Books like 'Asking for a Friend'
Readers who enjoyed Asking for a Friend by J.J. Harper also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance grumpy-sunshine mlm cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap friends-to-lovers slow-burn second-chances
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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... -
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... -
Beautifully Unexpected by Lily Morton
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSometimes love comes when you least expect or want it.Magnus Carlsen is determined to grow old disgracefully. At fifty-two, he doesn’t believe in keeping anything. Men, sofas, books—everything gets jettisoned, eventually. He’s divided his life into happy compartments. A successful trial lawyer, he spends his days lecturing jurors, exasperating judges, and striding arrogantly around courtrooms... -
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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... -
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 Cuckoo's Call by Lily Morton
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCan a summer romance last forever?Wren Roberts thought he’d found his fairy tale when he met Mateo Rossi on holiday in Majorca. The wealthy and successful older man swept him off his feet, and before he knew it, he’d thrown caution to the wind and was living in Mateo’s waterside apartment in Venice. It’s a far cry from his harsh upbringing and crummy flat in London... -
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... -
Christmas on Firefly Hill by Garrett Leigh
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe single dad and the rootless vagabond. Expect: a shy, hunky firefighter and an ethereal dancer down on his luck. A sizzling contemporary MM age-gap holiday romance. Mild hurt-comfort, found family, and friends-to-lovers galore. Firefighter Logan Halliwell doesn’t have much time for romance. A relentless work-life-balance and an expensive divorce have sucked the festive cheer from his days... -
Submission by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEverything Dean knows about himself is about to change. Dean’s friends see him as a genius who’s confident, successful, and Dominant. What they don’t see are insecurities that he’s hidden for years. An accident nearly took his life and left him scarred and in pain. His walls keep his secrets safe, but also prevent him from being the Daddy he once was... -
Wicked Heat by Ella Frank
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRyanKind, caring, and protective. Those are the three qualities I’m looking for when it comes to my dream man. In a city as big as Chicago, you wouldn’t think he would be that hard to find, right?Wrong.Sure, my boss found a super-sexy detective and my best friend fell madly in love with the most eligible bachelor around... -
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... -
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... -
Written at Randy's by Katherine McIntyre
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAn adorkable author and an outgoing club kid as roommates only results in one thing—shenanigans! And of course, love.Love beyond the binary, serving up low angst trans romances at Randy's DinerWritten at Randy’s is a low angst M/X roommates to lovers romance between a reclusive trans male author and a life of the party bigender club kid that reads as a standalone... -
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Caldwell Brothers: The Complete Series Bundle by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNico is it for me...too bad he’s my brother’s best friend. Friends and brothers are off limits. That’s always been the rule in our house. In a big family it’s the only way to keep the peace. That doesn’t stop my heart from belonging to Nico, my older brother’s best friend... -
Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge: New Holiday Romances to Benefit St. Jude Hospital by Sabrina York, Tamara Ferguson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsUSA TODAY BESTSELLER! 10 NEW HOLIDAY ROMANCES From NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Authors To Warm Your Heart And Curl Your Toes! Each Sweet and/or Steamy Story takes place at a unique magical Mistletoe Lodge. Curl up in your favorite chair and treat yourself to a Christmassy-Happily-Ever-After Experience full of jingle bells, mistletoe and JOY, celebrating the spirit of the season...Categorized as:
family second-chances friends-to-lovers romantic-love anthologies contemporary romance -
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:
friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn romance contemporary humor -
Resting Beach Face by D.J. Jamison
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's the only man who doesn't want me...and the only one I really need.Cash and Declan's story is coming soon in Resting Beach Face! This will be Book 4 of Swallow Cove, which follows a tight-knit group of friends in a quirky lake town... -
Before They Were Lovers: A Nothing Special Valentine's Origin Story by A.E. Via, Abbie Nicole
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo warriors. One unbreakable bond. A love story in the making. God is a hardened and confident alpha with emotional walls that keep him isolated. Day is quieter, more watchful, and looking to connect... -
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... -
Rules of Engagement by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRule #1: Don't fall in love with your best friend's brotherAfter Anders Lindholm lost his wife and baby daughter in a car accident, he knew he’d never find love like that again.Hockey, routines, and his team are all that have kept him going since.But as he approaches forty, an injury makes him consider what life after retirement will be like... -
Leaning Into the Look by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGrant Kostas made a career based on his looks before joining his family’s real estate firm. He may not love his job but he’s better at sales than he thought. And when he’s poised to bring in the biggest account of the company’s history, even his father is impressed. Unfortunately, the extra attention highlights Grant’s personal life. His parents accept that he’s gay... -
Dylan's Dilemma by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDylan has been curious for a long time, but is he ready to confront his desires? A difficult decision Dylan Martin has worked in the same Ogunquit hotel since he was eighteen, and he knows the drill: anything that might damage the hotel’s reputation has to be reported. So telling the uptight manager there’s a gay porn shoot about to take place should be a no-brainer... -
Family Rules by Jacki James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJustin had three simple rules for dating: No co-workers, no repeats, and absolutely no men with kids. He was happy with those rules. And no one had ever tempted him to break them. Until a night on the prowl had him crossing paths with an adorably geeky accountant. Mark spent the last year being the best dad possible to his little girl while enjoying life as an openly gay man for the first time... -
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Sweet Spot by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSierra Lancaster has had an agonizingly mediocre life. She grew up in a happy home, made loyal friends, graduated college, and is now pursuing her dream of running her own bakery. Boring, right? A story like this wouldn't be one for the books. At least not until you bring a hot neighbor into the mix... -
Green Light by Lark Taylor
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat is the true nature of the relationship between the guitarist and bassist of the world-famous rock band, Caffeine Daydreams?KaiI should be happy.My childhood best friend and I are living our wildest dream—making music and touring the world as famous rock stars. I’ve got everything I could wish for.Except him.I’ll never have Silas. Not the way I want... -
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... -
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 .. -
The Loner by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDeclanAs a founding member of The Vers, a queer podcast I host with my three best friends, I’m The Loner—quieter than the others, and except for them, I don’t let myself get too close to people. Most of them just let you down anyway, or maybe it’s just that something about me chases people away.Infrequent, no-strings-attached hookups have always worked for me... -
A Lifetime Kissing You by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCharlesI have a great family, a successful career, and never struggle to find the company of a man when I want it, and I do—often. The loss of my brother years ago is the one dark spot in an otherwise perfect life. But at forty-three, my world suddenly feels emptier than it should. Something’s missing... -
Merry with Me by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNYT and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan brings you a new grumpy-sunshine standalone holiday romance.BlakelyWhen my boss tells me I’m taking over the planning of the annual Christmas gala, I can barely contain my excitement. Not only is it a huge opportunity, but I also love all things Christmas...Categorized as:
slow-burn age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc family friends-to-lovers romance -
Gravity: Written in the Stars Book 2 by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe was only meant to be a hookup. Until he became my coworker.Only I could ruin the hottest potential hookup ever. One look at the gorgeous ginger, and I was done for. I summoned every bit of courage I had, then panicked. As is my way. I managed to put it behind me until he became my new coworker. Now, every day is a reminder of my insecurities and what might have been... -
Unnecessary Roughness by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJackson Kincaid When my best friend, Allison, died in a car accident, I suddenly became the parent of my ten-year-old godson. How was I supposed to play football for the Portland Pirates and be a full-time single dad? Adjusting is the name of the game. But thanks to my friends, and Simon, the team doctor, we'll heal and make it through... -
Love At Frost Bite: Benji by Toby Wise
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan a self-proclaimed grinch find love in time for Christmas?Benji prefers a quiet life, and he’s gotten to the age where he’s used to being alone. Despite being a reindeer, he hates ‘the Christmas spirit’ and the only thing softening his grumpy exterior is a certain otter shifter who seems determined to slip his way into Benji’s life.Mason is a single dad working at the food court in the mall... -
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A Gift-Wrapped Holiday by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMal's first priority is giving his six-year-old son the best Christmas ever, a goal made trickier by a recent move to New England after losing his job. As a single dad, he's not looking for romance—especially not with a blond California boy ten years his junior... -
Kade & Cameron by A.D. Ellis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCameron Lewis is left reeling when his perfect life—two beautiful children, an adoring husband, and a house on the lake—is ripped apart by loss. Kade Ramsey is living the American dream with a wife, two amazing children, and a comfortable job. But dreams are often only illusions, and Kade discovers his life isn’t all he thought it to be. Kade and Cam have been friends for years... -
Infamous Love by Lea Coll
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne reality star bad girl. One small-town vet. And the passion is unforgettable... ElleMove away. Dye my hair. Change my name. Fly under the radar.That's my plan to keep the public from recognizing me. I just want to be the new business owner of an old-fashioned barber shop, the ultimate man cave. But all anyone seems to remember is that I'm the bad girl on a popular reality show...Categorized as:
slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc family contemporary small-town fiction -
C Is for Comfort by Colette Davison
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA single dad, a doctor, and a one-night-stand. Is there room in their lives and hearts for one another? Corey Stress is my middle name. I'm a single dad and a newly qualified teacher, so it’s hard to find time for myself. What I didn't expect from an adult party is a man who allows me to relax fully... -
Easy by Kiki Clark
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWho knew a chipped tooth could lead to love?Simon is ready for the real deal when it comes to relationships—unfortunately, his libido hasn’t gotten the message. After string of disastrous hookups, he finds himself frustrated, annoyed, and missing part of a tooth.Enter Dr. Jackson Allbrook.Simon is pretty sure dentists aren’t supposed to be as good-looking as Jackson is... -
Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhy in the hell is there a naked, tattooed man in my bed?I’m a closeted tennis pro, and I’m certainly not accustomed to waking up with strange men.Never mind that Gabriel is a notoriously flirty rock star and, according to the marriage certificate we find in our Vegas hotel room, my new husband.Last night is a drunken blur, but there’s no doubt in my mind what needs to happen this morning... -
A Daddy In Cameron by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIndie’s determined to navigate this world alone, but he’s never come up against a determined Daddy before. Normally, everyone likes Cameron. As the General Manager of The Tap Tavern, he’s protective, empathetic, and considerate of his employees and their needs. Especially those who’ve come in through the Takoda Career Center. Indie knows betrayal. He’s lived with the consequences and survived... -
Dirty Daddies Pride 2023 by Siobhan Smile, Maggie Ryan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThese Daddies take Pride in being dirtier than ever. Love has no limits or restrictions in this collection of stories from some of the hottest authors in the Daddy genre.No matter how these Daddies or their little ones identify, they'll find their happily ever afters inside these pages... -
Of Light and Love by E.V. Bancroft
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCarolyn Trent-Parker is one of her generation’s best artists but after losing her wife two years ago, she can no longer paint. In fact, she doesn’t want to do much of anything except hide away. Unwilling to move from her home but with no means of income, she’s forced to get a lodger.Laura Kingston-Lopez is heartbroken and disillusioned, and she heads to England to pursue her masters in animation... -
Bar Re’s Redemption by STESLARA
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings...Categorized as:
lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance young-adult contemporary fiction -
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Third Time Lucky by Aurora Crane
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTrust didn’t always go both ways, and Grady Donehue learned that the hard way. He hadn’t learned better after the first betrayal, but he wasn’t going to make the same mistake a third time. Striking up a strange friendship with the equally strange—and straight—soldier, Lake, who had sunshine in his eyes? Grady could do that... -
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 grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc family contemporary boss-employee romance -
Camboy by Colette Davison
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHaving a foursome is a dream come true, but navigating a relationship is more challenging.Being a camboy is great, but I’m bored of performing solo. I’ve invited myself to be adult film star Lyric Steele’s co-star for the day, and I’m taking my partner-in-crime and soon-to-be-housemate, Rubin, along as my chaperone.It doesn’t take long to realise I’m attracted to Lyric... -
Sweet Things by Mia Scott
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis bad boy Chef just lost the only home he’s ever had. I spent the last decade building a restaurant and running a kitchen I’m proud of, but with one selfish choice, my brother destroys it all. I’ve sacrificed everything—including any chance at a love life—and I’ve ended up with nothing.Well, not exactly nothing... -
Charmed by the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe needs someone to help with his infant. She gives him more than he bargained for.I’m not a tough boss. I don’t ask for much.But when my nanny walks out on me, I question everything.Then my neighbor’s girlfriend recommends her best friend. She’s been working catering, but her degree is in early childhood education. This friend has no experience as a nanny, but beggars can’t be choosers...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance contemporary anthologies -
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 family romance contemporary
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