Books like 'The Assistant '
Readers who enjoyed The Assistant by C. Hallman also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary age difference stepsibling forced proximity forbidden love cruel hero from hate to love
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Overdrive by Caitlyn P. Tajon
She’s the rookie with something to prove. He’s the reigning champion with everything to lose. Aurélie Dubois has spent her life chasing speed. When her twin brother is forced off the Formula 1 grid, she steps into his seat with no apologies. The world isn’t ready for a female driver. And they’re especially not ready for her... -
![Dr. Beckett by Grace Maxwell]()
Dr. Beckett by Grace Maxwell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWe were childhood enemies. Now I’m sleeping in his guest room… and I’m not sure I want to leave. Beckett. Sadie Calloway showing up on my doorstep in the middle of a storm wasn’t on my bingo card. She’s my best friend’s little sister, the girl I used to torment for fun, and now she’s standing in my living room, dripping wet and out of options... -
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![Careless by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
Careless by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOn my 21st birthday, I know there's only one wish I'm making when I blow out my candles. . A chance with him. Only I'm his best friend's little sister, so that means I'm beyond off limits. And did I mention he's older? I'm ready to be seen as my own person and to take the next step. But I know it can't be with him. Yet when I'm backed in a corner, there's only one person I can call for help. Him... -
![The Innkeeper by Rebecca Sharp, Samantha Cook]()
The Innkeeper by Rebecca Sharp, Samantha Cook
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsElouise ‘Lou’ Kinkade is happy that all her siblings have found love. She’s less than happy that now all they want is for her to do the same. Lou doesn’t have time for romance; she has a business to run. And that business was shooting to success when a Hollywood degenerate takes a drunken tumble down her stairs... -
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![To Have and To Hold: Arranged marriage stand-alone by Aleatha Romig]()
To Have and To Hold: Arranged marriage stand-alone by Aleatha Romig
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsArranged marriage, age-gap, forbidden love, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, Romeo and Juliet vibes, family saga, Mafia/cartel romance, Slow burn, Redemption, Morally gray hero, dangerous romance. The Roríguez cartel is spinning out of control, tragedy putting the alliance and our future in question... -
![Protector of Misty Mountain: An ex-military, age gap, mountain man romance by Eve London]()
Protector of Misty Mountain: An ex-military, age gap, mountain man romance by Eve London
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe walked into my world like she belongs here… but I don’t let people stay. Juniper. The mountains were supposed to be my escape—a place to rebuild, to breathe, to prove to myself that I could make it on my own. But from the moment I set foot in Misty Mountain, one mountain man has made it his mission to send me packing. Griffin Calloway...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity contemporary grumpy sunshine military length-novella -
![The Maverick of the Mountain by Tessa Klein]()
The Maverick of the Mountain by Tessa Klein
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe’s big. He’s bearded. AND HE HAS A CHAINSAW! ? You Only Live Once. .. My temporary tattoo feels more like a prescient warning than a gentle reminder after I nearly careen off an old mountain road during the worst storm I’ve ever encountered. I should’ve stayed in town. I should’ve thrown out the hand-drawn map the local gave me... -
![March's Ride with Priest by Eve London]()
March's Ride with Priest by Eve London
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIn the heat of danger, a solemn vow sparks a forbidden love that rides on the edge of rebellion. Rae:. On the cusp of my dream of becoming a teacher, Priest crashes into my life like a storm I never saw coming. He's my father's best friend, the brooding biker sworn to protect me, a guardian whose world of danger and desire is leagues from the life I've planned... -
![The Correspondent by Tess Thompson]()
The Correspondent by Tess Thompson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe can’t stand him. He loathes her. Fate has other plans. When a snowstorm strands these enemies in an abandoned cabin, will they begin to see each other in a whole new way? After fighting her way out of poverty, Stormi Collins is finally going places... -
![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... -
![A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella by Audrey Carlan]()
A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Audrey Carlan comes a new story in her Marriage Auction series…. “’Tis the Season,” some people say, as if the month of December could somehow magically make the world a better place. Fat chance of that happening in Sin City. In my world, nothing is merry and bright. More like dark and dank...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love grumpy sunshine contemporary length-short audiobook -
![Driving Maisie Crazy by Deborah M. Hathaway]()
Driving Maisie Crazy by Deborah M. Hathaway
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“What happens on an Irish bus tour stays on an Irish bus tour…”. This is the second book in the clean and sweet romcom Men of the Isles series by Deborah M. Hathaway. Although this clean, road trip, forbidden romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order. Don't miss the other novels in this series! Book 1: Winning Winnie's Hand. Book 2: Driving Maisie Crazy - 2025...Categorized as:
forced proximity forbidden love contemporary secret-relationship humor length-medium -
![Stella by Mackenzy Fox]()
Stella by Mackenzy Fox
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom best selling author Mackenzy Fox comes the highly anticipated MC spin-off series from the Bracken Ridge. NOLA Rebels MC - (New Orleans Series Book 15). Stay tuned for the Blurb! The men of the NOLA Rebels MC will do anything for their club. They’re a brotherhood, a club who stands mighty, and above all else, they take care of business, New Orleans style... -
![Love You From Afar by Morgan Paige]()
Love You From Afar by Morgan Paige
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI always thought a person had to be a ghost to haunt you,. but Everett Thompson is very much alive, and to make matters worse, he's my fiancé's brother. For years, I promised myself I would stay away from him. I tried putting as much distance between us as possible, yet here we are on a twelve hour road trip together... -
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![SEAL's Fake Girlfriend by Leslie North]()
SEAL's Fake Girlfriend by Leslie North
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsDanger and desire go hand in hand…. When her little sister Robyn is kidnapped, Rhianne Carlson promises herself she’ll do anything to bring her home safely. Even if it means reluctantly teaming up with private security agent and former Navy SEAL Eric Cruz. Despite his smoldering good looks and undeniable talents, Rhianne has never trusted this sinfully sexy agent... -
![Lumberjacks of Blackbear Bluff Complete Collection by Lilah Hart]()
Lumberjacks of Blackbear Bluff Complete Collection by Lilah Hart
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsIn Blackbear Bluff, North Carolina, a logging crew faces temptation from a new local bakery. The sweets aren't the only thing tempting them, though. Young, beautiful women come to town to work. .. and end up finding love along the way. It includes the books:. Battling the Mountain Man. Tempting the Mountain Man. Soothing the Mountain Man. Satisfying the Mountain Man. Thrilling the Mountain Man... -
![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. Ashley. When 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:
age difference forced proximity friends to lovers contemporary bikers length-novella -
![Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm]()
Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNICOLE. I've always been the perfect daughter, sister, and friend. After all, my father and brother are Titans. We’re high society, so I have an image to uphold. Costa Rica was supposed to be just a last summer hurrah before the new semester began. It ended up being the night when the good girl did something bad. A one-time indiscretion... -
![Scoreless Nights by Katie Rae]()
Scoreless Nights by Katie Rae
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratings"I knew I wouldn’t be strong enough to resist her anymore. ". Our parents wanted us to spend quality time together, but I’m not sure this is what they meant…. Cruz. As the goalie of the Miami Inferno FC, it was my job to keep everyone scoreless. So how did I end up being the one that couldn’t score? The answer: Lily Harris. My step sister, and apparently my new roommate... -
![Irish Rebel by L.K. Shaw]()
Irish Rebel by L.K. Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCaitlín. After finally convincing my over-protective family to let me visit my uncle in Dublin, I know this may be my only chance to experience everything I’ve always wanted: Adventure. Excitement. Freedom. Until I’m introduced to the man assigned to be my bodyguard. With his silver-flecked hair and wicked scar, Roarke radiates power and danger. Everything I’m drawn to...Categorized as:
forced proximity age difference from hate to love mafia contemporary suspense alpha male humor -
![My Mountain Man Valentine: A Steamy Curvy Girl Romance by Sadie King]()
My Mountain Man Valentine: A Steamy Curvy Girl Romance by Sadie King
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsStranded in a cabin and there’s only one bed! I’m a cynical divorcee, she’s a shy schoolteacher with killer curves, and we’re stranded together in a cabin on Valentine’s Day. But this schoolmarm has a proposal. She wants to lose her v-card, and she thinks I’m the man for the job. Sign me up! I’ll be the man she needs for one night only... -
![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. 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... -
![Rule Breaker by Lily Miller]()
Rule Breaker by Lily Miller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsYou could say Jesse Winters and I got off on the wrong foot. The first time I laid eyes on him, I let him know exactly where he could shove that smug grin on his face. I’ve met plenty of guys like Jesse—handsome, charming, infuriating. He skates through life on good looks and charisma, leaving a trail of broken hearts along the way... -
![Finally Found You by Claudia Y. Burgoa]()
Finally Found You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes, a new secret baby forbidden love romance, featuring a broody billionaire and a much younger sassy heroine he never saw coming. Being the single guardian for my fifteen-year-old cousin isn’t as easy as you’d think, especially when she runs away to find the dad, who has no idea she exists... -
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![Accidental Blind Date by Mia Mara]()
Accidental Blind Date by Mia Mara
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMy blind date stood me up. But the hot silver fox at the bar? He gave my night a happy ending. Over. And. Over. But don’t let that charming grin fool you. He’s really not the nice guy he pretends to be. Turns out he’s actually my older brother’s best friend. A smooth-talking business shark trying to take over my little bookstore. I didn't know that when I ended up between his penthouse sheets... -
![The Fall of Us by Kennedy Fox]()
The Fall of Us by Kennedy Fox
What happens when you travel across the country for your dream job and end up sharing a bed with an older man who volunteers you to be his fake girlfriend? You hope you don’t fall in love when it’s time to say goodbye. The Fall of us is an age gap, fake dating, close proximity romance. -
![Big, Bossy Surprise by Lilian Monroe]()
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... -
![Beautiful Desire by A. James, Ashley James]()
Beautiful Desire by A. James, Ashley James
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen I find out I could lose my bookstore, I make a deal with the devil to save it, not realizing I would end up in bed with the last person I ever thought I’d be hot and sweaty with…. Fletcher St. James. Even at twenty-four, he’s a spoiled brat. He believes the whole world owes him something, and he really needs to be put in his place... -
![Not Only One Bed by Sienna Waters]()
Not Only One Bed by Sienna Waters
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNot falling in love has never been so hard. .. Trix Winchester has been promoted to head of romance acquisitions for London’s leading literary agent. The problem? Trix hasn’t believed in romance for years. Kel Bradshaw’s looking for a sugar mommy to pay her way through art school. But she just can’t bring herself to be mercenary enough to trick someone into it... -
![Going Down by Cat Wynn]()
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... -
![My Ex's Dad is Coming to Town by Eve London]()
My Ex's Dad is Coming to Town by Eve London
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSometimes, love finds you in the most unexpected places. .. like in the arms of your ex’s dad. Winter. This Christmas was supposed to be about getting away from the mess I left behind, not cozying up to the grumpiest man I’ve ever met—who also happens to be my ex’s father. But Cole’s steady presence and the way he sees past my defenses make me feel safe in a way I never thought possible...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity christmas grumpy sunshine contemporary length-novella -
![Lucas by Karin Winter]()
Lucas by Karin Winter
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA billion-dollar vendetta. A sassy heiress. A marriage contract designed for destruction. Lucas Valeur had a perfect marry Ava Gant, destroy her family's company, and relish his icy revenge. But Ava’s fiery spirit and hidden scars melt his carefully built walls, awakening a desire that could turn his entire scheme to dust...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity super rich hero contemporary suspense length-long -
![Texas Snow by Kelly Fox]()
Texas Snow by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHis cabin was the last place I wanted to go. Detective Rafferty put me behind bars, and I should hate him for it. I mean…I do. Mostly. But there’s a fine line between grudge and obsession, and I’ve been walking it for the last year. Now my protection detail’s blown on Christmas Eve, and the only man who can keep me alive is the one who ruined my life. Texas Snow...Categorized as:
forced proximity forbidden love from hate to love age difference m-m christmas contemporary queer -
![Colton by Jody Kaye]()
Colton by Jody Kaye
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s the key to his heart, but the secret she's kept may destroy his soul. Colton Cavanaugh spent years in the military molding himself into someone better. After a serious accident, his memories and his leg have vanished—along with his career. .. And the best friend who owned his heart since they met? She’s run off and eloped...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love contemporary single-mother military length-medium -
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![Brightly Burning Bridges by Ivy Wild]()
Brightly Burning Bridges by Ivy Wild
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFrom the author of Infamous and The Estate comes a bully romance unlike anything you've ever read. Silas. He wasn’t my friend until he became my enemy. His center is freezing cold,. and his edges burn me when I get too close. He is everything I want and nothing I am. They say not to burn bridges,. but he burned ours to the ground. Skyler. She is the girl who wants to be seen,... -
![Enemy Mafia Boss Daddy by Kira Cole]()
Enemy Mafia Boss Daddy by Kira Cole
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsOur marriage was supposed to avert a war. But making a husband out of my enemy has turned out to be harder than I thought…. Damien Russo is fifteen years older than me, ten times as broody,. and stubborn to a fault. He also happens to be the new leader of the Russo Mafia and my reluctant husband-to-be. As far as arranged marriages go, this is not a bad deal... -
![April’s Ride with Stone by Kaci Rose]()
April’s Ride with Stone by Kaci Rose
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsI'm going to make good on my promise to protect my best friend’s daughter from everyone… except me. Stone:. My years enforcing the law, both within and beyond its limits, have left me with scars—scars that I wear like armor, shielding me from the world. I found peace protecting Mustang Mountain, a place as rugged and unwelcoming as my own heart. Then everything I’ve known is thrown upside down... -
![Mountain Man's Brother by Lily Birch]()
Mountain Man's Brother by Lily Birch
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsAfter my husband dies, his older brother Wade steps in to keep me standing. 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Aster. After my husband died, I was left trying to figure out how to stand on my own again. His older brother Wade steps in to prop me up, and I lean on him through my years of grief. Five years later, Wade is still in my life... -
![Beautiful Mess by A. James, C.J. Bloom]()
Beautiful Mess by A. James, C.J. Bloom
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’m pretty in pink dipped in sunshine and sweet Southern smiles. He’s blue collar wrapped up in a gruff summer storm with a scowl. He also happens to be my ex-boyfriend’s dad... -
![Charm Me: A Small Town, Single Dad, Enemies to Lovers Standalone Romance by Samantha Chase]()
Charm Me: A Small Town, Single Dad, Enemies to Lovers Standalone Romance by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThere isn’t anyone in Laurel Bay he hasn’t been able to charm. But charming a baby is a whole different story. Life has never been better for Jamie Donovan. Always has been. And now that it’s his turn to take charge of the family pub, he truly feels like everything in his life is just the way it’s supposed to be. Or it was until an early morning knock on his door ended with a baby on his doorstep...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love contemporary single-father length-medium audiobook -
![Cherry Lane by Kristen Proby]()
Cherry Lane by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all-new small town romance set in her beloved Huckleberry Bay series, Cherry Lane! Sometimes, love is waiting in the most unexpected of places. Zeke Cross is a big city guy who finds himself living in the smallest town on the face of the earth, running an auto repair shop with his best friend... -
![The Joy of Us by Kennedy Fox]()
The Joy of Us by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat happens when your rental cabin ends up being a scam and you’re forced to stay with a sexy lumberjack? You try to avoid him and his annoying Christmas spirit because the last thing you have time for is love. The Joy of Us is a reverse grumpy/sunshine, close proximity romance. -
![Charm Me by Samantha Chase]()
Charm Me by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThere isn’t anyone in Laurel Bay he hasn’t been able to charm. But charming a baby is a whole different story. Life has never been better for Jamie Donovan. Always has been. And now that it’s his turn to take charge of the family pub, he truly feels like everything in his life is just the way it’s supposed to be. Or it was until an early morning knock on his door ended with a baby on his doorstep...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity contemporary single-father length-medium audiobook -
![Trick or Treat by L.A. Cotton]()
Trick or Treat by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsCalliope James would rather live life through a lens than in the spotlight. So when she reluctantly agrees to go with her best friend to a party, she doesn’t expect to find herself on the other side of the camera. Zachary Messiah left Bay View High School without so much as a word. Now he’s back. He’s not the boy she remembers, but she’s exactly the girl he’s tried so hard to forget... -
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![Bone to Pick by May Archer]()
Bone to Pick by May Archer
Never fall for your professor…. Especially when that professor is Theo Hancock, the man who failed you in your final semester, causing you to have to repeat a class in your millionth year of college when you’re already twenty-freaking-six years old…. Especially when the professor is the most stunning, eye-popping piece of perfection who ever walked on campus... -
![Lick of Fire by Clara Elroy]()
Lick of Fire by Clara Elroy
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsYou can’t escape fate, no matter how fast you run. That was a lesson hard learned for me. I spent years trying to bury my past, but my future held skeletons bleaker than the ones I'd left behind. Darkness follows me everywhere I go, hanging over my shoulders like a scythe. A byproduct of my bad karma. For so long, I refused to even look at my hometown on a postcard...Categorized as:
forbidden love from hate to love cruel hero contemporary mystery suspense friends to lovers angst -
![Halloween with Dad's Best Friend by Flora Ferrari]()
Halloween with Dad's Best Friend by Flora Ferrari
Zooey has always felt kind of out of the loop when it comes to her father’s life. Since her parents divorced, she hasn’t had much to do with him. Now, he’s looking to be a bigger part of her life, starting this Halloween at his costume party. Enter Wes, her Dad’s older, hot best friend. He’s forty-one, charming and sexy, even when he’s at a masked ball...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity contemporary parents-bff length-short explicit-plentiful -
![Reckless Bond by Maxine Henri]()
Reckless Bond by Maxine Henri
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe was supposed to be my one-night stand. Not my baby daddy. When I first ran into him—okay, he chased me after I snatched his coffee (long story)—the electricity buzzed between us. Undeniable. Scorching. Liberating. A perfect opportunity to cross another item on my bucket list. I spent one night with him. No strings. No problem. Only our chemistry was unforgettable... -
![Stuck with the Grump by Josie Hart]()
Stuck with the Grump by Josie Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLying to my best friend wasn’t the worst thing I did,. His little sister was. I retreated to my family’s shared cabin after a company scandal. Instead of fuming alone, there was my best friend’s little sister, all grown up. When the storm washes the road away, we get really cozy. She still has that smart mouth on her. Unafraid to bite back and put me in my place... -
![The Hotel Inspector by Sienna Waters]()
The Hotel Inspector by Sienna Waters
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRoom service has never been so much fun. .. Ice queen hotel inspector Isla Seymour loves nothing more than her career. She’s demanding, critical, and terrible with people. Until a buy-out means she’s on shaky ground and about to take on what could be her last assignment. Hotel owner Katie Taylor is a washed-up singer with a heart of gold...Categorized as:
age difference from hate to love forced proximity f-f humor contemporary queer length-medium
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