Books like 'The Grump Next Door'
Readers who enjoyed The Grump Next Door by Kendall Ryan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary forced proximity cold hero grumpy sunshine from hate to love
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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... -
Billionaire Unreachable ~ Wyatt by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat happens when the man you think you despise turns out to be a completely different guy beneath the surface? I didn't like Wyatt Durand. He might be my friend's older brother, but he was unpleasant, sarcastic, and the grumpiest guy on the planet. It didn't matter to me that he was a breathtakingly gorgeous, ultra-wealthy billionaire with the very prestigious Durand last name... -
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Lacey’s Fight by Jane Blythe
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBehind her bubbly, flirty smile hides a world of hidden pain. Despite her dark childhood Lacey Smith believes in looking for moments of joy wherever you can find them. But when a seriously hot SEAL saves her life and then turns her down when she asks him out she begins to rethink everything... -
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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A Holly Jilly Christmas by Emma St. Clair
My life is nothing like the movies we make at the studio where I work--especially not when it comes to relationships. Which means that there will be absolutely NO romance between me and Case, the grumpy exec I've had a crush on from our very first not-so-meet-cute. We're simply two coworkers scouting the town of Sheet Cake, Texas as a location for filming. That's it...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love cold hero grumpy sunshine christmas humor christian clean -
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 -
The Match by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsConfronting my family’s nemesis wasn’t on my to-do list. Neither was falling for him. After my difficult divorce, I thought my life was over. But now, I’m happier and more successful than I could’ve ever imagined. My cosmetics business is thriving and I’m almost ready to get back out there and find Mr. Right. Almost... -
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... -
Her Pretty Words by Amber Evergreen
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA canceled flight. A beautiful stranger who seems to delight in getting under her skin. A hotel with only one room. Everything that could go wrong during Macy’s escape to Florida does. But when Grayson—the frustrating stranger in question—offers to share the room he already has, she has no choice but to take him up on it—platonically, of course. One night with him is more than enough... -
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... -
Still Not Love by Nicole Snow
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsNot the heck again. I've had my alpha-jerkface fix. Now he's my sworn protector. .. I'm about to go nuclear. Yet I have to smile and pretend I won't slap him into the next century. James Nobel and I have history. Raging hearts. Dueling kisses. Firestorm nights. A man like him breaks laws with that suit and that smirk...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity military new adult contemporary length-medium audiobook -
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:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity age difference contemporary military length-novella -
Single-Minded by Amy Knupp
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsContractor West Aldridge’s main goal in life is to protect his three daughters from another heartbreak. The wealthy new girl in town who hires him for a remodeling project is off-limits times ten…so why can’t he follow his own no-heartbreak rule? -
MistleFoe by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratings‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, cookies, joy, and a little sprinkle of mom guilt on the side. Did I say little? I mean an entire sleigh full. Which is exactly why I’m on my way home to Winterbury for the holidays, something my parents have been pleading for since I left the small-town life for a view of the city nearly ten years ago. It’s not that I don’t come home to visit. I do...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love grumpy sunshine christmas m-m queer second chances contemporary -
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Semantic Error 1 by Soori Jeo
Is this an Error or Love? Sangwoo Choo is a stickler for rules. So when his classmates free-ride on a group project, he doesn't credit them. But this prevents one senior, Jaeyoung Jang, from graduating. And like oil and water, Sangwoo and Jaeyoung don't mix. Can Sangwoo debug Jaeyoung — a semantic error in his perfect life? This volume collects episodes 01-15 of the webcomic Semantic Error... -
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... -
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:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love contemporary length-short audiobook -
Not A Side Chick by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEdith “Eddy” Wheeler was having a bad day. A no good, very bad day. It’s understandable, really. I mean, there didn’t seem to be anything worse than walking in on your elderly parents doing things no child should ever see. Add into that their proclivities, and Eddy is disgusted and disturbed...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity contemporary sports military 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... -
The Plan by Karla Sorensen
Have you ever fake dated your bodyguard? I don't recommend it. Especially if he's anything like Erik Wilder: former football player, world class know-it-all and unapologetic grump. To be clear, I didn't want a bodyguard (hence the fake dating idea). Most days, I can’t figure out why he wants the job either. We drive each other insane, probably because we’re as opposite as two people can be... -
The Gossip and the Grump by Pippa Grant
He's the last man I should've picked for a one night stand. .. See that guy over there? The insanely tall, broad-shouldered, dark-haired, scowling, “I don’t drink coffee” suit? Surprise! He’s the new owner of my family’s mountain café. The café that has been my life purpose since I was born in the kitchen there almost thirty years ago... -
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 forced proximity friends to lovers contemporary humor menage length-long -
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... -
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... -
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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... -
The Gruff Loner's Bargain by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBrook:. I might be down on my luck, but I’m determined to open the best all-inclusive wedding venue in the U. S. But first, I have to scope out the competition. The only problem is I need a fake fiance to pull it off. Even worse, the only man available to do the job is the annoying handsome Landry Hendricks. Because of course I need the help of the one man in town who hates me. Landry:... -
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain? I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page... -
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... -
Pretty Drunk by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHallie. No one pushes my buttons the way Logan Johnson does. I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to ignore him, which isn’t easy when you live in a small town and share the same friends. So, when I have a little too much to drink and need a place to crash after our friends’ wedding, it would figure I find myself at Logan’s house. What I’m not expecting is ending up in his bed. With him. Naked... -
Dial L for Lawyer by Megan Wade
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen your career explodes and every law firm in Chicago won’t touch you, there’s only one man arrogant enough to help… for a price. SERENA. I’ve been avoiding Caleb Kingsley for six months. Six months since I agreed to dinner, then had a panic attack trying to squeeze into my shapewear. Why? Because billionaire lawyers who date supermodels don’t date ex-big girls with loose skin for days... -
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... -
Royal Haze by L.J. Evans
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI pledge allegiance to her…and only her. The stunning conclusion to The Painted Daisies series. Singer and lead guitarist Nikki Rani will do whatever it takes to keep her mom and her band safe, even if it means keeping secrets about her friend's murder. She failed her loved ones once and won't be taken in again by a ridiculous story. There are no fairy tales in her future... -
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 -
Grumpy Billionaire Playboy by Ava Nichols
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy brother’s best friend is my worst enemy… Now, he’s also my fake fiancé who just took my v-card. Drake Bennet is a handsome, arrogant, Real Estate shark who always has women throwing themselves at him. But I can’t stand him; we’ve always fought and bickered growing up. His mom has been badgering him to settle down, so he asked me to be his fake fiance... -
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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... -
Last Chance Seduction by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last time I saw Lexington Montgomery, he held my sister in his arms as my fiancé left me at the altar. Neither one of us knew it would be two years until we saw each other again. Or that it would be the last time my sister was part of our core group. Grieving, I’m back in Colorado trying to start over. I have no family and have no intention of dating ever again... -
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 -
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... -
Hidden Shadow by Nyssa Kathryn
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsShe doesn’t want a bodyguard. He doesn’t want to attend a Christmas fair. It should make for a memorable holiday. Finley Dunkley hates flying. And more than that, she hates flying in the window seat. When she asks the stranger beside her to switch, she doesn’t expect a blunt dismissal of her request. She also doesn’t expect to fall asleep on his shoulder... -
Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones
When 26 year old Reese accepts a position as a grad assistant, she has no idea an unpleasant encounter with a student will lead to the discovery of what she calls “the trifecta”: fine, intellectual, and a little bit rude – three qualities she finds irresistible in a man. She has no intention of doing anything with that discovery – nothing long term, at least...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine cold hero new adult contemporary open-door length-short audiobook -
A Risk on Forever by N.S. Perkins
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWhen Matthias Phillips imagined the new caretaker for his mother with ALS, the last thing he had in mind was a gorgeous twenty-something who didn’t look like she had a day of experience in the field. However, his mother has always been stubborn, and despite his objections, she’s insistent: it’s Adelaide Samson she wants him to hire... -
Hard Boss by Iona Rose
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJuliette. Hudson Sinclair is such a grumpy, snarly, arrogant nightmare no one on the temp agency's books is willing to take on the job of replacing his secretary while she is off sick. Well, here I am, it’s my first day at the agency and I should probably give it a pass as my first job too. At least, that would be the prudent thing to do, but ‘prudent’ is not on my list of virtues... -
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 -
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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... -
The End of Us by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat happens when a stalker threatens your life and you’re flown to a private beach house with your sexy new bodyguard? You break the rules and hope he falls madly in love with you. The End of Us is an age gap, bodyguard, forced proximity standalone romance. -
The Doctor Who Stole Christmas by K.C. Crowne
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA grumpy doctor. A wicked blizzard. And only one bed in sight. What could possibly go wrong? I never expected to find myself trekking through a blizzard. .. All to deliver "vital documents" to the elusive Dr. Grump's remote cabin. When I finally arrive I find a smoldering man,. Nearly a decade younger - with the petulance of an old grouch! Now I'm snowed in with the impossibly handsome man child,...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine contemporary super rich hero christmas length-medium -
The Grump Who Saved Christmas by Tracy Leigh
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen I first met Callum Reed, I thought he was one of the most handsome men I’d ever seen. Until he opened his mouth and ruined it all. Because the sexy-as-sin man dressed in a tailor-made suit is trying to steal my ranch from me... -
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... -
Implode by Victoria Dawson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNic. I should have stayed away from her. Even I know this. I used to convince myself that I’m irreparable. But what if the one woman I shouldn’t crave is the only person who can mend my jaded heart? Claire Nettles is hiding more than just her feelings from me. And when I find out what has her so scared, I’m never allowing her to walk out of my life again...
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