Romance Books by Trope: Forced Proximity
Today in books by trope: forced proximity. Forced Proximity is a popular trope that can appear in almost any book and it’s typically the catalyst for the two main characters finally admitting or acting on their feelings for each other. I am a big fan of forced proximity because I think it usually involves something cozy or dire, when people are more likely to share something vulnerable. Some examples are storms that force them to a roadside hotel, being snowed in, having to be in hiding, or forced to share a living space.
The list is endless but I tried to include some books that aren’t as obvious or that make it onto a lot of my lists. The Simple Wild utilizes this trope but how many times can I say I love that book? Okay, the limit doesn’t exist…but I hope these are some fresh recs!
The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken
This book is set up a lot like the movie Life As We Know It, where two godparents who don’t get along must move in with their best friends’ children because they’ve been named their guardians in the event of an emergency. There is a very light faith undertone, but I didn’t mind it. I thought it was paced well and I couldn’t put it down when I read it last Summer!
The Roommate by Rosie Danan
By the title, you can tell this fits into the trope! It’s about an adult film star and his new roommate, who is a virgin. Shockingly, it is not as spicy as you’d think based on that but it is a fun read!
Leave on Love by Fallon Ballard
One of my all time favs! Set in Park Slope Brooklyn, it’s a dreamy NYC setting about a woman in her late twenties who doesn’t get the promotion she was anticipating and needs to move out of dream apartment. Enter Jack, a charming nerd with a lot of money and a lot of social anxiety, plus an entire brownstone. They become roommates, then friends, and then….use your imagination.
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Exes and O’s by Amy Lea
I haven’t read this one yet but I’ve heard good things! it’s about an influencer who revisits all her exes with the help of her new roommate, Trevor, a firefighter.
When in Rome by Sarah Adams
Sarah Adams is the perfect author for anyone who likes closed door romance! This is also a celebrity/normal person and small town Romance about a baker and a singer.
The Outpost by Devney Perry
This is a book that gives some of the same vibes as The Simple Wild, with a gruff and grumpy love interest and a city girl lawyer who needs his protection.
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
A Beauty and the Beast retelling by one of my all time favorite authors, Jasmine Guillory!
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babaloa
This is one that is also on my TBR from last Summer but I’ve heard nothing but good things! It’s also got Fake Dating, so you know I’m going to love it.
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
Ashley Herring Blake is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite authors! This is about Delilah, who has to go home for her step-sister’s wedding and begins to flirt with the step-sister’s best friend, Claire.
The Plus One by Mazey Eddings
A little childhood enemies to lovers mixed with fake dating? The perfect recipe for some forced proximity 😈
