Books like 'An Optimist's Guide to Heartbreak'
Readers who enjoyed An Optimist's Guide to Heartbreak by Jennifer Hartmann also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers slow-burn workplace angst
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Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsBearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon. Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding... -
The Resurrection of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIt took me a while to learn that sometimes no matter how much, or how hard you love someone, or something, you have to let them go. You can’t save a sinking ship.Sometimes, you have someone else you have to be strong for, who needs you more.You make a choice.A devastating one.And you hope, maybe one day, they’ll come back to you... -
Show Me Forever (The Maxwell Brothers) by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy... -
Caught by Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s set on pleasure, but she’s all business. Sizzling chemistry and a surprising connection set this sexy love story in motion. But is it enough to last forever? Find out and fall in love on the sandy shores of Silver Island, home to coffee shops, boat races, midnight rendezvous, and the sexy, sharp-witted Steeles.Archer Steele is one of the leading vintners on the East Coast...Categorized as:
alpha-mc cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers family friends-to-lovers grief grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine -
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Resolution by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a workplace romance between a grumpy, alpha architect and his new client—who just so happens to have the blueprint to bring him to his knees. Romance is not in Wade Mason’s portfolio. This is tragic...Categorized as:
angst cheerful-mc family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor slow-burn -
Finn Rhodes Forever by Stephanie Archer
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe guy who broke my heart is now an arrogant, too-hot firefighter… who’s hell-bent on getting me back. This summer, I have one goal: field work. I need it to finish my PhD. I never expected Finn Rhodes to offer help. He broke my heart twelve years ago, and now that he’s back in town, I want nothing to do with him. Finn wants one thing—me. We were inseparable as kids until everything changed...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult book -
Unraveling Him by Claire Kingsley
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA Small Town Family Romance. She’s the sunshine to his storm cloud Stoic, growly Evan Bailey has enough on his plate. A growing business, a pack of brothers who drive him crazy, a gossip-loving small town, and a rivalry that runs deeper than any family feud. Love? That’s a hard pass. He already learned the hard way that he’s better off alone. Fiona Gallagher has a problem... -
Landon: Small Town Roommate Romance by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRELEASING APRIL 22nd!!! LANDON My former student. My new roommate. My greatest weakness….Autumn:It’s not that I’m hiding out in this hard luck little town. But I’m twenty-six years old, I’ve had one boyfriend and he ditched me for my sister. So I might be a little cynical. Then again, perhaps a high school math teacher shouldn’t expect romance...Categorized as:
alpha-mc cheerful-mc family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine workplace -
She's Like The Wind by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’d be a fool to fall for his long-legged, barefoot employee. But bad decisions have never stopped him before… Successful businessman and single father, Nate Crawford, doesn’t need any more complications. That’s why he’s moved his business – and his life – to a small beach town. He’s expecting sun, sea and tranquility, but what he gets is a whirlwind in the form of town sweetheart, Ally Sutton...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc workplace friends-to-lovers forced-proximity family romance -
Cash by Jessica Peterson
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsButting heads leads to knocking boots in this wildly sexy enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, small town cowboy romance by Jessica Peterson.My dad and I have been estranged for years. But as his only living relative, it’s no surprise I inherit his massive cattle ranch when he dies...Categorized as:
family enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn workplace -
Head Over Heels by Karla Sorensen
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThere’s only one course of action when your dad wants you to marry a clammy-handed wimp to make one of his board members happy—you get yourself stuck in an elevator with a hot stranger and have the steamiest make-out session of your life...Categorized as:
family forced-proximity slow-burn workplace grief angst enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine -
Final Offer by Lauren Asher
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsCallahan I'm the Kane brother everyone gossips about behind closed doors.Trust fund brat. Washed-up athlete. High-functioning alcoholic.No one knows the real me but her.Lana Castillo—my childhood best friend and the only woman I ever loved.When I broke her heart six years ago, I promised to never return to Lake Wisteria.I kept my word until my grandfather's will changed everything... -
Maybe We Should by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAn emotional and sexy novel about guarded hearts, finding love, and families lost and found by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe We Will.After spending years wondering who she was, tattoo artist Cait Weatherby finally found her answers on the sandy shores of Silver Island...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor slow-burn abuse -
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult -
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Neat by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMy life is over. I swore I would never work at the whiskey distillery with my last name on it, that I would never be a part of my father’s legacy. But when I graduated with my art degree and realized there were no jobs, the devil appeared, and I sold my soul, agreeing to work in the family business if he’d give me the art studio I’d always dreamed of. It can’t be that bad, I thought...Categorized as:
angst cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor -
Southern Hotshot: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Jessica Peterson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLusting after the woman trying to steal my job is stupid. Sexting with her? That’s a game-changing fumble.Emma Crawford became enemy number one the second she stepped foot on Blue Mountain Farm. She might think I’m just a dumb jock, but I know she’s a stuck-up wine snob who believes she’d be a better exec than me.She can take my position over my dead body... -
Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
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...Categorized as:
workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc family boss-employee forced-proximity romance -
Promise Me This by Karla Sorensen
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsImagine this: an author with a raging case of writer’s block finds an unexpected source of inspiration in her grumpy, gorgeous new roommate. Sounds amazing, right? Except that new roommate is my childhood best friend. And Ian Wilder has been off-limits since I was five...Categorized as:
family friends-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc grief -
Love Notes & Lifelines by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe job was simple. Always answer the phone—no exceptions—then solve the caller’s catastrophe as efficiently as possible.The rules were simpler. They contact you, not the other way around. Never give them your real name, number, or any personal information not required to help a newly single dad keep his head above water.And never, ever get involved with a caller... -
Strike Zone by Ginger Walls
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWYATT:All my friends are under the impression I’m only at Newhouse to chase women and play baseball. Those are two of my favorite pastimes.The truth is, Newhouse is my chance to save my family’s farm. If I don’t get drafted, we’ll lose everything we’ve been working hard to keep.Then I hear her sing and she’s all I can think about. It’s messing up my game and putting my future in jeopardy... -
Don't Go Away Mad by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJasperThe kitchen: it’s my domain, where I create the best burgers in the Midwest. I’m the man behind the grill at Burgers and Brew, the restaurant and bar I co-own with my best friends. Every night, we’re packed, the demand has never been this high. It’s the only way I want it, thriving and pushing myself to be the very best.Then she started her new business across the street from mine... -
Defender by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTravis WyattAll I’ve ever wanted was to go to college and get out of Kensley. That small town is all I’ve ever known. I want to be free to be myself, not stifled by small minds in the football-loving town where I grew up.And then I blew my one and only chance.So now, I’m just stuck. Stuck in small-town life, with the same small-town people I’ve always known. Stuck where I don’t want to be... -
Kissing the Rival by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCharlotteI’m not just kissing the rival… I’m falling for him.Spencer Pennington has always been a shameless flirt, but when it came to being the best in our MBA program, all bets were off, and the competition was on.Fast-forward a few years, and all it takes is a bar at a failed wedding and my silly kiss-rating system to lock lips with the enemy... -
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The One I Hate by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI hate Simon Banks.I also hate tequila. The first makes my blood boil with his devilish smirk and giant…ego. The second makes me do questionable things. Specifically, with Simon. Fine. Whatever. It’s a blip on my radar. Even though I can’t stop thinking about memories of our night…or his hands…and that mouth... -
Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNeighbors to lovers can be a risky proposition in this funny, sexy, and swoony romantic comedy between a single mother and the grumpy man next door by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towel—right in front of her sexy new neighbor...Categorized as:
family humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn -
Enticing Her Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPro: Stuck sharing a bed with my hot, broody boss Con: He’s trying to get me fired Discovery Hour reporter Sutton Steele spends her days trying to keep her job, while her insanely hot, infuriating boss, Flynn Braden, would love nothing more than to see her gone... -
Once Upon A Bet: A Grumpy Single Dad Romance by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAll I ever wanted was the perfect happily ever after.All he ever wanted was to ruin my freaking life.Okay, that’s a smidge dramatic, but hear me out.My new neighbor might as well plant an “unavailable” sign in his front yard.He’s got biceps made for pulling swooning maidens out of danger, eyes built for melting glaciers (and panties), and a smile that makes my knees want to buckle...Categorized as:
angst cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor -
More Than I Could by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis grumpy single dad falls hard for the nanny. Chase Marshall is many things:· An attentive single dad· Jaw-droppingly gorgeous· My employer for the next thirty daysHe’s also the bane of my existence.He swears I’m a never-ending headache—the most infuriating woman he’s ever met...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor slow-burn -
One Little Mistake by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsEaston Westbrook entered my life like an arrogant, grumpy, wrecking ball, and refused to leave.Our banter is addicting, and nothing I do or say will make him change his mind. But when his mind becomes focused solely on me, I run.I can’t afford to give my heart away again. Not when I’m barely surviving with the broken one I have.I have walls up for a reason...Categorized as:
family enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc angst workplace contemporary -
Pick Me by May Archer
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe job at Sunday Orchard was supposed to be temporary.A chance to gain some work experience. To have some fun. To get away from my overprotective brothers. To maybe, possibly encounter some lumberjacks in their natural habitat before moving on to the dream career that awaited me in the city.I had not expected to be welcomed into a family of gorgeous and weirdly efficient lumberjack-types myself... -
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:
forced-proximity workplace friends-to-lovers slow-burn family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsCalla Fletcher wasn't even two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows...Categorized as:
alpha-mc angst cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grief -
The Way I Hate Him by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhy am I holding a box of stolen memorabilia formerly owned by my ex-boyfriend's boss in my arms? It's called . . . revenge. After failing my last semester for my masters degree, I decided to come back to my hometown of Almond Bay and wallow in self pity while my boyfriend told me everything was going to be okay. To my dismay, instead of open arms, he greeted me with a box to move my things...Categorized as:
humor enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn -
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Taste by Melanie Harlow
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThe last person on earth I want to be stranded with is Gianni Lupo.But thanks to the blizzard of the century, I’m trapped in a roadside motel room with that cocky bastard for two straight days.With one small bed.Some women might thank Mother Nature for delivering a polar vortex that maroons them with six feet of solid muscle, those deep blue eyes, that sexy grin--but not me...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers humor slow-burn workplace adult -
See Me After Class by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratings"Did you have relations with my brother . . ." Good question. I’d like to preface this by saying it was never my intention to ever get involved in a workplace romance, let alone get involved with the most surly, agitating, and pompous man I’ve ever met who just so happens to be my new friend’s brother...Categorized as:
alpha-mc angst cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor -
Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
Brewing Sunshine: a Steamy Small Town Romance by Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe calls me Viking, and she’s not wrong. I’m rough around the edges and work as hard as I play. What she’s going to find out is that I love even harder.I knew from the moment I met her she was made for me.The problem?My Kira is stubborn and she takes her job very seriously. We both want to prove ourselves and make the new Brothers Three Taproom a success... -
Upping the Ante by Emma St. Clair
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's been the grumpiest boss a woman could ask for--or he WAS until I quit. But former football star Deacon Clark doesn't seem to be getting the memo. Instead, he tags along with me to Sheet Cake, Texas, where I'm hoping to start a new business.Deacon's only hope is to hire me back as his assistant. At least, that's what I thought. Until ... the very clear lines we've always kept start to blur... -
Boone by Laramie Briscoe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’m old enough to be her father, and a life-long confirmed bachelor, but after one night together, all that is about to change. Boone Wilson Instead of building my forever with a conventional family, I’ve dedicated my life to being the best father I can to the son I had way too early in life. Now that he’s grown, I’m giving all I can to my job... -
Falling First Hell by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’m unemployed and down to my last dollar—thank you, stranger, who bought my coffee when my card was declined this morning. If that wasn’t bad enough, I just T-boned the truck belonging to the guy I was meeting on a first date.Ethan Hellman, small-town sweetheart with a secret, and an instant—unbelievable—love for me despite the condition of his truck.It’s not that I don’t believe in love per se...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc secrets humor family romance -
Resting Beach Face by D.J. Jamison
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's the only man who doesn't want me...and the only one I really need.Cash and Declan's story is coming soon in Resting Beach Face! This will be Book 4 of Swallow Cove, which follows a tight-knit group of friends in a quirky lake town...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn workplace boss-employee humor -
The Brazen One by Daisy Jane
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult age-gap -
Bro Code Hell by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLiving with my older brother’s best friend wasn’t even my worst idea lately.Keeping it a secret from my brother was on the list too. Oh, and actually falling (literally) for Blaze Hellman—when every frown clearly said to stay away—was most definitely at the top of the list.I was kind of a genius normally...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers alpha-mc humor enemies-to-lovers slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
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If You Give a Single Dad a Nanny by Ann Einerson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI, Marlow Taylor, need to stop fantasizing about the hot, single dad next door.Should I have agreed to nanny his cute six year old who loves my dog Waffles? Absolutely not.But her dad seems to think he can do everything himself. ( no one can)3 reasons why I absolutely cannot fall for Dylan 1. He’s grumpy and doesn’t seem to like me very much2...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity slow-burn workplace humor romance -
Crank by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsCrank is a standalone romance in a new small town, blue-collar series from USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke. Join readers everywhere as they fall in love with the delicious Gibson Boys. This is one mistake Sienna Landry can’t buy her way out of...Categorized as:
alpha-mc angst cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc -
Drive Me Wild by Melanie Harlow
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsWhen Blair Beaufort literally crashes into Bellamy Creek wearing a ball gown and a tiara, I should have towed her car, said goodnight, and sent her packing. I’m a mechanic, not a hotel manager. I've got enough on my plate trying to keep my shop from going under, my overbearing mother off my back, and my baseball team in contention for the league championship...Categorized as:
alpha-mc angst boss-employee cheerful-mc family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc -
Knockout by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt wasn’t fair that the man I hated with a passion was so freaking gorgeous.Things in Layla Fox’s life were going great. She had a fantastic job, amazing friends, and a killer apartment. There was just one tiny glitch in all that perfect. Her upstairs neighbor was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome . . . and she hated the man with every cell in her body...Categorized as:
alpha-mc cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor slow-burn adult -
Temptress by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWho knew the grumpy single dad next door would turn out to be The One?As Sloane Chambers stood at her window and creeped on the new guy moving in next door, she was immediately drawn to the tattoos, muscles, and the way his jeans hugged his perfect . . . frame. But when she caught him hacking up her rose bushes with a chain saw, the battle was on...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity alpha-mc family humor -
True Blue by Amy Knupp
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe was jilted on her wedding day. He’s the best friend waiting in the wings. Lexie Gallagher is starting to think she’s better off alone. Her family fell apart years ago. Her relationships all end in disaster. Is she the common denominator who causes everyone to leave? Everyone but her best friend, Gabe, who whisks her away from the scene of the latest breakup...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity humor family romance
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