The oh no, there's only one bed trope.
Another of my absolute fave tropes is: the single bed. Why you ask? Well other than the deliciousness of the forced proximity, this lovely little plot device usually changes the dynamic between our main characters.
One of them feeling more for the other? OH lord, a single bed is about to be torture! Both kinda hating on the other? Are they going to wake up in each other’s arms? Need to cuddle together to keep warm? Any bodily reactions, MEAN NOTHING. Is it getting hot in here? Asking for me.
Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas (Free on KU)
Y’all, everyone is going to want an Aaron Blackford in their life. If you were a fan of the Hating Game, you’ll enjoy The Spanish Love Deception.
This one is a great story that has some of my all time favourite tropes, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, one bed, fake dating and secret pining! Aaron and Catalina are colleagues that never really got off on the right foot, but some desperate times call for desperate measures when Catalina needs to head home with a date for her sisters wedding. Also for our Henry Cavil lovers, you’ll thoroughly enjoy reading our boy Aaron during *that* soccer game.
The Professional by Kresley Cole
I burned through 14 Immortals After Dark books this year, and Kresley is one of my all time faves, of course the Professional is no different. Be forewarned this smutty read is *sotto voice* erotica. So do what you will with that information.
Russian mafia enforcer and BDSM enthusiast Aleksandr has one job: pick up the mark, not fall in love with her. A escalating Mafia turf wars ratchets up the drama and danger and pretty soon our two main characters (who kinda hate-love-love-hate) each other are running for their lives across Europe. Single bed madness ensues.
Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn
Recent lottery winner Zoe, feeling ethically disenchanted with corporate law aims to make amends with a family she litigated against. Aiden, the still furious paramedic and brother of the defendant, is not looking for closure, but sees an opportunity to take advantage of Zoe in the form of (wait for it…): a fake fiancé! Looking to secure a deal that would see him take over a sleep away camp, Aiden and Zoe need to fake it till they make it, complete with bunking together in a VERY cozy cabin sized double bed.
Like I mentioned, there is something about an Aiden that just always works. Lots of angst, healing and ultimately love will have you wishing someone would whisk you away to a cabin in the woods.
Whiteout by Adriana Anders
A ex-military research scientist and a base cook must escape from bad guys as they trek across Antarctica toward safety. Angel and Ford are a unlikely coupling that give off strong grumpy-sunshine vibes right from the start. The two essentially need to travel an obscene amount of miles to an outpost all while braving the elements, and trying to survive.
Lots of tender moments between our two mains, make for a well balanced suspenseful romance that will have you wanting to curl up in a sleeping bag with your own Ford (or Angel). I will say it was a little weird to read about *spoiler incoming* a deadly virus that is about to be weaponized, but don’t let that stop you. Whiteout is an great read that will keep your heart and mind captured throughout.
Make it Sweet by Kristen Callihan (Free on KU)
Recently ‘killed-off’ actress licks her wounds in a coastal California retreat, where she meets hockey star with a passion for pastry. Emma and Lucien *fans self. Although they hit a couple early speed bumps, these two crazy kids are alright.
Kristen clearly has a talent for writing athletes, and she does a good job illustrating the physical investment a career in hockey entails, including early retirement and post concussion syndrome. This is a quick, fun, and spicy read that will have you wanting to eat everything Lucian whips up in his dreamy kitchen.
Hang the Moon by Alexandria Bellefleur
This is the follow up to Written in the Stars, Hang the Moon is a frickin’ ode to rom-coms and a true delight. And features Darcy’s brother Brendan, finding his forever with Darcy’s childhood and long-time best friend Annie.
Set in Seattle, Brendan and Annie have dates the likes of which any rom-com junkie would be proud, including the date where Annie has to pee in a cup. You’ll love the setting, the sweetness and the incredibly tender love these two end up creating with one another. Bonus points to anyone who catches all the references.
Managed by Kristen Callihan
Book 2 of the VIP series by one of my FAVES Kristen Callihan. Grumpy band manager with an aversion to flying and heights Gabriel, meets wonderful human Sophie Darling, who is accidentally upgraded to first class. Sophie pretty quickly realized all Gabriel needs to relax is a little hug and maybe some light cuddling. After being cured of his anxiety, Gabriel sees a perfect opportunity to have Sophie join him on tour and in his bed.
Y’all this book is something else. Kristen really knows how to build love, angst and tension between her main characters. But seeing Gabriel and Sophie nap and sleep together, all in a tour bus sized bed is really something. Not one of these VIP series books miss, believe me.
A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare
Okay, deep breath. I F*CKING LOVE THIS FREAKING BOOK. There, now I feel better. Tessa, sweet Tessa thank you for giving us Colin and Minerva.
A woman convinces a prolific rake (and number one himbo of my heart) to accompany her to a natural science symposium where she can claim a prize for uncovering and preserving a dinosaur fossil. The absolute hilarity of this book can not be undersold. Himbo Colin and Bluestocking Minerva with her math terms.
I could literally write a tome on how much I love this book, but I will spoil the shit out of it and no one will want to read it. Please trust me when I tell you, it is SUCH a f*cking delight of a book, and you’ll be saying rhombus and you’re cracked to yourself for weeks afterwards.