Books like 'The Big Puck'
Readers who enjoyed The Big Puck by Stephanie Queen also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance sports grumpy-sunshine age-gap cheerful-mc forced-proximity children boss-employee grumpy-mc
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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... -
Everything for You by Chloe Liese
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsGear up for an all-the-feels, steamy slow-burn in this enemies-to-lovers sports romance about fighting for love when life’s taught you it’s a losing game.GavinWe’ve been teammates for two years, but it feels like a lifetime that Oliver Bergman’s been on my last nerve...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor slow-burn sports -
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... -
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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The Bonus by T.L. Swan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom Wall Street Journal, BookTok, and #1 Amazon bestselling author T L Swan comes the sizzling story of Gabriel Ferrara and Grace Porter. Bonus chapters included in this exclusive paperback edition!Grace Porter has the perfect job, great pay, a beautiful office, everything she ever dreamed of, if not for one small detail.She's utterly and hopelessly in love with her boss...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee forced-proximity children humor romance -
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...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor 21st-century adult book -
Mother Faker by Brittanee Nicole
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMoving with my three best friends and our seven kids into a dilapidated brownstone in Boston may have seemed like the most insane thing I’d do this year. Apparently the universe said hold my beer. Because last night I got drunk and married my boss. Don’t worry, it’s all fake. Or at least everything after 'I Do' will be. Beckett Langfield is grumpy, rich and hates kids...Categorized as:
humor sports forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee children -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn boss-employee humor romance -
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...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult book contemporary -
One Bossy Disaster by Nicole Snow
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA wild twist of fate throws together two total opposites in this steamy and hysterical grumpy sunshine romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow.Trust me, I'm not falling for a human porcupine.I don't do older men with baggage a mile long.Billionaires? Nope, I'm Miss Independence, thank you very much...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap forced-proximity slow-burn humor romance -
Awaken My Heart by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAbraham:I already had my happy ending. Childhood sweethearts, my late wife and I made four beautiful kids together who are now grown and married off themselves. I’m content to be their old dad, tending to my ranch and my tomato plants. Until Emily Carson and her tempting curvy body and her smiles that she hands out like candy, crashes into my life making me want things I have no business wanting...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity romance insta-love small-town -
Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsChase Andrews.The Kingsmen’s top tight end.My brother’s friend and teammate.My new neighbor.The grumpy to my sunshine.But underneath that grumpy exterior, there’s so much more.Chase likes to pretend nothing affects him, but I’ve seen glimpses of his other side in the time we’ve spent together.And the more we get to know each other, the more I’m falling for him...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity slow-burn humor romance -
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:
humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity slow-burn children romance -
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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... -
Asher by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom Amazon top ten bestselling author Samantha Whiskey comes the billionaire, opposites attract romance you won't want to miss!I execute many roles: owner of the NHL’s Carolina Reapers, CFO of Silas Tech, and genuine fan of all things professional sports.One thing I’m not?Chaotic.I’ve made my billions off of structure, discipline, and very little risk...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports adult billionaire book -
Never Bargain with the Boss by Lauren Landish
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsGrumpy single dad? Me.Sassy nanny with a past? Her.And a too-smart-for-her-own-good pre-teen? That’d be my beloved daughter.Being a single dad isn’t easy. Neither is running a billion-dollar company. Parenting is definitely harder, but I’ve been doing just fine—at least, that’s what I keep telling myself. And then another nanny quits...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee slow-burn children humor -
Now's the Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get.”That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man... -
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... -
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:
humor sports forced-proximity boss-employee grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
A Lodge Affair by Rachel LaBerge
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIvy Lawson loves a to-do list, hates surprises, and the only outdoor activity she’s interested in is brunch on a patio. After catching her long-term boyfriend—and co-worker—cheating, she’s thrown into leading a high-profile client event at The Emerald Canopy Lodge. AKA: her nightmare destination. Ivy finds herself desperate and anxious to get her job done and leave the lodge as soon as possible...Categorized as:
slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity humor romance contemporary -
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:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn humor romance friends-to-lovers -
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 slow-burn romance contemporary friends-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... -
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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... -
The Kiss Principle by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKeep it simple, stupid.After spending his whole life taking care of his family, Fernando Lopez is ready for simple. His younger brothers have grown up and moved out of the house. His mom is stable—or as close to stable as she’s ever going to get. He’s even got a shot at his dream job if he can just play his cards right.Everything is going great until one morning, Fer finds a baby in his kitchen...Categorized as:
age-gap slow-burn children forced-proximity humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
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Rule Breaker by Stacey Lynn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSpending the night in jail isn’t exactly how I planned to spend Christmas, but I’ve had worse holidays… Now that I’m out, it’s time to accept my real punishment. Coaching ten-year-old terrors on the ice, in my non-existent free time. My Coach thinks it’d be good for me. Remind me where I came from. He should know I’ve tried every day of my life for the last ten years to forget... -
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:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity slow-burn humor romance -
Chef's Kiss by Stephanie Shea
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsValentina Rosas has always known what she wants. Mostly. Sort of. At least, she does now. And what she wants is the coveted staging role at Gia, San Francisco...Categorized as:
age-gap boss-employee slow-burn children grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
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 slow-burn forced-proximity humor romance contemporary -
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 forced-proximity slow-burn humor -
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 age-gap forced-proximity humor romance contemporary -
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... -
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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:
sports age-gap forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc children romance -
Total Creative Control by Joanna Chambers, Sally Malcolm
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsSunshine PA, meet Grumpy Boss ... When fanfic writer Aaron Page landed a temp job with the creator of hit TV show, Leeches, it was only meant to last a week. Three years later, Aaron’s still there ...It could be because he loves the creative challenge. It could be because he’s a huge Leeches fanboy. It’s definitely not because of Lewis Hunter, his extremely demanding, staggeringly rude ..Categorized as:
age-gap boss-employee cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor slow-burn -
The Underdog by Briar Prescott
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAnders:There once was a guy who told a little white lie. That didn’t turn out so well. I would know. I’m the guy.Once upon a time, I told my brother and sister that my dream was to do a triathlon. I never expected them to sign me up for one! Now I’m forced to deal with my very cantankerous personal trainer. Wells Montgomery is an angry, rude, judgmental bastard... -
Brogan by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThey call me Demon for a reason—I’m the most ruthless Reaper on the ice.I’m not the person who finds a baby on their doorstep.Except, after a morning run, I am.And the note accompanying the little bundle says she’s mine.Looks like I'm the newest single dad in the NHL.I was nothing but a burden on my aunt and uncle after my parents died, and I’d decided I’d never have children... -
Just Don't Fall by Emma St. Clair
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBefore Logan Barnes was hockey’s hottest bad boy, he was my brother’s best friend … and my first crush. Oh, yeah--and the guy who ghosted me and broke my teenage heart.Now Logan is back in Harvest Hollow, but not willingly. Recovering from an injury (and some bad press), he’s stuck playing for our minor league team. Which means I’ll be working with him almost daily...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity humor slow-burn romance -
Glove Save by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI’ve been told I’m the grumpiest goalie in the league, and that may be the case, but who cares when I’m also killing it this season? The Carolina Comets are currently on a record-breaking run, and I intend to keep it that way.This means the last thing I need is distractions, but my mother didn’t get that memo... -
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...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap forced-proximity humor romance contemporary -
Yo también no es te quiero by Violeta Reed
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEscribir romance nunca fue tan complicado.William Anderson es el escritor de fantasía más exitoso de la década, con millones de lectores enganchados a su pluma. Es exigente, ambicioso… y tremendamente atractivo. Y también es un bocazas. Raquel García es una joven española que llegó a Nueva York persiguiendo su sueñ trabajar en una de las editoriales más importantes del país...Categorized as:
slow-burn forced-proximity humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance enemies-to-lovers -
Stairway to Heaven by Delinda Dane
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsCraquant en bad boy tatoué.Irrésistible en papa modèle. Il y a quelques années seulement, Tristan était un autre homme. Désabusé, indifférent au succès immense qu'il rencontrait en tant que tatoueur et curieux de toutes les addictions : drogues, alcool... femmes.Mais c'est justement une femme qui a bouleversé sa vie...Categorized as:
forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee romance contemporary new-adult -
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 slow-burn humor romance reverse-harem contemporary -
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Needing the Next-Door Neighbor by Kristin Canary
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy next-door neighbor, Ryan Rosche, is pretty much the perfect guy.He’s a freaking doctor, for one.Humble…Mature (Did I mention he’s eleven years older than me?) …And flat-out gorgeous.If only he wasn’t also … my boss.Look, if I wasn’t the nanny to his nieces, I’d be all. over. that...Categorized as:
forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap humor romance contemporary -
Things I Forgot About by Kelsey Humphreys
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"He is off limits. Complicated. Not right for me at all. He's trouble, wrapped up in an expensive navy suit. But I never could stay out of trouble..."Kat Canton is a woman with a plan. Though a rebel at heart, she’s had to stay focused since becoming a single mom at seventeen...Categorized as:
age-gap boss-employee grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity humor romance -
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 boss-employee grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc contemporary family romance -
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... -
The Veteran by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat's good for the gosling is good for the gander...At least according to the sunshine and snowflakes woman whose amnesia episode has her believing she's been assigned to be my daughter's new nanny.And, of course, I can't really fire the fake hire because the last thing I need as the captain of my pro hockey team is to be trending for more drama.I guess you could say this season won't be easy...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc children slow-burn boss-employee -
Obey by Lasairiona Lewis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJaggerI don't mess with vanilla girls.Especially not ones as innocent as Talia. But when a snowstorm traps us at Club Protocol, I break my own rules.It's supposed to be simple revenge against my college rival. But her eager innocence stirs my dominant nature, and I can't resist inviting her into my world of kink and ecstasy...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity age-gap slow-burn romance steamy
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