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: 4.72 of 5 stars · 22 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... -
Force of Nature by Brynne Asher
A forced proximity and enemies to lovers romance about a tale of online dating that goes from bad to delicious.My name is Logan Carpino, Senior Vice President of Andopolis Global, and my online dating nightmare from hell just humiliated me in front of my entire company.Joke’s on her.She caught my eye. Little does she know, I live my personal life like I do my professional one...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity christmas m-f from hate to love contemporary alpha male humor -
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... -
Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a brand new holiday rom-com with all the humor and heat her fans adore.Nothing says I love you like trespassing, public humiliation, and a town-wide Christmas spectacle to win your crush back.Atlas "Max" Maxheimer did not sign up for this... -
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Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene
A viral photo, a fake relationship, and one big problem.MatthewAll 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...Categorized as:
insta-love m-f fake relationship forced proximity sweet-hero sports humor length-novella -
Reckless by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 26 ratings“How did you get in here?”That’s not what you want to hear when you’re staring into the sea-green eyes of the hottest man you’ve ever seen. Yet I suppose it’s a fair question, considering I’m an uninvited stranger standing in Boone Mason’s kitchen.If you think that’s bad—just wait. It gets worse...Categorized as:
insta-love forced proximity m-f contemporary humor christian single-mother audiobook -
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... -
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 -
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... -
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... -
The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini
How many weddings does it take to fall in love?One year ago, Amelie had it all.Almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant: her life was exactly what she’d ordered.Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, popped up out of nowhere and proved she might like something off menu.***One year later, Amelie has lost it all...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity sweet-hero sweet heroine sunny hero contemporary humor new adult -
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... -
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... -
Never Been Worse by Morgan Elizabeth
Harper Abbott’s reputation has never been worse. The one time she tries to be spontaneous ends with her and her two best friends getting arrested for a prank gone wrong. Now, her cheating ex and his new girlfriend are on a mission to ruin her fledgling career as a fashion designer... -
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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
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... -
The Bright Side of Christmas by Morgan Elizabeth
Wren King is the one person in town everyone can rely on: need someone to watch your kids? She’s got it, you deserve a night off! Want a five dozen cookies for a bake sale? Call up Wren; she loves to bake. As the small town of Holly Ridge’s sweetheart, she’s always available to help, even if it leaves little time for herself along the way. But this holiday season, it’s ramped up to the next level... -
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... -
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... -
Leave Me Breathless by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe’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... -
The Pretenders of Copper County by May Archer
It was supposed to be a straightforward protection job. Remove the target from Vermont, get him to the safehouse, keep him there until his mafia uncle testifies, get back in my employer’s good graces.Boom, done. Easy...Categorized as:
forced proximity fake relationship sunny hero sweet-hero m-m queer humor contemporary -
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... -
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 -
A Not So Merry Kiss-mas: A Sweet Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine Holiday RomCom by Abby Greyson
Next Door Neighbors. A Blind Match. And a Kiss That Melts the Ice. MelMy 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.MikeCole’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 -
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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
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFour friendsTwenty-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 promiseNow 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 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
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
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
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 -
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... -
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
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... -
Love You Always by Lucy Darling
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThis book includes all five stories from the Love Series! Love on the Line, Love Forever, Love in the Mix, Love Undefeated and the NEVER RELEASED BEFORE Love You Always. You asked for Kim's and Kent's story. Now it's all yours.This series is full of all the tropes you love. You’ll get happily ever afters, no cheating, and sugary-sweet alphas that love to get on their knees...Categorized as:
insta-love sweet heroine contemporary humor super rich hero siblings-bff length-long -
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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.SageFirefighters 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.He’s turning up the heat, and I risk getting burned... -
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 -
Southern Snow by B.R. Goodwin
For the last three years, Georgia has called the quirky southern town of Sugartree home, dutifully moving back to manage her parent’s coffee shop after her father suffered a heart attack and finding contentment in her busy schedule and the occasional shenanigans of her three younger siblings... -
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... -
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 -
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... -
Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy
Painfully shy plant mom Violet Parker is about to experience the thrill of a lifetime when her TV crush lands on her doorstep.Desperate to rehab his public image after a PR disaster, actor / playboy Jack Grant needs a wholesome fake girlfriend for the summer. Violet, meanwhile, needs help stepping out of her comfort zone so her fledgling flower and plant shop, Bloom, will thrive...Categorized as:
forced proximity fake relationship curvy heroine humor found-family contemporary length-medium -
Pity Present by Whitney Dineen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMollyI 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... -
Be Mine This Time by M.A. Clarke Scott, MaryAnn Clarke
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFrom the award-winning author of The Art of Enchantment, comes Be Mine This Time, a compelling, heart-warming story of second chances, divided loyalties and the power of love to heal the wounds of the past. Vancouver family mediator Kate O’Day adores her work in couple’s reconciliation, despite her own tragic history with relationships... -
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... -
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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 grumpy sunshine contemporary humor small town length-medium -
The Treasure Hunt Hookup by Lila Monroe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJoin the hunt for love in this hot and hilarious rom-com with a black cat heroine, cinnamon roll hero, and all the pumpkin spice fall reading vibes! Perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Ali Hazelwood, and Emily Henry.Reeve Donovan is Hollywood’s hottest, most charmingly-stubborn director… and the last man I expected to find strolling down Main Street in my sleepy Blue Ridge hometown... -
Luca & Ivy and the Four Calling Birds by Ellie Hall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWould you rather be stranded in a snowstorm with Miss All-things Christmas or the Grinch?IvyIf you ever find yourself on the run, do not, I repeat, do not drive off the road and into an icy pond. Should you have such an accident, do not wander into the woods to a chalet with a blazing fire. But if you lose feeling in your toes and go inside to warm up, do not, I repeat, do not, doze off...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity contemporary grumpy sunshine from hate to love humor length-short -
Redneck Santa Saves Christmas by Roxie Noir
It’s Christmas Eve, and Adeline’s a damsel in distress. It’s snowing like crazy in the Blue Ridge, and her car’s in a ditch, on a dark, lonely mountain road.Fortunately, help arrives.Unfortunately, it arrives in the worst possible good old Saint Nick...Categorized as:
christmas forced proximity sweet-hero sweet heroine m-f fake relationship contemporary humor -
Play Me by Kelly Elliott, Kristin Mayer
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsShe has a head for business and a body for sin. He is a coach who knows how to use his equipment. Neither is looking for love. Should be easy, right? Wrong. This might be the most important game Kendall Wales and Hunter Owens have ever played where everything is on the line. With one wrong play, they could lose it all... -
Snowed In for Christmas by Sarah Morgan
A family gathering This Christmas the Miller siblings have one goal—to avoid their well-meaning family’s endless stream of prying questions. Ross, Alice and Clemmie have secrets that they don’t intend to share, and they are relying on each other to deflect attention. An uninvited guest Lucy Clarke is facing a Christmas alone and the prospect of losing her job...
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