Books like 'The Valentine's Bet'
Readers who enjoyed The Valentine's Bet by Kristine W. Joy also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny friends to lovers grumpy sunshine from hate to love forced proximity found-family
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Where It All Began by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAvailable only through Lucy's newsletter, this free book is the prequel to the popular Blue Moon series and is set in 1985. John Pierce has plans for these two hundred rundown acres. He sees a farm, a family, a future. He’s not about to drag someone in on the ground floor, not before he’s put in the work to turn rubble into home... -
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. So why can't he stay away? Knox and Fiona's story! Finally! -
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Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Looking for a Fake Fiancé. Have 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... -
The Love Bus by Annabelle Anders
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsI thought my life was perfect—until I found out my co-host-slash-fiancé was cheating on me. Live. On. TV. Overnight, I went from rising star to cautionary tale. Hiding in bed sounded like a solid plan. But fate (and my mother) had other ideas. Enter: The Love Bus. One ticket. A bunch of retirees, and The Southwest Bucket List Tour I never signed up for. I just wanted to escape the mess... -
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Love Songs Suck by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 23 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...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers humor contemporary length-medium rockstars audiobook -
Isabelle and the Beast by Marie Soleil
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be a quick meeting. I’ve been trying to break into acting for years, and now I’m FINALLY up for a lead role in a romcom movie. It’s a huge step up from barista #3, especially considering who’s supposed to play my love interest—Adam Stone...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
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... -
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... -
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks
A knight in shining armor? Hardly. More like my worst enemy wrapped in a swoon-worthy tux…. When Brooks Salinger saves me from heartbreak at a wedding, I never expect to see him again—let alone find him back in my life, set to destroy my family’s bookstore. But when he offers me a wild deal—pretend to be his girlfriend at a ritzy wedding in exchange for saving the store—I reluctantly agree... -
The One I Need by Chelle Sloan
You’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... -
Devoted Enough by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 15 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... -
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...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine friends to lovers contemporary humor dual-pov m-f glimpses-kisses -
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’m sarcasm with a messy bun. He’s a sweetheart with a slapshot. Sparks were one thing—those fireworks, though? Yeah…no one warned me about those. Mabel. Returning to Maple Falls wasn’t part of my five-year plan—or my backup plan. Or any plan, really. But here I am, back in my quirky hometown, dodging my mother’s judgment and trying not to cringe every time someone mentions the viral moment... -
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... -
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Just Add Happiness by Julie Hatcher
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom the author of Not Quite by the Book comes a deliciously witty novel about second chances, secret identities, and the art of rising above life’s bitter moments. At forty-six, Sophie Bianco’s life is half baked—trapped in a controlling marriage and estranged from her critical mother... -
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 grumpy sunshine forced proximity small town contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings us a light-hearted small-town romantic comedy full of a swoon-worthy billionaire, single dad romance, and big laughs. I need a massive break. So long to my cheating boyfriend and betraying roommate. Goodbye hectic emergency room and long hours... -
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 found-family humor contemporary m-f length-medium audiobook -
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
I 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... -
The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen an outgoing musical maven meets the enigmatic neuroscientist next door, will their worlds clash in a dramatic showdown of art versus science, or will they discover that love is the ultimate experiment worth conducting? When celebrated Broadway composer Hadley Olivier’s best friend receives a life-threatening diagnosis, Hadley says goodbye to her beloved home in NYC and sets off to the West...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary humor menage length-long -
Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley
He’ll break all her rules. Nora 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... -
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...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends to lovers contemporary dual-pov humor length-medium open-door -
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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... -
How to Love a Rockstar by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 12 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... -
Conflicting Ventures by A.K. Landow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSkylar Lawrence is the quiet sister. The one that doesn’t need to be the center of attention. The one who wants happiness above all else. She’s been content to stay in the background and support her sisters as their stars shine bright. She internalizes her struggles. The lingering pain of losing her father, followed by the ending of her relationship with the man she thought was her forever... -
Men or Paws by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWatch a dog for three weeks, get fifteen thousand dollars. Piece of cake, right? Wrong. First, I have to stay in my client’s guesthouse while he’s in the main house working on an important project. That may not sound so bad, but HE is Hollywood’s Bad Boy, Rocco Romano, voted “Sexiest Man Alive. ”. The guy could charm the pants off a mannequin. Luckily he’s not my type. Seriously...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity humor contemporary length-long standalone standalone-first -
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... -
Save the Drama for Your Mama by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsForget meet-cute. This is a meet-disaster. Melody. Cooper Galloway was my bookstore crush for all of five minutes. Then he opened his mouth and ruined my fantasy. Things go from bad to worse when I arrive for my new job and HE greets me at the door... -
After The Vows by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe sexy cop next door wants nothing to do with me. Until he asks me to marry him to save his daughter. When Lucas moves in next door, I don’t waste any time trying to get his attention. But the police officer who looks strong enough to throw me over those wide shoulders of his and carry me away isn’t interested in me. Time for desperate measures... -
Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSo let me get this straight. .. For the next few days I’ve got myself a grumpy fake husband who’s also kind of my. .. bodyguard? I guess that’s a better way to spend the weekend than binge-watching reality television, especially since it’s kind of my fault we’re on the run from the mob and I need a protector. Oops...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine friends to lovers contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Jesse's Girl by Hannah Brixton
Buckle up, Buttercup…. Three nosy relatives, two jobs, one fledgling side hustle, and zero roommate prospects. No wonder Ada Russo is saltier than the rim of a margarita glass. When her brother’s best friend lands in Lennox Valley needing a place to stay for the summer, Ada’s spare room is the logical choice...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers humor contemporary length-long explicit-open-door audiobook -
Love Letters on Hazel Lane by Jennifer Page
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsScrabble fan Jo always seems to pick the wrong guys. Now she's moved to the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, and decided to give dating one last chance. This time, there's a she will only date men whose names would score highly in her beloved word game. After Tarquin (16 points) proves just as disappointing as the rest, she meets low-scoring local doctor Ras (3 points)... -
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Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo authors, an intertwined plot, and one heck of an alluring ending to their highly-anticipated bestselling books. .. With her fantasy series, Bridget Paige is the newest member of the New York Times Bestseller list. Except no one knows who she is. To the world, she's Bridget. To those behind the scenes, she's introverted Paige Booker... -
Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn my defense, I never claimed to be professional. .. At least that’s my excuse for why I mistook a billionaire for a waiter, made off-color comments and accidentally dumped a plate of food all over him. Embarrassing myself is a daily occurrence, just like my unpaid bill notices. But being in a wedding instead of planning one is not...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary super rich hero humor suspense m-f -
The Atelier Assignment by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHer assignment is to not fall in love with him…. Zeke Brooksbank is in need of a wake-up call. One that shakes him out of the grump he’s permanently in and turns him into a reasonable human being. I’m not staying at his country residence to tame the beast. I’m meant to be cataloguing his art collection, not fangirling over his own paintings, or becoming attached to his little daughter... -
Gone Country by Hunter Snow
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTwo worlds. One accidental hit song. The stage is set for the ultimate showdown. Jamie Keaton is a rock star with a reputation as fiery as her songs. Clayton Langley is a country singer who epitomizes Southern charm...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love dual-pov contemporary single-father humor length-long -
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 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... -
Grumpy Little Christmas by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy country music career is going downhill fast, and my very public breakup isn't helping. All I want is to hide away at a cozy ski lodge this Christmas, avoid anything festive, and figure out what to do with my life. Is that so much to ask? Aksel Lund is a modern-day Viking who should be gracing magazine covers with his smoldery frown, not running the Havenkirk Ski Lodge like a tyrant... -
Going Down by Cat Wynn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsColin Rush is an overworked hotshot at a Big Four consulting firm. His neighbor Emma Smith is a cutesy but reserved first grade teacher who’s never so much as glanced in his direction. Needless to say, Colin’s positive that Emma’s not his type, and, in turn, Emma thinks Colin is an intimidating player, and probably a jerk. Frankly, they avoid each other at all costs... -
Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap) by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter tanking my career in politics, I’m looking for new direction. But my GPS must be broken because it keeps leading me to a kooky librarian’s front steps. It’s not easy, but I’m doing my best to let go of my old ambitions and embrace the simple life of slinging beer at my family’s brewery. But some powerful players from my past are determined to cause problems for my family and me... -
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... -
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In a Pinch by Elle Jordan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen you fall for the one person you shouldn’t, you just might find yourself in a pinch…. Nothing says Happy New Year’s quite like walking into what you think is a meeting for your promotion, only to walk out jobless. Everyone around me is earning promotions, getting married, or popping out babies. But here I am: jobless, single, and riding the struggle bus... -
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 Enemy Plot by Marion De Ré
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s searching for Prince Charming, but can a grumpy neighbor rewrite her love story? My dream came true. A man walked into my bookstore asking to buy some books. As a hopeless romantic who's been kissing plenty of grenouilles, I thought I might finally meet my prince charming. Except it wasn’t Prince Charming—it was Deacon Collier, my neighbor and my personal nemesis...Categorized as:
from hate to love found-family grumpy sunshine contemporary age difference humor length-medium -
The Suit by Lulu Moore
Have you ever met someone who makes your blood boil simply by existing? Or turn your notorious, ice-cool demeanor volcanic in a nanosecond? Perhaps smother your usual air of indifference with a lightning-charged thundercloud, threatening to strike at any moment? Because that’s what she does. It’s been seven peaceful years since I last saw Beulah Holmes... -
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...
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