Books like 'Up the Ladder'
Readers who enjoyed Up the Ladder by Ana D'Arcy also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance humor grumpy-sunshine grumpy-mc cheerful-mc steamy
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The Mistletoe Kisser: A Small Town Love Story by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsRyan Sosa, grumpy former corporate accountant, has had it up to here with surprises. He didn’t see getting fired coming. And he certainly didn’t anticipate flying across the country to the world’s hippie-est, happiest, most annoying town to save his great-uncle from some mysterious emergency... -
Famous in a Small Town by Kylie Scott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat chance does a small-town girl have with a world-famous rock star?Two years after his wife’s death, rock star Garrett Hayes hasn’t moved on. But he has moved out of L.A. Where better to escape his past than a small town in the Northern California mountains? If only he could get the townsfolk of Wildwood to leave him the hell alone... -
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... -
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Hauling Ashe by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLife might be a highway but the last thing this grumpy silver fox expected was a cross-country road trip with a ray of sunshine."My sister is driving to California. She could give you a ride.""What?" Tucker Ashe and I say in unison.Mae FoxSurely, my older sister has lost her mind. There is no way I'm driving her insufferable – albeit sexy silver fox – boss two thousand miles... -
Lucky Baby by Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe deal: for Tish to help me get my best friend engaged—done! The terms: payback in any form Tish wishes. Hopefully to include hours of favors of the physical persuasion, no reciprocation needed.The reality: rebuilding her old farmhouse practically from the ground up for her family’s upcoming visit on short notice... -
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... -
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 humor contemporary billionaire small-town -
Tactical Bear by Candace Ayers
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsParker is fighting extinction— Of her own shifter species! She’d already be mated. If not for those bullying polar bears. They've scared away all decent prospects. Maxim has met the one But, she’s an activist with silly notions. And she wants nothing to do with him. As a Tactical Bear, he’ll need all his strategic skills... -
Downfall by Evelyn Sola
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe thought he had his life figured out, but he had no idea.Summer Madison is the opposite of everything Maxwell Sutton finds attractive in a woman. And yet, here he is, fighting powerful feelings for the new personal assistant his brother hired while he was out of town.Everything about her is wrong, yet his thoughts are consumed with nothing but her... -
Nanny for the Bossholes by Rebel Bloom
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI got dumped and fired for not making babies with my boss.And now my only way to get revenge is to become a nanny for his enemies...My plan for revenge was simple: Get a job with the Graves Brothers, my ex's biggest competitors...Categorized as:
steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance reverse-harem contemporary -
Love You Wild by Becka Mack
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShattered. That’s the best way to describe Claire Thompson after the ultimate betrayal. When her long-term boyfriend cheats on her, Claire decides she’s done with men. Maybe forever. Healing the pieces of her broken heart seems like too impossible a task... -
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... -
Otterly Irresistible by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhat happens when a smoking hot, but grouchy vet meets a sunny and sassy optimist? An opposites attract, grumpy boss, small town romance that's otterly irresistible. Broody wildlife veterinarian Griffin Foster is done. Done trying to save the world. Done getting attached... -
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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... -
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... -
Wanted: Mistletoe by Stephanie Morris, Kimberly Ann
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDear Santa,Before I explain, how much have the elves told you?Who's ready for a little naughty & nice? With some mistletoe and holiday cheer, anything can--and does--happen during Christmas.Your favorite contemporary authors have gathered around the Wintery hearth to bring you scintillating holiday romances. These sexy stories will deck your halls with filthy balls... -
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... -
Take Me Down by Avery Kingston
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKennedy Hello, my name is Kennedy, and I’m an addict. Pills, booze—you name it, I tried it. I wasn’t exactly particular about it. Now, I’m two years sober, in a new country, and looking for a fresh start.But my noisy, upstairs neighbor is testing the limits of my sobriety. He’s either watching an adult film marathon, harboring a hooker, or performing an exorcism in his flat... -
Enforcing the Rules by Nicole James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Nicole James, comes a standalone, enemies-to-lovers, steamy biker romance.Utah—I’m the Enforcer for the RBMC’s Durango Chapter, hunting down the two-bit scumbag who stole from my club.He’s a dead man walking.The problem is a sexy little hellcat named Kate keeps getting in my way.She’s a bounty hunter and after the same trash as me...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy humor romance contemporary enemies-to-lovers -
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:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor romance contemporary friends-to-lovers slow-burn -
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... -
Easy Tiger by Ali K. Mulford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s trying to keep his livelihood afloat. She threatens to destroy it. Will two wild hearts finally be tamed?Hawk Lachlan will do anything to save his family’s zoo. With only a year to prove that he and his siblings can handle the responsibility, the gruff eldest brother is determined to fulfill his father’s legacy... -
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Hello Billionaire by Kelsie Hoss
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy ex told me no one would ever want to be with a "fat, broke, single mom of three." My billionaire boss thinks otherwise. After my ex left me high and dry, I need to make things work for my kids. Even if it means getting rejected for jobs over and over again. When my friend gets me an interview with her boss for an interior design job, I think things are finally looking up... -
Fake it For Fortune by Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhoever said money can’t buy happiness is a liar.Take it from me. It buys loads of thrills.That is until my father sabotages me with a contingency.To have all my riches?I need a wife.Talk about old school.When I catch wind of a dating agency that helps billionaire bachelors like me, I see an opportunity.Appease my dad.Pretend to have a bride for six months.Give her the money...Categorized as:
steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary billionaire fake-relationship -
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 steamy romance contemporary friends-to-lovers -
Cruel by Deborah Bladon
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s dangerous, addictive, and my newest assignment.The future I desperately crave rests in the palm of his hand.Breathtakingly handsome and painfully private, he’s the sinner who killed a saint. That’s what the world sees when they catch a glimpse of Kavan Bane.He’s the mysterious billionaire tucked away in his penthouse high above Manhattan.My job is to understand him. His goal is to break me... -
Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsChance The day I saw Gemma Steele’s delicious body wearing nothing but a few scraps of lace, I knew being traded was the least of my problems. Her sexy text may not have been meant for me, but that image is not something a warm-blooded man could ever forget—no matter how badly he wants to. I’ve tried to resist her, but I can’t seem to escape Little Miss Suzy Sunshine... -
The Pact by Suzanne Wright
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe should say no. Addison Davenport figures that most people likely would. But after having her life plans repeatedly derailed, she’s come to wonder if her chance at marriage and kids ended with the death of her college boyfriend...Categorized as:
humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy romance contemporary arranged-marriage -
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... -
Better. Obsesión by Carrie Leighton, Elena Rodríguez
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratings«¿Y si te dijera que prefiero un amor equivocado a un sueño perfecto?»La historia de Thomas y Vanessa ha llegado a su fin. Las mentiras y las traiciones pesan demasiado, y no siempre es posible reparar lo que está roto...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance enemies-to-lovers young-adult contemporary fiction -
Hard by Donna Alam
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA man walks into a coffee shop and gets offered a job in the movies. Sounds like the start of a joke, right? Or every man’s fantasy. Until I remember I’m trying to be a good man. A single father. One who doesn’t do casual relationships, Let alone get paid for s*x. But for those curves and that mouth? Any man might be tempted . . . ~*~ It was an honest mistake . . -
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... -
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Love Me Tomorrow by Maria Luis
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThey call her America’s Sweetheart. And me? I’m the so-called “inked god” she dumped on TV. I’ve tried to forget her. I’ve tried to move on. Until I discover that her family is opening a new restaurant next to my tattoo parlor. If I were a gentleman, I’d offer my congratulations and go my own way. If I were a gentleman, I’d let her be . . . but I’m not... -
Never Kiss the Bad Boy by Lauren Landish
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA full plate? More like an overflowing platter.The last thing I have time for is the bad boy next door.Even if he’s hot, sweaty, muscled, pierced, and makes sexy promises that keep me on edge.Survival Mode is how I live. My ghost kitchen is the place to be for every work crew in the city, and I bust my butt from sunup to sun down, while rubbing every nickel and dime together to scrape by...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy humor romance contemporary enemies-to-lovers -
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... -
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... -
13 Locuras que regalarte by Alice Kellen
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsAutumn ha crecido en hogares de acogida y su pasado es como un lienzo en blanco...Categorized as:
steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance new-adult contemporary young-adult -
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:
steamy humor grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance enemies-to-lovers slow-burn -
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The Billionaire and His Forever by Sadie S. Black
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWe were always going to be an impossible fantasy.There was never a future for us between the secrets and the scandals, the temptations and the lies, and above all--a child who never deserved this life...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc humor contemporary billionaire romance suspense -
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...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy humor contemporary fake-relationship friends-to-lovers -
The Rest is History: An Opposites-Attract, Teacher Romance by Sara Madderson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen Elodie Peach joins our school's History department, her clear green eyes, joyous ways and swan-like neck enchant me as much as Anne Boleyn’s charms captivated Henry VIII five hundred years ago.Monday to Friday, I’m grumpy Mr Vaughan, Head of History. Zero personality, except when I’m teaching. So passionate about my field that my pupils bought me a highly inappropriate t-shirt last year... -
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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 humor romance reverse-harem contemporary slow-burn -
Bar Re’s Redemption by STESLARA
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance lgbtq young-adult contemporary fiction -
UnConVentional Kiss by Katherine McIntyre, K.C. Carmine
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne Comic-Con. One chance encounter. One kiss that changes everything.BeckI never claimed to be easy to love. My steady stream of ex-girlfriends is proof positive, and my anxiety pretty much confirms I’ll be alone for the rest of my life. No matter who I date, I can’t ever feel completely myself.At least until I met Cay, who’s bright, charming, and captures my attention from the start... -
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... -
Reeling Him In by Kara Kendrick
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when Little Miss Sunshine wins a night with her archnemesis and the town grump, all in the name of charity?I never participate in Candy Cane Key’s annual Manuary auction for reasons. Mainly, why would anyone spend money to hang out with me? Sure, I’ve been told I’m good-looking—in a rugged kind of way—but people aren’t my jam...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy humor small-town insta-love enemies-to-lovers -
Bad Nanny by Maya Nicole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's a grumpy single dad. I’m his new nanny. And my life is an absolute toaster fire. My day started with my breakfast going up in flames and ended with me using a sock puppet during a job interview with the CEO of a billion-dollar company.He’s in desperate need of a nanny, and I need the job to keep my dad off my back...
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