Books like 'The Problem with Pretending'
Readers who enjoyed The Problem with Pretending by Emma Hart also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance family humor royalty secrets slow-burn forced-proximity friends-to-lovers fake-relationship
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Only One Forever by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom The Something So Series and the This Is series comes Only One Forever.DylanMy dreams came true when I was adopted at ten.I was the best on the ice. Living the life of what every kid dreams of.We’ve been best friends since then. Even when she was the annoying little sister following us around.I would do anything for her.It is another family vacation; except this time it feels different... -
Beauty and the Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA sexy small town, opposites attract rom com! Sawyer Landry knows he's been beastly to be around for the past few months. But he can't seem to remember how to be fun-loving and friendly. Until he sees Juliet Dawson on his boat dock... and realizes that hip waders are, apparently, one of his turn-ons... -
Letting Go at 40 by L.B. Dunbar, Stella Hunter
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA bereaved widow finds herself with a chance at love after loss with the most unlikely of people: her late husband’s best friend.Anna Kulis has lost her husband. Their love was a perfect kind of love; a once in a lifetime experience. She never intended to find love again. Never expected to have this attraction stirring inside her...Categorized as:
family friends-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity humor romance contemporary death -
Felix the Watcher by Blue Saffire
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAward winning Bestselling Author Blue Saffire presents Brothers Black 5: Felix The Watch Book 5 in the Brothers Black Series I’m a P.K., a pastor’s kid. I’ve done almost everything I’ve been told since I was a little girl,—no matter how confining that has felt. I’ve hidden my dreams and desires to toe the line. So imagine the burn of being blamed for something you didn’t do... -
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Puck Shy by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI’m having the definition of a bad year.Game Six loss costing my team the Cup? Check.Getting arrested and ruining my image? Check.Almost getting run over after my car breaks down? Oh, look—a hat trick.My contract is up with the Carolina Comets this year, and I need to get it together if I want to stay with the team.I need relaxation, not a relationship... -
Overruled by Bella Matthews
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratings“You gonna catch me if I fall, Becks?” I should have known those words, whispered to my best friend’s brother, would come back to haunt me . . . But I had no idea he’d be the only one who could save me when my world threatens to come crashing down. Becket Kingston is a lot of things... -
Screwed by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI've had my fair share of less than proud relationship moments, but waking up married to my brother-in-law's best friend is a new low.A drunken wedding to a man who already rejected me once? Check. A hefty bet about how long it will last? Check. My feisty new husband, determined to make our friends pay up? Double check...Categorized as:
fake-relationship family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers humor multi-pov slow-burn adult -
When You're Mine by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsTake New York by storm and steer clear of serious relationships. That's the plan. That's the goal. It's easy too; now that my software company is taking off. Nothing is getting in the way of that--not even my personal trainer. I don't care how sexy and intriguing she is.Mel Dawson keeps talking me into doing things, like watching the sunset and slowing down to enjoy life... -
The Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDavis Gates. Naked. Tossing her a handful of orgasms like he was on a lust-themed parade float. A fifty-year feud. One failed smoke bomb matchmaking scheme. Two enemies turned fake lovers. For the past fifteen years, Eden has worked her ass off to overcome high school. She’s cornered the tourism market in Blue Moon offering visitors a place to stay in her hippie, dippy hometown...Categorized as:
fake-relationship family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers humor adult book contemporary -
Before the Sunset by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHe’s an actor in need of an image makeover. She’s determined to show her ex-fiancé that she’s moved on. A fake relationship between two best friends is the perfect solution. Or is it?Reese Murphy has been my best friend since before we took our first steps.She’s the yin to my yang.The peanut butter to my jelly... -
Don't Cry Over Spilled MILF by Willow Aster, Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratings𝐀 𝐡𝐨𝐭, 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐦. 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐮𝐩, 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐧. 𝐆𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐍𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝.SusannahI make my living writing romance.I prefer my heroes to remain fictional... -
Cowboy of Convenience: Moss Creek PD by Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGrady’s spent his whole life in Moss Creek, Montana, helping out on his family’s ranch and keeping the town he loves safe. There’s nowhere else he’d rather be.Except for Evelyn Warwick’s bed.The newly arrived New Yorker is a breath of fresh air in his stagnant and stale life— one he seeks out at every opportunity...Categorized as:
slow-burn friends-to-lovers forced-proximity fake-relationship humor romance western contemporary -
The Plus One by Mazey Eddings
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSome facts are indisputable. The sun rises in the east, sets in the west. Gravity exits. Indira doesn’t like Jude. Jude doesn’t like Indira. But what happens when these childhood enemies find the only thing they can rely on is each other?On paper, Indira has everything together. An amazing job, a boyfriend, and a car...Categorized as:
fake-relationship forced-proximity friends-to-lovers humor multi-pov adult book contemporary -
My Brother's Forbidden Friend by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’ve gone from crushing on my brother’s best friend to wanting to crush him. Cameron Baker and I have a few things in common. The first being that we were both born and raised in our small Alaskan town. Second, is that we hide our feelings and keep our hearts closed off from anyone who could break them.But hiding my feelings is harder to do with Cam than most... -
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How to Kiss a Movie Star by Jenny Proctor
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s Hollywood’s biggest star. She wouldn’t know him from the pizza delivery guy.I’m a wildlife biologist in a tiny mountain town, not some kind of law-breaking celebrity stalker. At least not on purpose.It was an accident when I wandered onto the property of one of Hollywood’s hottest movie stars. Five minutes ago, I'd never even heard of Flint Hawthorne...Categorized as:
fake-relationship forced-proximity multi-pov slow-burn friends-to-lovers humor romance contemporary -
The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHow many weddings does it take to fall in love?One year ago, Amelie had it all.Almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant: her life was exactly what she’d ordered.Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, popped up out of nowhere and proved she might like something off menu.***One year later, Amelie has lost it all...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity humor romance contemporary fiction new-adult -
Cherish Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsReese Maxwell meets her happy-ever-after in Layla Hagen's latest. What starts as a pretend romance soon turns into so much more...Newly divorced Dominic Waldorf is the most coveted bachelor in Chicago. At least, that’s what he thinks. I’d describe him as more of a Neanderthal with a really nice backside.When I accidentally spill champagne on him at a charity event, he accuses me of hitting on him... -
But He's My Fake Fiancé: a cozy romantic comedy by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMy ex-boyfriend is engaged to my stepsister.Yeah, it shocked me too. So much so, that when my ex tells me, I grab the first guy I see and pretend he’s my fiancé.Somehow it only gets wilder from there, because the guy I grab happens to be Grayson Carter, notorious flirt and extrovert to the max. Also, the guy I turned down a month before while dating said ex-boyfriend...Categorized as:
fake-relationship forced-proximity family humor romance contemporary fiction wholesome -
Loving the CEO by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLeo Whitley's story is a steamy friends-to-lovers romance. It can be read as a standalone. When I find out on my wedding day that my fiancé is cheating on me, my whole world comes crashing down. The only bright spot?My best friend Leo is by my side every step of the way, offering his unconditional support — including a temporary getaway, which I so badly need right now... -
French Fancy by Lily Morton
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPip Simmonds is the twinkiest twink in London. He’s loud, proud, and packed to the brim with sass. But when he’s laid low by illness, even his hotpants lose their sparkle and his worried boss sends him to the South of France to recuperate in his holiday home... -
The Plus Ones by Kayley Loring
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLove changes people. I’m the first to admit that I, Keaton Bridges, used to be an immature, entitled ass. Okay, maybe I’m the second to admit it—after Roxy Carter. That loudmouth. But I’ve seen what true love has done for my friends, and I want it for myself. Somehow, I’m the only single guy left. Somehow, she’s the only single girl...Categorized as:
fake-relationship forced-proximity friends-to-lovers humor multi-pov slow-burn adult audiobook -
Do You Do Extras? by Nikki Ashton
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGrantley James is Hollywood’s newest action hero. He’s got the looks, the body and can barely crack a smile, mainly because he has the mother from hell. Phoebe Drinkwater is an Extra on Grantley’s new film. She’s happy and fun loving but will never be as beautiful as her parents’ imaginary youngest daughter, Melania... -
Don't Fall for Your Best Friend by Logan Chance
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA wickedly, funny romcom that'll have you laughing and swooning one minute, and hot and sweaty the next. Follow along as Paxton and Hartford try to navigate a world they know nothing about--B D S M! I’ve always lived by one major rule, don’t fall for your best friend, and this is one rule I can’t break. I’m supposed to write an article about a topic so scandalous, I can’t even say it... -
MANFAX by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsManfax: A detailed report containing information about a potential boyfriend/girlfriend’s romantic history.What is it about this bad boy that has women clamoring to date him?Adam Winters is like an ice-cold drink of water on a scorching day—he goes down like a champ.Tall, built, and handy, he’s irresistible and he knows it... -
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Incorrigible by S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat have I done?Everything was going so well. I have a job that I adore and I just earned my degree in library science.I also have the best friends a girl could want, who weren't about to let my graduation pass without a celebration.It's not their fault. They couldn't have guessed how it would turn out... -
Living with Regrets by Aimee Noalane
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWe swore that we would never give up. We promised each other we would never let go. And one letter is all it took to tear us apart. Six years of what seems like a lifetime of mistakes. Losing control became my escape. Six years of hiding my tears behind the lies. Oblivion became the solution. Six years of burying the constant hate. Darkness became my solace. Mistakes. Lies. Hate... -
Too Dangerous by Bethany Lopez
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJasmine's worked hard to get where she is, a tough, savvy woman in a male dominated business. Shane's just trying to get by. Trying to build a life for himself away from the pitfalls of his past. She's always kept him at arms length, afraid to ignite the passion that sparks whenever he's near. He does everything in his power to remind her of what she's missing... -
Stars Shine In Your Eyes by Bella Andre
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"Loved it, Loved it, Loved it! Long live the London Sullivans!" 5 starsAccording to the British gossip columns, billionaire Malcolm Sullivan is one of the most eligible bachelors in England. His siblings love to tease him about that, and since he also thinks the whole thing is ridiculous, he takes no offense. The irony is that while he is great at his job, he's terrible at dating.. -
Never Been Worse by Morgan Elizabeth
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHarper Abbott’s reputation has never been worse. The one time she tries to be spontaneous ends with her and her two best friends getting arrested for a prank gone wrong. Now, her cheating ex and his new girlfriend are on a mission to ruin her fledgling career as a fashion designer...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers forced-proximity fake-relationship multi-pov humor romance audiobook contemporary -
Royal Rogue by Jessica Peterson
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsReleasing July 12, 2018! Dear Jane, You’re a princess. I’m a thief. This isn’t a Disney movie. We never had a chance in hell of a happy ending. But I still wish I could have given you one. When we met, I had you pegged as a snob. All polo and private jets. But you turned out to be the exact opposite. I fell for you the first day we met. I lied to you about a lot of things... -
Royal Games by T.K. Leigh
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEvery girl dreams of falling in love with a prince.When I met Jeremy, I thought he was my prince.Caring. Compassionate. Sensitive.And, unfortunately for me... Not attracted to women.So here I am, thirty years old and divorced when most of my friends are just getting married. In desperate need of a restart, I set off on a road trip to learn how to love myself again...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers humor multi-pov royalty action-adventure adult book -
Suddenly Together by J a Low
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSHE WAS EVERYTHING I ALWAYS WANTED I’m Christian Taylor, world famous guitarist of Dirty Texas. I’m a certified rock god, I have a reputation, tattoos and a body made for sin. One look from me and I’ll melt your panties. There isn’t a woman out there who has ever said no to me, except Vanessa Roberts, the one woman I want above all and can’t have... -
Work Violation by B.J. Harvey
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratings**Book 2 in the Cook County Rom com series** Ronnie Nelson likes to be chased. Jaxon Cook loves a challenge. Ronnie wants a man who pulls out all the stops. Jax doesn't stop until he gets what he wants. Seems like a match made in heaven... -
Fluke by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSEEKING AN EX-HUSBAND I need a fake ex-husband. Let me explain … I may have let it slip to my new co-workers that I have an ex-husband. Now they’re fascinated with the details, specifically with him. Why wouldn’t they be? He’s gorgeous, has exceptional skills in the bedroom, and is determined to win me back. But there’s a problem. He doesn’t exist...Categorized as:
humor friends-to-lovers fake-relationship forced-proximity multi-pov family romance contemporary -
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That First Flight by Jenn McMahon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSomething tells me, nothing I do can stop myself from feeling things for my roommate.I’ve always wanted to be a chef.But the same day two pink lines showed up on the test, was the day I gave up chasing my own dreams to put my daughter first.I didn’t expect that to lead to a life of being scrutinized by my parents for every single move I made.After years of it, I was done...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn multi-pov humor romance contemporary found-family -
Something Borrowed, Something You by Vi Keeland
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNo Strings Attached meets Me Before You in SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING YOU, a slow-burn, swoony romance from #1 New York Times bestseller Vi Keeland.My relationship with Hunter Delucia started backwards.We met at a wedding—him sitting on the groom’s side, me sitting on the bride’s. Stealing glances at each other throughout the night, there was no denying an intense, mutual attraction... -
The Renegade Billionaire by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s got two reasons for getting out of bed every morning: Running his family’s empire and ruining his father. Braxton Reyes doesn’t have time for anything else in his life. At least not until his grandfather’s will is read. The only man Braxton ever trusted has just derailed everything he’s worked for...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn humor romance contemporary billionaire small-town -
Stone: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMinor league player Stone Dumelin lost his younger brother when the Titans’ team plane went down...Categorized as:
family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn adult athlete audiobook -
Rafferty's Rules by Donna Alam
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe relationship may be fake but the o's are real . . . My brothers say if there’s trouble, I’ll find it, If there are shenanigans afoot, I’m usually the root cause. But this time I’ve excelled myself. Because this time I’ve found trouble in a brothel. And brought her home... -
The Wild Fire by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMe and my hot ex-husband.Alone. In a cabin in the woods.With one tiny bed.Once upon a time, Davis Westbrook was my small town fairytale.We fell in love at 16. Married at 21.High school sweethearts destined for forever.Then in one cruel moment, fate stormed in, knocked over our white picket fence and stole our happy ever after.Davis and I moved on with separate lives...Categorized as:
forced-proximity fake-relationship paranormal witches-wizards humor romance small-town contemporary -
Sweet Spot by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWho knew four little words and a very public kiss would change so much.Gage Langdon didn’t do relationships. After having his heart shattered years ago, he made a vow to never go down that road again. But when his past waltzes into his town, demanding his attention, he reacts without thinking and makes a very public display of kissing his best friend... -
The Holly Dates by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAll she wanted for Christmas was a boyfriend for the holidays…All he wanted was for her to take her crappy first dates elsewhere… Quirky Holly Jackson was unlucky in love, yet her romantic heart refused to give up her search for companionship—even after her fiancé left her at the altar on Christmas Eve...Categorized as:
fake-relationship family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers humor multi-pov slow-burn adult -
Claiming Cari by Megyn Ward
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI’m the good Gilroy. Not the serious one—the control freak who doesn’t know how to smile and had his entire life planned before he was old enough to drink and certainly not the one who runs around sticking his d**k into anything with a pulse. I’m Patrick Gilroy. Thoughtful. Considerate. Dependable. Mr. Nice Guy. That’s how Cari used to see me. But that was before... -
Behind the Camera by Chelsea Curto
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMaven Wood is ready for a fresh start. After an injury on the soccer field leads to her dropping out of college, she needs a change. When her godfather–the coach of the hottest team in the NFL–tells her about an open position as a sports photographer, she jumps at the chance to apply. The pay is good, but it doesn’t cover her rent after her roommate moves out...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn multi-pov humor romance sports contemporary -
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Awake at Dawn by Amelie Rhys
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Gemma Briggs moves in with her brother’s friend, the only thing harder than keeping the arrangement a secret is resisting the explosive chemistry she has with her new roommate—hot NFL player, Noah London.After a workplace one-night stand leaves her high and dry with a baby on the way, Gemma Briggs is forced to leave her job as a college figure skating coach...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn multi-pov humor romance sports contemporary -
Off Camera by Chelsea Curto
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAvery Sinclair is good at her job as the social media manager for the Baltimore Thunderhawks. She’s one of the best in the NFL, in fact. The only thing stopping her from being the account of the year? The DC Titans, run by the mystery man she’s been feuding with for years.Reid Duncan isn’t the world’s biggest sports fan, but he loves his job...Categorized as:
multi-pov friends-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity humor romance sports contemporary -
Taste by Melanie Harlow
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThe last person on earth I want to be stranded with is Gianni Lupo.But thanks to the blizzard of the century, I’m trapped in a roadside motel room with that cocky bastard for two straight days.With one small bed.Some women might thank Mother Nature for delivering a polar vortex that maroons them with six feet of solid muscle, those deep blue eyes, that sexy grin--but not me... -
Game Ender by B.J. Harvey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author BJ Harvey comes the fourth and final book in the Game series and this time, it's the last two single friends left standing; the reformed playboy and the single mom. *** "You have chlamydia." Three words no man wants to hear... -
Play Mine by Cari Quinn, Taryn Elliott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“You need to be careful.” The day the manager of my rock band said that changed my life. As Brooklyn Dawn’s newest member on probation, I didn’t think I’d have to worry about anything but rocking hard. I didn’t expect my tumultuous past to come out. I definitely didn’t expect us to be in danger. I never considered I’d need a bodyguard... -
Dating Roulette by D. Kelly
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBexley Seven Dates. Seven chances to win my heart. It’s not hard – Don’t put ketchup on your eggs. Don’t wear tassely loafers. For the love of all that’s Holy, don’t ogle the waitress. See? Simple… Yet no one can get it right. Tristan Dating Roulette. It’s Bexley’s game. Correction - it’s her life. A constant rotation of dates...
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