Books like “The Ex Talk”

What to read after “The Ex Talk” by Rachel Lynn Solomon: a list matched by tropes, mood and atmosphere. Under each book you will see what it has in common.

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1
Yours Truly
Abby Jimenez · 2023
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
- Office Romance
- Fake Dating
ER doctor Briana blurts out that she is dating a colleague to escape an awkward moment, and anxious Dr. Jacob plays along. Pretending to be a couple at his family gatherings brings the two reserved people closer, one quiet gesture at a time.
2
The Unhoneymooners
Christina Lauren · 2019
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
After food poisoning strikes at her twin sister's wedding, unlucky Olive takes her sister's place on a free Hawaiian honeymoon, but her sworn enemy Ethan has to come too. Stranded together and posing as newlyweds to keep the perks, the two bicker their way toward something neither expected.
3
Red, White & Royal Blue
Casey McQuiston · 2019
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
- Fake Dating
- Enemies to Lovers
A public spat between the US president's son Alex and Britain's Prince Henry forces their handlers to stage a friendship for the cameras. What starts as reluctant damage control turns into late-night texts and a secret romance that neither man can keep hidden for long.
4
The Hating Game
Sally Thorne · 2016
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
Lucy and Joshua are assistants at the same publishing house, forced to share an office while competing for one promotion. Their open hostility and elaborate office games hide an attraction neither will admit, until a single reckless moment changes the rules between them.
5
The Spanish Love Deception
Elena Armas · 2021
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
Catalina needs a date for her sister's wedding in Spain and claims she is bringing her American boyfriend. Her infuriating coworker Aaron volunteers to play the part, and the two must keep up the act through a week of family dinners, sightseeing and shared hotel rooms.
6
Two Wrongs Make a Right
Chloe Liese · 2022
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
- Fake Dating
- Enemies to Lovers
When their mutual friends keep scheming to set them up, prickly artist Bea and reserved doctor Jamie decide to fake a whirlwind romance to teach the matchmakers a lesson. The plan works too well once genuine attraction gets involved.
7
Written in the Stars
Alexandria Bellefleur · 2020
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
- Fake Dating
- Enemies to Lovers
Astrologer Elle sets her sceptical friend Darcy up on a blind date that ends in disaster. To appease Darcy's brother they pretend the evening went well, then keep fake-dating through the holidays, even as real feelings complicate the act.
8
The Wedding Date
Jasmine Guillory · 2018
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
- Fake Dating
- Forced Proximity
Stuck in a hotel elevator together at a wedding, Alexa agrees to be Drew's date for the weekend to avoid awkward questions. The pretend couple keeps meeting up in their two cities, and what began as a convenient arrangement becomes something they are both afraid to name.
9
The Co-op
Tarah DeWitt · 2022
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
- Forced Proximity
- Enemies to Lovers
LaRynn and Deacon married young, divorced, and hoped never to see each other again. When they inherit a crumbling building that must be renovated before it can be sold, they are stuck working side by side and confronting why they failed the first time.
10
The Bodyguard
Katherine Center · 2022
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
- Fake Dating
- Forced Proximity
Hannah, a small but capable bodyguard, is sent to protect movie star Jack Stapleton at his family ranch after a stalker threat. To keep the assignment secret she poses as his girlfriend, sharing his home and his family's grief while trying to stay professional.
11
Book Lovers
Emily Henry · 2022
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
- Forced Proximity
- Enemies to Lovers
Literary agent Nora is the cold city professional that small-town romance novels leave behind, and editor Charlie is her sharp-tongued rival in the same business. When her sister drags her to a North Carolina town for the summer, Charlie turns out to be there too, and their sparring slowly becomes something neither expected.
12
Happy Place
Emily Henry · 2023
Same genre: “Contemporary romance” and “Romantic comedy”
- Fake Dating
- Forced Proximity
Harriet and Wyn broke up months ago but still have not told the friends they spend every summer with. Sharing a room at the Maine cottage for one last week, they pretend to be the happy couple they used to be, hiding their split while old feelings refuse to stay buried.