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In the mood for some forced proximity romance books?
From the fake dating and stuck together trope to forced roommate situations and road trip forced proximity romance books, this curated list has it all.
Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann
After a late-night out celebrating her sister’s birthday, Corabelle is more than ready to ditch the slimy sleazeballs prowling the bar for the adorable fluff-ball waiting for her back home. Those plans come to a screeching halt when she learns her wallet’s been stolen, leaving her stranded and dependent on her arch-nemesis Dean. A nightmare in the making.
The nightmare only worsens when she wakes up in chains in a monster’s basement. And the cherry on top? Dean shares the same fate.
Beautiful, tragic, and powerful, Still Beating is a heart-wrenching tale that will hold you captive from the first opening sentence till the last. Prepare for a sleepless night with this unputdownable dark forced proximity romance.
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
City girl Calla Fletcher flies out to Alaska to reconnect with her estranged father Wren after learning that his days are numbered. But when it comes time to leave the beautiful state behind, Calla finds herself pulled in two different directions: one pushing her to the bustling city of Toronto and the other to the brutally honest, rugged Alaskan pilot Jonah.
K.A. Tucker brings us a heartwarming tale of family, heartbreak and unexpected love. The slow progression of Calla and Jonah’s relationship from enemies-to-lovers is pure perfection. The Simple Wild is undoubtedly one of the best contemporary slow-burn forced proximity romance books, so you would be doing yourself a disservice by not reading this gem.
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
If someone told Charlie Winshaw that he would be starring on a reality dating show after losing his position as CTO of his tech company, he would have never believed them. But now, with his image on the line, he will do anything to get his life back together… Even if that means becoming the future Prince Charming of Ever After.
Dev Deshpande is a hopeless romantic. Ever since stumbling upon Ever After as a boy, he has just loved love. When he lands his dream job on that very same show, he gets to do what he does best: give contestants their happily ever after. But when the awkwardly sweet tech mogul who shies away from the camera and clams up around the girls walks onto the set, it’s up to Dev to ensure that Charlie gets his own happily ever after.
Heartwarming, sweet, and thought-provoking, The Charm Offensive is a swoon-worthy, meet-cute MM romance that explores sexuality and mental health, perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall. If you’re looking for an unforgettable MM romance that will sweep you off your feet, I recommend reading Cochrun’s masterful debut novel to your shelf.
Brainwashed by Nyla K.
Esteemed psychiatrist Dr. Lemuel Love gets the chance of a lifetime when he is called into Alabaster Penitentiary to study Felix Darcy, the infamous serial killer nicknamed The Carver.
To get into the mind of this century’s most notorious killer is a dream come true for Dr. Love, but what he did not count on was Felix slithering his way into his mind too.
Let the mind games begin.
Deliciously twisted, masterfully written, and unimaginably deranged, Brainwashed is a highly addictive doctor-patient romance perfect for fans of true crime, taboo relationships, and morally gray characters.
As one of the best MM romance books of 2022, I recommend picking up this slow-burn page-turner. Prepare to watch the sunrise because you will not be getting much sleep once you crack Nyla K.’s masterpiece open.
Best Forced Proximity Romance Books With Roommates
Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out why his closest friend ghosted him the summer before college. Now, four years later, Jamie is ready for that explanation when he learns they’ll be residing in the same city in preparation for their upcoming face-off in the national college hockey championship.
Ryan Wesley has always regretted the way he ended things with his best friend of six years. After taking a bet too far, he took the easy way out rather than deal with the repercussions of his drunken antics. Now four years later, Ryan is ready to apologize. Except the second he locks eyes with Jamie, all his feelings for his straight best friend come rushing back.
As one of the best MM forced proximity, friends-to-lovers romance books ever written, I recommend adding Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy’s stellar romance to your bookshelf. Him is a second chance hockey sports romance between two friends that will keep you up well past your bedtime and desperate for more.
Make Me Fall by Riley Nash
Minutes before jetting off to start his first year of law school in NYC, 23-year-old Jonah Scott unwittingly lands himself in first class next to the handsome 36-year-old lawyer Gray Freeman. While talking to pass the time, Jonah lets out that he thinks he might be bisexual, a declaration that ends with them joining the mile-high club.
Months later, Jonah is struggling. Between the rigorous curriculum and lengthy case briefs, Jonah is at his wits’ end when the enigmatic lawyer from the plane enters the picture once again and shakes everything up.
For a beautifully written and heartwarmingly sweet age-gap MM romance that centers around the grumpy/sunshine trope, I recommend taking a look at Make Me Fall. As one of the best MM forced proximity romance books from this year, expect to be unable to put this must-read down after you turn that first page.
Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely
At twenty-three, aspiring author TJ Ashford gets the opportunity of a lifetime when his employer, 24News, sends him to England for a year, a perfect destination to write his first novel. To add to his good luck, TJ lands a date with a sexy, charming Brit hours after landing.
What should have been a perfect day takes a sharp swan dive when he meets his roomie and learns it is aspiring actor Jude Graham, the same sexy, charming Brit from earlier that day.
Determined to keep their relationship firmly in the friend zone, TJ and Jude ignore their blinding attraction and keep things friendly. But the two can only overlook their growing feelings for so long before they are forced to decide whether to give in or continue fighting their connection.
Adorably sexy, hilariously witty, and insanely addictive, Hopelessly Bromantic is the first book in this unputdownable MM duet featuring a meet-cute, two swoon-worthy guys, and a handful of twists and turns that will have you desperate for more.
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas
What happens when you fall for your boyfriend’s dad? Yeah, imagine that for a second. Talk about awkward family dinners.
Nineteen-year-old Jordan is older beyond her years and struggling to make ends meet. Moving into her boyfriend’s father’s house rent-free will help her save up money, but it will also bring about many complications when sparks fly between Jordan and Pike.
Will their nineteen-year age gap keep them apart or will it be said boyfriend and son Cole.
Read Birthday Girl if you’re in the mood for one of the best slow-burn forced proximity romance books centered around a taboo love story between a 19-year-old and her boyfriend’s dad.
Wilde Love by Lucy Lennox
At twenty-two, Liam “Doc” Wilde was irrecoverably changed after being sent out to the front lines in Vietnam. Designated as a medic in spite of his laughable medical background, Liam quickly found a place amongst his brothers-in-arms.
And despite being forever altered by the ugliness of war, Liam would go back and do it all over again because it was there that he met his best friend and closest confidante, Major Marian, who single-handedly ensured Liam’s safe return home to his wife and three kids. And he became the one person he could trust when tragedy struck years later.
For his entire adult life, Weston “Major” Marian has only ever known life as a military man since joining the U.S. Army at seventeen, days after running away from home. When he first lays eyes on the new medic, he knows he’s in trouble because there’s nothing worse than falling for a straight guy who has a family waiting for him back home, especially when that family becomes his everything.
Emotional, raw, and heartwarming, Wilde Love is a breathtaking slow-burn MM military romance that will blow you away with its beautiful character progression and uplifting storyline. As one of the best MM friends-to-lovers romance books on the market, I recommend adding this to your bookshelf.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Lowen Ashleigh is on the brink of financial ruin when she is offered a deal that is too good to be true. Jeremy Crawford hired Lowen to complete the final books of a successful series his injured wife Verity is unable to finish.
To successfully do so, Lowen goes to the Crawford home to look through Verity’s notes and outlines except she finds something unexpected, Verity’s unfinished autobiography. Containing disturbing admissions and unsettling thoughts, Lowen becomes wary of Verity and questions whether she truly is injured… or if it’s all an act.
Disturbing, sinister and twisted, Verity is an unputdownable psychological thriller overflowing with wicked twists and turns that will make your head spin. As one of the best romantic suspense books from Colleen Hoover, I suggest adding this masterpiece to your TBR list.
The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori
After a scandalous rendezvous leaves Elena Abelli’s reputation in tatters, the once favored mafia principessa is stripped of her halo and placed on house arrest.
When her father announces her sister’s upcoming nuptials to the notorious King of the Cosa Nostra, the last thing she expects to feel is an inexplicable pull to her future brother-in-law.
But with each passing glance and heated altercation, fate weaves an intricate web that spells their ultimate doom.
Gritty, captivating and unputdownable, The Sweetest Oblivion is one of the best dark mafia romance books out there. If you’re a sucker for allusive antiheroes, buckets of sexual tension and arranged marriages, you’ll love Danielle Lori’s sweet series.
Fake Dating Forced Proximity Romance Books
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Vanessa Mazur is a glorified mother to the famous football legend nicknamed The Wall of Winnipeg. What was supposed to be a temporary position turned into a two-year game of running around like a chicken with its head cut off for a man who never even had the time to acknowledge her birthday.
Knowing it’s time she moves on, Van hands in her letter of resignation. Imagine her surprise when Aiden Graves shows up on her doorstep, asking that she come back.
As one of the best slow burn forced proximity romance books, The Wall of Winnipeg needs to be on your TBR bookshelf. Plus, if you love enemies-to-lovers romances, you’ll fall in love with this hidden gem. After all, Mariana Zapata puts the slow in slow-burn.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Take a relaxing vacation with Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas on their Hawaii honeymoon. Well, it would be relaxing if Olive and Ethan weren’t always at each other’s throats and if the honeymoon was meant for them.
The unlucky twin of the bride Olive finds an unlikely nemesis in her future brother-in-law’s brother Ethan after a rocky first impression. When everyone in the wedding party besides Olive and Ethan falls sick with food poisoning, the newlyweds insist the two to go on their non refundable honeymoon trip. Deciding they can simply ignore one another while on the trip, they accept. But their plans are quickly dashed, pushing them to create an elaborate ruse that ends with them in a fake marriage.
For a witty and hilarious fake dating, enemies-to-lovers romance about two people who are forced to be around each other because their siblings are getting married, The Unhoneymooners is the perfect slow-burn romance read for you.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Graduate student Olive Smith is single-minded in her pursuit of attaining her Ph.D. Nothing can derail her focus, not even the aloof hotshot professor that sends students running from his office in tears.
By all accounts, Olive knew that she, an exhausted and overworked grad student, probably registered as nothing but a blip on Adam Carlsen’s radar. And that would be true if Olive had never accosted said professor with an uninvited kiss.
What should have been a one-and-done smooch to curb her bestie’s concerns over her dating life quickly spirals out of control when news of the “relationship” trickles down the STEM department grapevine.
To say that the pair are in a tricky predicament would be the understatement of the century.
Smart, witty, and adorably romantic, The Love Hypothesis is a hilarious college romance theorized to be one of 2021s best romantic comedies. As one of the funniest romance books out there, I recommend adding it to your ever-increasing must-read pile.
Forced (To Work Together) Proximity Romance Books
From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
With each passing year, Jasmine Suko knows her chances of winning the coveted gold medal dwindle and when her skating partner ditches her, she’s ready to hang up her skates. But when Jasmine is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete in an upcoming competition, she accepts. Even if that means partnering up with the a-hole golden boy she’s fantasized of pushing off a cliff for the past decade. Except it’s not that easy.
If they want this partnership to work, they’ll need to try to reign in the insults and refrain from killing each other before their big day. But between their grueling schedule and forced trust exercises, the nemeses soon learn there is a fine line between love and hate.
Fans of Kulti and The Wall of Winnipeg will love From Lukov with Love. This slow-burn forced proximity romance will end with you gushing about Jasmine and Lukov and falling into a YouTube figure skating rabbit hole.
Midnight Blue by L.J. Shen
British rock god Alex Winslow is an addict stuck on lockdown after spiraling down a rabbit hole of self-destruction upon learning of his girlfriend and best friend’s betrayal. Set to go on tour, his agent hires a sobriety companion “babysitter” to help keep him from on the road to recovery while on the road.
Enter Indigo Bellamy. Indie needs this job and if that means dealing with Alex’s cantankerous ass, so be it. Nothing will dissuade Indie from a job that could be the key to helping her family. But that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy when it comes to the serial heartbreaker.
L.J. Shen is a master at crafting slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romances and Midnight Blue is a shining example. Indie and Alex’s story is one of healing, forgiveness and love. Trust me when I say it will make your heart race.
Managed by Kristin Calihan
In a stroke of luck, Sophie Darling lands herself a seat in first class next to one of the most striking guys she’s ever seen. Unfortunately for her, Gabriel Scott sees her as nothing more than a pest who’s invading his space.
But when Sophie learns of Gabriel’s aversion to flying, she manages to take his mind off that little tidbit in the funniest of ways. All too quickly, the plane lands, marking what should be the end of Sophie and Gabriel’s short, yet memorable friendship.
However, fate has other plans.
Witty, steamy and funny-as-hell, Managed is an enchanting read perfect for anyone in the mood for a slow-burn, forced proximity, friends-to-lovers romance between a broody hero and a hilarious heroine who level each other out perfectly.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Alex Claremont, the first son of the United States, barely tolerates Henry, the Prince of England, and vice versa.
In the aftermath of a particularly volatile verbal spar, the two are forced to play nice with one another when U.S./British relations take a turn for the worse. Still, no one ever said it was easy to build a friendship with your arch nemesis.
As they truly get to know each other, their fake friendship blossoms and grows into something deeper than they ever imagined.
If you’re obsessed with royalty, Red, White & Royal Blue is perfect for fans of MM slow-burn romance books. As one of the best forced, proximity enemies-to-lovers romance books ever written, it needs to be added to your TBR. Casey McQuinston’s instant bestseller will become your next book obsession.
Deal Maker by Lily Morton
Jude Bailey may be living the high life as a highly successful underwear model, but if he had it his way, he would give up the glamorous lifestyle and never-ending string of hookups in an instant.
When an accident leaves his flat in shambles and him temporarily homeless and desperate for money, he accepts an offer from an unlikely source, leading to an unforgettable summer spent with well-known actor Asa Jacobs and his precocious 5-year-old son Billy.
Hilarious, cute, and sexy, Deal Maker is an unforgettable MM slow-burn forced proximity romance filled with laugh-out-loud pranks, witty banter that will etch a permanent smile onto your face, and heartwarming moments that will tug at your heartstrings.
The Words by Ashley Jade
When straight A student Lennon Michael is tasked with tutoring the resident bad boy, she never expects to find a friend in the talented loner, yet alone something more. But between late night study sessions and magnetic band practices, Lennon falls for the misunderstood musician. That is until it all falls apart.
Four years later, Phoenix Walker is an international rock star and Lennon is struggling to make ends meet while caring for her dad. When she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to join Sharp Edges on tour as Phoenix’s sober companion, she accepts despite her intense hatred towards the lead singer.
Hypnotizing, sexy, and unforgettable, The Words is a magnetizing second chance romance filled with memorable side characters, beautiful lyrics, and insane character arcs that will leave you desperate for more. As one of the best celebrity romance books, I suggest adding it to your shelf, especially if you love the enemies-to-lovers trope.
Waking Olivia by Elizabeth O’Roarke
College coach Will Langstrom has no time for distractions. Between a struggling cross-country team, a mountain of debt, and a failing farm, the last thing he needs is more trouble. And that’s what his newest runner will be, an epic distraction.
Olivia Finnegan had a promising running career before it all fell apart when she took a bat to her former teammate. Stripped of her status as a D1 athlete, Olivia is transferred to a new school and placed in a lower bracket. The only perk of the entire arrangement is that she gets to train under the legendary coach Peter McEwan.
Or so she thinks.
Olivia’s excitement quickly deflates when she learns that she will be working with the cocky asshole who has it out for her. But when her night terrors trigger memories from her past, Will will become the least of her problems. In fact, he may just be her salvation.
Read Waking Olivia if you are in the mood for a taboo college romance that will tug at your heartstrings. Even better, it is slow-burn, so the sexual tension is off the charts by the time the two get together.
Forced Proximity Romance Books In The Wilderness
Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center
Determined to reinvent herself after a bitter divorce, Helen Carpenter signs herself up for a three-week wilderness survival course that will test her physically, mentally and emotionally.
Hoping to take this time to piece herself back together, Helen’s plans are quickly derailed when she discovers her younger brother’s annoying best friend Jake Archer will be joining her on the trip. Yet, despite Helen’s reservations, she finds herself falling for Jake’s jubilant can-do attitude and unrelenting positivity.
For a slow-burn, age-gap forced proximity romance between a recent divorcée and her younger brother’s best friend while on a three-week wilderness survival course, I recommend cracking open Happiness for Beginners.
On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves
When thirty-year-old English teacher Anna Emerson is offered a job to tutor sixteen-year-old T.J. Callahan at his family’s summer home, she accepts.
Anna and T.J. are en-route to meet up with T.J.’s family when the pilot suffers from a heart attack and crashes into the Indian Ocean. Their life jackets are the only things keeping them afloat before they find themselves on an uninhabited island.
As months shift into years, feelings surface. With nothing holding them back besides their own fears, it’s up to them to shatter the barrier and take their relationship to the next level. After all, they only have each other.
Read On the Island if you’re eager to devour one of the best slow-burn, age-gap, forced proximity romance books featuring an unforgettable story of love, bravery and survival.
Breaking Point by Pamela Clare
What should have been a run-of-the-mill conference in Northern Mexico takes a drastic and deadly turn for journalist Natalie Benoit when she is kidnapped by the Mexican drug cartel and caged in a filthy, scorpion-infested cell. There she meets Zach, a fellow captive clinging onto his last reserves as he fights to survive the daily torture sessions and dangerous conditions.
Former Navy SEAL, now Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Zach McBride, is none too happy when he is betrayed by a colleague and winds up a hostage of the Zetas. With dismal survival prospects, Zach knows his time is nearly up. That is until Natalie enters the equation and turns the tables on their captors.
But between dirty cops, cartel thugs, and the treacherous coyote-laden desert terrain, escaping the compound will only be the beginning of this risky game of cat-and-mouse.
With nail-biting suspense and nonstop action, Breaking Point is a highly addictive read that immerses you in a high-stakes situation overflowing with danger, adventure, and romance. As one of the best suspenseful forced proximity romance books, you should definitely think about opening this hot number because it will be one you will not soon forget.
Forced Proximity Romance Books With Road Trips
Naked Love by Jewel E. Ann
Avery Montgomery is desperately seeking a ride from Milwaukee to Los Angeles. The fashionista’s prayers are answered when she learns of Jake Matthews’s annual road trip to the West Coast. Jake has no patience for people he deems as materialistic and fake and he has Avery pegged as the ultimate diva. But when he agrees to let her travel with him, he slowly learns that he has Avery worked out all wrong.
Put together a bangin’ playlist because you’re about to embark on a lengthy, cross-country journey to the West Coast with two people who are complete opposites plus an insanely sweet dog. Naked Love is a funny, slow burn romance with bizarre, yet hilarious pit stops that will have you laughing till your stomach hurts.
Give Me More by Sara Cate
At thirty-four, Drake is a self-anointed commitment-phobe scoundrel who is not afraid to admit it. When his best friend and co-owner of the up-and-coming kink club Salacious asks him to go on a cross-country road trip to tour other clubs with him and his wife Isabel, he hops on board.
But being the third wheel in their marriage is getting old. And when a spark ignites between the trio, nothing will ever be the same.
Insanely sexy, breathtakingly beautiful, and unimaginably emotional, Give Me More is a memorable MMF friends-to-lovers forced proximity romance that will keep you up till all hours of the night.
Best Fantasy Forced Proximity Romance Books
Radiance by Grace Draven
Radiance revolves around a human princess, Ildiko, and an alien prince, Brishen, who are to unite their kingdoms through marriage. The two races find each other physically repulsive, so you can say this was a match made in the fiery pits of Tartarus. While they may not find each other physically attractive, they share a kinship that goes beyond physical appearances.
Read Radiance if you love slow-burn, friends-to-lover fantasy romances between aliens and humans who bicker like an old married couple. Between their shaky union and the precarious political landscape amongst their kingdoms, Kai and Ildiko will have to forgo their honeymoon and do some damage control before the warring kingdoms rip them apart.
Burn For Me by Ilona Andrews
When Nevada Baylor is faced with apprehending Houston’s deadliest Prime pyrokinetic, she knows it is a suicide mission. But with her business on the line, she will do whatever it takes to capture Adam Pierce… even if that means partnering up with the legendary Butcher of Merida, Connor “Mad” Rogan.
If you are in the market for an exciting slow-burn forced proximity urban fantasy romance, you need Ilona Andrews’ bestselling series on your list. Burn For Me is an inferno of action, mayhem, chaos, and mystery. Trust me when I say it is only bound to get hotter, especially with Rogan fanning those flames.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Silver Flames tells the story of Nesta Archeron, the prickly newly-turned fae, who is swift to anger, and Cassian, the battle-hardened warrior who has a penchant for pushing every single one of Nesta’s buttons. Together, they forge their own paths to redemption while battling the monsters set on destroying them.
Violent, sexy, and darkly thrilling, A Court of Silver Flames is a spellbinding forced proximity fae romance submerged in action, romance, and magic. If you’re obsessed with A Court of Thorns and Roses, you’ll love the anxiously-awaited fourth installment to Maas’s bestselling series.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Louise le Blanc escapes to the city of Cesarine where she blends in as a common thief, hiding the fact that she’s a witch. If the wrong person finds out, she may find herself burned at the stake as witches are feared and hunted by the masses.
As a Chasseur (huntsman) for the Church, Reid Diggory is bound to one duty: kill all witches. However, he finds himself in a precarious predicament when Lou pulls a sly stunt that ends with the two becoming husband and wife.
Obsessed with magic, witches, and cutthroat villains? Love reading a good ol’ forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance between a hero with questionable morals and a quick-witted heroine who can hold her own plus a fake engagement? If all of that has you nodding your head in excitement, then Serpent & Dove is one of the best slow-burn fantasy romance books for you.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
When criminal prodigy Kaz Brekkar is offered the once-in-a-lifetime chance at an impossible heist to earn an insane amount of money, he jumps at the chance. But to successfully carry out this deadly mission, Kaz needs to recruit the best crew the Barrels can provide: the dangerous assassin known as the Wraith, the gambling sharpshooter, the brains of the operation, the Grisha who can kill with a single look and a hunter trained to kill Grisha.
Breaking into the world’s most impenetrable fortress to rescue an important prisoner should be a walk in the park…
Captivating and action-packed, Six of Crows is a riveting, heart-pounding read perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Sarah J. Maas. The slow-burn romances that bloom along the way complement the story beautifully. By the time you finish this masterpiece, you’ll be dying to see the upcoming Netflix series based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse.
Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie
Taming Demons for Beginners opens up with Robin moving in with her Uncle, the executioner of her parents’ will, as it has been six months since her parent’s tragic accident and she has yet to receive her inheritance or her mothers’ grimoire.
When Robin unknowingly stumbles upon her uncle and his business partner arguing over a highly illegal summoning circle in the library, Robin’s life is irrevocably changed and it all starts with one wayward cookie.
Relatable, quirky and fun, Annette Marie brings us a super slow, slow-burn fantasy romance between the resident introvert who despises confrontation and the curious demon who never fails to speak his mind.
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
The former street thief turned Rahtan, a member of Queen Lia’s elite squad of soldiers, Kazi is given a mission to locate the man responsible for the deaths of Lia’s father and brother. Rumors of the general’s whereabouts lead her to Hell’s Mouth, a city unofficially under the control of the Ballenger family.
When Jace, the new Patrei of the Ballenger family, finds himself abducted and shackled to Kazi by labour traders, they must trust each other to escape and survive the elements.
Read Dance of Thieves if you’re looking for a slow-burn, forced proximity fantasy romance centered around kickass characters who can handle their own in a fight.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer Armentrout
As a maiden, Poppy’s life has never been her own. At a young age, Poppy was taught that her duty was to the kingdom. That one day, the gods would lay judgment on the future ruler and decide whether she’s worthy of ascending.
But when a dashing guard enters her life, Poppy begins to question everything. And when a fallen kingdom forsaken by the gods emerges from the shadows, Poppy quickly finds herself on the brink of losing it all.
From Blood and Ash is an unputdownable tale centered around a nineteen-year-old girl at risk of losing her heart to the villain of her story. For an exciting slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance between two star-crossed souls, this fantasy romance book will make the perfect addition to your TBR list.
Moth by Lily Mayne
In a post-apocalyptic world invaded by monsters, ex-soldier Charlie is just trying to survive as he traverses the dangerous Wastes with his best friend and his big purple monster boyfriend.
When they come across a raider camp, Charlie finds himself volunteering to search for the missing leader alongside the arrogant and allusive half-monster Moth, who seems to hate him at first sight.
But Charlie quickly realizes that the prickly demeanor Moth wears like a second skin is all a facade. And once that guise unravels, Charlie finds himself plagued with a bout of unrequited love because Moth could never love him, not when he has feelings for someone else.
Emotional, action-packed, and fascinating, Moth is a gripping slow-burn MM paranormal romance filled with wonderfully complex world-building, a memorable ensemble of charaçters, and beautiful character growth.
Broken Bonds by J. Bree
Ever since the accident that left her orphaned and penniless, Oleader Fallows has been on the run. Returning home was never in the cards for Oli. Those plans quickly disintegrate when she’s caught and dragged back to face her Bonds, the men she left behind.
Leaving Atlas, Gabe, Gryphon, North and Nox was one of the toughest calls she’s had to make. Returning may just break her. And once she breaks, no one will be safe.
Looking for an unputdownable paranormal reverse harem that will keep you up well past your bedtime? Broken Bonds is the answer to your prayers. As one of the best slow-burn forced proximity reverse harem romance books from 2021, I recommend adding it to your TBR list pronto.
A Fate of Wrath and Flame by K.A. Tucker
After a botched mission, gifted thief Romeria’s night takes a turn for the worse when a mysterious woman tricks her into providing her services. Tasked with a dangerous quest to save Sofie’s husband, Romy is spirited away to an unsettling realm of warring kingdoms, unstable monarchies, and fantastical creatures.
The mission would be simple if not for the identity she has assumed as the treacherous Ybarisan Princess. Imprisoned for murdering the king and queen on her wedding day, Romy must figure a way out of her precarious predicament. All while looking for the sought-after stone hidden within Islet’s sacred garden.
Exciting, beautiful and unpredictable, A Fate of Wrath and Flame is an enchanting tale overflowing with political intrigue, magical twists, unforeseen betrayals and a blossoming romance. And as one of the best enemies-to-lovers fantasy romances released in 2021, you won’t be able to put this page-turner down once you feast your eyes on K.A. Tucker’s intricate world-building and magnificent prose. Prepare to be spellbound.
Best Paranormal Forced Proximity Romance Books
P.S. I Spook You by S.E. Harmon
Once the golden boy of the FBI, profiler Rain Christiansen is now one mistake away from being the bureau’s greatest failure, what with his paranormal sightings. Shipped to his hometown of Brickell Bay to work on a cold case, Rain is dead set on making it work with his career on the line.
Cold case Detective Daniel McKenna is struggling with his latest case. With zero leads and minimal evidence, Danny can use all the help he can get – even if that means said help comes in the form of a profiler who also happens to be his ex.
Spooky, fun, and romantic, P.S. I Spook You is a second-chance, forced proximity MM paranormal romance overflowing with twists, turns, and awkward supernatural encounters.
The Sceptic by Lily Morton
Will Buchanan has long since accepted the existence of the paranormal, seeing as he is the best friend of a psychic. So when the charming, risk-taking cameraman Jem Dawson recruits him to investigate a haunting alongside a ghost hunting team, he can’t help but say yes.
What should be a quick and easy three-day investigation turns deadly when they find themselves targeted by a sinister and menacing entity that hungers for vengeance. Amidst a haunting backdrop of terror and danger, Will must decide whether this attraction is worth losing his heart and life.
The Sceptic is a captivating MM paranormal ghost romance that will have you swooning over Will and Jem’s cuteness one second and then anxiously questioning whether the creak you just heard was from your (friendly) neighborhood ghost the next.
Deliciously creepy and hauntingly romantic, I recommend adding this must-read to your TBR list and cracking it open on a dark and stormy night when the ghouls come out to play.