Books like 'The Ruse of Romancing'
Readers who enjoyed The Ruse of Romancing by Hillary Slaughter also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny m-f from hate to love forced proximity small town shy heroine independent heroine
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A New Dawn at Owl's Lodge by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsCould one chance meeting change your life forever?Zara is at a crossroads in life. While she adores her job as a producer's assistant working on hit TV shows, travelling around the country means she doesn't truly feel that she has a home. With a fractured relationship with her family and unrequited love weighing heavily on her heart, she is torn about what her next step in life should be.. -
![The Start of Something Wonderful by Jessica Redland]()
The Start of Something Wonderful by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsAutumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn't appear to be the answer... -
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![Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe]()
Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBrooding, grumpy Des has a problem. He needs a date to his family's Thanksgiving reunion for reasons he'd...rather not say.Single mother and all-around hot mess Mia has an even bigger issue: She can't afford her rent, and her new landlord Des is a major you-know-what.So, they make a deal. One simple weekend away in exchange for a serious rent reduction... -
![I Can't Even by Lani Lynn Vale]()
I Can't Even by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsEllodie Cassandra Solaire made a single, solitary New Year’s resolution.That resolution was set in stone, and she wouldn’t be breaking it, no matter what.It was simple: Say yes to every person who asks her out on a date until she finds a boyfriend.Easy, right?Wrong.She breaks that New Year’s resolution three months into the year after a guy gives her serial killer vibes...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love m-f suspense contemporary military humor length-medium -
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![Flaunt by Adriana Locke]()
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Looking 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... -
![Fire and Icing by Savannah Scott]()
Fire and Icing by Savannah Scott
Talk about making a bad first impression.The rookie at Waterford’s fire station literally hauled me out of my own home—over his shoulder. Was my kitchen on fire? Yes. Did I have it nearly contained? Also yes.And now he’s been tasked with making up for his overzealous rescue attempts by showing up to my bakery to grovel daily. And beg for my donuts... -
![The Sawmill Book Club by Carolyn Brown]()
The Sawmill Book Club by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA restless woman discovers the comforts of small-town Texas—and more—in a bighearted novel about the next chapters in life by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.Unsure of the future but ready for risks, Libby O’Dell trades big-city life for whatever the back roads hold... -
![The Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score]()
The Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score
Davis Gates. Naked. Tossing her a handful of orgasms like he was on a lust-themed parade float. A fifty-year feud.One failed smoke bomb matchmaking scheme.Two enemies turned fake lovers. For the past fifteen years, Eden has worked her ass off to overcome high school. She’s cornered the tourism market in Blue Moon offering visitors a place to stay in her hippie, dippy hometown... -
![The Potter's House by Hannah Ellis]()
The Potter's House by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSometimes facing up to the past is the only way to create a better future…Since the tragic death of his father, Lowen Treneary has kept to himself in his pottery studio on the remote island of Bryher.His quiet life is just the way he likes it.Until Pippa comes along.The local café owner plunges his peaceful existence into chaos and brightens his days while she’s at it... -
![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...Categorized as:
small town forced proximity m-f friends to lovers contemporary humor christian audiobook -
![Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown]()
Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBack home is the best place to start over in a heart-stirring Texas romance about friendship, second chances, and small-town scandals by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.Riverbend, Texas, doesn’t look like the crossroads of anywhere. But for four high school besties reuniting after twenty years, it’s a place to unpack a lot of baggage... -
![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... -
![The Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman]()
The Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA beautiful vineyard. A new beginning. A summer that will change their lives forever...Linzi arrived at Green Valley Vineyard nine years ago, in need of a fresh start. In the lush emerald countryside and ripening grapes, she finally has a place to call home.But Linzi's world is rocked when the owner announces he is retiring, and his grandson is taking over... -
![The Village of Happy Ever Afters by Alison Sherlock]()
The Village of Happy Ever Afters by Alison Sherlock
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsMolly Hopkins has happily watched all of her friends’ dreams come true on Riverside Lane.Deciding to follow her passion for baking, Molly with the help of her friends takes the plunge and opens a Tea Garden in the village hoping to make it a summer to remember!Meanwhile, after a rather public end of his marriage, Logan Armstrong trusts no one but his beloved Grandad... -
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![Sadie and the Bad Boy Billionaire by Emma St. Clair, Jenny Proctor]()
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 from hate to love m-f contemporary super rich hero dual-pov humor length-medium -
![Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 20 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...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f forced proximity contemporary humor super rich hero office rich heroine -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 18 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... -
![Strawberry Fields for Never by Kate Watson]()
Strawberry Fields for Never by Kate Watson
She’s the desperate CEO hired to rebrand a sleepy Southern orchard. He’s the stubborn heir determined to see her fail.All’s fair in love and farming.As CEO of my marketing firm, my friends’ careers rest on my shoulders. And my shoulders—and company—are failing. Rebranding a famous farm is my final chance to fix what I’ve broken, and nothing can get in my way... -
![Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison]()
Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThings are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day.Aren't they?ClarabellaDid I want to get married today?It's hard to say when he proposed in front of over a hundred people.Everything happened so fast, and I thought it was just nerves.It was not.The knock on the door showed me that what I was feeling was more than just cold feet.I was a runaway bride... -
![Greek Secret by Francesca Catlow]()
Greek Secret by Francesca Catlow
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsSet on the sun-drenched island of Corfu, Greek Secret is the perfect romantic getaway for fans of Karen Swan, Kate Frost and Paige Toon.When Ruby arrives in Corfu, she’s greeted by a sparkling sea, hot sand and a new future... -
![Paging Dr. Summers by Jennifer Peel]()
Paging Dr. Summers by Jennifer Peel
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSummer fling or the real thing? My mom’s last gift came with two an unexpected inheritance from the father I never knew, and one unforgettable summer in Aspen Lake. Her only request? Complete the bucket list she left for me. Simple enough—until I saw that item written in HAVE A SUMMER FLING... -
![The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow]()
The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPreorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane seriesLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatAll’s fair in love and…medicine?Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders...Categorized as:
small town forced proximity from hate to love m-f humor suspense contemporary length-medium -
![Home on a Yorkshire Farm by Jane Lovering]()
Home on a Yorkshire Farm by Jane Lovering
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNeeding an escape, Dora swapped city living for life as a shepherdess on her grandad’s Yorkshire farm. More than a decade later Dora is still there, now farming the fifty acres and caring for the one hundred rare sheep by herself. She never hears the call of the city, but instead relishes the peace and simplicity of life on the Moors... -
![Neighbor from Hell: Collection Part I by R.L. Mathewson]()
Neighbor from Hell: Collection Part I by R.L. Mathewson
The New York Times Best Selling Series.... The collection of the first four Neighbor from Hell Novels: Playing for Keeps, Perfection, Checkmate and Truce Playing for Keeps: Done with being the world's biggest pushover, Haley decides that things are going to start changing... -
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![Seas the Dating Coach by Laura Langa]()
Seas the Dating Coach by Laura Langa
Seizing the day is great—but snagging a dating coach is better.All I wanted was to finally say hi to my longtime crush. Instead, I slipped on a puddle of coffee and landed in the arms of Finn Reynolds—the infuriatingly charming newcomer in town. When I tried again, I got utterly tongue-tied. Now I’m blushing, flustered, and somehow caught in Finn’s ridiculous proposition...Categorized as:
m-f from hate to love forced proximity small town shy heroine contemporary humor length-medium -
![Beachside Kisses With My Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Kristin Canary]()
Beachside Kisses With My Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Kristin Canary
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the charming town of Hallmark Beach, love’s a food fight when old flames ignite and rivalries simmer.Things were sailing smoothly in my little slice of paradise until Blake “the Flake” Moffitt waltzed back into town, looking far too handsome for his own good—and mine. Once upon a time, I was hopelessly in love with my best friend's brother, but that fairytale is history... -
![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 m-f small town office humor length-medium contemporary -
![I Knew He Was Trouble by Amanda Schimmoeller]()
I Knew He Was Trouble by Amanda Schimmoeller
I’ve never needed help from anyone. I certainly don’t need it from the infuriating doctor next door.I loathe my uncivil neighbor and the loud music he blares before the sun has risen. Even the dogs I walk—for one of my four jobs—despise him.I’d be happy never seeing him again... -
![Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne]()
Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese three women are the toughest juries they’ll ever have to plead their case to.THIS BOX SET INCLUDES…Clean Slate (Charity Case #0.5)Moving two thousand miles away wasn’t my plan, but when family needs you, you come. Before I can head back to my hometown of Chicago though, I have two men to say good-bye to. Neither one of them will be happy to hear the news... -
![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...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love m-f contemporary siblings-bff dual-pov multicultural humor -
![Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil]()
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 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 from hate to love contemporary grumpy sunshine humor length-medium audiobook -
![Vixen's Guide to Christmas by Chelle Sloan]()
Vixen's Guide to Christmas by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsGUIDE TO LOVE (& CHRISTMAS) RULE #27: Make your list. Check it twice. Because Santa knows how naughty you've been. I haven't written a letter to Santa since I was eight years old, but maybe this year I need to. Dear Santa, I promise, no matter what "he" told you, I've been good this year. I didn't know he was my business rival when I slept with him. I didn't know he hated me...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love christmas office contemporary humor length-medium -
![Undeniable Temptation by Eden Summers]()
Undeniable Temptation by Eden Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHaunted by a kiss. With his destructive marriage behind him, Ryan Bennett can no longer deny his insatiable attraction to the one woman in control of his future. He needs her. Craves her. She’s the only glimpse of happiness through the building drama in his life and yet one drunken kiss has pushed her further away. Tormented by what’s at stake... -
![One Enchanted Moment by Sarah Morgan]()
One Enchanted Moment by Sarah Morgan
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsUSA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan will sweep you away with her Puffin Island series! Life has just thrown Skylar Tempest a serious curveball. So she’s returned home to Puffin Island to regroup among friends. Unfortunately, that means seeing Alec Hunter, who’s become a big-deal TV historian. Sky’s never liked the cynical Alec, and the feeling was mutual. But maybe that was then... -
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![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...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love small town m-f grumpy sunshine contemporary humor military -
![Once Upon a Grump by Penelope Bloom]()
Once Upon a Grump by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 11 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... -
![Nailed by Cora Brent]()
Nailed by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA scorching ‘enemies to lovers’ office romance proves hazardous in this new stand-alone from NYT and USA Today bestselling author Cora Brent. The good news: Audrey Gordon has just received a dream assignment managing one of the city’s largest construction projects. The bad news: She’ll be teamed up with cocky office rival and former lover Jason Roma... -
![Can't Take The Heat? by Hailey Shore]()
Can't Take The Heat? by Hailey Shore
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOMG. It's him! TV celebrity chef Antony Renard! And he wants my food truck falafels? Hard pass.I've spent my whole life being judged by my dad. I don't need another bossy/grumpy chef meddling in my food.What's he doing in Calico Cove anyway?Oh, I bet he's hiding out because of that viral video of him losing his cool at his fancy Michelin-starred restaurant. Talk about needing a timeout.Also wow.. -
![Welcome To Winterville by Carrie Elks]()
Welcome To Winterville by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHe's the kind of man who always gets what he wants. But this time she's going to make him work for it...When a ruthless company buys Holly Winter’s small home town, she’s determined to stop them.But then she comes face to face with the CEO. Josh Gerber is handsome, smooth, and disgustingly successful. He’s also the man that Holly spent a night with eight years ago...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f small town christmas contemporary humor super rich hero 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...Categorized as:
forced proximity small town m-f contemporary humor friends to lovers grumpy sunshine length-medium -
![You're Mine: A grumpy sunshine spicy romance by Melody Anne]()
You're Mine: A grumpy sunshine spicy romance by Melody Anne
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsCallan is a man always in control. Sasha is a woman with no plan. Will the two of them destroy each other, or will they go up in flames?Callan is the next brother in the game of boxes to open his so-called gift. He’s being sent to the small town of Seaville. What does this mean? He has no idea... -
![Espresso Your Love (The Coffee Loft: Fall Collection) by Bella Greene]()
Espresso Your Love (The Coffee Loft: Fall Collection) by Bella Greene
Welcome back to The Coffee Loft, where a new round of stories has been brewed especially for you.Those of you stopping by to visit again, we’ve missed you. The feeling of home is the same that you loved before. If it’s your first time, prepare to be swept off your feet.While our menu hasn’t changed, we think you’ll be pleased with the fall favorites we’ve added... -
![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... -
![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... -
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![Sand Dollar Lane by Sheila Roberts]()
Sand Dollar Lane by Sheila Roberts
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUSA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts will have readers laughing and swooning in turn as two rival business owners compete for the homes and hearts of Moonlight Harbor.Brody Green is finding it hard to recover after being dumped by his fiancée, Jenna Jones, then watching her walk down the aisle with someone else... -
![A Winter Warmer at the Little Cornish Kitchen by Jane Linfoot]()
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... -
![The Wedding Jinx by Becky Monson]()
The Wedding Jinx by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA a person or thing that brings bad luck.I'm Mila Banks, the ultimate jinx. Not just in theory—I've got a track record. Seven weddings, seven disasters. Everything from a groom with a concussion to an attack of red ants (a long story) has happened because of me. So, when my bestie, Nadia, insists on making me her maid of honor, I can't help but try to find a way out of it... -
![The Christmas Dilemma by Sarah Vance-Tompkins]()
The Christmas Dilemma by Sarah Vance-Tompkins
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSkipping Christmas is easy. But it’s impossible to deny your heart… Eli Adair is the first call whenever his family and friends need a hand. But this Christmas, he has no obligations, so he’s taking a break from the stress of big family celebrations. No presents under the tree. No stockings by the fireplace. No twinkling lights. All he wants is to be home alone at Hillcrest House... -
![Set My Heart Bonfire by Marika Ray]()
Set My Heart Bonfire by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe's a dashing millionaire who thinks everything in life is one big joke, probably because he bathes in piles of money each morning. He’s also my new neighbor, and after a humiliating experience in the cemetery that is my backyard, he becomes my shadow, showing up everywhere just to annoy me.I’m not a fan of happy people...Categorized as:
from hate to love small town m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine super rich hero humor length-medium -
![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.MelodyCooper 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...
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