Forced Proximity
Explore the curated list of must read books featuring the forced proximity trope. These novels bring characters together in close quarters, igniting romance and tension that make for compelling reads.
Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity
Ali Hazelwood
Love on the Brain
Like an avenging, purple-haired Jedi bringing balance to the mansplained universe, Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered her the lead on a neuroengineering project—a literal dream come true after years scraping by on the crumbs of academia—Marie would accept without hesitation. Duh. But the mother of modern physics never had to co-lead with Levi Ward.
Forced Proximity, Age Gap, Royalty, Bodyguard
Ana Huang
Twisted Games
Elite bodyguard Rhys Larsen's rules are clear: protect clients and never get emotionally involved. That is, until he meets Princess Bridget von Ascheberg. Her stubbornness and hidden fire break down his defenses, making him crave her. Bridget, facing an unwanted throne and loveless marriage, secretly desires Rhys. Their forbidden love could destroy them both and the kingdom, but they can't resist the growing passion between them.
Brother's Best Friend, Forced Proximity
Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Wild Thing
I'm Karli Brighton, Queen of Epic Screw-Ups, back in my hometown after twelve med school rejections. A one-night stand with a charming guy seemed harmless until he shows up at my house the next morning—my brother's best friend, Mason, here to help with our clinic and staying across the hall.
Enemies to Lovers, Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, Vampire
Chandelle LaVaun
Of Blood and Nightmares
My life felt borrowed until a knight dragged me into Terrea, a fantasy realm. Believed to be their lost vampire queen, I'm expected to save a dying kingdom, but I'm just an ER nurse from LA, desperate to return to my sister.
Forced to marry Prince Varan, a cold but alluring heir, I struggle with my growing need for him. Breaking through his walls may be harder than saving the kingdom. In the end, Varan will either kill me or break my heart, and I don't know which is worse.
Fake Dating, Hockey, Forced Proximity
Elle Kennedy
The Dixon Rule
Diana Dixon juggles dance rehearsals, two jobs, and a clingy ex, but still tells her new neighbor, Shane Lindley, to back off. Shane, a handsome hockey player, is hitting on her cheerleading squad, so she sets ground rules.
Shane, tired of hookups, pretends Diana is his girlfriend to make his ex jealous. Diana agrees to deal with her own ex. Their fake relationship quickly sparks real chemistry, becoming hotter and more unexpected than they anticipated.
Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Elves
Elle Madison, Robin D. Mahle
Of Elves and Embers
On a reluctant girls’ weekend in Vegas, I never expected to fall through a portal into a fantasy world. Now, collared by King Hadeon, who claims I struck a deal in a previous life as an Elven princess and his arch-rival, I’m plagued by vivid memories. Despite my resistance, I feel a pull towards him—my captor and protector. With Moon Court Elves and wraiths threatening us, I must uncover my past life before history repeats itself.
Gang, Forced Proximity
Emily McIntire
Hexed
Venesa Andersen, never good enough for her gangster uncle, lives a life without a moral compass. When her runaway cousin returns with a man who truly sees her, Venesa finds herself drawn to him despite knowing she can't have him.
Enzo "Loverboy" Marino, a mafia underboss, is set to marry as per his father's orders. But meeting his fiancée's captivating cousin, Venesa, changes everything. As temptation grows, they must choose between family duty and their forbidden love.
Dragon, Forced Proximity
G.K. DeRosa
Of Dragons and Desire
Raised thinking I was ordinary, I discover I'm a dragon princess when a stranger pulls me into a hidden world of magic. My captor insists it's my destiny to marry a prince and save the dragon race. In Draconia, filled with ruthless courts and dark secrets, I'm torn between two princes: my betrothed, the future king, and his fiery brother. To survive the deadly Imperia Trials and reign over our kingdom, I must harness my inner fire. But choosing between heart and soul could mean certain death.
Baseball, Grumpy x Sunshine, Forced Proximity
Grace Reilly
Stealing Home
In his final MLB draft season, Sebastian Miller-Callahan needs no distractions—especially not Mia di Angelo, the astrophysicist-in-training who left him when he wanted more. When she needs a place to stay for the summer, he offers his home, despite knowing it’s a risky move.
Mia’s summer goals are to get into a study abroad program and get over Sebastian. Living with him isn’t easy, especially when old feelings resurface. Despite their different futures, she can't ignore the intense attraction between them.
Baseball, Second Chance, Forced Proximity, Found Family
Gracie York
Back Together Again
Eleven years ago, Mason Dumpty stole my heart and left me shattered. Now, as the trainer for the Boston Revs, it’s my job to get him, the center fielder, back in the game. While stretches and shoulder rubs are routine, everything changes with his bare skin under my touch. Falling for him again is forbidden and could cost me dearly, but the risk might be worth it if it means mending my broken heart.