Books like 'The Veteran'
Readers who enjoyed The Veteran by Xavier Neal also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance friends-to-lovers family sports forced-proximity amnesia found-family grumpy-sunshine slow-burn
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He's Not My Type by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsFrom USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn, comes a new roommates to lovers, standalone sports romance featuring the hockey men you can’t get enough of. This steamy, one bed romantic comedy will bring all the laughs while making your cheeks blush at the same time. Sometimes the quietest are the most . . . vocal . .Categorized as:
sports humor forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn -
She's Like The Wind by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’d be a fool to fall for his long-legged, barefoot employee. But bad decisions have never stopped him before… Successful businessman and single father, Nate Crawford, doesn’t need any more complications. That’s why he’s moved his business – and his life – to a small beach town. He’s expecting sun, sea and tranquility, but what he gets is a whirlwind in the form of town sweetheart, Ally Sutton...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc workplace friends-to-lovers forced-proximity family -
Cash by Jessica Peterson
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsButting heads leads to knocking boots in this wildly sexy enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, small town cowboy romance by Jessica Peterson.My dad and I have been estranged for years. But as his only living relative, it’s no surprise I inherit his massive cattle ranch when he dies...Categorized as:
family forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family slow-burn workplace -
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... -
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The Sunny Side by Lily Morton
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsJonas Durand is successful, rich, and controlled. He owns a prestigious modelling agency and has the world at his fingertips, but a turbulent childhood has taught him to be focused and never deviate from a plan.Dean Jacobs threatens that stance. He’s one of the world’s most sought-after supermodels, but he’s also laidback and lighthearted and free in a way that Jonas has never quite managed...Categorized as:
humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc children slow-burn boss-employee friends-to-lovers -
The Bonus by T.L. Swan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom Wall Street Journal, BookTok, and #1 Amazon bestselling author T L Swan comes the sizzling story of Gabriel Ferrara and Grace Porter. Bonus chapters included in this exclusive paperback edition!Grace Porter has the perfect job, great pay, a beautiful office, everything she ever dreamed of, if not for one small detail.She's utterly and hopelessly in love with her boss...Categorized as:
workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee forced-proximity children humor -
Mother Faker by Brittanee Nicole
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMoving with my three best friends and our seven kids into a dilapidated brownstone in Boston may have seemed like the most insane thing I’d do this year. Apparently the universe said hold my beer. Because last night I got drunk and married my boss. Don’t worry, it’s all fake. Or at least everything after 'I Do' will be. Beckett Langfield is grumpy, rich and hates kids...Categorized as:
humor sports forced-proximity workplace found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
Forever With The CEO by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt began as a fake marriage. It became so much more. I’m Nick Whitley, CEO of Whitley Sports Industries. I’m a bonafide bachelor, and never intended to settle down. But I’m also a dependable kind of guy and do what’s right when I can.So when my best friend and his wife pass away, leaving behind their twins, I do everything possible to help out their aunt—Allison...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers family slow-burn children workplace forced-proximity found-family humor -
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... -
Love Notes & Lifelines by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe job was simple. Always answer the phone—no exceptions—then solve the caller’s catastrophe as efficiently as possible.The rules were simpler. They contact you, not the other way around. Never give them your real name, number, or any personal information not required to help a newly single dad keep his head above water.And never, ever get involved with a caller... -
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 family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult age-gap -
Forever Wild by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe annoyingly handsome hockey captain glaring at me needs my help.He won't admit that, of course. But with his teammate's gone for the summer and him fresh off a season-ending injury, someone has to keep him in check and it's not the nurses he keeps running off...Categorized as:
sports family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity found-family friends-to-lovers -
Learn Your Lesson by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMy mother only wanted me to learn one lesson growing up…Men are trash. Her father left her, and then my father left us. Being raised by her and my grandmother, I was surrounded by the reminder to be independent and guard my heart...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity found-family workplace boss-employee -
The Arrangement by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe gorgeous CEO of Brewer Air is my boss and, thanks to a bet, my new husband for six months.Why? Because I begged.I have a grandmother to support, a stack of bills higher than my five-foot frame, and as a cherry on top, I need to find a new place to live. Soon.Sure, Jason Brewer’s bright green eyes and chiseled jawline steal my breath. His smirk makes me weak... -
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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 -
The Problem with Players by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs a female coach, I’ve always lived by a simple mantra: throw hard, swing for the fences, and never, ever look back--especially when it comes to past flames.So when my ex-boyfriend somehow manages to land the job as my new assistant coach, my life is flipped upside down. The game I thought I'd mastered is now being played with a whole new set of rules.My ex is baseball's all-star Nathan Pierce... -
Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNeighbors to lovers can be a risky proposition in this funny, sexy, and swoony romantic comedy between a single mother and the grumpy man next door by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towel—right in front of her sexy new neighbor...Categorized as:
family humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn -
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...Categorized as:
forced-proximity workplace family boss-employee grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor -
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... -
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 poc-mc grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Asher by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom Amazon top ten bestselling author Samantha Whiskey comes the billionaire, opposites attract romance you won't want to miss!I execute many roles: owner of the NHL’s Carolina Reapers, CFO of Silas Tech, and genuine fan of all things professional sports.One thing I’m not?Chaotic.I’ve made my billions off of structure, discipline, and very little risk...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports workplace adult billionaire -
Stay by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA scorching hot small town, age gap, single father/nanny romance by USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster... -
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:
sports friends-to-lovers forced-proximity workplace slow-burn found-family humor romance -
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:
sports found-family workplace friends-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity humor romance -
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Puck Pact by Kristen Granata
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsI’ve never had a problem convincing a man to take me home for a night of fun.Until I meet Alexander Krum.He leaves me wanting more at the end of every encounter. Despite our insane attraction to one another, we couldn’t be more opposite.He wants to take me on a date.I want to head straight to his bedroom.He believes in romance.I know men in romance books don’t really exist.He always wants to help... -
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:
angst cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor adult -
If By Chance by Laura Ashley Gallagher
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWe have three rules:One night.No kissing.No falling in love.Memories can do different things to alter our perception of reality. Attached to those memories are strings, and each string holds the emotions we felt. They can make us laugh and cry. They can anchor us. They can drag us back when all we want to do is run to the future. Memories dance in the shadows...Categorized as:
workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn friends-to-lovers angst boss-employee -
Not As Planned by Harlow James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“So you’re single?” “Are you seriously hitting on me right now while I have breastmilk all over my shirt?”When Grant Thomas, the handsome stranger standing in front of me in line at the coffee shop, stripped his uniform shirt off and handed it to me, I could have sworn I was on an episode of Punked...Categorized as:
found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers 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 sports forced-proximity boss-employee workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
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 -
Under Your Spell by Laura Wood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe only wants three things. He isn't one of them... Dumped by her cheating ex, fired from her dream job, about to lose her flat: Clementine Monroe is not having a good day. So when her sisters get her drunk and suggest reviving a childhood ritual called the breakup spell, she doesn’t see the harm in it...Categorized as:
forced-proximity family slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family humor -
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... -
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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... -
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...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn children forced-proximity humor poc-mc grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc -
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 children forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports adult -
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:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family forced-proximity slow-burn workplace humor -
Best of Three by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s known for getting in over her head—and having a great time doing it. She’s aware her shenanigans rub her brother’s sexy friend the wrong way, but getting a rise out of the arrogant surgeon is one of her favorite pastimes. Women are carefully compartmentalized in his life—to his bedroom. Women who don’t mind his take-charge tendencies... -
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 -
A Cowboy in the Streets by Elizabeth Bright
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom USA Today best selling author Elizabeth Bright comes a new grumpy/sunshine, single dad, steamy romance set in wild and beautiful Colorado.Working as the head trainer at Lodestar Ranch is my chance to prove I have what it takes as a woman in a man's world. The only problem? My boss is the world’s grumpiest cowboy… and I can’t keep my eyes off him... -
You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBrady Banks.The Kingsmen’s best wide receiver.Rich AF.Hot as hell.A stallion in the sack.How do I know that last fact? I may have shared a one-night stand with him six months ago when I was rebounding from a broken heart.I didn’t forget him, but I was done with him, until I discovered he’s the single dad of the boy I’ve been hired to nanny... -
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 ..Categorized as:
angst boss-employee cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor -
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Marked by Rebecca Barber
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLogan-freaking-Oliver. Sure the million-dollar pretty boy can play football. At least that’s what the papers lead us to believe. Me though, I’m not so convinced. Sure he's got a backside you could bounce quarters off, arms you want wrapped around you, dimples you’d drown in and hair you’d sell your mother to pull... but is he a nice guy or has he let fame go to his head... -
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...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports workplace adult age-gap -
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 workplace forced-proximity humor -
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... -
Glove Save by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI’ve been told I’m the grumpiest goalie in the league, and that may be the case, but who cares when I’m also killing it this season? The Carolina Comets are currently on a record-breaking run, and I intend to keep it that way.This means the last thing I need is distractions, but my mother didn’t get that memo... -
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:
workplace forced-proximity slow-burn grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc family friends-to-lovers
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