Books like 'The Substitute'
Readers who enjoyed The Substitute by Kristen Proby also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance age-gap boss-employee legal insta-love grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy cheerful-mc
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Wild Temptation by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Wild is a temptation I can’t resist.He’s my grumpy boss.He didn’t want to hire me,But as a favor to a friend -- he gave me a chance.Besides proving I’m a good worker, and can make a difference on his peach farm.It seems I can’t stop throwing myself at him. I didn’t think Asher would rock my world...Categorized as:
age-gap workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee steamy romance -
The Gruff Loner's Bargain by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBrook:I might be down on my luck, but I’m determined to open the best all-inclusive wedding venue in the U.S. But first, I have to scope out the competition. The only problem is I need a fake fiance to pull it off. Even worse, the only man available to do the job is the annoying handsome Landry Hendricks. Because of course I need the help of the one man in town who hates me...Categorized as:
insta-love alpha-mc steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary -
Commanding the Curvy Girl by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTo save a curvy dispatcher and win her heart, this detective will do whatever it takes. Even if it means answering every outrageous call in Silver Spoon Falls.EastonTaking a bullet was supposed to be as bad as things could get.And then I moved to Silver Spoon Falls.There is nothing easy about life in this crazy small town.Especially when a curvy little dispatcher decides she doesn't like me... -
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...Categorized as:
age-gap boss-employee alpha-mc workplace steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
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Just A Kiss by J.H. Croix
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA swoony billionaire romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!Brainy brings bossy to his knees.Jessica Slater is brilliant. When she was my intern, she was off limits and waaaay too tempting.She’s even more delectable now and wins every battle of wits she faces. A chance encounter ignites a fire between us.It was just a kiss. Just. It nearly brought me to my knees...Categorized as:
insta-love alpha-mc grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy romance contemporary -
Savage in Love by C.L. Cruz, Liz Fox
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s a bookworm. He runs a notorious dance club. Will a case of mistaken identity lead to love?KingAll my brothers have fallen.But I’m still single.And I plan on staying that way…Until a deliciously naïve woman walks into my club.She doesn’t belong here.When she mistakes me for her blind date, I want to use every trick in the book... -
Model Behavior by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe heat between this curvy model and an infamous photographer will melt the camera. But will it lead to forever?Trinity LarsenI may own a modeling agency, but it's been a long time since I was in front of the camera.Until I was named one of Le CRV Magazine's Women of the Year.The infamous photographer, silver fox and certified grump, Sage Grimes, is in charge of the photoshoot... -
The Enforcer by Olivia T. Turner
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe's mean.And grumpy.When he's on the ice, he's the most violent player out there.But there's something about him I just can't shake.There's a sweetness hiding under that gruff, brute exterior.A little boy peeking out who wants to come out and play.I never thought I'd be with someone like Tucker McKinstry.But once I get past that rough hard shell, I can't imagine being with anyone else... -
Following His Rules by Kylie Kent
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFollowing His Rules is book 1 in The Tempter Series; a series of stand-alone, office, best friend’s brother romances. ⚠⚠⚠ T his book contains adult language, sexual content, age-gap relationships, and so much spice it'll have you dripping sweat as you read . ⚠⚠⚠ Shardonnay I need this job...Categorized as:
age-gap workplace boss-employee steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
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... -
Keeping Denver by Sandy Alvarez, Crystal Daniels
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsLife has never been easy for Denver Hollis. But at twenty-three years old, she didn't foresee losing everything, becoming homeless, sleeping in shelters, and sometimes on the cold city streets of New York. One day, her luck turns. With help from an unlikely friend, Denver lands a promising job as an assistant for Callan Hawk Attorney at Law. Callan Hawk is an attractive man... -
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... -
Her Older Single Dad: An Older Man Younger Woman Curvy Romance by Liz Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHer Older Single Dad is a steamy, short romance with a curvy, younger woman and a handsome older hero. It is the second book in the Daddy Knows Better series. Piper Food delivery isn’t a great job, but it pays the bills… usually.Most importantly, I get to be independent. When a walking break turns into an amazing job opportunity, I can’t say no... -
Rescued By the Mountain Man by Mia Brody
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan this grumpy mountain man who doesn’t believe in love find forever with the sunshine woman he rescued?PiperThis is not how I imagined the start of my vacation. First, the rental car breaks down then a huge bear appears, and now this grumpy mountain man is rushing to rescue me...Categorized as:
alpha-mc grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc insta-love steamy romance contemporary -
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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 boss-employee grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc contemporary family romance -
Innocent by Khloe Summers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan this protective older man convince a curvy virgin to save herself for love, or will she auction it off to the highest bidder?JanieI've spent years trying to find love, but all I've found is heartache and debt.With no way to pay my college tuition, I follow a friend's advice.I auction my virginity online.At first, this seems like a great plan. I'm going to make out huge... -
Boss Abroad by Rachel Kellar
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsImagine having the best date ever, only to find out he thought you were someone else.Blind dates are challenging enough, but when my best friend hijacks my Tinder account and sets me up? On my first night in a foreign city? That’s just asking for trouble.Especially when the man I find waiting for me leaves me speechless and feeling all kinds of things...Categorized as:
age-gap workplace boss-employee grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy romance -
Rocked by the Roadie by Eve London
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo hearts, one bed, no looking back.DaisyWhen the hottest boy band on the planet gets back together for an epic reunion tour, there’s no decision to make. I’m going. It’s been ten years since I’ve had the chance to hang out with my groupie besties. They don’t know it yet, but my parents are forcing me to settle into a life they’ve pre-planned, right down to the man they want me to marry...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy insta-love romance contemporary -
Nailed Down by Frankie Love, C.M. Seabrook
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLola Barringer is on her hands and knees when I step foot on her property. Her perfect ass is the first thing I see and the only thing I want. She's flawless and funny - and so damn sexy. But when she takes a good look at me, she's furious. Turns out I broke her heart years ago. I was her first crush, her one and only fantasy ... and now I'll do what it takes to win her back... -
Unwrapping His Package by Cameron Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIndie: I trust my gut, the universe, and the healing power of sugar. I’ll admit I had my doubts in all three of those things when my sister wanted to move all the way here to Christmas, Michigan in the dead of winter. I’ve been scrambling to be the supportive sister after her messy divorce, but I’m exhausted. Just when I think I’m at my breaking point, I sense something... -
1109 Cowboy Way by Hope Ford, Mayra Statham
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe doesn't see her scars, he only sees her.Divorcee Grayson is a cowboy through and through. When one job ends, he moves on to the next. Except this time he can’t.There is something about the new Hickory Homestead owner that calls to him. All alone in that big place, there is no way one person can run a ranch all on their own... -
Reserved by Ashley Jacobs, S.S. Rich
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsReserved is a spicy contemporary age-gap romance about a perky entrepreneur and the brooding billionaire who always gets what he wants–and he has his sights set on her.- Grumpy/sunshine- He falls first- Insta-love- Opposites attract- Possessive MMC- Lots of spice- Guaranteed HEACamiIn the Bay, Van Costa is synonymous with ruthless... -
Vows of Love by Fiona Davenport
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBillionaire Lennox Madison thought his nephew’s destination wedding would just be a fun time in the sun. Then he met Brielle Kendall and instantly knew he’d found the woman who was meant to be his.It didn’t matter that she was much younger than him and the maid of honor. Lennox was determined to give Brielle his own vows of love... -
Blade by Cameron Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI was out on a ride to clear my mind when I saw her on the side of the road, frowning at the black smoke pouring out of the engine. I wasn’t looking for trouble, and I certainly wasn’t looking for a blonde-haired, blue-eyed damsel in distress, but I couldn’t just leave her stranded... -
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Coming Down Her Chimney by Shaw Hart, Cameron Hart
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe had the best intentions.Avery Sinclair lives to spread Christmas cheer. Growing up in an orphanage, Christmas was the only time that she got presents, but her love of the holiday is more than that. It’s the only time when people treated her with kindness.That’s why she’s on her neighbor’s roof, trying to untangle the string of Christmas lights that she’s putting up for him... -
Grumpy Santa: A Boss/Employee/Holiday/Curvy Girl Romance by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAudreyI’ve been in love with big, brooding Jared Sawyer ever since he hired me to work in his hardware store. He scowls a lot and growls more than he talks, but there’s something about him that makes me feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be. After one explosive night in his arms, I’m even more certain we belong together...Categorized as:
workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee steamy insta-love romance -
His Blushing Bride by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe'll do whatever it takes to claim this little angel…even if it means turning his entire life upside down. GrantLily Tremaine is the prettiest little angel I've ever seen.Her innocence calls to me like nothing else ever has.She's supposed to be my assistant.I want her to be my world.I probably shouldn't have threatened to fire her five minutes after I met her... -
Chasing Perfection: Vol. III by M.S. Parker
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratings"If DeVon Ricci thinks I'm going to apologize for what happened, he's sorely mistaken. I don't care how hot the sex was, or even if he sometimes seems like he's going to be a decent guy, I'm not asking for forgiveness. I don't need it. I've done nothing wrong. We were never anything to each other but two nights of great sex... -
Chasing Perfection: Vol. II by M.S. Parker
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’m sick and tired of my boss, DeVon Ricci, screwing with me. He signed the guy I was seeing just so I couldn't date him, and now he fired an employee who’d insulted me. If he wasn't expecting me to flirt with every top Hollywood executive to help him close deals, I might have thought he felt something for me. The problem is, as angry as he makes me, I can't stop thinking about him... -
Resisting Asa by Emily Rose
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAsa:Jade Kanoska is a puzzle I want to figure out. Not only because she’s beautiful, smart, and sharp-tongued, but because she’s hiding something, and I want to know what it is. The problem is, the more time I spend with my new temporary assistant, the more I’m seeing her in an unprofessional light, and the more I realize I want her permanently. Only not as my assistant...Categorized as:
steamy workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary billionaire -
Chef's Kiss by Abby Knox
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBishopMy Las Vegas boutique hotel got lucky when it snagged one of the region’s top young pastry chefs. But my unlucky heart suffers a blow when I learn that the enchanting Cherise is engaged to another man. Is it wrong that I want to break them up? Probably. One thing that all my money can’t solve? It won’t help me steal Cherise away... -
Bred Under Contract by Ember Davis
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAVAI hired Joshua to do a job for the company I run. The contract is very specific about the scope of work and doesn’t include anything about him wanting me. Still, he gives me the opportunity to get something I’ve always wanted—a baby.There isn’t anything in the contract about him making me fall in love with him either. Joshua seduces me with words as he whispers dirty things in my ear... -
Extra Deep by Kate Hunt
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCage Holden has one obsession and one obsession only: the continued success of his company.At least that’s the lie he’s told himself.Deep down, he’s just as consumed with his personal assistant, Julia, who is off-limits for obvious reasons, not the least of which is her age.For two years, Cage has managed to ignore her tantalizing curves.For two years, he’s remained in denial about his desire... -
After the Rain by Ember Davis
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRYLANDI planned to avoid Sycamore Mountain for a lot longer than ten years, but when my dad dies, I have to go back. Hammond Whiskey Distillery isn’t the only thing waiting for me in my hometown.Magnolia’s the girl I always wanted and could never have because she’s my sister’s best friend and too young for me. Now, she’s all grown up and even more captivating than I remember... -
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Catch & Release by Loni Ree
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis girl stole my heart.And I'm a stubborn jerk.While I'm attempting to come to terms with this surprising event, my curvy little love leaves town.There's no way I can live without her so I'll have to find my girl and make things right.I know I have my work cut out for me but I'll do whatever it takes to make her mine forever... -
Red, White & Yours by K.L. Fast
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTheodore Cox was not expecting her. Ava Vaclaw never expected anything. When these two come together, fireworks aren't the only thing going off this Fourth of July. This novella has it all: a little intrigue, a whole lotta instalove, all the KL Fast steam and safety you can handle.. -
His Curvy Temptation by Jenna Cook
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe's off limits.But for her, I'm ready to break all the rules.Reckless. Rough. Ruled by my impulses.That's the man I used to be.I've spent the last ten years rebuilding myself.Becoming a man who follows the law.Obeys the rules. Respects the limits.But then she walks into my office.Soaking wet, wide-eyed, and afraid.Temptation on a silver platter.Putty in my hands... -
Big Grumpy Fireman by Cassi Hart
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCamillaAll I wanted was a traditional Thanksgiving celebration with my family. What I got was a near-death experience. But I can’t say I regret what happened, not when it reunited me with the only man I ever loved . . . and lost. After Damian disappeared without a word seven years ago, my naïve heart never stopped hoping I’d someday find him again... -
CFO by Flora Ferrari
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe rabbit doesn’t make me jump. My fingers don’t provide the ultimate thumbs up experience. And no man can, that’s for sure. I’m unorgasamable. It’s in the dictionary, right next to my picture. I’ve lost hope even trying. And to make matters worse, now everybody knows thanks to my not so little slip up. And everyone includes him…our new CFO, Carson Cash. I thought CFO meant Can’t F’in Orgasm... -
Tall, Dark, and Grumpy by Evie Rose
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI pretended my boss was my fiance… And now he’s demanding marriage.It was one little fake boyfriend while I was at a bar. I wouldn’t have even thought of my deliciously hot silver fox new Italian boss if he hadn’t been texting me about work on a Friday night, when I’m finally trying to lose my V-card.Then my boss calls, and hears where I am.And he’s feral...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee alpha-mc workplace insta-love -
Drilling Deep by Cameron Hart
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve spent the last decade and a half on this oil rig, aside from the few times my supervisors forced me to take time off out of concern that I would go stir-crazy. They don’t understand that I like the solitude and manual labor this job requires. No one does.As the Drilling Rig Foreman, it’s my responsibility to oversee daily operations and jump in when necessary. That part, I don’t mind...Categorized as:
age-gap insta-love alpha-mc grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc boss-employee steamy -
A Very Grumpy Best Friend by Shaw Hart
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWe were always meant to be more than just friends. I’ve been best friends with Foster since I was a kid.I’ve been in love with him for just as long.We’ve always been close.Just not as close as I’d have liked.Lilliana has always been mine.I thought that she knew that, but after an incident in high school, I wasn’t as sure.That’s why I came up with the marriage pact...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy insta-love contemporary friends-to-lovers fiction -
His Toughest Case by Cassi Hart
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCurtI’m not built for relationships.I don’t like having someone crowding my space or my bed.At least, that’s what I thought… until she showed up on my doorstep.My little sister's best friend has grown into the perfect woman.I’m not sure how I’m supposed to keep my mind – or my hands – off of her.LondonI’ve been in love with my best friend’s older brother since I was a little girl...Categorized as:
age-gap insta-love boss-employee steamy alpha-mc workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc -
Mariah by Bayleigh Rae
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn this second installment of Las Vegas Littles, Utopia is under construction! New staff are being hired, including a sexy new chef. After healing from a toxic relationship, Chef Graham moves to Las Vegas for the job of his dreams, and while he is a Daddy Dom, he wants nothing to do with having a Little of his own.Mariah loves her life at Utopia with all of her friends, but she's going stir crazy... -
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Wishes for August by C.S. Autumn
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAugustMy dad left and my mum turned her back on me when I was just a kid. Since then, I've been alone. For years I wished things were different, but time and experience taught me that wishing for a better life was foolish. I told myself love wasn't for me. I'd watched it crush my mum and I wouldn't let it do the same to me. I'd never take the risk.Until him... -
Until Forever by Jenika Snow
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings*Each book in the You're Mine series can be read as a complete standalone.*She was the shy new girl who’d walked into class. I instantly knew we’d be inseparable.Abigail and Max. That sounded perfect.Everything about her mesmerized me, from her sandy blonde hair, to the sweet scent of cotton candy bubble gum that clung to her... -
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At His Mercy by Claire Thompson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIntense. Exclusive. Invitation only. Do you have what it takes to be a pleasure sub?Masters Club, a private BDSM venue for serious players, is perfect for Dom Cameron Lord, who gives the kink lifestyle everything he’s got—except his heart… When he witnesses a lovely sub girl enduring a botched scene at a NYC public club, he sees her potential. She’ll make an excellent addition to the Masters Club... -
Whole Lotta Grump by Cassie Mint
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s surly and mean. He makes grown men cower. And I give him massages every week. Everyone in this city has heard of Hudson Katz—the Midas man. Every project he touches turns to gold. But he’s not famous for his success. Or not only for that, anyway. No, Mr Katz is famous for being a giant, grade A grump . That’s where I come in. My healing hands; my soothing demeanour... -
The Taming of the Scrooge by Cassie Mint
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt’s my grumpy boss’s worst nightmare—and my dream come true. Now, hand me that mistletoe…My gorgeous boss hates the holidays. He pays me a big, fat bonus check every year just to work straight through it all, pretending like Christmas isn’t happening right outside our office door.I don’t know his deal. Don’t get why mince pies make him froth with rage...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc workplace boss-employee insta-love alpha-mc age-gap
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