With only one bed and a snowstorm raging outside, it doesn’t take long for the sparks between us to ignite... -
The Fate Philosophy by Sarah A. Bailey
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFollowing the long overdue break-up from her insufferable ex-boyfriend, Macie Cunningham was ready for a fresh start. She thought she’d find that new beginning when she impulsively moved to Los Angeles with her best friend, but after six months here, all she’s discovered is that her life is strenuously the same. The same career—one she’s not so sure she still loves... -
Lost & Found in Copper Ridge by Harlow James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt all started with Jack & Diane…. And no, not the couple from the popular 80’s song—the couple that signed a five-dollar bill with their names and the location of The Livingston Cabin in Copper Ridge, Colorado. And I just so happened to acquire that five-dollar bill on the same day of the funeral of a close friend AND the day I was supposed to be getting married. Coincidence? Perhaps... -
Dirty Secret Love by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes an angsty, fake-fiance, opposites attract, secret billionaire romance. What do you do when you’re tired of being the loser? You make up the perfect fiancé, of course. I know it sounds desperate, but hear me out. In my family, everyone is someone. But me? I’m just a small-town librarian with no prospects and no future...Categorized as:
office forced proximity contemporary super rich hero humor angst small town length-medium -
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:
christmas forced proximity contemporary grumpy sunshine from hate to love humor length-short -
Hold Me by Tawna Fenske
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRomeo. Boy Toy. Player. I’ve heard what they call me, and never gave it much thought. Then Zoe walks in with her library smarts and innocent eyes and one helluva dirty idea. I guess living in hospitals for two decades didn’t leave much time for dating. Or any kind of fun, really. Zoe’s a virgin with a bucket list, and guess who’s on it? No way am I satisfying her desires...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity contemporary age difference friends to lovers humor length-short -
Saving Mr. Bell by H.L. Day
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen is a kidnap not a kidnap? When it's a rescue. Rudolf Bell does NOT need saving. But after the worst performance of his life, there are those who disagree. All he wants is to have a good time and forget everything for a while. Easier said than done when the media have done a hatchet job on him. His career's not over, though. Not until he says so... -
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:
forced proximity found-family contemporary grumpy sunshine humor glimpses-kisses length-medium -
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Bride or Die by Madison Score
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsProposal planner Claire Hartley thought calling off her own wedding would be the most traumatic event of her year. But when her ex-college roommate vanishes without a trace and Claire begins receiving mysterious threats, she realizes she has bigger problems...Categorized as:
office forced proximity from hate to love mystery contemporary suspense humor length-long -
A Newport Christmess (Christmas Escape) by Jess Heileman
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsLove can be downright messy. This last year has been a total disaster, but my failed six-month marriage takes the cake. While my ex is out having the time of his life, my coping mechanisms consist of an unhealthy obsession with true-crime podcasts and trying to revive my floundering social media account...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity contemporary clean humor christian length-medium audiobook -
Snowed In for Christmas by Sarah Morgan
A family gathering. This Christmas the Miller siblings have one goal—to avoid their well-meaning family’s endless stream of prying questions. Ross, Alice and Clemmie have secrets that they don’t intend to share, and they are relying on each other to deflect attention. An uninvited guest. Lucy Clarke is facing a Christmas alone and the prospect of losing her job...Categorized as:
forced proximity christmas contemporary humor length-long glimpses-kisses audiobook standalone -
Holiday Vibes by Sarah Brenton
Working for a sex toy company after failing to make it in the art world, Jessie Foley knows a di—er, phallus—when she sees one. And her brother’s best friend—the reason she can’t paint—is definitely a phallus...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity found-family from hate to love angst insta-love contemporary humor -
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:
forced proximity office contemporary grumpy sunshine from hate to love humor audiobook -
Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis
Who needs mistletoe? Most people wouldn't think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn't most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she's been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight...
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