Books like 'Gingerbread Man'
Readers who enjoyed Gingerbread Man by Karla Doyle also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town grumpy-sunshine age-gap cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy alpha-mc kind-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...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult book contemporary -
Show Me Forever (The Maxwell Brothers) by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor steamy adult billionaire -
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... -
Starting Over Scottish: A Grumpy Sunshine Holiday Romance by Tricia O'Malley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratings...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy adult book contemporary -
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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... -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
forced-proximity steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc alpha-mc humor romance -
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 grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee forced-proximity steamy romance -
Dirty Little Midlife (Fake) Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSingle mom Mia has a problem. Her new landlord Des just raised her rent, and even in her dreams, Mia wouldn’t be able to afford it.Not that she’d want to dream of Des. Ever.To make matters worse, Des is big, grumpy, and apparently his heart is made of granite. He’s not willing to meet Mia in any sort of middle.Suffice it to say, Mia’s forties aren’t off to a good start.Until... -
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... -
Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me. Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods.It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago... -
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 -
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:
alpha-mc steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary insta-love -
Heartache & Playdates by Shawna Renae
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Love isn’t like milk. It has no expiration date.” ~ Nonna Russo Maddox CruzSingle dad. Tech billionaire. Genius. That is what people saw when they looked at me. Those adjectives might all be true, but inside I was still a kid who grew up in the system and was raised by the streets. Which was why I had no plans to attend my 20 year high school reunion...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy alpha-mc humor contemporary billionaire -
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Enticing Her Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPro: Stuck sharing a bed with my hot, broody boss Con: He’s trying to get me fired Discovery Hour reporter Sutton Steele spends her days trying to keep her job, while her insanely hot, infuriating boss, Flynn Braden, would love nothing more than to see her gone... -
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... -
Bossing the Cowboy by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAfter surviving a messy divorce and custody battle, Dr. Connor Wallen quickly became married to his job. Helping animals is the perfect distraction from his crazy ex, but he finds it difficult to concentrate when an attractive woman joins his veterinary clinic. Getting involved with someone who works for him would only lead to disaster, so staying professional is key...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc boss-employee cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor -
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 -
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... -
His Christmas List by T.L. Swan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHis Christmas list....The inaugural first year of Christmas short stories by T L Swan.Every year I will add a new short story to this collection and it will be live to download for 28 days only.Merry Christmas my beautiful readers, thank you so much for giving me a chance and reading my books.You really have made all my wishes come true... -
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 -
What Hurts Us by Maggie C. Gates
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAsking Layla Mousavi to be my fake fiancé wasn’t the weirdest thing I had done this week. It didn’t even crack the top ten. Not when my days were filled with escaped pigs, radioactive casseroles, and cow-induced car crashes._____________The population of Falls Creek, North Carolina, is a collective menace to society...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy forced-proximity humor romance contemporary -
Man Splain by Vanessa Vale
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt's literally my job to make sure everything goes to plan. I'm really f-ing good at it. But when the beautiful coffee shop owner refuses a corporate loan to keep her business afloat solely because we had a slightly-drunk quickie, it makes me crazy. Insane. Frustrated. Turned on. Especially when I discover the stubborn woman chooses instead to be a cam girl to pay her bills...Categorized as:
forced-proximity steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance contemporary -
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 forced-proximity boss-employee grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary -
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Boone by Laramie Briscoe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’m old enough to be her father, and a life-long confirmed bachelor, but after one night together, all that is about to change. Boone Wilson Instead of building my forever with a conventional family, I’ve dedicated my life to being the best father I can to the son I had way too early in life. Now that he’s grown, I’m giving all I can to my job... -
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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 humor romance contemporary -
Naughty or Nice by Sophie Snow
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRora Stanley hates Christmas.But when her best friend needs a Santa photographer for her family’s toy store, Rora is forced to return to her Christmas-obsessed hometown for the holidays.Henry Whitten loves Christmas.And a few weeks in Wintermore, Wyoming playing Santa is exactly what he needs as he stands at a career crossroads...Categorized as:
age-gap forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance contemporary -
Teaching Rowan: An Older Billionaire, Younger Curvy Girl Romance by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBreaking the rules never felt so good. Sebastian: Rowan Lassiter is pure magic. I was under her spell the moment she opened her mouth. But she's a teacher, and I'm her boss. The rules say she's off-limits…that dating her is out of the question. I guess it's a good thing a little scandal never hurt anyone, right? Because no one is going to tell me I can't keep what belongs to me... -
That Feeling by Alexis Winter
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s one of those girls—Mysterious, driven, all kinds of sexy.The first time I saw her wrapped up in skintight denim and a cowboy hat riding a mechanical bull, I knew she was trouble.The kind of trouble you spend all night praying never ends and a decade trying to forget.But somehow, after losing a bet, I not only promised her a date but I tasted her cherry red lips...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor steamy -
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 alpha-mc humor romance -
Spill the Sweet Tea by Lyra Parish
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSome describe me as a quirky, free-spirited journalist who charges her crystals by moonlight.They’re not wrong.My instincts ensure I know everything that goes on in my small town. And not much surprises me. But when the man who destroyed my heart returns to care for his family’s business, I’m shaken to the core.After our messy breakup, Hayden Shaw swore he’d never come back to Valentine, Texas... -
Holiday Hire by Maggie Cole
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWidower Alexander Cartwright has one thing on his mind—his kids. He plans on keeping it that way until his mother hires a sassy, free spirited nanny to watch them during the holidays.Art teacher Phoebe Love needs a job and to take a secret time out from her long-term, not always nice boyfriend...Categorized as:
age-gap forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee steamy alpha-mc -
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... -
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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 -
Hailey by ChaShiree M., M.K. Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHailey I thought I knew. I thought I knew what life had in store for me. Until the day I met HIM. Until the moment he said hello. Until the second he touched me. Until the times he made love to me over and over claiming me EVERY. TIME. Then our time was up, and I left my heart with him. Fate brought us back together. But, does he still want me, as much as I want him? Plans be damned... -
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... -
Rescued By the Mountain Man by Mia Brody
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan this grumpy mountain man who doesn’t believe in love find forever with the sunshine woman he rescued?PiperThis is not how I imagined the start of my vacation. First, the rental car breaks down then a huge bear appears, and now this grumpy mountain man is rushing to rescue me... -
Puffin Bay by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHeartbreak led me to Puffin Bay, searching for peace in a small, coastal town. Four years later, my bar is thriving and my next business is just what the town needs. It doesn’t need Roman Tominey. Arrogant, city-boy, suit-wearing grump - he knows how to push every one of my buttons, and after an evening of bad decisions, he knows how to push that one too...Categorized as:
humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity alpha-mc romance contemporary -
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 age-gap forced-proximity alpha-mc romance -
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 -
Falling For the Grouch by Carolina Jax
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDashWhen my son had to leave our small hometown of Christmas, Texas, I couldn’t wait to leave with him, only to fall into a new fresh hell.Christmas 2.0 a/k/a Candy Cane Key.Everyone is in love down here. They love their town. They love their school.Let me tell you, True Love doesn’t exist. Romantic love is made up.There’s no one who can tell me differently.No matter how gorgeous she is... -
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... -
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... -
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My Mountain Man Recluse by Sadie King
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s his best friend’s daughter.She’s off limits.She’s half his age……and she’s totally irresistible…My Mountain Man Recluse is a forbidden love, short and steamy romance featuring an ex-military recluse and the curvy innocent woman he can't stay away from...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity romance forbidden-love small-town -
Wild Child by Sadie King
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe's the Prez's daughter, off-limits and half my age...Wild Child is a forbidden love, steamy short romance featuring a ex-military biker and the curvy younger woman who's off limits...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity alpha-mc romance military -
Her Filthy Grump by Alexia Chase
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when Ms. Pollyanna meets Mr. Grumpalicious?LaylaI’m looking for Mr. Right, but instead, I find a man who thinks I’m a nuisance and a do-gooder. So, what if I like to help people? It’s my life. Not his.So why do I want to climb him like a tree every time I'm with him? The man is too gorgeous for his own good.KameronI’m not looking for anyone. I’ve had my fill of women who let me down... -
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... -
Echo & Liv by Gemma Weir
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSometimes life isn’t as simple as happily ever after. Liv Echo saw me and from that moment on I was his, whether I knew it or not. But I’m not the same girl I was when we met. I grew up, we grew up, and something changed. I miss him. I miss his bossy, alpha ways. I miss our games. I want my pain in the ass biker back. I hope he still wants me.. -
Come the Fall by Jolie Vines
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing on the run leaves no time for distractions. Unless your new boss is alpha, Scottish, and built Autumn has taken her baby nephew and is fleeing for their lives. Almost reaching the safety of a small wintery Washington State town, she narrowly avoids a collision as her car spins out on ice. The other driver is a huge mountain man who speaks only in glares...
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