Books like 'Cruel Summer'
Readers who enjoyed Cruel Summer by Maisey Yates also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary friends to lovers forced proximity
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Just Three Words by Melissa Brayden
Sometimes the one you want is the one you least suspect... Accountant Samantha Ennis craves order and structure. As the bookkeeper at the boutique advertising agency she owns with her three best friends, it’s her job to apply logic to the chaos. When one of those best friends, laid back Hunter Blair, moves in to share her loft apartment, Sam’s carefully organized world is thrown wildly askew...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity f-f contemporary bisexual queer length-medium open-door -
![Flaunt by Adriana Locke]()
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... -
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![This Much Is True by Adriana Locke]()
This Much Is True by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsWhen celebrity Laina Kelley bolted from her small hometown church on her wedding day, she ran to the first place that came to mind—the home of the local farrier, a gorgeous playboy who just so happens to be her first love … and biggest frenemy... -
![The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown]()
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... -
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![Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas]()
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... -
![Bookmarked by Bella Jay]()
Bookmarked by Bella Jay
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat if your soon-to-be ex-husband invited you on a divorcemoon, five nights at your bucket list baecation spot for one last hoorah before you go your separate ways? Would you go?Brooklin did... -
![Deja Brew by Jessica Gadziala]()
Deja Brew by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWithin the struggling cafe Deja Brew, trouble percolates beneath the coffee beans. The shop’s owner, Shale, is forced into a dangerous game by a cartel, and when her shipment vanishes, it's game on.Shale's only hope is an unexpected Junior. Her only regular, and a local hacker with a knack for saving the day... -
![Tight Laced by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Laced by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOne of us will have to give up the future we’ve dreamed of if we’re going to make this work. It’s not going to be me. We can’t both have that same thought if we want to stay together when our contract ends.But the more I see him struggle against the things his mother does to him, the harder I fall. The more his ex tries to get in his way, the more I want to stand up for him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity age difference sports contemporary siblings-bff length-short m-f -
![His Wounded Heart: Small Town Romance by Caitlyn O'Leary]()
His Wounded Heart: Small Town Romance by Caitlyn O'Leary
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s my soulmate. But will I be enough to heal his wounded heart?SimonThe Navy’s been my life. Being a SEAL is all I ever wanted, commanding them a dream come true. But I lost sight of everything else and missed the big things—things going on right in front of me. How could I not see how much my sister needed me? I knew her husband was off and should have checked him out...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers military age difference contemporary length-medium -
![Give Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
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 -
![When I Was Theirs by Evelyn Flood]()
When I Was Theirs by Evelyn Flood
The sky raged on the night that I met Benjamin Bennett.I should have known.Bad things always happen when the sky rages.Ben Bennett blows into my life like a whirlwind. Intent on keeping my head down, he pushes me to look up. To look at the stars.To dance in the rain.To love the little moments.To love him.Loving Ben is easy. As easy as breathing... -
![What's It Gonna Take by Lacey Black]()
What's It Gonna Take by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGarrethFrom the first moment I saw Reagan Turner at the bar and restaurant I help manage, I was drawn like never before. She was dating someone at the time, which meant she was off-limits, until the jerk broke up with her. I can’t get her out of my head, can’t stop wanting to kiss those perfectly lush lips. Fighting this attraction has been my kryptonite.So, I give in to temptation... -
![Something Borrowed, Something You by Vi Keeland]()
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... -
![Critical Strike by Janie Crouch]()
Critical Strike by Janie Crouch
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsYou won't want to miss this heart-pounding bodyguard thriller from Janie Crouch. Previously Published as Texas Bodyguard: Luke.She’s seen too muchAnd he’s running out of time to save her…The last person security expert Luke Patterson ever expected to see again is in desperate trouble. Claire Wallace witnessed her boss’s murder…and the killer is tearing her quiet life apart to find her...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity suspense mystery military contemporary length-short -
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![Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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... -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
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... -
![Too Young To Fall In Love by Lacey Black]()
Too Young To Fall In Love by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsKellenI love my job. Bartending is more than just serving drinks to customers at the hottest bar and restaurant in Stewart Grove. It’s the people I work with and those I meet along the way. I know how to have a good time. Just one flirty little grin and the ladies are like putty in my hands. But they know the score: I’m a one and done guy, not looking to ever fall into the trap of love... -
![Sweet Spot by Jessica Prince]()
Sweet Spot by Jessica Prince
Who knew four little words and a very public kiss would change so much.Gage Langdon didn’t do relationships. After having his heart shattered years ago, he made a vow to never go down that road again. But when his past waltzes into his town, demanding his attention, he reacts without thinking and makes a very public display of kissing his best friend...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers contemporary military length-medium m-f explicit-open-door -
![Forcing You Away by Kennedy Fox]()
Forcing You Away by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs I search for a fresh start, a friend convinces me to move to his small town. Considering I don’t have a place to live, his little sister offers me her spare room.She’s every man’s dream—witty, down to earth, and gorgeous as hell—too bad she’s off-limits. Unspoken words and stolen glances have me eager to please her in all the forbidden ways...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary new adult angst siblings-bff length-short -
![High Country Hero by Elle James]()
High Country Hero by Elle James
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLauded for his daring rescue of a medical team captured by Islamic State terrorists, Navy SEAL Enrico “Rico” Cortez feels like anything but a hero. His friend and fellow teammate lost his life during that rescue. Plagued by PTSD, Rico leaves the Navy. Reluctantly, he accepts his only job offer, joining the Brotherhood Protectors in Colorado... -
![Cross My Heart by Logan Chance, Lilypad Lit]()
Cross My Heart by Logan Chance, Lilypad Lit
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Logan Chance comes a riveting tale about friendship, love, and lies. This scorching romance shatters the boundaries between love and make-believe.Thanks to podcaster gossip, my firm thinks I’m not a good fit for the high-profile case of my dreams. They want someone in a committed relationship...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary suspense super rich hero length-short m-f -
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![Left-Handed Monkey Wrench by Giulia Lagomarsino]()
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 friends to lovers contemporary suspense humor alpha male military length-medium -
![The Cost of Forgetting You by Hannah Bird]()
The Cost of Forgetting You by Hannah Bird
Falling in love with a Parker must be genetic. It's the only way Delilah Ridgefield can make sense of the mess that is her life. Some other things that are genetic? The hazel eyes she shares with her mom, the need to care for others that she gets from her dad, and her father's dementia diagnosis, which brings him back into her life after years of radio silence... -
![Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams]()
Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Shanora Williams comes an emotional page-turner about two people still reeling from tragedy who look to each other for the strength to move forward.It’s been months since her dreams of forever were brutally shattered. Seven long months since her husband and soulmate, Lew, died in her arms, leaving her to carry on. Alone... -
![The One I Need by Chelle Sloan]()
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... -
![Moonstruck by Dana LeCheminant]()
Moonstruck by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWith his knack for bad luck, Liam isn’t surprised when he’s awarded house arrest after protecting a fan at his last show. What he didn’t expect was the girl of his dreams showing up with his lunch delivery and turning his confinement into an unexpected friendship... -
![Wheels Down by Beth Bolden]()
Wheels Down by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more. Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year . But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity m-m contemporary hurt-comfort queer length-medium -
![Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy]()
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 -
![Knock Out by Jiffy Kate]()
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 -
![Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s okay to admit I’m scared.Outside forces are working hard to tear us apart, but we’ve teamed up against them. It’s the internal struggles we’re battling that could spell the ultimate end.When Ben makes a public show to prove how committed we are, I’m left confused as I struggle to figure out whether his feelings for me are real or if they’re part of the act...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity age difference sports contemporary length-short m-f -
![The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz]()
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 -
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![The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin]()
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 -
![Burning Justice by Tee O'Fallon]()
Burning Justice by Tee O'Fallon
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter narrowly surviving a childhood fire that killed two of his friends, ATF Special Agent Brett Tanner knows what it’s like to get too close to the flame. The trauma only spurs him and his K-9 partner to track down the arsonists targeting a Colorado town. This latest warehouse blaze looks suspicious as hell…and there’s a body. Now it’s murder...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers suspense contemporary mystery men in uniform length-medium -
![The Pocket Pair by Emma St. Clair]()
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... -
![Cheap Trick by Emily Goodwin]()
Cheap Trick by Emily Goodwin
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDanielle Cross has spent her whole life running from breakups and troubles. She’s never stayed in the same place for long…until now.The moment she walks through the doors of Logan Dawson’s bar, there’s an attraction between them neither can deny. And when Danielle needs a date to her sister’s wedding, Logan is the man for the job...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary dual-pov office new adult length-short -
![Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell]()
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain? I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary grumpy sunshine from hate to love m-f -
![The Marriage Auction 2, Book One by Audrey Carlan]()
The Marriage Auction 2, Book One by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThree women and one man put themselves up for auction in a high-stakes game of marriage, money, and mayhem. The spice is high, the characters intense, and the plot will keep you guessing until the bitter end. This is the filthy, gritty, angsty soap opera you never knew you needed. Welcome to The Marriage Auction... -
![A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott]()
A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsI live for happily ever afters.And I'm finally meeting my favorite romance author in person! Only, all this time, I thought author, Amelie De Pierre, was a woman. It turns out, Pierre Toussaint is the man behind the books that make me weak in the knees.He could be the consummate book boyfriend with his dreamy hazel eyes, strong jawline, and those black-rimmed glasses. Not to mention that accent... -
![Pretty Drunk by Lacey Black]()
Pretty Drunk by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHallieNo one pushes my buttons the way Logan Johnson does. I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to ignore him, which isn’t easy when you live in a small town and share the same friends.So, when I have a little too much to drink and need a place to crash after our friends’ wedding, it would figure I find myself at Logan’s house. What I’m not expecting is ending up in his bed. With him. Naked... -
![May's Ride with Thunder by Eve London]()
May's Ride with Thunder by Eve London
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHe’s the protector she didn’t know she needed; she’s the love he never thought he deserved.AshleyWhen the Savage Bones MC targets my family’s ranch, I’m desperate for help. I turn to Thunder, a much older member of the Mustang Mountain Riders, and offer him the only thing I have. When he turns me down, I’m left questioning everything...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity age difference contemporary bikers length-novella -
![Pining For You by Marika Ray]()
Pining For You by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve been in love with my best friend since the day I met her freshman year of high school. She was a halo of sunshine on a rainy day, pulling me out of the shadows and making me feel like life was one big roller-coaster ride of excitement. Until the day we graduated and she left on the back of a Harley with some guy who didn’t deserve her, middle fingers in the air...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary marriage of convenience humor length-short m-f -
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![The Beekeeper at Elderflower Grove by Jaimie Admans]()
The Beekeeper at Elderflower Grove by Jaimie Admans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer new start is about to bee-gin!Having moved into her mum’s spare room after a disastrous break-up, Kayleigh Harwood is desperate for a fresh start...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary mystery small town humor new adult length-medium -
![Holiday Heart-On: A Steamy Romantic Comedy Anthology by Serena Bell, Sylvie Stewart]()
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... -
![Every Chance With You by Lexi Ryan]()
Every Chance With You by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen I met Alec Hayes in Vegas, I thought I'd stumbled into a love affair with the man of my dreams. Alec's sexy, confident, and charming.Our night together was full of laughter and the kind of toe-curling kisses that tempted me to believe in fate for the first time in years.Until I flew out to LA to surprise Alec and ran into the unnamed half-brother he'd admitted to despising... -
![Escape by A.K. Evans]()
Escape by A.K. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when your home turns toxic? The place she should have felt safest was a nightmare turned reality for Josie Day. Each day that passes gets worse and worse. And it’s been that way her entire life. But she refuses to be a statistic, so she comes up with a plan to get out...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity found-family contemporary suspense military length-medium -
![Deja Brew All Over Again by Sylvie Stewart]()
Deja Brew All Over Again by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTrouble has always had a way of finding me, but I never expected to be carjacked by a hot girl in a wedding dress.As the official family screw-up, not many people count on me for anything but a good time. But Maisy Romero and her little brother need a knight in shining armor, and they need him yesterday... -
![Fighting for Berlin by Katie Reus]()
Fighting for Berlin by Katie Reus
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer instinct has always been to fix things…Berlin is no stranger to loss. After her parents died, it was just her and her younger sisters. Now that they’re all in college she’s been focusing on her new job with Redemption Harbor Security. But when one of her online VR buddies goes uncharacteristically radio silent, she gets worried and makes it her mission to find him...
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