Books like 'It Was Always Love'
Readers who enjoyed It Was Always Love by V. Theia also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance friends-to-lovers age-gap steamy multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc lgbtq
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On the Surface by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPeople see what they want to see. They only view what’s on the surface, and they’re easy to fool. I let them see on the outside that I’m a successful businesswoman. My clothes are designer, my makeup flawless, and I live in a high-rise condo in Lennox Hills. They see perfection, not what lies beneath the surface... -
Times Like These (Blue is the Color) by Julia Wolf
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsNick Fletcher has the voice of a god and a tongue as sharp as a knife. His words can cut, and this time, his quick temper has earned him an intruder in his life and on his tour. Dalia Brenner looks like a grown-up Annie gone bad, but he wants nothing to do with her pin-up worthy curves and smart mouth... -
Starting Over Scottish: A Grumpy Sunshine Holiday Romance by Tricia O'Malley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratings... -
No Strings by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Nikki Ash comes a brand new, contemporary, stand-alone romance about a single dad who thinks he has everything figured out... until he meets her.SavannahA sexy, single dad and his teenage son weren’t a part of my white picket fence fairy tale, but if life has taught me anything, it’s that things don’t always work out according to plan... -
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Drink It Up: The Donovans by Cee Bowerman
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsQuinn Donovan is a single dad with too much on his plate. He is surrounded by his wild and crazy family at home and at work while raising two little girls who are the light of his life. When a complete stranger swoops in to help him when he needs it most only to then disappear without a word, it seems he’s lost his chance to get to know her... -
Wild Side by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJamesonLast man standing. I’ve watched all three of my friends fall in love with no desire to ever follow in their footsteps. Collectively, we own the hottest restaurant, bar, and brewery in town. They are a few of the places I find peace, a refuge against this cruel world. When I’m on the stage playing music, everything just seems to fade away.Until I saw her... -
Try Me by Red Phoenix
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA heated Russian night and a little Kinbaku Russian intrigue and startling revelations await the young submissive. The bond between Brie and her new Master grows deeper as he opens up about his mysterious past. Rytsar Durov reveals the truth behind his dominant nature, making her shiver in fear and pure pleasure as her ultimate fantasy comes true... -
The Grand Ruin: Lance & Scarlet, Part One by J.C. Hawke
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing stood up on your birthday sucks.It sucks even worse when it's your brother's egotistical best friend and CFO who delivers the blow.My first encounter with Lance Sullivan had me crying in an elevator as I clung to a stranger for comfort.On our second, he stormed my dress fitting pretending to be my husband.And by the third... I'd made the bastard smile.I do not have time for a man in my life...Categorized as:
multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers steamy age-gap romance -
Wild Temptation by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Wild is a temptation I can’t resist.He’s my grumpy boss.He didn’t want to hire me,But as a favor to a friend -- he gave me a chance.Besides proving I’m a good worker, and can make a difference on his peach farm.It seems I can’t stop throwing myself at him. I didn’t think Asher would rock my world... -
Just One Taste by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOne grumpy billionaire.One sassy-sweet supermodel.Add in a tropical private island paradise.What could go wrong?As owner and CEO of Dirty Dare Spirits, thirty-three year old, Asher Dare has it all. Money. Power. Women whenever he wants. A private island retreat when he doesn’t. People he trusts? He can count those on one hand... -
Vow Maker by Lily Morton
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDylan Mitchell wants to get married.However, after seven years of being engaged, that’s looking slightly doubtful. After going through ten wedding planners, they’re gaining a reputation somewhat akin to Henry the Eighth on the wedding circuit.Gabe has vetoed symbolic dove releases, forests of flowers, fire-eating performers, and puce as a wedding colour... -
My Kind of Perfect by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom author Nikki Ash comes a roommates to lovers, single dad romance...GeorgiaI’m surrounded by love, yet have no one to call my own.But then Chase, my new roommate, is suddenly there.He could be the perfect guy for me, if he wasn’t nursing a broken heart.The more time I waste looking for love, the more I realize that what I want has been right in front of me all along... -
Interlude: An Illusion Series Novel by D. Kelly
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJordan Weston is good-looking, mysterious, and sexually uninhibited, but his life is more like the name of his bar—Just an Illusion. His cousins are the bad boys of Bastards and Dangerous, but their fame hasn’t made everything rainbows and sunshine for him. He’s haunted, flawed, and the sole survivor of a homicide that wiped out his immediate family... -
Hold Me by Red Phoenix
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen dreams come true...but with a price Brie Bennett's submissive journey has been marked with self-discovery, humor, and sexual exploration. To her delight, she is about to enjoy the best scene ever with Master, carrying her to heights never imagined... -
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Melody by Helen Hardt
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s the melody in her mind… Beautiful Brianna Steel has her life planned out. Graduate college early. Check. Work with her father in the Steel family orchard. Check. Marry Jesse Pike. No check there. Jesse has never given her a look. Finagling her way onto a rock and roll tour with Jesse and his band, Dragonlock, should help move her final goal along. At least Brianna hopes it will... -
The Arrangement by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe gorgeous CEO of Brewer Air is my boss and, thanks to a bet, my new husband for six months.Why? Because I begged.I have a grandmother to support, a stack of bills higher than my five-foot frame, and as a cherry on top, I need to find a new place to live. Soon.Sure, Jason Brewer’s bright green eyes and chiseled jawline steal my breath. His smirk makes me weak...Categorized as:
age-gap friends-to-lovers steamy family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Catch Me by Red Phoenix
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLove requires a leap of faith The final week at the Submissive Training Center has arrived! Will Brie survive the last week of training--five extraordinary days of challenge and pleasure? Her graduation night includes interviews with potential Doms, but it gets horribly complicated... A surprising turn of events forces her to make an unexpected choice... -
The Boyfriend Experience by J.A. Huss
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom NYT Bestselling Author, JA Huss, comes a new sexy standalone in the Jordan's Game series. Oaklee Ryan needs a boyfriend but not for any of the reasons you might think...It's a simple request. But the girl... Well, she's not so simple. Oaklee Ryan is a pragmatist. She lives in reality, she deals with facts, and she's goal oriented... -
The Truth about Us by B. Celeste
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOur story is far from perfect, but there's not one risk I regret taking to get the girl.Not the judgment. Not the whispers. Not the stares. Because age is just a number, and we survived. Ollie and Charlie against the world. Except now ... there's Milo... -
Handy by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMy new neighbor may be grumpy but he's also hot, and very good with his hands…I definitely overestimated my own handyman skills when I bought this fixer-upper. I have to say, the view from my new place is worth it though. Especially around seven o'clock every morning when my big, furry bear of a neighbor drinks his coffee shirtless on his back porch.He's dedicated to the bear thing too...Categorized as:
lgbtq friends-to-lovers age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy romance -
Don't Let Me Break by Kelsie Rae
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMacklin and I are just friends.And even that's a stretch.He saw me at my most vulnerable, and now the guy's popping up left and right.Pretty sure it's because my friend is trying to set me up with him, but what do I know?It's not like I have much experience with guys.And he's...well, Macklin's older, much more experienced, and bluntly put?Way out of my league...Categorized as:
age-gap friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy romance new-adult -
Stay by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA scorching hot small town, age gap, single father/nanny romance by USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster...Categorized as:
age-gap friends-to-lovers family multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Written at Randy's by Katherine McIntyre
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAn adorkable author and an outgoing club kid as roommates only results in one thing—shenanigans! And of course, love.Love beyond the binary, serving up low angst trans romances at Randy's DinerWritten at Randy’s is a low angst M/X roommates to lovers romance between a reclusive trans male author and a life of the party bigender club kid that reads as a standalone... -
Staying For You (All For You) by Jennifer Van Wyk
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen I arrived at your resort, I was broken. Emotionally and professionally, I had nothing left. The last three books I published bombed and the ink was barely dry on my divorce papers. The divorce I never saw coming. All I needed was peace and quiet, and you gave it to me. That and so much more Hope. Courage. Friendship. Passion. The last thing I want to do is leave... -
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Fake it For Fortune by Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhoever said money can’t buy happiness is a liar.Take it from me. It buys loads of thrills.That is until my father sabotages me with a contingency.To have all my riches?I need a wife.Talk about old school.When I catch wind of a dating agency that helps billionaire bachelors like me, I see an opportunity.Appease my dad.Pretend to have a bride for six months.Give her the money...Categorized as:
multi-pov steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary billionaire -
Matchmaking a Roommate by Angela Casella, Denise Grover Swank
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s her next makeover project. She’s his next mistake.IvyI’m Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself I’m only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but that’s not the full story.I can’t go home. And the longer I stay, the less I want to...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy multi-pov family -
The Has-Been and the Hot Mess by Isabel Jordan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer job is to resurrect his image. Falling for him is not part of the plan...Kendall Quinn is a PR goddess. Meanwhile, her love life is a complete mess. So, when her latest romantic disaster leaves her jobless and homeless, it's time to take drastic measures. And that means dragging a grumpy, has-been rock star kicking and screaming back into the limelight. The job will be easy...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy friends-to-lovers romance contemporary humor -
Dylan's Dilemma by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDylan has been curious for a long time, but is he ready to confront his desires? A difficult decision Dylan Martin has worked in the same Ogunquit hotel since he was eighteen, and he knows the drill: anything that might damage the hotel’s reputation has to be reported. So telling the uptight manager there’s a gay porn shoot about to take place should be a no-brainer... -
Goaltender Interference by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe last thing Connor O’Shea needs is more complications … After too much celebrating at his brother’s wedding, Connor wakes up next to cocky Toronto goaltender Jesse Webber—pro hockey’s reigning f*ckboy. With three kids and a failed marriage under his belt, Connor might be ready to admit he’s attracted to men, but that doesn’t mean his life has to change...Categorized as:
lgbtq family age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance -
The Loner by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDeclanAs a founding member of The Vers, a queer podcast I host with my three best friends, I’m The Loner—quieter than the others, and except for them, I don’t let myself get too close to people. Most of them just let you down anyway, or maybe it’s just that something about me chases people away.Infrequent, no-strings-attached hookups have always worked for me...Categorized as:
lgbtq friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy multi-pov family -
A Lifetime Kissing You by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCharlesI have a great family, a successful career, and never struggle to find the company of a man when I want it, and I do—often. The loss of my brother years ago is the one dark spot in an otherwise perfect life. But at forty-three, my world suddenly feels emptier than it should. Something’s missing... -
Sweet Fate by Laurelin Paige
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe conclusion of the Dirty Sweet Duet.Dylan Locke knows that pining over the young ingenue Audrey Lind is pointless. He can't offer her what she wants. He definitely can't give her what she needs. Thank goodness she's half a world away, and he doesn't have to deal with his attraction head on...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov steamy adult -
Luke by Cora Rose
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThey say love comes from the most unexpected places; I found mine hiding in my bushes from the cops.My life before Luke was a carefully structured routine. It was predictable and organized, just the way I like it. Some would call it boring, but I call it smart self-preservation, and if there’s one thing that could threaten to bring it all crashing down, it’s Luke van Beek...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq multi-pov steamy -
Sugar Bunny by Colette Davison
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan a no-strings fun-times relationship with two older men lead to real and lasting love?With the My Kinky Housemate app, I've found a place to live with seven like-minded guys. My new start and a chance to make my dreams come true aren’t turning out like I hoped. A housemate has the solution—become a sugar baby... -
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Unnecessary Roughness by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJackson Kincaid When my best friend, Allison, died in a car accident, I suddenly became the parent of my ten-year-old godson. How was I supposed to play football for the Portland Pirates and be a full-time single dad? Adjusting is the name of the game. But thanks to my friends, and Simon, the team doctor, we'll heal and make it through...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq multi-pov -
Love At Frost Bite: Benji by Toby Wise
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan a self-proclaimed grinch find love in time for Christmas?Benji prefers a quiet life, and he’s gotten to the age where he’s used to being alone. Despite being a reindeer, he hates ‘the Christmas spirit’ and the only thing softening his grumpy exterior is a certain otter shifter who seems determined to slip his way into Benji’s life.Mason is a single dad working at the food court in the mall... -
A Gift-Wrapped Holiday by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMal's first priority is giving his six-year-old son the best Christmas ever, a goal made trickier by a recent move to New England after losing his job. As a single dad, he's not looking for romance—especially not with a blond California boy ten years his junior... -
A Love Like That by Jenna Hartley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter my wife died, I never expected to fall in love again, let alone with her much younger sister. Elle's too young for me, though.Too vibrant and cheerful to be saddled with a grumpy widower and two little kids.Besides, she's only here for a few months before she moves on to follow her dreams.And there's no way we could be together even if she were staying...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov steamy -
Then There Was You by Jennifer Lee
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThree simple rules.Two broken souls.One powerful connection.Devlin King was a sexy grump.A bitter divorcee.And for a few short months, my dirty little secret.The rules for our no-strings-attached relationship were simple:1. Keep it quiet.2. Keep it safe.3. Keep our emotions in check... -
Collateral Damage by A.M Myers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTen seconds can change everything. I fell in love with him twelve years ago when I was little more than a child. In the blink of an eye, he went from my best friend’s big brother to Tucker – the boy who made my heart beat faster with just a look. But he never saw me as anything more than family and I was forced to let him go... -
Infamous Love by Lea Coll
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne reality star bad girl. One small-town vet. And the passion is unforgettable... ElleMove away. Dye my hair. Change my name. Fly under the radar.That's my plan to keep the public from recognizing me. I just want to be the new business owner of an old-fashioned barber shop, the ultimate man cave. But all anyone seems to remember is that I'm the bad girl on a popular reality show... -
Legend by Isla Olsen, Willow Thomas
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTomLegend of the Game. That’s me, apparently. I suppose it’s meant to be a compliment, but to me it just sounds like one of those labels people slap on you when you’re on your way out. Legend. Stalwart. Dinosaur. It all sounds the same to me.I’ve been in the Premier League for over twenty years and I’m not ready to leave...Categorized as:
lgbtq age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov friends-to-lovers steamy -
Dirty Daddies Pride 2023 by Siobhan Smile, Maggie Ryan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThese Daddies take Pride in being dirtier than ever. Love has no limits or restrictions in this collection of stories from some of the hottest authors in the Daddy genre.No matter how these Daddies or their little ones identify, they'll find their happily ever afters inside these pages... -
Bar Re’s Redemption by STESLARA
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings...Categorized as:
lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance young-adult contemporary fiction -
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Just One Summer: A Dirty Dare Series Novella by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carly Phillips comes a new story in her Dirty Dare series…Gabriella Davenport is a gorgeous, twenty-two-year-old virgin with a trust fund, vacationing in the Hamptons for the summer and running from family pressure to marry someone she doesn’t like, let alone love.Maddox James is a sexy bar manager, older than Gabby by a decade...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc family contemporary boss-employee romance -
UnConVentional Kiss by Katherine McIntyre, K.C. Carmine
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne Comic-Con. One chance encounter. One kiss that changes everything.BeckI never claimed to be easy to love. My steady stream of ex-girlfriends is proof positive, and my anxiety pretty much confirms I’ll be alone for the rest of my life. No matter who I date, I can’t ever feel completely myself.At least until I met Cay, who’s bright, charming, and captures my attention from the start... -
Camboy by Colette Davison
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHaving a foursome is a dream come true, but navigating a relationship is more challenging.Being a camboy is great, but I’m bored of performing solo. I’ve invited myself to be adult film star Lyric Steele’s co-star for the day, and I’m taking my partner-in-crime and soon-to-be-housemate, Rubin, along as my chaperone.It doesn’t take long to realise I’m attracted to Lyric...Categorized as:
lgbtq age-gap friends-to-lovers steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Rocked by the Roadie by Eve London
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo hearts, one bed, no looking back.DaisyWhen the hottest boy band on the planet gets back together for an epic reunion tour, there’s no decision to make. I’m going. It’s been ten years since I’ve had the chance to hang out with my groupie besties. They don’t know it yet, but my parents are forcing me to settle into a life they’ve pre-planned, right down to the man they want me to marry... -
Tangling with the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s a massage therapist, in town temporarily. But he might not ever let her leave.I'm off the clock when a gorgeous mountain man shows up at the new spa at the Rosewood Ridge Retreat Center. He's hot and in need of help. How can I turn him down?When the massage turns a little steamy, I know I'm going beyond my professional boundaries. But this guy has me feeling things I’ve never felt...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy romance audiobook -
Charmed by the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe needs someone to help with his infant. She gives him more than he bargained for.I’m not a tough boss. I don’t ask for much.But when my nanny walks out on me, I question everything.Then my neighbor’s girlfriend recommends her best friend. She’s been working catering, but her degree is in early childhood education. This friend has no experience as a nanny, but beggars can’t be choosers...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance contemporary anthologies
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