Like many others, one of my least favourite romance tropes is the third act break-up! It’s always enjoyable when I can go into a contemporary romance book and know that the characters aren’t going to have some kind of stressful break-up or miscommunication towards the end of the novel, before they can get their happily ever after ending. That’s not to say that the characters in these books don’t have any conflicts or obstacles that they need to overcome, but they work through them together without breaking up. So, without further ado, here are 10 contemporary romance book recommendations without a dreaded third act break-up.
1. Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
Viggo Bergman gets a chance for his own happily ever after when writer Tallulah agrees to help him open his romance bookstore in exchange for help with a challenging case of writer’s block.
Why you’ll love it:
- Last book in a series of interconnected standalones
- Both main characters are bookworms
- Forced proximity/ roommates
- Diabetes and ADHD representation
- Loveable, meddling family members
2. Playing Hard to Get by Monica Murphy
Despite wanting to stay away from athletes, English tutor Joanna finds it challenging to resist her newest student, hotshot footballer Knox.
Why you’ll love it:
- College football romance
- Opposites attract
- Forced proximity
- Reformed playboy
- First book in a series of interconnected standalones
3. Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher
When a broken engagement forces popular interior designer Dahlia to return to her hometown in Lake Wisteria, she reluctantly agrees to help her long-time rival Julian renovate a coveted historic house.
Why you’ll love it:
- Small-town romance
- Rivals to lovers
- Boy obsessed
- HGTV home renovation vibes
- Forced proximity/ workplace romance
4. Christmas in Coconut Creek by Karissa Kinword
Whilst spending Christmas vacation in Coconut Creek, teacher Ophelia agrees to a temporary “friends with benefits” arrangement with retired fighter pilot Frankie.
Why you’ll love it:
- Steamy
- Holiday romance
- Beachy vibes
- Forced proximity
- A swoony date at the butterfly museum
5. Collide by Bal Khabra
Sports psychologist in training Summer and hockey team captain Aiden are forced to work together when Summer needs a subject for her research paper and the coach volunteers Aiden as a punishment for his team’s reckless behaviour.
Why you’ll love it:
- College hockey romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Grumpy x sunshine
- He falls first
6. Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
When barrel racer Emmy Ryder returns to her small hometown after a traumatic accident, she forms an unexpected and steamy connection with her brother’s best friend, “bad boy” Luke Brooks.
Why you’ll love it:
- First book in a series
- Forced proximity
- Steamy
- Small-town cowboy romance
- Brother’s best friend/ forbidden romance
7. The Rule Book by Sarah Adams
Things get complicated when budding sports agent Nora Mackenzie ends up accidentally marrying her new NFL footballer client Derek Pender (a.k.a. her college ex-boyfriend) after a wild night in Vegas.
Why you’ll love it:
- Second chance romance
- Forced proximity/ “fake” marriage
- Football romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Loveable, meddling teammates
8. Spookily Yours by Jennifer Chipman
Willow is a small-town witch who discovers that her cat is actually a demon who needs her help breaking a curse.
Why you’ll love it:
- Halloween-themed
- Paranormal romance
- Forced proximity
- Fated mates
- Novella length
9. Catching Feelings by Maren Moore
Despite regretting their one-night stand, Viv reluctantly agrees to move in with all-star catcher Reese when she needs a place to stay and slowly gets to know the real Reese hidden behind his cocky exterior.
Why you’ll love it:
- College baseball romance
- Steamy
- Forced proximity/ roommates
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Main character is an aspiring writer
10. The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award
Things heat-up between long-time best friends and neighbours, librarian Trixie and professional football player Chris, when Trixie asks Chris to be her “fake” date to her high school reunion.
Why you’ll love it:
- Bookish main character
- Body positivity
- Friends to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Steamy
