Books like 'Chef's Choice'
Readers who enjoyed Chef's Choice by T.J. Alexander also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance lgbtq grumpy-sunshine trans-mc fake-relationship cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor
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The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s rewriting his love story. But can she rewrite her own?Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. She’s spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies—good ones! That win contests! But she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care...Categorized as:
humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary fiction womens-fiction -
Famous in a Small Town by Kylie Scott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat chance does a small-town girl have with a world-famous rock star?Two years after his wife’s death, rock star Garrett Hayes hasn’t moved on. But he has moved out of L.A. Where better to escape his past than a small town in the Northern California mountains? If only he could get the townsfolk of Wildwood to leave him the hell alone... -
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... -
Bad Boy Bachelor Christmas by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Grinch ain’t got nothing on me.The only good and green thing about Christmas is the money it rakes in.I’m not interested in carols, candies, or dealing with extra-Christmassy type people.Until I hire one. A hot college student joins my design team.She makes up for her annoying jovial spirit with her sexy curves.And her willingness to give herself to me.If only that was enough...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor action-adventure adult book contemporary -
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Lucky Baby by Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe deal: for Tish to help me get my best friend engaged—done! The terms: payback in any form Tish wishes. Hopefully to include hours of favors of the physical persuasion, no reciprocation needed.The reality: rebuilding her old farmhouse practically from the ground up for her family’s upcoming visit on short notice... -
Dirty Little Midlife (Fake) Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSingle mom Mia has a problem. Her new landlord Des just raised her rent, and even in her dreams, Mia wouldn’t be able to afford it.Not that she’d want to dream of Des. Ever.To make matters worse, Des is big, grumpy, and apparently his heart is made of granite. He’s not willing to meet Mia in any sort of middle.Suffice it to say, Mia’s forties aren’t off to a good start.Until...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc fake-relationship grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult book contemporary -
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... -
Colin by Cora Rose
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsColinI’ve devoted my life to my son, always putting his needs first, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Becoming a father was the best decision I’ve ever made, but hell, single parenting is difficult. I’m so tired of holding everything together. I need a partner, someone to share my life with. I miss intimacy and passion... -
To Be Your Last by Rae Kennedy
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’ve never done something so reckless. So exciting. Perfect Gracie Gallagher would never run away from home with four men she just met. But when Logan invites me on tour with his band for the summer—I say yes.Logan is charismatic and carefree. With him, I'm fun Gracie. Wild Gracie.But then why can’t I stop thinking about the tattooed singer? Colin doesn’t want me here. He’s quiet and cold...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc fake-relationship grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult book contemporary enemies-to-lovers -
Up the Ladder by Ana D'Arcy
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen Genevieve sets out to conquer her bedroom insecurities, a captivating and tattooed devil challenges her rule of not getting attached.Genevieve has it all-great job, stunning apartment, perfect boyfriend... When the latter dumps her for being terrible in bed, she sets out to prove him wrong...Categorized as:
humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary womens-fiction new-adult -
Heartache & Playdates by Shawna Renae
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Love isn’t like milk. It has no expiration date.” ~ Nonna Russo Maddox CruzSingle dad. Tech billionaire. Genius. That is what people saw when they looked at me. Those adjectives might all be true, but inside I was still a kid who grew up in the system and was raised by the streets. Which was why I had no plans to attend my 20 year high school reunion...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor contemporary billionaire small-town steamy -
All I've Wanted All I've Needed by A.E. Valdez
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHarlow Shaw feels naïve for believing in happily ever afters but she craves a love that lights her up.She thought she had it all with her boyfriend. Until his promising baseball career overshadows their relationship and he asks her a life changing question. It causes her to wonder if what they have is all she ever truly wanted.Harlow is yearning for more than the curated life she is living...Categorized as:
humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary fiction young-adult -
The Life Coach by Sienna Waters
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsIt's time to let a little sunshine into your life...Meet Vivien Curtis, a divorced, depressed, reclusive true crime addict. All she wants is to be left alone, and for the kids to stay off her lawn.Until Alice Knowles appears. A young life coach hired by Viv's best friend Evie to get Viv back on her feet again, Alice wants nothing more than to meet Ms. Right, get married, and start adopting cats...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc lgbtq enemies-to-lovers contemporary wlw fiction -
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... -
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Not As Planned by Harlow James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“So you’re single?” “Are you seriously hitting on me right now while I have breastmilk all over my shirt?”When Grant Thomas, the handsome stranger standing in front of me in line at the coffee shop, stripped his uniform shirt off and handed it to me, I could have sworn I was on an episode of Punked... -
The Fall Out by Jenni Bara
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLet me tell the story of how I fell in love with a woman who had no idea that we were even dating. The ridiculousness started when she stole my beer, and trust me, my grumpy self doesn’t normally share. But somehow, Avery Wilson is the exception to every one of my many rules.Unfortunately, I’m not hers...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance sports friends-to-lovers slow-burn -
A Collision of Stars by Georgia Stone
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne summer. One bucket list.No one would ever call Ava Monroe a people person, which is unfortunate, as a barista in a busy London coffee shop. Bored, cynical and deathly sarcastic, she’s built up walls for a reason. Despite attempts from her best friend to shake up her routine, Ava refuses to do anything to disrupt her carefully curated life...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance contemporary friends-to-lovers slow-burn -
Set My Heart Bonfire by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's a dashing millionaire who thinks everything in life is one big joke, probably because he bathes in piles of money each morning. He’s also my new neighbor, and after a humiliating experience in the cemetery that is my backyard, he becomes my shadow, showing up everywhere just to annoy me.I’m not a fan of happy people...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance contemporary small-town enemies-to-lovers -
Houston, We Have a Problem by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHouston Briggs is at a crossroads, facing the possible end of his career after a devastating injury. With an uncertain future ahead of him and his siblings finding their own happy endings, he’s desperately seeking peace and purpose.Enter Darcy Paxton, his refreshing new neighbor who is nothing like the women of his past relationships... -
Perfect Praise by Grace Pearce
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaren and Locke both exist in the same world of professional golf—he's the number one player in the world while she just takes his picture.Never mind that Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe that he and Maren are dating, because when she confronts him, he couldn't care less... -
Easy Tiger by Ali K. Mulford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s trying to keep his livelihood afloat. She threatens to destroy it. Will two wild hearts finally be tamed?Hawk Lachlan will do anything to save his family’s zoo. With only a year to prove that he and his siblings can handle the responsibility, the gruff eldest brother is determined to fulfill his father’s legacy... -
Before They Were Lovers: A Nothing Special Valentine's Origin Story by A.E. Via, Abbie Nicole
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo warriors. One unbreakable bond. A love story in the making. God is a hardened and confident alpha with emotional walls that keep him isolated. Day is quieter, more watchful, and looking to connect... -
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratings"A uniquely charming mixture of whimsy and the macabre that completely won me over. If you ever wished for an adult romance that felt like Howl's Moving Castle, THIS IS THAT BOOK." —Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the strange and magical wilds of Tanria. It’s an unforgiving job, and Hart’s got nothing but time to ponder his loneliness...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor lgbtq action-adventure book contemporary -
Matchmaking Mischief by A.R. Casella, Denise Grover Swank
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s a hopeless romantic...for everyone but herself. Can the least romantic man alive convince her love isn’t just for other people?WillowThere are certain expectations when you’re born into a multigenerational family of matchmakers, which is why I fled my hometown and tried to build a life of my own... -
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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:
fake-relationship grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary billionaire multi-pov -
Dating For December by Lyndsey Gallagher
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe's an expert at breakups... but this Christmas, can he master a love that lasts?⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Lyndsey Gallagher is THE QUEEN page turners!"My perpetually single status hardly serves as a shining advertisement for HeartSync, the dating agency I own. Nor is it likely to convince my incredibly successful movie star brother, Nate, to invest in my business...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance contemporary forced-proximity secrets -
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:
humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary steamy friends-to-lovers -
Otherwise Engaged by Avery Keelan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA steamy, enemies-to-lovers, fake engagement standalone novel.THAYERI thought inventing a boyfriend would help get me out of trouble, but it landed me in more.My little white lie put me in the crosshairs of Bennett Bradford. Satan in a suit. He might be easy on the eyes, but he's rough on the heart. I learned that one the hard way...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc fake-relationship grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult arranged-marriage billionaire -
Best of Three by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s known for getting in over her head—and having a great time doing it. She’s aware her shenanigans rub her brother’s sexy friend the wrong way, but getting a rise out of the arrogant surgeon is one of her favorite pastimes. Women are carefully compartmentalized in his life—to his bedroom. Women who don’t mind his take-charge tendencies... -
How to Honeymoon Alone by Olivia Hayle
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA paradise island. Two strangers. The attraction they never saw coming…When Eden dumped her cheating ex before the wedding, the last thing she expected was to go on their tropical honeymoon alone. But with no refunds possible, she packs her budget guidebook and broken heart, and sets off...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc fake-relationship humor romance contemporary womens-fiction -
Slow Dancing by Noelle N., hepburnettes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings#1.3│Isla Moore is the fake girlfriend of billionaire Kaden Bretton. But Kaden is suffering from temporary blindness and still thinks he's dating his real girlfriend, Evangeline, who's actually buried six-feet underground... -
Better. Obsesión by Carrie Leighton, Elena Rodríguez
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratings«¿Y si te dijera que prefiero un amor equivocado a un sueño perfecto?»La historia de Thomas y Vanessa ha llegado a su fin. Las mentiras y las traiciones pesan demasiado, y no siempre es posible reparar lo que está roto...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance enemies-to-lovers young-adult contemporary fiction -
Ripped & Shipped by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIf you had asked me if I'd ever be dating Chris St. James, well, let's just say it's more likely Jimmy Choo would name a shoe after me.Which, Jimmy, if you're out there, the "Ella Mae" would definitely be a big seller. Call me, Mkay? But, back to Chris. Sure, he's handsome...Categorized as:
fake-relationship grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance contemporary womens-fiction -
Never Kiss the Bad Boy by Lauren Landish
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA full plate? More like an overflowing platter.The last thing I have time for is the bad boy next door.Even if he’s hot, sweaty, muscled, pierced, and makes sexy promises that keep me on edge.Survival Mode is how I live. My ghost kitchen is the place to be for every work crew in the city, and I bust my butt from sunup to sun down, while rubbing every nickel and dime together to scrape by...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance contemporary enemies-to-lovers steamy -
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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... -
Latte Darling by S.J. Tilly
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI have a nice life - living in my hometown, owning the coffee shop I’ve worked at since I was 16.It’s comfortable.On paper.But I’m tired of doing everything by myself. Tired of being in charge of every decision in my life.I want someone to lean on. Someone to spend time with. Sit with. Hug.And I really don’t want to go to my best friend’s wedding alone...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc fake-relationship grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult age-gap alpha-mc -
Two Truths and a Marriage by Nicole Snow
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe grumpiest billionaire accidentally scores a sunshiny fake fiancee and pure chaos in this hilarious, sweet, and deliriously steamy romance by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow.I can still pinpoint the exact second when my life became two truths and a lie.You don't forget delivering a mountain of fresh-baked sweets to a man like Dexter Rory... -
Got Me Merry by Casey Cox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan my best friend get me to enjoy the holidays? Ho... Ho... Um…No? Christmas just isn't my jam. The crowds. The cold. That Mariah Carey song blasting everywhere I go. Thanks, but no thanks.Don't get me wrong. I'm no Grinch. The holidays are awesome if you have a great family and money to shower them with gifts. Unfortunately for me, I have neither of those things... -
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The Billionaire and His Forever by Sadie S. Black
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWe were always going to be an impossible fantasy.There was never a future for us between the secrets and the scandals, the temptations and the lies, and above all--a child who never deserved this life...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor contemporary billionaire romance suspense -
Nice Guys Still Finish by Harlow James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Come on. What’s the risk of getting to know me if I’m just some dorky guy that’s hopeless when it comes to dating? I mean, it’s not like you’re going to fall for me.”But hey, a guy could hope, couldn’t he?That was my idea when I met Ariel Logan—my sister’s new assistant on her talk show—to get her to agree to be my relationship tutor in hopes that she’d realize I’m the man she needs... -
California Sunshine by Chris Mor
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo thousand six hundred and sixty four miles.The Pacific Crest Trail is a big endeavor. But after the way my year started, it might be just what I need. So I’ll take five months alone on a trail. Five months to clear my head and figure out my life. It’ll be good for me.At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.That is, until I meet Nova on the morning I start my trip...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance reverse-harem contemporary slow-burn -
Like I Pretended by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPretending to be in love never felt so real. Henry Lu hates being a superstar. Action movies have left a sour taste in his mouth and filming a queer period drama on the Yorkshire coast sounds like the perfect antidote. Meeting grumpy coffee shop owner, Alex, is the cherry on top... -
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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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... -
Bad Nanny by Maya Nicole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's a grumpy single dad. I’m his new nanny. And my life is an absolute toaster fire. My day started with my breakfast going up in flames and ended with me using a sock puppet during a job interview with the CEO of a billion-dollar company.He’s in desperate need of a nanny, and I need the job to keep my dad off my back... -
Famous Last Words by Shann McPherson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA laugh out loud haters-to-lovers, fake-dating hockey romance. Not so long ago, Robbie Mason had it all. Three Stanley Cup wins, two Hart trophies, and sponsorship deals worth millions. But then he went and broke his own teammate’s jaw, and the best defenseman in the history of the NHL hit rock bottom, hard...Categorized as:
fake-relationship grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance sports contemporary -
Bad Ideas by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDoctor Theo Koenig is the most annoying man I’ve ever met, and hooking up with him was a terrible idea. So, why can’t I stop myself from coming back for seconds? And thirds?Maybe there’s more to this man than meets the eye... -
Dirty Christmas by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRoast the chestnuts. Spike the eggnog. Break out the ugly Christmas sweaters...Shoot me now. I'll be home for Christmas. Whether I like it or not. Reyfield, Illinois is the last place I want to be for the Holidays. Yet, here I am, headed that way in a car with my brother-in-law's drop-dead gorgeous, certifiably insane secretary...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult anthologies contemporary female-mc -
At Recess by Loni Ree
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLetty My darn lead foot is going to land me in jail. Since moving to the small Texas town, I’ve gotten four speeding tickets and the sheriff is tired of giving me tickets—tired of dealing with me. To keep my license, I have to go in front of a grouchy old judge and convince him I’ve finally learned my lesson. Oof...
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