Books like 'Chef's Kiss'
Readers who enjoyed Chef's Kiss by Cassie Mint also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town age-gap insta-love friends-to-lovers steamy slow-burn grumpy-mc amnesia
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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... -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc female-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov slow-burn steamy -
Crave by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTate Gallo had a type – emotionally unavailable bikers who were more feral than serious relationship material.The day she turned thirty, she decided to make a change: No more biker boys. She deserved more. She wanted to be someone’s world.But then he stumbled in bloodied, bruised, and in need of help.One look into his dark eyes, and Tate realized her life would never be the same again...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers female-mc insta-love romance -
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Starting Over Scottish: A Grumpy Sunshine Holiday Romance by Tricia O'Malley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratings... -
Drink It Up: The Donovans by Cee Bowerman
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsQuinn Donovan is a single dad with too much on his plate. He is surrounded by his wild and crazy family at home and at work while raising two little girls who are the light of his life. When a complete stranger swoops in to help him when he needs it most only to then disappear without a word, it seems he’s lost his chance to get to know her... -
Wild Side by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJamesonLast man standing. I’ve watched all three of my friends fall in love with no desire to ever follow in their footsteps. Collectively, we own the hottest restaurant, bar, and brewery in town. They are a few of the places I find peace, a refuge against this cruel world. When I’m on the stage playing music, everything just seems to fade away.Until I saw her...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy adult book contemporary -
Maybe We Won't by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA sexy and soul-stirring novel about love, family, and rediscovering what matters most by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe We Will.When workaholic Boston attorney Deirdra de Messiéres is passed over for a well-deserved promotion, she takes a two-month hiatus to show her boss just how much he needs her and heads home to Silver Island... -
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... -
Make Me Your Villain by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBook 2 of the Battle Crows MC with Shine and Iris.Flaws—he has them.Laws? He breaks them.Dues? He’s paid them.Scars? He bares them proudly.Lessons? He’s learned them.Problems? He has one.Her name is Iris, and she’s the one thing in his life that he can’t control...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine insta-love multi-pov steamy -
Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws, Erin Mallon
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA brand new spicy small town romance by Amazon #1 Bestselling author, Amy Daws. This book is the start of a mountain man spinoff series based on the three Fletcher brothers featured in her previous release, Last on the List.Coming April 11Help Wanted: Grumpy Mountain Man seeks baby momma. Job is an incubator position only...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap friends-to-lovers slow-burn steamy 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 insta-love grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance small-town contemporary -
The Gruff Loner's Bargain by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBrook:I might be down on my luck, but I’m determined to open the best all-inclusive wedding venue in the U.S. But first, I have to scope out the competition. The only problem is I need a fake fiance to pull it off. Even worse, the only man available to do the job is the annoying handsome Landry Hendricks. Because of course I need the help of the one man in town who hates me...Categorized as:
insta-love steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary enemies-to-lovers -
Forsaken Oath by Penelope Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeau Carter: kingpin, blue-eyed playboy from across town, and the only man I’ve ever shared my secrets with.And now, my fiercest competition.I never planned on racing in the Gauntlet, but with my sisters depending on me, winning this tournament is the only way to keep our heads above water. I work for a crew that trades in secrets, and Beau runs the underground races that keep this town alive...Categorized as:
slow-burn friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy multi-pov romance -
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No Vacancy by Stephanie Rose
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCan a summer fling become the love of a lifetime? Perpetual good girl Caterina Longo is dependable to a fault. At 33, she’s never called in sick. Never had a one-night stand. Never taken a chance in her entire life... -
Jaxon by Kate Oliver
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLeahWho knew buying a run-down house would be so much work? It was hers, though, and while it might not be much, to Leah Day, it was perfect because it meant she was free from her cheating ex-husband. What she wasn’t prepared for was the roof to leak into her bedroom… She also wasn’t expecting her hot neighbor to come marching over to scold her for climbing onto the roof...Categorized as:
steamy age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary small-town -
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...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc insta-love romance mlm -
Handy by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMy new neighbor may be grumpy but he's also hot, and very good with his hands…I definitely overestimated my own handyman skills when I bought this fixer-upper. I have to say, the view from my new place is worth it though. Especially around seven o'clock every morning when my big, furry bear of a neighbor drinks his coffee shirtless on his back porch.He's dedicated to the bear thing too...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc insta-love steamy romance -
Always Yours by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA billionaire in love with his best friend.A woman pregnant with another man’s baby.Together, in a friends to lovers romance.I’ve been in love with my best friend for what seems like forever. But she wanted the one thing I couldn’t give her.Now, she’s pregnant with another man’s baby. The “donor” wants nothing to do with her... or the child, so I do the one thing I’ve always wanted to do...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers age-gap steamy female-mc romance contemporary small-town billionaire -
The Wife Situation by Lyra Parish
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe grumpy billionaire accuses me of stealing, has me fired, and now wants me as his temporary wife…I think he’s lost his mind.Easton Calloway needs a wifey pronto, and he chooses me to temporarily fill the position. While I want to tell him to eff off, I can’t walk away from the temptation. So I do what any broke actress living in New York City would do, and agree to the terms and conditions...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov friends-to-lovers steamy insta-love -
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 cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov slow-burn steamy -
Stay by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA scorching hot small town, age gap, single father/nanny romance by USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster...Categorized as:
age-gap friends-to-lovers slow-burn multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Say You Do by Weston Parker
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMy brother is an idiot; he's getting married. And I’m in charge of getting things together since our folks are gone. Lucky me. The guy who thinks love is for the birds and worn-out 80s songs. I honestly don’t have time for this drama. I run a billion-dollar company, have women to entertain, and am working on my plans to rule the world. No, seriously...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc female-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov steamy action-adventure -
Pining by Stephanie Rose
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA slow-burn, friends-to-lovers standalone holiday romanceThe bad guy never gets the girl. In the eyes of the law, I’ve paid for my youthful mistakes but I know I can never undo the damage I’ve caused. When I stepped out of my cell, I vowed to live a good life, make the right choices, and avoid temptation at all costs. Until her. She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving... -
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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... -
Come To Me by J.H. Croix
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA broody ex-military pilot and a sassy yoga teacher collide in a small town.Diego is distracting. He shows up in my yoga class with his smokin’ hot bod and enough brawn to set the world on fire. Cue the melting.He oozes the rugged hero vibe, rides a motorcycle and flies planes in the wilds of Alaska. He’s all man and then some...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine slow-burn steamy action-adventure adult -
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427 First Ave. by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe knows what she wants… and it’s him.Ginger is wild, loves to line dance and is a huge flirt. She goes to the tattoo shop looking for her next big adventure. As soon as she sets her eyes on Ozzie, she knows he’s the one.He asks her what she wants, thinking she’s going to pick a butterfly or a rose.But he’s shocked when she says it’s him she wants... -
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:
steamy friends-to-lovers slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc female-mc contemporary -
Every Time I Fall by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan brings you Every Time I Fall, a sexy standalone romance about a woman learning to love herself and the guy who’s loved her all along.He’s my brother’s best friend.The hot guy with the heart of gold I’ve never let myself want.Guys like Dean don’t go for girls like me.Curvy. Thick. A big girl... -
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:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn romance -
Everything But You by Harlow James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Speak now or forever hold your peace.”I hate that part in a wedding, where everyone waits on pins and needles to see if someone has a reason why the couple shouldn’t get married.So, when I ran into my high school sweetheart and found out that she was engaged, I said my peace before she ever walked down the aisle...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers slow-burn multi-pov insta-love romance -
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...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov slow-burn steamy -
Rigid by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWomen don’t stay... no matter how much you love them.And I can’t chance it with her... because when she leaves me... I wouldn’t survive it.I’m not a nice guy. I don’t even try to be.I take what I want and then I move on.I never thought about having a wife and kids...Until I met Emily.She makes me want things I know I shouldn’t.So I’m mean to her. I’m not proud of it, but it is what it is... -
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Craving by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTHE WEDPOCALYPSE CONTINUES... Marlon St. James wants only one to be left alone. He has a house, a successful private security business, and endless peace and quiet. Things are exactly as they should be. Until Camilla. His brother thrusts soft, sweet, curvy Camilla Fox in front of Marlon and announces that she’ll be moving into Marlon’s house. Otherwise, she’ll be homeless. Fine...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn multi-pov insta-love friends-to-lovers female-mc -
Falling by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Little Miss Sunshine and a Hot, Grumpy Rancher are forced to live together, what could possibly go wrong?To the small town of Landmark Mountain, Callum Landmark is a man of few words and considered to be the family grump. Uninvited and unexpected, I crash into his world like a wrecking ball and disrupt the delicate balance of his carefully constructed existence...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap insta-love friends-to-lovers slow-burn steamy -
Sweet as Honey by Lucy Lennox
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsWhen I rode my bike into Aster Valley, it was supposed to be temporary. A quick, relaxing visit with friends. No entanglements. Zero drama.But then I saw the bumblebee being harassed on the side of the highway. More specifically, I saw Truman Sweet, Aster Valley’s resident botanist, spice merchant, and bee-costume enthusiast, being harassed...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine insta-love multi-pov slow-burn -
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... -
The Sweetest Obsession by Nicole Snow
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFalling for the best thing that never happened brings sweet mayhem in this steamy, gripping, and heartfelt small-town grumpy-sunshine standalone romance. My brother's best friend owned my heart until the day he drenched it in kerosene and burned it down.Grant flipping Faircross is so not the reason I'm coming home...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers age-gap multi-pov steamy female-mc -
Reckless by Elsie Silver
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsTheo Silva. Rowdy bull rider. Notorious ladies’ man. Scorching hot trouble wrapped up in a drool-worthy package.And he’s looking at me like I might be his next meal.But I’m almost free of my toxic marriage and have sworn off men entirely. So all I see when I look back is temptation served up with a heaping side of heartbreak.The man is hard to trust—and even harder to resist.Make that impossible...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy age-gap contemporary western small-town -
518 Hope Ave. by Megan Wade
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEzra is a proud man. After giving up his dreams of college to take care of his siblings, he knows what Struggle Street looks like. But as a resident of Hope Avenue, Cherry Falls, he does his best to cling to the thought that things will get better...one day. If he can manage to hold down two jobs, run a house, replace the washing machine and keep his siblings alive long enough to see that happen.Categorized as:
age-gap friends-to-lovers insta-love steamy anthologies contemporary fiction new-adult -
A Love Like That by Jenna Hartley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter my wife died, I never expected to fall in love again, let alone with her much younger sister. Elle's too young for me, though.Too vibrant and cheerful to be saddled with a grumpy widower and two little kids.Besides, she's only here for a few months before she moves on to follow her dreams.And there's no way we could be together even if she were staying...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov slow-burn steamy -
Crying Shame by Rebel Shaw
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAddysonLife just threw me a curveball. I have to find a new place to live, but it must be in-district, because my son has his heart set on riding the bus to his first day of kindergarten.When my brother’s sexy best friend suggests we move in with him, I have to remind myself the offer was for his spare bedrooms… not his bed... -
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... -
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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:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy multi-pov friends-to-lovers age-gap slow-burn -
Reeling Him In by Kara Kendrick
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when Little Miss Sunshine wins a night with her archnemesis and the town grump, all in the name of charity?I never participate in Candy Cane Key’s annual Manuary auction for reasons. Mainly, why would anyone spend money to hang out with me? Sure, I’ve been told I’m good-looking—in a rugged kind of way—but people aren’t my jam...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc insta-love steamy female-mc small-town enemies-to-lovers -
Innocent by Khloe Summers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan this protective older man convince a curvy virgin to save herself for love, or will she auction it off to the highest bidder?JanieI've spent years trying to find love, but all I've found is heartache and debt.With no way to pay my college tuition, I follow a friend's advice.I auction my virginity online.At first, this seems like a great plan. I'm going to make out huge...Categorized as:
age-gap insta-love grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy small-town contemporary -
Stalked by the Mountain Man by Mia Brody
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThere’s only one man I’ve ever loved—my father’s best friend, my stalker.MackenzieHe follows me around town. He prowls around my house. He’s always in the shadows. My father’s best friend thinks I don’t know he’s the man stalking me.But here’s what he’s about to I’m as obsessed with him as he is me. And tonight, I want to tease him out of the shadows and into my bed...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance contemporary small-town -
Saving Zane by Kaci Rose
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's fighting the silence; she's painting his world with color again.ZaneBattled, broken, and branded by war, I came to Oakside seeking refuge, not redemption.The blast took my hearing and tossed my world into silence.Now I’m a grizzled former Navy SEAL battling with my demons and the silence of my world, until I stumble upon Carlee...Categorized as:
age-gap insta-love multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance -
On The Honey Side by Staci Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNo one can ever have Keaton Meyer.Least of all me.The brooding construction manager is a man of myth and legend, rarely seen in the wild. Once upon a time, he was the star quarterback, the smiling homecoming king, royalty in our small town. Until tragedy struck. And then he disappeared completely.Now he’s resurfaced, and I can’t keep my eyes off him...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov slow-burn adult book
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