Books like 'Acting Merry'
Readers who enjoyed Acting Merry by Martha Keyes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny m-f fake relationship forced proximity insta-love christmas sweet heroine sweet-hero sunny hero
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Broken Shadows by Kathleen Brooks
Rated: 4.73 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsTrent Faulkner was happy working with his hands to build custom furniture. He had made a name for himself and his design company. Love wasn’t even on his radar. Then one client broke down his barriers, only to make him leave in the morning. Trent made a resolution to forget about her, but that was hard to do when she was everywhere he looked, including in his heart... -
![Highland Holiday by Kasey Stockton]()
Highland Holiday by Kasey Stockton
One rejected kiss. Two clashing personalities. And a snowstorm that traps them in an isolated cottage. Callie Winter is the kind of person who holds everything together—for her family, her friends, her coworkers. But this Christmas, she’s hoping to catch her breath in the Scottish Highlands and maybe rediscover a little joy along the way...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity christmas sweet-hero sunny hero humor glimpses-kisses contemporary -
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![Planes, Reins, and Automobiles by Kate Watson]()
Planes, Reins, and Automobiles by Kate Watson
She's sunshine. He's frostbite. They've got 1,600 miles to go before Christmas—and he's about to discover his new enemy might be his anonymous online soulmate. Oliver Fletcher has one goal, and he's not happy about it: get home for his brother's wedding...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity m-f sweet heroine sweet-hero dual-pov baseball grumpy sunshine -
![The Asheville Christmas Gift by Hope Holloway, Cecelia Scott]()
The Asheville Christmas Gift by Hope Holloway, Cecelia Scott
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe charming, heartwarming holiday trilogy continues, whisking you away to a dreamy winter in the mountains... -
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![The Woodsman by Rebecca Sharp]()
The Woodsman by Rebecca Sharp
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsViolet Royale’s life has officially hit rock bottom. Fleeing heartbreak and a wrecked career, she heads to a remote small town in Maine, hoping a quiet holiday getaway will help her rebuild. But her plan backfires when a rugged woodsman storms into her rented cabin—claiming it's his...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity insta-love contemporary dual-pov friends to lovers humor length-medium -
![How to Kiss on Christmas Morning by Jenny Proctor]()
How to Kiss on Christmas Morning by Jenny Proctor
She’s merry and bright. He’s…. not. But something between them is warming up. Megan Sheridan just landed the perfect holiday a quiet week in the mountains house-sitting an event venue while the owners are away. Check the mail, answer the phone, keep the pipes from freezing—easy. The only trouble? No one told Megan she’d be sharing the farmhouse with a very grouchy, very handsome farmhand...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity christmas sweet heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary grumpy sunshine -
![Hot SEAL, Silent Knight by Kris Michaels]()
Hot SEAL, Silent Knight by Kris Michaels
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsForced to take his 'Use or Lose' vacation days, Romeo Platoon Leader Ted (Bear) Black begrudgingly heads home to Hope City and all the nonsense surrounding Christmas. He'd rather stay in San Diego and spend his downtime working, especially when he's unexpectantly reunited with the woman who was the star of the worst date he'd ever experienced. Noel Laurent is heading home for Christmas... -
![Trails of Love by Melissa Foster]()
Trails of Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFall in love with Graham Braden and Morgyn Montgomery in TRAILS OF LOVE. When Graham Braden travels to Oak Falls, Virginia to attend the wedding of his buddy Reed Cross to Grace Montgomery, he sticks around to help with renovations to Reed’s new theater. The last thing he expects is to be asked to assess and possibly invest in Grace’s sister Morgan’s business endeavor... -
![One Enchanted Moment by Sarah Morgan]()
One Enchanted Moment by Sarah Morgan
Rated: 4.31 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... -
![A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo]()
A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne chalet in the Smokies. Four loving families. While all the grandbabies are on Santa’s Nice List, a few of the adults are getting coal in their stockings. But no matter their status with the man in the red suit, Elli Adler will spoil each and every one of her favorite people with love and holiday cheer... -
![A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce]()
A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce
Claire Ashford has always led a careful life—her family didn't nickname her Claireful for nothing. But after ending a relationship that was equal parts safe and unfulfilling, she recognizes just how much her caution has cost her and dedicates herself to leaving her Claireful ways behind. Her first chance to take a risk comes with a job opportunity in San Francisco...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity christmas m-f sweet heroine sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary -
![Chasing Christmas Eve by Jill Shalvis]()
Chasing Christmas Eve by Jill Shalvis
Meet cute. .. Run for the hills—temporarily . That's Colbie Albright's plan when she flees New York for San Francisco. Wrangling her crazy family by day and writing a bestselling YA fantasy series by night has taken its toll. In short, Colbie's so over it that she's under it. She's also under the waters of a historic San Francisco fountain within an hour of arrival... -
![Sleighed It by Max Monroe]()
Sleighed It by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of TAPPING THE BILLIONAIRE comes a Billionaire Bad Boys Holiday Novella. Question: What would you do if every holiday you ever spent with your family ended in disaster? I’ll tell you: you’d cry. I know, because each and every celebration with my family ends in chaos—and I’ve had more than my share of mental breakdowns because of it... -
![The Christmas List by Maren Moore]()
The Christmas List by Maren Moore
From bestselling author of The Mistletoe Bet, Maren Moore comes a second chance, single dad, holiday novella full of Christmas sugar and spice. I love Christmas. So much so that in my smalltown I’m known as The Queen of Christmas. And no one knows holiday festivities quite like Strawberry Hollow. Only this Christmas season delivers an unexpected twist in the form of Wyatt Owens...Categorized as:
christmas m-f forced proximity sweet-hero insta-love humor contemporary single-father -
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![The Thief Who Saved Christmas by Angela R. Casella]()
The Thief Who Saved Christmas by Angela R. Casella
He'd like to be the man in her life, but she already has one-hundred-and-seven collectible Santa Clauses. Ryan. I'm not a ho-ho-ho kind of guy. My brother and I were raised in foster care, and the closest thing we had to a father was a career criminal who'd sooner steal Christmas than save it. I followed in his footsteps, I'm ashamed to say, and did things for him that I regret...Categorized as:
christmas m-f sweet heroine found-family contemporary humor length-medium behind-doors -
![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... -
![Secrets of Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson]()
Secrets of Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA warm, sparkly and absolutely unputdownable return to the unforgettable Starshine Cove! Cally , a devoted single mum, is stretched thin between caring for her clingy mother and her day job as a hairdresser with an always sympathetic ear. When her life in Liverpool is suddenly upended, she grabs her son Sam and jumps in the car to drive south for the holidays... -
![A Not So Merry Ex-Mas by Abby Greyson]()
A Not So Merry Ex-Mas by Abby Greyson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is a Dual POV kisses only, sweet holiday romantic comedy. . For years I've been dreaming of a real Christmas back home. Tree trimming, decorating, Christmas carols. What I wasn't expecting was Cole. If I was to dream up the perfect man even my wildest imagination would have fallen short compared to Cole Nichols... -
![Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene]()
Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene
A viral photo, a fake relationship, and one big problem. Matthew. All I wanted was a quiet few days. Instead, I get coffee poured on me, a gossip scandal, and a fake girlfriend. My agent insists this PR stunt will boost my career. Fake dating her for a few months? Fine. No problem. Except it’s definitely a problem. The more we fake this, the more I forget it’s not real. Beth...Categorized as:
insta-love m-f fake relationship forced proximity sweet-hero sports humor length-novella -
![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... -
![Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 6 by Umebachi Yamanaka]()
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 6 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Chako works hard every day to take care of Isshin’s tea farm. One day, a huge typhoon hits the Kanto area! A pole blown off by a strong wind falls on Chako as she is checking the farm alone. Who will come to her rescue, Jin or Isshin? ! Also, Isshin makes great progress in his work at Shinomiya-en! Their long-distance marriage is nearing its climax! -
![A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott]()
A Not So Fictional Fall by Savannah Scott
I 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...Categorized as:
forced proximity insta-love m-f fake relationship sweet-hero contemporary humor friends to lovers -
![Perfectly Complicated Christmas Romance by Grace Worthington]()
Perfectly Complicated Christmas Romance by Grace Worthington
He's allergic to Christmas. She practically bleeds tinsel. Their holiday collision is about to get complicated. Single mom Janie Bennett has one pull off the perfect Christmas pageant for her kindergarten class. What she doesn't need is the world's grumpiest hockey player ruining her holly-jolly plans. Enter Rourke Riley, Mr... -
![That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson]()
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson
My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…. That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn. Talk about life being unfair. I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay... -
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![The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter]()
The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter
She daydreams of whipping up sauces and souffles in her own restaurant. His heart is set on helping foster children. Both dreams are at stake. So are their hearts. With grand plans to open her own bed & breakfast in Chapel Springs, PJ McKinley can't afford the most crucial part: the brick and mortar... -
![Rent Yourself an Elf by Savannah Scott]()
Rent Yourself an Elf by Savannah Scott
She’s not feeling the holiday spirit. Maybe all she needs is to rent herself an elf. It's Christmas, and I should be full of cheer, but I'm having a hard time mustering the holiday spirit. That was always Grams' role. She loved Christmas so much she talked my parents into naming me Noelle. Yeah, Noelle Furst. Picture the boys in elementary school having a heyday with my name. But I didn't care...Categorized as:
christmas m-f fake relationship forced proximity insta-love sweet heroine sunny hero sweet-hero -
![Love Letters to Christmas by Camilla Evergreen]()
Love Letters to Christmas by Camilla Evergreen
He's the best mail lead around, and I'm just his childhood friend turned roommate. .. I've spent my life battling to manage my parents' impossible expectations and trying to catch the eye of Brian Single, a man whose head only turns for mail...Categorized as:
christmas m-f forced proximity insta-love sweet heroine sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary -
![Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 9 by Umebachi Yamanaka]()
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 9 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Roa invited Chako and Isshin to her parents' house as a thank-you to Isshin for protecting her from an attacker at the tea festival in Fukuoka. While there, Chako gets drunk and sneaks into Isshin's room, wearing pajamas borrowed from Roa... -
![Marry Christmas by Kat Baxter]()
Marry Christmas by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s the one who got away. The one I’ve never been able to forget. The one who can never forgive me for the mistakes I’ve made. Now, it’s my grandmother’s dying wish to see Maggie and I married. If we can stay married for year, there’s a fortune on the line. But first we have to spend Christmas with my family and convince them we’re in love... -
![Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas]()
Keeping a Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFour friends. Twenty-five years ago, Freya and her three best friends created a bucket list. The future seemed bright, full of hope and most importantly guaranteed . . . One promise. Now they are travelling to Iceland in memory of the friend they've lost, determined to fulfil her dream of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmas. A life-changing adventure...Categorized as:
christmas insta-love forced proximity contemporary humor length-medium audiobook standalone -
![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... -
![A Love Like You by Kait Nolan]()
A Love Like You by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter Mick Routlege catches the garter at his best friend’s wedding, everyone is convinced he’s next. Too bad the only woman he wants has him lodged firmly in the friend zone. Between her job as a nurse and the demands of her family, Juliette Chen feels like the world is on her shoulders...Categorized as:
forced proximity christmas m-f sweet-hero friends to lovers contemporary humor small town -
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![WRAPPED by Rebekah Weatherspoon]()
WRAPPED by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Following a painful divorce, all pastry chef Shae Kenney wants for Christmas is one good date that doesn’t end in disaster. When Aidan Meyer, a smoking hot hunk from her past, matches with her on a dating app, Shae asks Santa for the strength not to screw it up... -
![Just Breaking The Rules by Lauren Blakely]()
Just Breaking The Rules by Lauren Blakely
Everyone knows the golden rule of business—don’t bang your business partner. Especially if he’s your brother’s hot-as-sin, hockey-star best friend...Categorized as:
m-f fake relationship insta-love forced proximity sunny hero sweet-hero humor sports -
![Her Fake Date for Christmas by Hailey Shore]()
Her Fake Date for Christmas by Hailey Shore
What do you do when the dates are fake but the feelings are real? Hope for a Christmas Miracle…. Almost everyone in Calico Cove knows how I feel about Mari…well, except for Mari. Truth is, I’ve had a serious crush on her since high school but I’ve been friend-zoned...Categorized as:
christmas sweet heroine sweet-hero sunny hero m-f fake relationship contemporary humor -
![One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggot]()
One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggot
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt’s the most wonderful time of the year… to fall in love. The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish on her mind…to start over. With her nine year-old daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for an adventure... -
![Too Freaking Hot by Loni Ree]()
Too Freaking Hot by Loni Ree
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s playing with fire. He’s more than ready to bring the heat. Sage. Firefighters are supposed to put out fires… not start them. But when Ian Hot walks into my classroom, my world goes up in smoke. Tall, muscled, and too charming for his own good, he’s a walking, talking fire hazard. And no matter where I go, he’s there. Coincidence? Yeah, right...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity contemporary humor length-short first-in-series standalone-first -
![Leave Me Breathless by Carrie Elks]()
Leave Me Breathless by Carrie Elks
She’s his best friend’s little sister. Completely off-limits. And now she’s moving in with him…. When Gabe Winter’s best friend calls with an unusual request – give his broken-hearted little sister a roof over her head for a few months – he readily accepts. But he doesn’t expect Nicole to be quite so enticing. Or for her to bring out all the feelings in him... -
![Catch Yourself a Snowmance by Savannah Scott]()
Catch Yourself a Snowmance by Savannah Scott
Getting stuck in an old cabin is not my idea of a great winter vacation. Getting stuck with Carson makes me wonder what I did do end up on Santa’s naughty list. My friend Noelle talked me into going on a group vacation with our friends. Then she sprung the news that her boyfriend is joinig us . .. with his friends. I’ve met these guys...Categorized as:
christmas m-f forced proximity sweet heroine sweet-hero contemporary length-novella audiobook -
![An Irish Rockstar for Christmas by J. Saman]()
An Irish Rockstar for Christmas by J. Saman
They say there is no place worse to be during the holidays than the airport. When my flight is delayed due to weather up north, I start to agree. That is until a sexy Irishman with an accent that makes my panties melt and a smirk that makes me blush sits down across from me in the bar I'm killing time in...Categorized as:
christmas m-f fake relationship insta-love sweet-hero sweet heroine sunny hero contemporary -
![A Not So Merry Kiss-mas by Abby Greyson]()
A Not So Merry Kiss-mas by Abby Greyson
Next Door Neighbors. A Blind Match. And a Kiss That Melts the Ice. Mel. My neighbor’s easy on the eyes, but his blaring music and clanging weights keep me awake. Michael Matthews is all charm and good vibes—qualities that drive my sleep-deprived self up a wall; even if his smile does spark an annoying flutter. Mike. Cole’s been raving about Noelle's best friend since they started dating...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity christmas sweet-hero sunny hero humor length-novella glimpses-kisses -
![Secret Kiss by Melanie Shawn]()
Secret Kiss by Melanie Shawn
Adam Dorsey was used to living a life of deceit and falsehood both professionally and personally. The former CIA operative—with an extremely high IQ—was ready for a quieter, more authentic life. Enter Jane, a gorgeous and adorable hazel eyed beauty that complicated his plan... -
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![The Second Chance Fixer Upper by Grace Worthington]()
The Second Chance Fixer Upper by Grace Worthington
Single moms don’t get second chances, right? In Hallmark movies, yes. In reality, doubtful. Especially when you have a five-year-old interrupting your “alone time” with the man of your dreams...Categorized as:
m-f fake relationship sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary single-mother second chances dual-pov -
![Max by Julie Capulet]()
Max by Julie Capulet
He's a rebel with a heart of gold. Max Black is a rebel and always has been. His dark past has left him scarred, but under his hot, bad-boy exterior is a shining heart of gold. When a cute, sassy chef who looks like an angel serves Max a slice of her warm apple pie, he notices an unmistakable bruise around her left eye and knows exactly what caused it... -
![British Black Sheep (Cocky Hero Club) by Lauren Smith]()
British Black Sheep (Cocky Hero Club) by Lauren Smith
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn arrogant Brit might just be the right cup of tea for her…. He is exactly the kind of man Brie Honeyweather swore never to love…or lust after ever a sexy, arrogant, British bad boy in a designer suit. Alec is the last person Brie wants to be stuck on an international flight to London with, but hey…at least they’re in first class... -
![Pity Present by Whitney Dineen]()
Pity Present by Whitney Dineen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMolly. I haven’t beeninterested in dating since my ex dumped me for a new girl at his law office. Since then, I’ve thrown myself into my work as a hotel gift shop designer. While being single isn’t what I expected, there’s truth to that old saying, “Once bitten, twice shy. ” And the bite of a cheater stays with you... -
![Lost & Found in Copper Ridge by Harlow James]()
Lost & Found in Copper Ridge by Harlow James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt all started with Jack & Diane…. And no, not the couple from the popular 80’s song—the couple that signed a five-dollar bill with their names and the location of The Livingston Cabin in Copper Ridge, Colorado. And I just so happened to acquire that five-dollar bill on the same day of the funeral of a close friend AND the day I was supposed to be getting married. Coincidence? Perhaps... -
![Runaway Love by Lea Coll]()
Runaway Love by Lea Coll
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA dream wedding, a bride with cold feet, and the mountain man that comes to her rescue. I never thought that, on my wedding day, I would literally bolt from my wedding, and into the arms of a grumpy mountain man. Emmett offers me a much-needed respite from the chaos, inviting me into his cabin to "hide out" until all the wedding guests leave...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity m-f grumpy sunshine contemporary humor small town length-medium
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