Books like 'Never the Best'
Readers who enjoyed Never the Best by Maya Alden also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town enemies-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity workplace angst family friends-to-lovers
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Rewriting the Stars by Claire Kingsley
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsFirefighter Levi Bailey is used to being alone. Not that he’s lonely. How could he be, with a band of unruly brothers, and their wives and growing families. Maybe he’s the odd man out. The one brother who isn’t destined to be with his soulmate.Besides, he has her.She’s his Juliet, the only woman in the world he can’t ever have. To an outsider, it probably seems crazy... -
Wild Island Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSparks fly between a PR rep and an A-list actor who want nothing to do with each other. Leni Steele might be looking for love, but she’s definitely not looking to be someone’s fake date. Especially not one of the most infuriatingly handsome and annoyingly cocky actors on the planet, Duncan Raz... -
Say It's Forever by A L Jackson
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom NYT and USA Today bestselling author A.L. Jackson comes a close proximity, single-parent stand-alone romance about a woman on the run and the man who will do anything to save her…Jud Lawson found me stranded in the rain.Broken down on the side of the road in a deserted neighborhood with my piece of crap car.I wasn’t looking for a hero, and definitely not one who looks like him...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn workplace adult alpha-mc -
Letting Go at 40 by L.B. Dunbar, Stella Hunter
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA bereaved widow finds herself with a chance at love after loss with the most unlikely of people: her late husband’s best friend.Anna Kulis has lost her husband. Their love was a perfect kind of love; a once in a lifetime experience. She never intended to find love again. Never expected to have this attraction stirring inside her...Categorized as:
family friends-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity romance contemporary death small-town -
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Return to Us by Corinne Michaels
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Corinne Michaels comes a new second chance standalone love story.At eighteen, I walked away from Willow Creek Valley for good.I was young, scared, and stupid, and it cost me the love of my life—Grayson Parkerson.Fourteen years later, a crash sends me back home to recover.Back to where we met, fell in love, and planned a future... -
Rebel by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJackI’m always down for a good time. I’m that guy.I love women. I love sex. And I love my life.Go big or go home, right?My father’s death is a constant reminder of why I like to keep it simple.Life is short.Emotional attachments make you weak.Grieving sucks. And I have no interest in caring deeply for anyone outside of my family.I’m not looking for complications.Monroe Buckley is a complication...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers workplace adult billionaire book -
Cowboy Seeking a Second Chance by Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTen years ago Boone Pace made a mistake out of selfishness and immaturity.He’s regretted it ever since.Competing as a professional rodeo cowboy was everything he wanted. All that mattered. An opportunity he wouldn’t pass by.But it meant leaving his high-school sweetheart behind.Mae Wells was sweet, and innocent, and quiet... -
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 enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn workplace romance western contemporary -
Untaken Twin by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA forbidden romance.There’s only one thing worse than your fiancé dying . . .It's having to look into his face every single day.Or should I say - the face of his twin.So I left.I never knew promises were made. Then broken.And I surely never expected those promises to be about me.When I return to my hometown and see his face, the heartache I’ve been running from is front and center...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn adult book -
Twisted Twosome by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsRacer McKay is a broody bastard. From the moment I met him, he’s been rude, irritable, and unbearable. And worse? He's broke. A contractor working to remodel my parents pool house for extra cash, he stomps around in those clunky construction boots with his tool belt wrapped around his narrow waist, and a chip on his shoulder. Racer McKay is also infuriatingly . . . sexy as hell... -
Could Be the One: (Lucas and Becca) by Claire Kingsley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’ve always been the good girl, doing what people expect. But when I find myself dumped, instead of engaged, I realize it’s time for a change. I want to stop being so timid. Take risks. Find my naughty side. And who better to help me than my friend Lucas? Sure, Lucas is sexy as sin, with a smile that turns my brain inside out and a body that makes me think a lot of very bad girl thoughts...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn romantic-love contemporary audiobook steamy small-town -
The Worst Wedding Date by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHe’s a tattooed shirtless bad boy. My best friend’s brother. And the jerk on the other side of my bed.I didn’t know bridesmaid was code for babysitter for the bride’s brother , but if that’s what my best friend needs of me for her dream wedding to go off without a hitch, that’s what I’ll do.Even if Theo Monroe has been a pain in my rear since third grade...Categorized as:
family enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn romance contemporary audiobook humor -
Keep This Promise by Corinne Michaels
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI am about to lose everything.My home. My name. My future.My husband was involved in something that could cost us our lives, and on his deathbed, he demands my daughter and I flee Britain. I had no idea he found her biological father, Holden James, in Rose Canyon, and that’s where we’d start over.The moment we see each other, feelings I’d long forgotten rush over me...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn angst family romance contemporary suspense -
This Much Is True by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen celebrity Laina Kelley bolted from her small hometown church on her wedding day, she ran to the first place that came to mind—the home of the local farrier, a gorgeous playboy who just so happens to be her first love … and biggest frenemy...Categorized as:
family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers workplace angst romance contemporary western -
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The Fine Art of Faking It by Lucy Score
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDavis Gates. Naked. Tossing her a handful of orgasms like he was on a lust-themed parade float. A fifty-year feud. One failed smoke bomb matchmaking scheme. Two enemies turned fake lovers. For the past fifteen years, Eden has worked her ass off to overcome high school. She’s cornered the tourism market in Blue Moon offering visitors a place to stay in her hippie, dippy hometown... -
Neat by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMy life is over. I swore I would never work at the whiskey distillery with my last name on it, that I would never be a part of my father’s legacy. But when I graduated with my art degree and realized there were no jobs, the devil appeared, and I sold my soul, agreeing to work in the family business if he’d give me the art studio I’d always dreamed of. It can’t be that bad, I thought...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers family friends-to-lovers slow-burn workplace adult audiobook -
What's It Gonna Take by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGarrethFrom the first moment I saw Reagan Turner at the bar and restaurant I help manage, I was drawn like never before. She was dating someone at the time, which meant she was off-limits, until the jerk broke up with her. I can’t get her out of my head, can’t stop wanting to kiss those perfectly lush lips. Fighting this attraction has been my kryptonite.So, I give in to temptation...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers workplace adult alpha-mc book contemporary fiction -
Lost to You by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Seaside ChronicleNovember 1, 2022Keepin’ it ReelSeasiders,We all know the youngest Bradley sibling must be the most carefree of the bunch. Last this writer heard, Palmer was employed with at least five different jobs. Pet walker, house sitter, vet receptionist, nanny, and the least of my favorite, pooper scooper. To each her own, I guess... -
Brave Enough by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHunter Shaw is handsome, charming, and a minor celeb on the collegiate team roping circuit. Not to mention, he looks damn fine in a cowboy hat. So it’s no surprise when he’s ardently pursued to be the star on a new streaming network’s debut program—a reality dating show... -
An Optimist's Guide to Heartbreak by Jennifer Hartmann
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsDear Diary,There once was a girl with fireflies in her eyes and music in her soul.(Remember her... she's important.)She's the reason I panic-bought the little brick house on Maple Street; the one I lived next door to for eight magical years. Now that I'm back digging up floorboards and lost journals, I can’t stop thinking about the two people who grew up here...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn workplace adult -
Running Wild: A Novel by K.A. Tucker
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsFrom the internationally bestselling author of The Simple Wild comes the story of a woman at a crossroads in her life, struggling between the safe route and the one that will only lead to more heartbreak.Veterinarian Marie Lehr knows unrequited love all too well after pining for her best friend, only to watch him marry another woman...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers family friends-to-lovers slow-burn action-adventure adult animals -
My Brother's Forbidden Friend by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’ve gone from crushing on my brother’s best friend to wanting to crush him. Cameron Baker and I have a few things in common. The first being that we were both born and raised in our small Alaskan town. Second, is that we hide our feelings and keep our hearts closed off from anyone who could break them.But hiding my feelings is harder to do with Cam than most...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn adult audiobook book -
Southern Secrets by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAmeliaNever make the same mistake twice is my motto.After being left in the dust of an old pickup truck, I promised that I would take care of myselfand never trust another man with a sexy smirk and cowboy boots.Then he showed up, and he's everywhere I turn, making me want something I shouldn't.AsherI grew up in foster care, and on my eighteenth birthday, I was set free... -
Charmed by Laura B. Pavlov
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCrew Carlisle is enemy number one.He’s also my new boss.I need this internship as much as Crew needs an ego lobotomy.He’s arrogant, cocky, and annoyingly good looking.Our families have despised one another since long before I was born.The man loathes me, and he makes no effort to hide his contempt.But everything I thought I knew isn’t as it seems.And Crew isn’t who I thought he was...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers workplace adult age-gap book coming-of-age -
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Perfect Wreckage (The Wrecked Series) by Catherine Cowles
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy past taught me to play it safe.To stay far away from handsome men who promised it all.My life was good without them. Stable, secure, predictable. But one kiss showed me that I’d been playing it safe for far too long.One night, and all I wanted was more of his wildfire.One challenge and my carefully constructed walls tumbled down... -
Stay Over by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBrooksOverhearing my cousin’s best friend confessing that she’s never been satisfied wasn’t my fault… but offering to help her change that definitely was. Her brother is a friend of mine, and while this has a bad idea written all over it, it doesn’t stop us from becoming friends… with benefits. Palmer is gorgeous, off-limits, and stubborn as hell. For the first time, I’m the one left wanting more...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn romance contemporary small-town age-gap steamy -
The Apple Tree by Jewel E. Ann
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe's a single dad starting over in a new town. She's a relentless flirt with a penchant for trouble, ten years younger than him, and the babysitter. What could go wrong?Eve has just graduated from high school, but she doesn’t know what’s next aside from working at the local motel, spying on Kyle, her neighbor, and stealing apples from his orchard...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers family angst slow-burn forced-proximity romance contemporary new-adult -
The Worst Wedding Date by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI didn’t know bridesmaid was code for babysitter for the bride’s brother, but if that’s what my best friend needs of me for her dream wedding to go off without a hitch, that’s what I’ll do.Even if Theo Monroe has been a pain in my rear since third grade.Even if he should be responsible enough to not wreak havoc at his sister’s destination wedding...Categorized as:
family enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn romance contemporary audiobook steamy -
Old Fashioned by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe epic finale of the Becker Brothers series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone.It’s a man’s world.When I declared sports medicine as my major and every man narrowed their eyes, that saying proved true. It was true when my ex-husband decided I’d give up my career when our daughter was born... -
Don't Go Away Mad by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJasperThe kitchen: it’s my domain, where I create the best burgers in the Midwest. I’m the man behind the grill at Burgers and Brew, the restaurant and bar I co-own with my best friends. Every night, we’re packed, the demand has never been this high. It’s the only way I want it, thriving and pushing myself to be the very best.Then she started her new business across the street from mine...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn workplace adult book -
On the Shore by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHe's the GOAT of the NFL. She's a hot-headed reporter who despises him. They're in the same small town for the summer. What could possibly go wrong?I'm more than aware of the responsibilities that come with being a quarterback in the NFL.The upside—I get to do what I love every day, which is play football.And I make more money than I know what to do with...Categorized as:
family enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity workplace slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance sports -
Forcing You Away by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs I search for a fresh start, a friend convinces me to move to his small town. Considering I don’t have a place to live, his little sister offers me her spare room.She’s every man’s dream—witty, down to earth, and gorgeous as hell—too bad she’s off-limits. Unspoken words and stolen glances have me eager to please her in all the forbidden ways... -
Merging Wright by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt takes a village, or in the case of this jaded silver fox, he needs a wife to save one.“I need you to marry me.”Jane FoxMy boss cannot be serious. The ridiculously handsome man I hate-to-crush on has just proposed I pretend to be his wife for a funeral. A funeral! Only, when he dangles a much-coveted position in exchange for my time, I can’t refuse...Categorized as:
angst forced-proximity friends-to-lovers workplace adult audiobook book contemporary -
At First Meet by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues the Montgomery Ink Legacy series with an emotional, friends-to-lovers romance where second chances begin with a promise.I fell in love with the wrong man and learned the hard way to ask for help.I don’t plan on falling again and have no intention of trying.But when I get invited to a high-powered CEO retreat, I know I can’t say no...Categorized as:
family friends-to-lovers forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers romance contemporary steamy audiobook -
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Defender by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTravis WyattAll I’ve ever wanted was to go to college and get out of Kensley. That small town is all I’ve ever known. I want to be free to be myself, not stifled by small minds in the football-loving town where I grew up.And then I blew my one and only chance.So now, I’m just stuck. Stuck in small-town life, with the same small-town people I’ve always known. Stuck where I don’t want to be...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers forced-proximity workplace enemies-to-lovers family romance mlm contemporary -
Right as Raine by Lucy Lennox
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsTiller:As the first openly gay professional football player, I can’t afford to make any mistakes, on or off the field. And the absolute biggest mistake I could make right now would be to fall for Mikey Vining, my best friend, employee and, more importantly, Coach’s baby boy. I might fantasize about Mikey at night-—every night—but actually touching him would be a serious personal foul... -
Flirt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWANTED: A SITUATION-SHIPI’m a single female that’s tired of relationships ruining my life. However, there are times when a date would be helpful. If you’re a single man, preferably mid-twenties to late-thirties, and are in a similar situation, we might be a match.Candidate must be handsome, charming, and willing to pretend to have feelings for me (on a sliding scale, as the event requires)... -
Earn Your Extra Credit by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratings"She went home with someone else that night?" Hearing the disbelief from my best friend's mouth makes the events of my failed date sting that much more. I would like to make it known, I have a lot more swagger than what it seems. I don't normally ask a girl out, have her fail to recognize it's a date, and then give me a high five--as if I'm her wingman--and take off with someone else. No...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn workplace adult audiobook -
Stop Ghosting Me by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHarvest Grove News:Another Halloween season is upon us! As usual, please be mindful of the movie fans traveling from Vine Street to Cinnamon Way. Favorite bar owner, Ford Prescott, is back in town for his yearly stay, making this his sixth October in Harvest Grove! Be sure to welcome him warmly when you see him at the Wicked Pub and Grub... -
Straight Up by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA new standalone in the Twisted Fox Series.Book 3, Straight Up: (Lincoln and Cassidy's story)...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers workplace adult age-gap book contemporary fiction -
Someone to Love by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Seaside ChroniclesJanuary 3, 2023On the HookSeasiders,News on the beach is Braxton Bradley has caught the eye of Seaside’s very own darling, Harlee Tilson. Now, this might come as a shock to many of you, since the eldest Bradley sibling has been rumored to have made a vow to never marry. After all, his fishing charter has always been his number one love... -
Silent Chaos by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBraxtonOur senior year, I promised my girl forever. Forever, as it turned out, wasn't enough. She told me so in her actions. When she took a match to my life, burning it to ash. I headed to LA with my band—Raging Chaos—like we always planned, while Kaylee went to college, taking my damaged heart with her. This was where our story was supposed to end. Only six years later, our lives collide again...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers workplace adult book -
I've Got You by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen a single dad and a newly outed veterinarian meet by chance, it takes red-cheeked conversations, a tentative friendship, and the willingness to put their hearts on the line to show these men they’re made for each other. Single dad Davis Jackson is busy balancing his coffee shop and being the best dad he can be. That doesn’t mean he’s not lonely...Categorized as:
family friends-to-lovers slow-burn enemies-to-lovers mlm contemporary lgbtq audiobook -
Kissing the Rival by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCharlotteI’m not just kissing the rival… I’m falling for him.Spencer Pennington has always been a shameless flirt, but when it came to being the best in our MBA program, all bets were off, and the competition was on.Fast-forward a few years, and all it takes is a bar at a failed wedding and my silly kiss-rating system to lock lips with the enemy...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers workplace slow-burn forced-proximity angst romance contemporary small-town -
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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... -
The Renegade Billionaire by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s got two reasons for getting out of bed every morning: Running his family’s empire and ruining his father. Braxton Reyes doesn’t have time for anything else in his life. At least not until his grandfather’s will is read. The only man Braxton ever trusted has just derailed everything he’s worked for... -
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... -
Off Key (Whispering Key) by May Archer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’m about to sing you the saddest song in the universe, and it’s called “The Man of My Dreams Married My Sister.” It’s kinda my theme song. And trust me when I tell you, it’s heavy on the violins.Because the man in question? He’s not just any guy, he’s Rafe freakin’ Goodman. My former best friend. The boy who made my summers on Whispering Key magical...Categorized as:
angst enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn action-adventure adult -
The Last One You Loved by L.J. Evans
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMaddoxBetween my badge, my daughter, and my hometown, I’ve got a busy life. It’s a mostly happy one. But late at night, when the house is quiet, I still see her face. McKenna may have left me and this town behind a decade ago, but a century wouldn’t be long enough to get over her.There’s only one thing worse than never seeing her again...Categorized as:
family friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn angst romance contemporary suspense -
Sweet Spot by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWho knew four little words and a very public kiss would change so much.Gage Langdon didn’t do relationships. After having his heart shattered years ago, he made a vow to never go down that road again. But when his past waltzes into his town, demanding his attention, he reacts without thinking and makes a very public display of kissing his best friend...
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