Books like 'The Pucker Next Door'
Readers who enjoyed The Pucker Next Door by Sara Ney also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance sports university grumpy-sunshine slow-burn friends-to-lovers cheerful-mc humor forced-proximity
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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...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult book -
Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a grump and happy to stay that way. But can her sunshine melt the ice around his heart? Nathan Sanders didn't earn his reputation as the grouchiest player on the Appies minor league hockey team by chance. So when Summer Callahan breezes into his life with her flirtatious smiles and endless charm, he responds like he always he completely ignores her...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn humor friends-to-lovers romance -
Promise Me This by Karla Sorensen
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsImagine this: an author with a raging case of writer’s block finds an unexpected source of inspiration in her grumpy, gorgeous new roommate. Sounds amazing, right? Except that new roommate is my childhood best friend. And Ian Wilder has been off-limits since I was five...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc sports humor -
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My Kind of Perfect by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom author Nikki Ash comes a roommates to lovers, single dad romance...GeorgiaI’m surrounded by love, yet have no one to call my own.But then Chase, my new roommate, is suddenly there.He could be the perfect guy for me, if he wasn’t nursing a broken heart.The more time I waste looking for love, the more I realize that what I want has been right in front of me all along...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult age-gap book -
Strike Zone by Ginger Walls
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWYATT:All my friends are under the impression I’m only at Newhouse to chase women and play baseball. Those are two of my favorite pastimes.The truth is, Newhouse is my chance to save my family’s farm. If I don’t get drafted, we’ll lose everything we’ve been working hard to keep.Then I hear her sing and she’s all I can think about. It’s messing up my game and putting my future in jeopardy... -
Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsChase Andrews.The Kingsmen’s top tight end.My brother’s friend and teammate.My new neighbor.The grumpy to my sunshine.But underneath that grumpy exterior, there’s so much more.Chase likes to pretend nothing affects him, but I’ve seen glimpses of his other side in the time we’ve spent together.And the more we get to know each other, the more I’m falling for him...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn humor -
All I've Wanted All I've Needed by A.E. Valdez
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHarlow Shaw feels naïve for believing in happily ever afters but she craves a love that lights her up.She thought she had it all with her boyfriend. Until his promising baseball career overshadows their relationship and he asks her a life changing question. It causes her to wonder if what they have is all she ever truly wanted.Harlow is yearning for more than the curated life she is living...Categorized as:
humor friends-to-lovers slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary -
Don't Let Me Break by Kelsie Rae
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMacklin and I are just friends.And even that's a stretch.He saw me at my most vulnerable, and now the guy's popping up left and right.Pretty sure it's because my friend is trying to set me up with him, but what do I know?It's not like I have much experience with guys.And he's...well, Macklin's older, much more experienced, and bluntly put?Way out of my league...Categorized as:
university sports friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance new-adult -
Burnout by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s the hot, tattooed bad boy that I traded insults with...and now he wants my help? Knox Holland is in a jam. After an incredible first year on the pro motocross circuit, he should be on top of the world. Instead, his bad reputation has landed him without a team. He’s untouchable and desperate to turn it around. Which is how he ends up at my gym asking me to train him...Categorized as:
sports university forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn romance -
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:
sports forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn humor romance contemporary new-adult -
Now's the Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get.”That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man... -
Midnight Confessions by J.L. Kenna
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult angst -
Upping the Ante by Emma St. Clair
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's been the grumpiest boss a woman could ask for--or he WAS until I quit. But former football star Deacon Clark doesn't seem to be getting the memo. Instead, he tags along with me to Sheet Cake, Texas, where I'm hoping to start a new business.Deacon's only hope is to hire me back as his assistant. At least, that's what I thought. Until ... the very clear lines we've always kept start to blur...Categorized as:
humor sports forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance -
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A Lodge Affair by Rachel LaBerge
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIvy Lawson loves a to-do list, hates surprises, and the only outdoor activity she’s interested in is brunch on a patio. After catching her long-term boyfriend—and co-worker—cheating, she’s thrown into leading a high-profile client event at The Emerald Canopy Lodge. AKA: her nightmare destination. Ivy finds herself desperate and anxious to get her job done and leave the lodge as soon as possible...Categorized as:
slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity humor romance contemporary -
The Fall Out by Jenni Bara
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLet me tell the story of how I fell in love with a woman who had no idea that we were even dating. The ridiculousness started when she stole my beer, and trust me, my grumpy self doesn’t normally share. But somehow, Avery Wilson is the exception to every one of my many rules.Unfortunately, I’m not hers...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn humor 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 humor slow-burn romance contemporary -
Perfect Praise by Grace Pearce
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaren and Locke both exist in the same world of professional golf—he's the number one player in the world while she just takes his picture.Never mind that Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe that he and Maren are dating, because when she confronts him, he couldn't care less... -
Rule Breaker by Stacey Lynn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSpending the night in jail isn’t exactly how I planned to spend Christmas, but I’ve had worse holidays… Now that I’m out, it’s time to accept my real punishment. Coaching ten-year-old terrors on the ice, in my non-existent free time. My Coach thinks it’d be good for me. Remind me where I came from. He should know I’ve tried every day of my life for the last ten years to forget...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports adult book -
The Has-Been and the Hot Mess by Isabel Jordan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer job is to resurrect his image. Falling for him is not part of the plan...Kendall Quinn is a PR goddess. Meanwhile, her love life is a complete mess. So, when her latest romantic disaster leaves her jobless and homeless, it's time to take drastic measures. And that means dragging a grumpy, has-been rock star kicking and screaming back into the limelight. The job will be easy...Categorized as:
humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance contemporary steamy -
The Curveball by Emily Childs
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe's the charmer of the infield. I'm the uptight, jaded author who won't give him a chance...now we're roommates?Griffin Marks can charm the socks off anyone he meets. Except me. To me he's a beautiful pest who will do just about anything to make me like him. I wish him luck...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor sports university adult -
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... -
How to Honeymoon Alone by Olivia Hayle
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA paradise island. Two strangers. The attraction they never saw coming…When Eden dumped her cheating ex before the wedding, the last thing she expected was to go on their tropical honeymoon alone. But with no refunds possible, she packs her budget guidebook and broken heart, and sets off...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn forced-proximity friends-to-lovers humor romance -
One Last Play by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe could be the one. I’ve spent twelve years caring for my niece Maddie who I adopted after my sister died. Having a daughter has made me picky when it comes to the women I spend time with. Not to mention dealing with the pressure of being a college football coach. But when I spot MJ at a mutual friend’s wedding, something draws me toward her...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn humor -
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Slow Dancing by Noelle N., hepburnettes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings#1.3│Isla Moore is the fake girlfriend of billionaire Kaden Bretton. But Kaden is suffering from temporary blindness and still thinks he's dating his real girlfriend, Evangeline, who's actually buried six-feet underground... -
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 forced-proximity slow-burn friends-to-lovers humor romance -
The Tip-Off: A College Sports Romance by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA slow burn, friends to lovers, college sports romance. I've spent years hiding in the shadows. He's spent his whole life chasing the bright lights of the NBA. We have nothing in common, except for the fact our friends ditched us for spring break. I have a bucket list for my senior year at Valley U. He's the only person I know on campus. I'm ready to start checking things off my list...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor slow-burn sports university -
Brogan by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThey call me Demon for a reason—I’m the most ruthless Reaper on the ice.I’m not the person who finds a baby on their doorstep.Except, after a morning run, I am.And the note accompanying the little bundle says she’s mine.Looks like I'm the newest single dad in the NHL.I was nothing but a burden on my aunt and uncle after my parents died, and I’d decided I’d never have children... -
Just Don't Fall by Emma St. Clair
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBefore Logan Barnes was hockey’s hottest bad boy, he was my brother’s best friend … and my first crush. Oh, yeah--and the guy who ghosted me and broke my teenage heart.Now Logan is back in Harvest Hollow, but not willingly. Recovering from an injury (and some bad press), he’s stuck playing for our minor league team. Which means I’ll be working with him almost daily...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity humor slow-burn -
Betrothal or Breakaway by Leah Brunner
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMy best friend—and unrequited love—has a hole in her heart. Literally and figuratively.First, Amber’s fiancé left her when she told him she was pregnant, and then her daughter's birth left her with complications from a heart defect she didn’t realize she had.I’m devastated...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor -
Yo también no es te quiero by Violeta Reed
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEscribir romance nunca fue tan complicado.William Anderson es el escritor de fantasía más exitoso de la década, con millones de lectores enganchados a su pluma. Es exigente, ambicioso… y tremendamente atractivo. Y también es un bocazas. Raquel García es una joven española que llegó a Nueva York persiguiendo su sueñ trabajar en una de las editoriales más importantes del país...Categorized as:
slow-burn forced-proximity humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance enemies-to-lovers -
The Proposal Playbook by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s a former Navy SEAL from the school of hard knocks.She’s a cheery wedding planner writing a guide to happily ever afters.Who knew cupid’s arrow could come in the form of a five-pound bag of flour?When Daisy Sinclair gleefully offers to help her brother come up with the perfect proposal, she has no idea how time-consuming the project will become... -
Lost & Found in Copper Ridge by Harlow James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt all started with Jack & Diane…And no, not the couple from the popular 80’s song—the couple that signed a five-dollar bill with their names and the location of The Livingston Cabin in Copper Ridge, Colorado.And I just so happened to acquire that five-dollar bill on the same day of the funeral of a close friend AND the day I was supposed to be getting married.Coincidence? Perhaps...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult book -
Love's Dance by Karen Deen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGrant I control my life. It doesn’t control me. As CEO to the family company, I’m used to calling the shots and making executive decisions. People answer to me, and business flows without a hitch because of it. The same applies to everyday life. Until I meet… her. When she opens her mouth, she leaves chaos in her wake. Like a whirlwind, she tears through my world leaving me in chase...Categorized as:
humor grumpy-sunshine friends-to-lovers cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn romance contemporary -
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Nice Guys Still Finish by Harlow James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Come on. What’s the risk of getting to know me if I’m just some dorky guy that’s hopeless when it comes to dating? I mean, it’s not like you’re going to fall for me.”But hey, a guy could hope, couldn’t he?That was my idea when I met Ariel Logan—my sister’s new assistant on her talk show—to get her to agree to be my relationship tutor in hopes that she’d realize I’m the man she needs... -
California Sunshine by Chris Mor
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo thousand six hundred and sixty four miles.The Pacific Crest Trail is a big endeavor. But after the way my year started, it might be just what I need. So I’ll take five months alone on a trail. Five months to clear my head and figure out my life. It’ll be good for me.At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.That is, until I meet Nova on the morning I start my trip...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn humor romance reverse-harem contemporary -
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:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance age-gap contemporary anthologies -
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... -
Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo authors, an intertwined plot, and one heck of an alluring ending to their highly-anticipated bestselling books... With her fantasy series, Bridget Paige is the newest member of the New York Times Bestseller list. Except no one knows who she is. To the world, she's Bridget. To those behind the scenes, she's introverted Paige Booker...Categorized as:
forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers humor romance contemporary -
Calling it Safe by Lo Everett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFriends with benefits—that’s the agreement. No commitments. No complications … but it’s never that simple.At my wit's end, I planned to spend the winter focusing on my writing, away from the soul-sucking grind that’s become my norm. The last person I expected to step in and save me when things go awry is my brother’s teammate, the intense and sometimes grumpy Dean Harrison... -
Dear Roomie by Kate Meader
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsReid Durand isn't here to make friends. Coming from a legacy of hockey greatness, he has games to win and things to prove. With his focus during his first season as a Chicago Rebel on his drive to succeed, every vice is off the table. No booze, no sugar, and definitely no women. Kennedy Clark is the master of the side hustle...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor slow-burn sports -
Love Language by Jax Calder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAshtonI’ve shared an office with Dominic, the grumpy raincloud to my endless sunshine, for three and a half years. My roommates and colleagues are convinced I’m obsessed with him, and okay, maybe I am slightly curious about what he signed to me at the staff mid-winter party...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers forced-proximity humor romance mlm -
The Problem with Falling by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWillow Kingsley is everything I don’t need in my life. She’s sunshine and chaos dressed in a flower crown. She’s a wildflower in a world I’ve spent years trying to keep simple and quiet. She talks too much, smiles too easily, and doesn’t understand the meaning of personal space. Worst of all, she’s staying in my house for the summer, turning my carefully guarded world upside down... -
Stealing Home by Grace Reilly
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI should be focusing on my game–not on falling for my gorgeous, grumpy roommate… especially since she’s already left me once.SebastianIt’s my final season to prove myself before the MLB Draft. The last thing I need is a distraction–and especially not one as tantalizing as Mia di Angelo...Categorized as:
sports university forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
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Before the Chaos by Maggie Rawdon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI have two goals when I head up to the mountain house with my older brother and his friends: get his best friend Xander to see me as something more than my brother’s little sister and lose my V-card before I leave on gap year. The more those two goals align, the better. So when I end up stuck sharing a room with the wrong best friend, I use it to my advantage...Categorized as:
sports university forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Bide by E.J. Blaise
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOscar Jackson is a good man in a storm.Luna Evans is the storm.A notorious flirt.A serial anti-monogamist, Wild, carefree, and very, very loud.Luna has one rule in life; don't get attached.Until she meets Jackson. The nice guy on campus.People-pleaser to his core. Reluctant thrower of kick-ass parties. Quiet and unassuming and content to live his life firmly out of the spotlight...Categorized as:
sports university friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance new-adult -
Playing Games by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDickson University’s star quarterback and campus golden boy is used to winning on and off the field…until he meets the one woman who changes the game.Blake Boden is the ultimate distraction—annoyingly handsome, enigmatic, and confident enough to make my teeth grind.He’s the kind of guy who could charm anyone with a single smile, and somehow, I’ve become his latest challenge... -
Play Thing by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s a playboy hockey captain who can’t seem to stay out of trouble.Totally not my type.So my new job as his live-in assistant should be a breeze. Right?Psht—please. Allow me to introduce Ronan Brighton.Messy golden brown hair. Cheekbones cut from stone. Lips that were genetically-engineered for making out all night. And let’s not get started on his muscled-up body...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor friends-to-lovers -
How to Lose at Love by Sara Ney
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI needed a good girl to save my bad reputation.With too much on my plate, the very last thing on my mind was a relationship—the football draft was looming and dating got in the way. I never understood why my teammates bothered with girlfriends. None of us had the time...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor slow-burn sports university -
The Quit List by Katie Bailey
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe quit believing in love a long time ago. She won't quit until she finds The One... and he's everything she's NOT looking for. Holly Greene is on a mission to find her happily ever after. And her journey to love does not include a detour to Bad Boy Bartenderville, population Jax Grainger...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance
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