Books like 'Checkmate'
Readers who enjoyed Checkmate by R.L. Mathewson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny alpha male from hate to love strong heroine cruel hero bad boys friends to lovers dual-pov office
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Worth It by S.M. Shade, C.M. Owens
What's the recipe to the ultimate disaster week? Three unruly friends. A wedding we shouldn't have been invited to. Two unexpected romances. A scoop of sexy. And a double scoop of chaos. Lydia is a good girl who is above revenge. Good thing she has us. No one cheats on our best friend and rides off into the sunset with his new bride... -
Becoming A Vincent by C.M. Owens
When you live in a place where “turbo speed” internet is a slight step above dial-up, men carry on nine-year beard-growing challenges out of stubborn pride, and your brothers do things like nail all your panties to the outside of your cabin just for funsies, you tend to be a little crazy. You can call it a "locational" hazard, if you will. That’s Tomahawk for you... -
Fire & Brimstone: A Neighbor from Hell by R.L. Mathewson
What happens when a Bradford with questionable OCD, a tempter and a reputation for making his employees cry falls for the woman that refuses to accept the fact that he’s fired her and was terrifyingly more of a Bradford than he was? Well, we can’t share that here, because it would be seriously inappropriate, but we’re sure that you can see where this is leading… To the altar or a stint in...Categorized as:
from hate to love strong heroine alpha male possessive hero friends to lovers office m-f cold hero -
Caught by Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s set on pleasure, but she’s all business. Sizzling chemistry and a surprising connection set this sexy love story in motion. But is it enough to last forever? Find out and fall in love on the sandy shores of Silver Island, home to coffee shops, boat races, midnight rendezvous, and the sexy, sharp-witted Steeles.Archer Steele is one of the leading vintners on the East Coast... -
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Craft by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThey’re not quite enemies. Not really friends. More like frustrated balls of sexual tension and neither will give in. Lance Gibson drives Mariah Malarkey absolutely crazy. He uses her office like a phone booth, takes cupcakes from the corner of her desk like she baked them just for him. She didn’t...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends to lovers angst office friends-benefits christian humor contemporary -
Stay Wild by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhat happens when your wandering heart is captured by your friend with benefits?ScarlettArcher Kincaid is supposed to be all the fun and none of the strings, but the longer I stay in Willow River, the more I feel roots pulling me to settle down.I plan to complete a one-year photography contract with Captured Moments, then move on to travel the world...Categorized as:
friends-benefits dual-pov strong heroine angst friends to lovers humor insta-love contemporary -
Unscripted With Mila by Melanie Moreland
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFrom NYT bestselling author Melanie Moreland comes a story of finding love, acceptance and happiness when you least expect it. Mila Morrison prefers the silent company of her keyboard to that of people. She lives vicariously through the characters she creates.Nicholas Scott only feels comfortable when he’s playing the role of someone else. He would rather be anyone but himself... -
A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe BRAND NEW uplifting novel from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland Rosie feels like there's something missing in her life.She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District... -
Making Room For You by M.A. Clarke Scott, MaryAnn Clarke
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsFrom the award-winning author of The Art of Enchantment, comes Making Room for You, an inspiring, heart-warming enemies-to-lovers romantic women’s fiction tale... -
Tangled Twosome by Meghan Quinn
Racer 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... -
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLooking for a Fake FiancéHave you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it?It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to go there is what counts.Hi. It’s me. I’m that person.The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and I should “lower my expectations... -
Knockout by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt wasn’t fair that the man I hated with a passion was so freaking gorgeous.Things in Layla Fox’s life were going great. She had a fantastic job, amazing friends, and a killer apartment. There was just one tiny glitch in all that perfect. Her upstairs neighbor was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome . . . and she hated the man with every cell in her body... -
Black Flag by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen the taste you thought you never needed becomes a thirst you cannot quench, then what? Jameson Riley, a NASCAR rookie driver, and Sway Reins, his pregnant girlfriend, are put to the test. They have love; they have lust, and a bond that proves to be vital. But do they have what it takes to make it through his lifestyle. When tested, it’s either fight, or give in... -
Killing Booth by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWelcome to the Circus is a brand-new series that centers around a family that owns a circus, 6 sisters and one brother... -
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Falling Into Love with You by Lauren Rowe
I’m obsessed with Laila Fitzgerald. There, I finally admitted it. I’ve tried not to want her. I tried to step aside when my best friend said he wanted her. But it’s proved impossible. She’s too gorgeous and talented, too charismatic and badass, for me not to want her for myself. Unfortunately, though, karma’s a bitch... -
Heller's Punishment by J.D. Nixon
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIn her latest adventure, rookie security officer Tilly Chalmers has three new assignments to cope with - chaperoning a devious addict to a rehabilitation clinic; live-in security for a strange and isolated religious cult; and protecting a national TV host in a damaging court case...Categorized as:
friends to lovers strong heroine bad boys alpha male possessive hero office suspense humor -
Force of Nature by Brynne Asher
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA forced proximity and enemies to lovers romance about a tale of online dating that goes from bad to delicious.My name is Logan Carpino, Senior Vice President of Andopolis Global, and my online dating nightmare from hell just humiliated me in front of my entire company.Joke’s on her.She caught my eye. Little does she know, I live my personal life like I do my professional one...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity alpha male m-f contemporary insta-love humor christmas -
The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPreorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane seriesLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatAll’s fair in love and…medicine?Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders... -
Boss Man Bridegroom by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 27 ratings"Will you do me the greatest honor of all time and be my bridegroom?” she asks, hope in her eyes . . . How did I get here? My assistant, bent on one knee, holding my hand, her expectant face waiting for an answer. Just . .Categorized as:
friends to lovers from hate to love alpha male angst arranged marriage office cold hero dual-pov -
Put Me in Detention by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 23 ratings"You got married on your divorce-cation?" That would unfortunately be correct. I was hanging with the girls, celebrating my divorce when I saw him, my crush, sitting in the corner of the bar all alone. Being single and looking for a wild night, I asked him if he wanted to join me. To my delight, he said yes... -
The Champion by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA powerful love story of tragedy, love, and commitment. The fourth book in the Racing on the Edge series submerges you in the lifestyle of a champion of a sport that dominates America. Through smoke and methanol, you learn the good, the bad, and the secrets no one wants you to know... -
How to Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHow is it possible for the chemistry between two chefs to be hotter than a ghost pepper yet colder than liquid nitrogen?When THE Tatum Elliott shows up to run the catering kitchen at my family’s farm and event center, I don’t trust her anymore than I did back in culinary school.But like it or not, she’s here. On my territory. My turf... -
The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFamily, wounded hearts, and a Texas bed-and-breakfast are in need of repair in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s inviting novel about down-home comfort and second chances.Cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae are due for a change... -
Presently Perfect by Alison G. Bailey
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPerfection is an illusion fueled by the perception of others. Tweet was my heart, my soul, and my purpose. She was my everything. Neither of us were perfect. We both made mistakes. Looking back, that was okay, because every choice brought us to where we needed to be at the time we needed to be there. The one constant, our love and friendship... -
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Dirty Like Me by Jaine Diamond
A gorgeous rock star. An indecent proposal. How can a girl resist? Struggling barista Katie Bloom doesn’t even know who Jesse Mayes is until she inadvertently wins the coveted role of sex kitten in his hot new music video. But by the time she’s in bed with him, she knows his reputation. Love maker. Heartbreaker...Categorized as:
forced proximity fake relationship office dual-pov angst bad boys alpha male possessive hero -
A Very Bossy Christmas by Kayley Loring
What’s the actual last thing you’d ever want your executive assistant to see you doing the morning after you had hot, drunk, angry sex with her in a terrible hotel room? Dancing around your terrible hotel room to “Come and Get Your Love” like Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy—naked? Yeah. Me too.And yet, here we are... -
Runaway Love by Melanie Harlow
Yes, I’m a single dad who needs a nanny for the summer.But hire the stranded runaway bride who shows up on my doorstep in a wedding gown with no references, no skills, and no experience?No one is that desperate... -
Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
friends to lovers independent heroine sassy heroine strong heroine humor contemporary -
Stop Ghosting Me by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 11 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... -
Neanderthal Marries Human by Penny Reid
There are three things you should know about Quinn Sullivan: 1) He is madly in love with Janie Morris, 2) He’s not above playing dirty to get what (or who) he wants, and 3) He doesn’t know how to knit. After just five months of dating Janie, Quinn—former Wendell and unapologetic autocrat—is ready to propose marriage. In fact, he’s more than ready... -
Sudden Response by R.L. Mathewson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsJosephine (Joe for short) and Eric, the EMT crew of Echo 17 have been best friends since they were eight years old. They've been through a lot together over the years, but nothing like what they're about to experience. As the only man in Joe's life it's Eric's job to be there for her and take care of her even while he drives her crazy, especially if he's driving her crazy...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers possessive hero office dual-pov friends-benefits m-f contemporary -
Holy Frigging Matrimony by Emma Chase
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsWhat does Drew Evans have to say next? Find out in this forty page short story, filled with his sexy charm, unique advice and hilarious one-liners. Marriage: the final frontier. Steven went first. He was kind of our test subject. Like those monkeys that NASA sent off into space in the fifties, all the while knowing they’d never make it back. And now another poor rocket is ready to launch... -
The Baby Clause by Melanie Moreland
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThis is a chapter for charity - all profits to go the Keith Milano Memorial Fund. A glimpse into Richard and Katy's future. Reading the book The Contract first is highly recommended. Contains spoilers... -
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Matchmaking The CEO by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsJake Whitley and I start on the wrong foot. And then it goes downhill from there.After my career implodes, I’m determined to make a living with my new event planning business.But Jake and I are at odds from the moment I step on his private plane.He wants to get rid of me. I want to throw his grandmother the celebration of a lifetime…on his property in Martha’s Vineyard... -
Cop Daddy Next Door by Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNote to self: never ever lose your pants while at the town’s lookout point… I’m a former bad boy turned one of the newest cops in Crescent Cove. No matter what, I’m determined to earn the respect of my fellow cops—and my law enforcement family, including my older brother Brady—as the new guy.My new next door neighbor is also my new sister-in-law... -
Conflagration by Tessa Teevan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt isn't just a few flames; it's an especially large and destructive fire that causes devastation. Branson Wellington? The name, my name, is usually followed by fucking prick or self-serving bastard , and I can't say I haven't earned those titles. It's true. I'm not the good guy. I'm not the boy next door. I'm definitely not your Prince fucking Charming. Not even close...Categorized as:
alpha male possessive hero college cruel hero friends to lovers contemporary humor super rich hero -
Cheesy on the Eyes: Fake Dating Romcom by Teagan Hunter
Dating is hard. Dating in a small town? Impossible.Leave it to my little brother to come back home announcing he knocked up his fiancée and the wedding has been moved…to next month.When he tries to set me up with one of his football buddies, I tell him I’ll be bringing my own plus-one.Only problem? I’m hopelessly single.Enter Sullivan Scott, AKA my hero... -
Kissing The CEO by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhat’s that they say about the best laid plans? They are easily derailed. Especially when my high school crush is the CEO of the competition, and his matchmaking grandmother is plotting to bring us together. After getting the promotion of my dreams, I’m determined to prove to my boss that I’m the right person for the job...Categorized as:
bad boys dual-pov friends to lovers from hate to love contemporary humor super rich hero insta-love -
Never Say Never by Harlow James
“I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend.”When those words left the lips of Damien Shaw, my childhood nemesis, I should have told him to kick rocks right then and there...Categorized as:
from hate to love strong heroine friends-benefits contemporary humor explicit-open-door -
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon. Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding... -
Sadie and the Bad Boy Billionaire by Emma St. Clair, Jenny Proctor
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI will NOT fall for the smart-mouthed, pretty-boy billionaire who owns Oakley Island. But his yacht is another story …Love and happily-ever-after? It’s not for me. I’m much happier keeping everyone at arm’s length, focusing on my government cybersecurity work.But then I push things a little too far and hack my way into trouble... -
Intention by Ava Harrison
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI had it all. Dream job, fancy apartment, great family. But there was one thing I didn’t have. Would never have. Then he showed up. Rich. Arrogant. Condescending. He came to me with an ultimatum, and I had no choice but to agree. I needed to convince the world that I was Nathaniel Harrington’s girlfriend so his legacy would stay intact. Spending time with him would be difficult...Categorized as:
from hate to love bad boys dual-pov friends-benefits angst alpha male contemporary humor -
Dating-ish by Penny Reid
There are three things you need to know about Marie Harris: 1) She’s fed up with online dating, 2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and 3) She knows how to knit. After the most bizarre and irritating first date in the history of human kind, Marie is looking for an alternative to men... -
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Naked Love by Jewel E. Ann
What happens when a high-heeled diva goes camping with her sister’s dog? Avery Montgomery, fashionista and preacher’s daughter, needs a ride from Milwaukee to Los Angeles. “Make my death quick, and please don’t tie me up. I’m claustrophobic.” Jake Matthews, diva-hater, agrees to let her tag along on his annual but primitive trek to the West Coast. “Okay, Princess, I’ll take you to L.A... -
In Hate With My Boss by Lexi Calder
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThere are three things I know about Owen Bennett: He’s worth billions. He’s smoking hot. He’s a total asshole.Oh, and he’s my new boss. Which, I guess is technically four things. But who’s counting? Not Owen. Because all he can do is stare at my chest and make rude comments. He’s unprofessional, lazy, and the single most infuriatingly sexy man I’ve ever met in my life...Categorized as:
from hate to love office sassy heroine angst alpha male contemporary super rich hero humor -
Laws of Physics: Space by Penny Reid, Fiona Fischer
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsAll she wants is forgiveness, and all he wants is revenge... From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny ReidOne week.Private cabin.Famous physicist.Still an unrepentant slacker...Categorized as:
angst dual-pov from hate to love forced proximity contemporary new adult humor second chances -
He's Going Down by Kelly Siskind
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA one-night stand goes wrong in this steamy and hilarious enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy! It started as a normal birthday celebration. Was there wine? Of course. Did I let loose with my best friends? Absolutely. Did I have one glass too many and follow a tattooed bad boy into a bar? Cue mortification. I don’t do reckless, or wild nights of hot sex. Correction: I didn’t used to... -
Front & Center by A.M. Madden
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsJack was a rock star on the way to fame. Leila was following her dream and joining his band as a back-up singer. An insane attraction sparked between them that they couldn’t deny. Attraction quickly led to so much more. They ignored all the warnings and fell in love. When the couple embark on their tour, they couldn’t be more excited to travel the country hand in hand on the way to stardom...Categorized as:
alpha male bad boys friends to lovers college sassy heroine m-f contemporary musicians -
Real Fake Husband: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance by Jolie Day
He called me "Goody-Goody."He called me "Nosy-Josie."He called me other things while he pulled my pigtails.Now, his grandmother left us a surprise inheritance...with strings attached.We have to get married and live in her small NYC apartment.For a month.With just one bed.When I arrive, he's not the cheeky bully I hated.He's piping hot. Tall. Sinfully tattooed. A stunning villain...
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