Books like 'Rivaled'
Readers who enjoyed Rivaled by Nicole Dykes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town sports lgbtq mlm friends-to-lovers age-gap grumpy-sunshine enemies-to-lovers
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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 multi-pov adult book -
![She's Like The Wind by Carrie Elks]()
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:
sports age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc workplace friends-to-lovers forced-proximity -
![Starting Over Scottish: A Grumpy Sunshine Holiday Romance by Tricia O'Malley]()
Starting Over Scottish: A Grumpy Sunshine Holiday Romance by Tricia O'Malley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratings... -
![Southern Hotshot: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Jessica Peterson]()
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...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports steamy workplace -
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![Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas]()
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]()
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:
age-gap workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov steamy -
![If You Need Me by Helena Hunting]()
If You Need Me by Helena Hunting
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA standalone enemies to lovers, fake engagement, hockey romance. I’ve been secretly in love with Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst since the third grade.I should be the one taking her to our small-town high school reunion. The prom king finally gets his chance with the valedictorian.Except she hates me.To the world, I’m a pro hockey player with a million dollar smile...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers workplace multi-pov forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
![The Roommate Mistake by Pippa Grant]()
The Roommate Mistake by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn injured rugby star, his pregnant roommate, and one rule they can’t Don’t date the owner’s daughter. It was supposed to be an easy house- and dog-sitting gig while the owner was gone for a month. But when my sportsing landlord comes home unexpectedly, injured and in need of a new arrangement, we end up as accidental roommates instead...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers workplace forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc athlete -
![Don't Go Away Mad by Lacey Black]()
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... -
![On the Shore by Laura Pavlov]()
On the Shore by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHe's the GOAT of the NFL. She's a hot-headed reporter who despises him. They're in the same small town for the summer. What could possibly go wrong?I'm more than aware of the responsibilities that come with being a quarterback in the NFL.The upside—I get to do what I love every day, which is play football.And I make more money than I know what to do with... -
![Anti-Valentine by T. Ashleigh, Ashlyn Drewek]()
Anti-Valentine by T. Ashleigh, Ashlyn Drewek
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis Valentine’s Day…the bad boys come out to play…Get ready for an anti-Valentine to remember in this limited release M/M romance anthology. Sixteen authors have come together to bring you a collection of brand-new short stories with a combination of dark, enemies to lovers, and bully themes...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq sports enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers steamy age-gap -
![Defender by Nicole Dykes]()
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...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy forced-proximity -
![Tentacles & Triathlons by Ashley Bennett]()
Tentacles & Triathlons by Ashley Bennett
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsLeviathan Fitness is the favorite place of monsters, muscles, and a tentacled creature who can seduce even the hardest to win over human.When parks department supervisor Reece Rollins decides to sign up for a triathlon– there are two things holding him back. One, his fear of monsters. Two, his sub-par swimming skills...Categorized as:
age-gap angst athlete cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc -
![Right as Raine by Lucy Lennox]()
Right as Raine by Lucy Lennox
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsTiller:As the first openly gay professional football player, I can’t afford to make any mistakes, on or off the field. And the absolute biggest mistake I could make right now would be to fall for Mikey Vining, my best friend, employee and, more importantly, Coach’s baby boy. I might fantasize about Mikey at night-—every night—but actually touching him would be a serious personal foul... -
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![Once Upon A Bet: A Grumpy Single Dad Romance by Penelope Bloom]()
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:
age-gap angst cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov -
![Easton by Riley Hart]()
Easton by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEastonI’m the youngest Swift brother. The one who’s always in trouble and can’t get his life together. I wouldn’t know where to start, and ever since my twin died, I can’t bring myself to care. After my last “situation,” Dad washed his hands of me. And though my brothers should’ve done the same, they stood up for me, fracturing their relationship with him too... -
![Rough Country by Kelly Fox]()
Rough Country by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsGood fences do NOT make good neighbors, especially when that neighbor is a city boy with more dollars than sense.Emery McAvoy is a walking disaster who should never be allowed to step foot on another ladder. Heck, I’d bet my favorite Golden Girls T-shirt that he rearranged his entire life because his ten-year-old daughter likes ponies...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity age-gap -
![Handy by K.M. Neuhold]()
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... -
![Puck Drills & Quick Thrills by Eden Finley, Saxon James]()
Puck Drills & Quick Thrills by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsWESTLYThe fall from NHL superstar to domestic disaster was swift and painful. When I became the legal guardian of my five younger siblings, I had no idea what I was doing.One year later, I’m still lost.Coaching CU’s hockey team might be the only thing I’m excelling at. But when our star forward is failing math, I have to do what it takes to keep him on the team...Categorized as:
age-gap athlete cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq -
![Lot 62 by Nordika Night]()
Lot 62 by Nordika Night
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsEvery fairytale had a villain, and this way of life was ours. Coming from nothing and gaining something is a lot to handle. Can they hang on to it? A year after moving in together on Lot 62, Devon and Maddox have a whole new dynamic to adjust to—cohabitation. Merging their personalities and energies into one tiny trailer is a lot to handle, but so is their relationship... -
![Stirred by Charity Ferrell]()
Stirred by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI don't want him. I can't do this. That's what my ex said after our son was born, leaving me a single dad. These days, my world consists of two things: Noah and my bar. Until her—the woman I want—but can never have. My ex’s sister wasn’t supposed to be stirred into the mix. Even though I try to push her away, my son falls in love with her...Categorized as:
age-gap angst cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov -
![Stay by Willow Aster]()
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... -
![Heartbreak & Cupcakes by Shawna Renae]()
Heartbreak & Cupcakes by Shawna Renae
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlex VaughnThe last thing I wanted was to be named San Francisco’s Most Eligible Bachelor. The title alone was misleading. I wasn’t a bachelor. I was a widower and single father. One who wasn’t available or interested.Well... there was one person who might have piqued my interest. Cupcake Girl. But interest and intent are two very different things...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy adult book contemporary -
![Upping the Ante by Emma St. Clair]()
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...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance -
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![Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair]()
Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI thought I was helping him get his groove back. Turns out he’s helping me fall in love.TylerI have one rule when it comes to matters of my one and done. Consensually, of course. Fun with no complicated romantic feelings. Not that I’m built to experience those, anyway.After my car breaks down on a remote road, I follow a lumbersnack back to his creepy cabin for the cell service... -
![The Brazen One by Daisy Jane]()
The Brazen One by Daisy Jane
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy adult -
![Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis fall, I have one simple rule: don't fall in love with my fake boyfriend.I’m awful at following the rules.One minute I was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life—and then suddenly, my life was on TV... -
![Matchmaking a Roommate by Angela Casella, Denise Grover Swank]()
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 forced-proximity steamy multi-pov -
![Drama! by A.J. Truman]()
Drama! by A.J. Truman
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy arch nemesis is now my fake boyfriend. Can you say drama? Uptight drama teacher Everett and cocky jock Raleigh must pretend to be boyfriends at an upcoming wedding in order for Everett to save face in front of his mega-famous ex... -
![One Last Play by Annah Conwell]()
One Last Play by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe could be the one. I’ve spent twelve years caring for my niece Maddie who I adopted after my sister died. Having a daughter has made me picky when it comes to the women I spend time with. Not to mention dealing with the pressure of being a college football coach. But when I spot MJ at a mutual friend’s wedding, something draws me toward her...Categorized as:
sports age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov -
![Thin Ice by Lane Hayes]()
Thin Ice by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe hunky hockey dad, the bad boy coach, and a new start... Bryson Elmwood isn’t good for my love life. Sorry. I’m a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small town life, but I haven’t had a date, let alone a boyfriend in years. That’s fine. My son is and always has been my number one focus. Except now he’s grown and is rarely home. And it’s lonely... -
![Grumpy Bear by Slade James]()
Grumpy Bear by Slade James
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHooking up with an employee is not on my to-do list.Making sure other men have a good time is my business, even if it means suppressing my own desires. It’s opening weekend at my clothing-optional campground, guests are starting to arrive, and I’ve got a pool party and a few hundred peoples’ vacations to save while battling Mother Nature’s tantrums... -
![Shaken by Charity Ferrell]()
Shaken by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA see yourself out note isn’t how you want to celebrate the morning after your first one- night stand.The first time I meet Archer Callahan is when I block him in a parking spot.The second is a fender bender.The third is at a bar, drinking away our problems, and finding our way to his bed.I never expected to see him again... -
![Let Your Hearts Be Light by Fae Quin]()
Let Your Hearts Be Light by Fae Quin
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA stranger is just someone you haven’t been forced to spend Christmas with yet.Baxter: As a 42-year-old single father the last thing I expected before Christmas was for my daughter to sign me up for a community matchmaking event...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity steamy -
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![A Lifetime Kissing You by Riley Hart]()
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... -
![The Summer I Destroyed You by Elizabeth O'Roark]()
The Summer I Destroyed You by Elizabeth O'Roark
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“Destroying other people isn’t going to make you feel any better.”“That suggests you’ve never destroyed an enemy before. It’s actually quite fulfilling.”EMMYElliott Springs has small-town values, cobblestone streets, perfect scenery. These are things I don’t care about. What I do care Revenge... -
![Heat Stroke by Tessa Bailey]()
Heat Stroke by Tessa Bailey
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThey can't be together. They won't stay apart. Marcus “Diesel” O’Shaughnessy is a brash, oversized CrossFit enthusiast with a naked lady tattooed on his rippling forearm. Jamie Prince is a private school teacher with an extremely low tolerance for bull. The two men have zero in common. Well, except for three things. They’re both moonlighting as lifeguards for the summer... -
![Downpour by Maggie C. Gates]()
Downpour by Maggie C. Gates
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsRay:Rule #1 of almost dying: Make sure someone knows your passwords. It’s hard to cancel your phone plan if you’re dead.Rule #2 of almost dying: Make sure your house is clean before you walk up the steps to the pearly gates. It makes selling off your life easier.Back-up plans are for people who plan on losing...Categorized as:
sports age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity workplace enemies-to-lovers -
![Mountain Boss by S.J. Tilly]()
Mountain Boss by S.J. Tilly
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen the flannel-wearing mountain man is your boss... your enemy... and more than a little obsessed with you... -
![Shortbread & the Scotsman by Lana Dash]()
Shortbread & the Scotsman by Lana Dash
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAINSLIEThere is nothing like Christmas in the Highlands of Scotland. Our village is known for many festivals, but nothing compares to the Christmas Matchmaking Festival. People visit from all over the Highlands, but there is only one Scotsman that I wish to be matched with this Christmas. But after a kiss and a misunderstanding over the summer, he's given me the cold shoulder... -
![Forever For You by D.E. Haggerty]()
Forever For You by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI am NOT Rowan’s little sister. And I will do everything in my power to prove otherwise. But I swear breaking my ankle, so I could live with him while I recover was not part of the plan. Honestly. I have loved Rowan since I was sixteen and he rushed in like my knight in shining football pads to save me from a bully... -
![System Overload by Saxon James]()
System Overload by Saxon James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKellerBanging my son’s bestie was a total accident that will never, ever happen again. I’m sure of it.While he might be gorgeous and caught me in a weak moment, when it comes right down to it, my son has been my entire life for the last twenty-six years. I don’t know how to be anything other than his dad.But with Molly heading off to Seattle, he leaves me with a parting gift: Will.His best friend... -
![Tight Spot by Stacey Lynn]()
Tight Spot by Stacey Lynn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen a fake relationship feels a little too real…. I’m in a Tight Spot. I’m not a nice guy. I’m too rude. Too gruff. I want to be left alone and stay in my lane as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Too bad management has a sudden problem with my image and all the fines I’ve been racking up. Now I’m told I need to settle down, shape up…or they’re shipping me out...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy multi-pov friends-to-lovers age-gap -
![Ryder by Charlotte Mallory]()
Ryder by Charlotte Mallory
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I'd say I could show you what being choked out feels like, but not sure we'd be talking about the same thing," he effortlessly adds... -
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![Love...It's Wild by Jeannine Colette]()
Love...It's Wild by Jeannine Colette
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFalling in love has never been this wild… I’m a woman who knows my own worth. And more than anything, I deserve love. Wild, passionate, all-consuming love. What I did not deserve was being forced to hang around my small town to watch the jerk who left me at the alter fawn over his new wife. Instead, I ran. Right into him. Robert Bronson is my friend’s grumpy brother-in-law...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers steamy angst workplace -
![Beautiful Devil by Rachel Leigh]()
Beautiful Devil by Rachel Leigh
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Deliciously Sexy Ex-Boyfriend’s Rival, New Adult, Hockey Romance by USA Today and International Bestselling Author Rachel Leigh.Two sports collide when a feisty sideline cheerleader meets her match in an arrogant hockey player who is more than just his bad boy reputation.I fell for the wrong Devil…Hayes Madden was never on my dance card...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov athlete steamy -
![One Look by Lena Hendrix]()
One Look by Lena Hendrix
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’m a full time single dad. A former NFL player turned coach, tasked with turning around a college team full of kids who either don’t take it seriously or are determined to get injured. I will absolutely not be falling for my new neighbor, despite the number of times my meddling brothers try to set us up.Lark Butler is pure chaos wrapped in gorgeous, infuriating sunshine...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports steamy workplace -
![Redeem by Christina Lee]()
Redeem by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSuccessful financial analyst Michael Walsh leads a picture-perfect life that anyone would envy—unless they caught a glimpse beneath the surface. Haunted by failed relationships and self-doubt, Michael harbors a soul-deep loneliness that no number of casual hookups can fulfill... -
![Banger by Kiki Clark]()
Banger by Kiki Clark
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIf there was one thing Kevin knew, it was that his BFF’s ex was bad news.Hank is arrogant, a sloppy drunk, and a complete flirt. And he didn't treat Kevin’s friend the way he deserved.Enough said.It doesn’t matter that everyone else has forgiven and forgotten what happened between Hank and Kevin’s bestie. He won’t let himself fall for the older man’s sweet words or endearments... -
![Sweet as Pie by Beth Bolden]()
Sweet as Pie by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLuca Moretti is grumpy—and he wouldn't have it any other way.Wrangling six—Italian—siblings and the family's restaurants would make anyone cranky. But when his mother requests that he save his aunt’s struggling Italian deli in charming, picturesque Indigo Bay, he has no idea that he's about to get an overdose of sweetness...
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