33 Steamy Forced Proximity Romance Books
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Forced proximity romance books have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering readers an enticing mix of tension, chemistry, and emotional intensity.
Whether it’s an enemies to lovers forced to share a space together, a one bed trope or two strangers stranded on an island, these novels explore how close proximity can lead to unexpected romance.
You’ll find famous contemporary romance authors mentioned throughout this list such as Emily Henry and Ana Huang as well as some lesser known authors too!
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of this romance trope or you’re simply looking for a spicy read, these books will surely keep you entertained.
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Forced Proximity: What Does It Mean?
The forced proximity trope takes place when our two main characters are forced to be near each other and spend time together. This leads to them getting to know one another better and falling in love.
33 Forced Proximity Romance Books To Add To Your TBR
1. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Romance Tropes: Forced Proximity, One Bed Trope, Enemies to Lovers.
In The Unhoneymooners, Olive Torres’s entire family gets food poisoning at her sister Ami’s wedding. Ami has won a honeymoon trip to Hawaii, and she doesn’t want it to go to waste.
This leads to Ami begging Olive that she must enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and go with Ethan Thomas, her nemesis and the best man at the wedding.
Ethan and Olive are willing to form a peaceful truce while they enjoy the beaches of Hawaii and ensure neither of them will fall in love.
2. King of Wrath by Ana Huang
Romance Tropes: Forced Proximity, Marriage of Convenience, Billionaire Romance, Enemies to Lovers.
King of Wrath follows Dante Russo, a billionaire CEO, who is being forced to marry jewellery heiress Vivian Lau. She is the daughter of his newest enemy, whom he plans on getting rid of soon.
Dante is being blackmailed into keeping his mouth silent and if the incriminating information gets out, it could destroy his reputation and send men after his life.
On the other hand, Vivian has no choice but to be a good girl and follow her parent’s demands. As she moves into Dante’s apartment, her feelings for him are challenged.
3. Beach Read by Emily Henry
Romance Tropes: Forced Proximity, Grumpy-Sunshine, Academic Rivals to Lovers
Beach Read follows the story of January Andrews, a romance writer, who inherited a beachside house from her late father which she plans on selling soon.
But upon moving in, she learns her neighbour is none-other than Augustus Everett. He used to be her college rival but is now a famous author known for killing off beloved characters.
The two authors are facing major writing blocks so January and Augustus come up with a challenge to help them. Augustus will write a fluffy romance book and January will write the next Great American Novel.
This is their last hope of saving their careers as authors, and they plan on doing it without falling in love.
4. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Office Romance, One Bed Trope.
The Spanish Love Deception follows Catalina Martín, who has told her family that she is in a committed relationship. The only problem is that her boyfriend is non-existent. She must find someone soon before her sister’s wedding in Spain.
Here to save the day, Catalina’s colleague Aaron Blackford volunteers to help her out.
She is suspicious of his motives but he is her last resort. Aaron and Catalina have undeniable chemistry but pursuing them might get them into trouble with their HR.
5. Under One Roof (The Steminist Novellas #1) By Ali Hazelwood
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Slow Burn Romance, Enemies to Lovers.
In Under One Roof, Mara is an environmental engineer who has moved into her mentor, Helena’s house. The only problem: Helena’s nephew is already living there.
Liam, a lawyer, is refusing to move out which means Mara will have to learn to co-live with him. Even when he steals her food and messes with the thermostat she won’t back down.
Mara’s friends have their own novellas Stuck with You and Below Zero! Check them out if you love forced proximity romance novels that are cute, smart and witty.
6. Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1) by Tricia Levenseller
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, One Bed Trope, Enemies to Lovers.
This novel is perfect for fans of forced proximity fantasy romance books and fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies!
Seventeen-year-old Alosa is the Daughter of the Pirate King who is on a mission. She must retrieve a hidden ancient map.To find it she plans on getting kidnapped by enemy pirates.
Alosa can easily search their whole ship for the map as she pleases but the main obstacle in her path is her captor.
Riden, the first mate, is unexpectedly smart and onto Alosa’s plan. She must find the map before she gives in to his charm and dashing smiles.
7. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
By far the most popular forced proximity enemies to lovers book in a fantasy setting, Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail as she enters a brutal war college, Basgiath, to become a dragon rider.
She was trained her whole life to become a scribe but her mother, the General, thinks her daughter can be a rider.
Enter Xaden Riorson, tall, tanned and brooding nemesis who wants Violet dead because her mother killed his father during the Rebellion.
Xaden is Violet’s wingleader and also her senior at Basgiath, so due to forced proximity, they start having forbidden feelings of desire for each other.
Read More: Guide to Fourth Wing: Summary, Spicy Chapters & Honest Thoughts
8. That Kind of Guy (The Queen’s Cove #1) by Stephanie Archer
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Fake Dating, Enemies to Lovers, Small Town Romance
If you’re looking for a spicy small town romance read with the forced proximity trope, That Kind of Guy is a book to add to your TBR!
The story follows Avery, who desires to own the restaurant she works at. When the perfect opportunity strikes, she is unable to get the bank to approve her loan to purchase the restaurant.
Emmett Rhodes is running for mayor, but the town isn’t convinced that this bachelor is a family man. This is hurting his campaign, he must convince the residents of The Queen’s Cove that he is a loving and caring family man and is capable of taking care of the town’s needs.
With that being said, they make a deal! Emmett will sign her loan only if Avery is willing to pretend to be his fake-fiance. It’s a win-win situation, until they actually start falling for each other!
9. Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Forbidden Romance, Age Gap Romance.
Birthday Girl follows the story of Jordan, a young bartender. Cole, her toxic boyfriend, gets in trouble with the police which causes them to lose their shared apartment.
With nowhere to go, Jordan and Cole are left with only one option: move in with Pike Lawson, Cole’s single father.
Jordan knows she shouldn’t feel anything towards Pike, but it’s incredibly difficult when he protects her and looks after her. Meanwhile, Pike is doing his best to not fall for Jordan even when he loves spending time with her.
If you like steamy forced proximity romance books with forbidden love tropes then this is the perfect novel to pick up.
10. Icebreaker (Maple Hills #1) by Hannah Grace
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Grumpy-Sunshine, Enemies to Lovers.
In Icebreaker, Anastasia Allen has won a fully funded scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills and is excited to join the competitive figure skating team
Due to a tiny mishap at the ice rink facility, the hockey team and figure skating team are forced to share the rink. Nate Hawkins, captain of the hockey team, is not too happy about this especially because Nate and Anastasia don’t get along.
When Anastasia’s skating partner is injured, it leaves her with no choice but to ask the insufferable Nate for help.
11. The Flatshare (The Flatshare #1) by Beth O’Leary
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, One Bed Trope, Strangers to Lovers.
In The Flatshare, Tiffy Moore has just gone through a bad breakup which leaves her homeless. She is in search of a cheap apartment fast but none of her options seem reasonable.
Desperate enough, Tiffy looks into a flatshare ad posted by Leon, a night shift nurse. He’ll only be home in the mornings while she is at work so they’ll never run into each other.
Sounds like the perfect scenario, until Tiffy and Leon start communicating with each other through sticky notes. Before they know it, they become close friends.
With ex-boyfriend drama and pesky clients at work, Tiffy and Leon are in for a long ride.
12. A Not So Meet Cute (Cane Brothers #1) by Meghan Quinn
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Fake Dating, Marriage of Convenience, Billionaire Romance.
We meet Huxley Cane in A Not So Meet Cute who is a billionaire desperately looking for his future bride. After an important business deal almost slipped from his hands, he lied he was getting married with a baby on the way.
Huxley runs into Lottie, who coincidentally is also looking for a fiance. The pair form a deal and think it wouldn’t be too difficult to act in love but they couldn’t be more wrong.
This romance novel perfectly combines humour and banter that is sure to make you laugh out loud.
13. The Bridge Kingdom (Bridge Kingdom #1) by Danielle L Jensen
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Slow Burn Romance, Marriage of Convenience, Enemies to Lovers.
The Bridge Kingdom is part of a trilogy so make sure to get the other books, The Traitor Queen and The Inadequate Heir, as well! These forced proximity fantasy romance books are sure to make you swoon.
Lara is a warrior princess whose only goal in life is to take down King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom. She is sent as a bride in disguise to Ithicana as an act of alliance. Little does King Aren know Lara is preparing for his downfall.
As Lara searches for information and forms a plan, she begins to question which side she is on. She thought she was the hero but that might not be the case as Lara finds herself falling for her enemy, King Aren.
14. The Marriage Game (Marriage Game #1) by Sara Desai
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers.
The Marriage Game follows Layla Patel who is a recruitment consultant. After her life falls apart, she returns to her family in San Francisco. Here, her father offers her the office that’s above his Michelin-starred restaurant so Layla can start her own business.
Layla is unaware her father has set up a bunch of blind dates for her until her first suitor shows up. To make matters worse, due to a misunderstanding a CEO of a corporate downsizing company, Sam Mehta, has moved into the same office.
Layla and Sam have clashing personalities so the banter comes naturally and sparks fly between them. This desi romance novel is perfect if you’re looking for forced proximity romance books with representation!
15. The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Office Romance, Enemies to Lovers.
The Worst Best Man is a romantic comedy standalone novel which is a great pick for fans of forced proximity romance books!
Carolina Santos is a wedding planner whose own wedding was left in shambles after her fiance ran away from the altar. Moving on from her embarrassing past, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime.
The only downside is that she has to collaborate with Max Hartley, a marketing expert. He is also Carolina’s ex-fiancee’s brother who convinced him to run from the altar.
Carolina and Max loathe each other but there’s work to do and they can’t afford to mess up. They can only hope that they’ll start to find each other bearable along the way.
16. Bone Crier’s Moon (Bone Grace #1) by Kathryn Purdie
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Forbidden Romance, Enemies to Lovers.
In Bone Crier’s Moon, we learn that being a Bone Crier is a tough job, especially when you have to sacrifice your lover to the gods.
Ailesse has been trained to become the matriarch of the Bone Criers. To complete her training, she must kill the boy who is her destined lover.
On the other hand, we meet Bastien whose father was killed by a Bone Crier. Ever since then, Bastien has been craving revenge. His and Ailesse’s paths are bound to tangle together, especially when he kidnaps her.
17. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Office Romance, Nursing Back to Health Trope, Enemies to Lovers.
The Hating Game is now a movie starring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell!
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman cannot stand each other. They work at a publishing company and are executive assistants to co-CEOs which means unfortunately they need to interact with each other a lot.
Lucy and Joshua also share an office which leaves room for loads of intense staring and banter. Their latest game involves a promotion that both of them want badly which levels up the tension between them. Neither of them is ready to back down either.
18. Hook, Line, and Sinker (It Happened One Summer #2) by Tessa Bailey
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Best Friends to Lovers, Small Town Romance.
In Hook, Line, and Sinker Fox Thornton is a fisherman and the ladies’ man. He never thought anybody would be immune to his charm until he met Hannah Bellinger. All she wants is to be his friend, which is pretty rare for him.
Before Fox knows it, Hannah is staying over in his spare bedroom and asking for his advice when it comes to her love life. Fox is ready to help her woo her colleague even though it’s pure torture for him. But as they spend time together, Hannah isn’t so sure of her feelings anymore.
19. The American Roommate Experiment (Spanish Love Deception, #2) by Elena Armas
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Fake Dating, Interracial Romance.
The American Roommate Experiment takes place after the events of Spanish Love Deception but can be read as a standalone!
Rosie Graham is in huge trouble when her New York apartment’s ceiling breaks and she needs a temporary place to stay at.
Luckily she has the spare key to her best friend Catalina’s apartment. Unfortunately, her friend forgot to mention that her cousin, Lucas Martín, will be staying over too.
Lucas and his irresistible smiles and cooking skills have Rosie mesmerized. Even more so when he offers to help her with her romance novel in the works. Rosie has a major writer’s block and Lucas offering to take her on experimental dates might be just the thing she needs.
To protect herself from heartbreak, Rosie must not fall for him because Lucas is in New York for just six weeks.
20. One Night on the Island by Josie Silver
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, One Bed Trope, Strangers to Lovers.
One Night on the Island follows Cleo Wilder, a dating columnist, who is spending her thirtieth birthday alone on a remote Irish island. She hopes that staying at this remote cabin will energize her. However, due to a double booking mishap, another visitor has shown up at the doorstep.
Mack Sullivan was looking for a week-long escape from his busy life in Boston.
Now he has to share a one-bedroom cabin with a woman he barely knows. The ferry doesn’t arrive anytime soon which leaves Cleo and Mack stuck with each other.
Soon they realise each other’s company might not be as bad as they thought.
21. Next of Kin (The Next Series #1) by Hannah Bonam-Young
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Found Family Trope, Slow Burn Romance, Enemies to Lovers.
Next of Kin is about Chloe and Warren, two strangers who are paired up together by a social worker to help each other.
Chloe has just learnt her birth mother had another baby so she steps in to become the next-of-kin guardian but she fails the Child Protective Services’ financial evaluation test.
Warren is also fighting for the custody of his deaf fifteen-year-old brother after failing CPS’s housing evaluation.
Chloe and Warren don’t get along easily in the beginning but they are willing to set aside their differences for the sake of their siblings.
22. Stranded with a Billionaire (Billionaire Boys Club #1) by Jessica Clare
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Billionaire Romance.
Stranded with a Billionaire is a great choice if you are looking for more spicy forced proximity romance books with billionaire romance!
Bronte Dawson, a young waitress, is dragged by her friend to a remote resort in the Bahamas to enjoy their vacation. But a sudden storm hits the island, leaving Bronte stuck in an elevator with a man.
Little does she know he is Logan Hawkings, a billionaire who is visiting the island in hopes of purchasing it. Logan is recovering from the loss of his father and a broken engagement when he crosses paths with Bronte.
Soon they are having a summer fling and enjoying each other’s company, but when Bronte finds out about his real identity she is sure to make Logan suffer for lying.
23. Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Slow Burn Romance, Grumpy-Sunshine.
Twice Shy follows Maybell Parish, a hopeless romantic, who has just inherited a mansion from her Great-Aunt Violet. To her, this is the perfect opportunity to have a fresh start in life but upon arriving she has a surprise waiting for her.
Turns out, the house is in shambles and Maybell isn’t the only inhibitor. She has to share the space with the handsome groundskeeper, Wesley Koehler.
He is doing his best to avoid her but to get done with the renovations he will need to set his cold personality aside and trust her.
24. Loathe Thy Neighbor (Roommate Romps #1) by Teagan Hunter
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Grumpy-Sunshine, Enemies to Lovers, Neighbour Romance
Loathe Thy Neighbor is a rom-com novel about River White who is completely annoyed with Dean Evans, her neighbour.
He finds new ways of annoying her and running into her every single day. But when he accidentally burns down his apartment, River opens her door to him.
River is sure she won’t fall for Dean’s charming smiles and quick wit but as days go by she isn’t so sure anymore.
25. Twisted Games (Twisted #2) by Ana Huang
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Bodyguard Romance, Age Gap Romance, Grumpy-Sunshine.
Twisted Games can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the Twisted series in order. It starts with Twisted Love which also includes the forced proximity trope!
Bridget von Ascheberg is the princess of Eldorra who has enjoyed her freedom way too much.
When her bodyguard needs to take time off duty, his replacement steps in, an ex-navy seal and now an elite bodyguard, Rhys Larsen.
Rhys and Bridget are immediately fighting with each other over strict rules Rhys has put into motion. Both are stubborn and won’t back down.
To add to Bridget’s stress, her older brother has abdicated the throne and she is expected to be the next queen. She must also marry someone royal soon.
26. A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses #5) by Sarah J. Maas
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers.
A Court of Silver Flames is a spin-off novel that takes place after the events of the A Court of Thorns and Roses trilogy. It follows the story of Feyre’s sister, Nesta.
Nesta Archeron was once a mortal girl but now turned into a High Fae against her will. As she adjusts to the strange world and people around her, her fiery personality doesn’t help her case. Especially when Cassian, a battle-scarred warrior, is around her.
Cassian is ordered to train Nesta and prepare her for any potential war that’s threatening to take over their Faery lands at any moment. It’s easier said than done when Nesta won’t act civil at all.
Overall this book majorly focuses on healing and mental health as the characters face their monsters.
27. Marriage for One by Ella Maise
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Marriage of Convenience, Slow Burn Romance.
In Marriage for One, a forced proximity book, all Rose Coleson wants is to open up a coffee shop. But due to some legal issues, she’ll need to marry someone first.
Enter Jack Hawthorne, who is a grumpy lawyer willing to marry Rose for his own hidden motives. The pair instantly ties the knot, but Jack’s cold behaviour leads to Rose wondering if this is all a mistake. As secrets and lies unravel their marriage is at stake.
Ella Maise is also the author of To Love Jason Thorn!
28. From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy-Sunshine, Slow Burn Romance.
From Lukov with Love follows the story of Jasmine Santos, an ice figure skater whose life is a complete mess. Her career is coming to an end but she hasn’t won a single trophy yet.
Until one day, her arch-nemesis and skating champion Ivan Lukov suggest an idea. He needs a new partner and thinks Jasmine will be his best option. They’ll be competing against other couples soon so they need to practise skating together, no matter how hot-headed their banter gets.
If Jasmine can set aside her hatred for Ivan then she finally has a chance of winning a championship and proving her worth.
29. The Predator (Dark Verse #1) by Runyx
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Mafia Romance, Enemies to Lovers.
The Predator is the first book in the Dark Verse series, which is 5 books long with 6th one in the works. I recommend reading this series in order, as they are not standalones.
We meet Morana Vitalio who is a computer genius and the daughter of a mafia boss. She infiltrates her rival’s house to get information when her dangerous computer codes get stolen.
There Morana meets Tristan Caine, the adopted member of the Tenebrae Outfit whom everyone fears. To her surprise, she feels a pull towards him that she shouldn’t feel at all. Turns out, he isn’t the one behind her stolen codes so now Morana and Tristan must work together to find them before it’s too late.
Soon they realise there are 20-year-old secrets that run deep in their families.
30. A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Fae Romance, Fairytale Retelling.
Looking for a fantasy romance book with the forced proximity trope? Look no further!
A Court of Thorns and Roses follows the story of Feyre Archeron, a nineteen-year-old huntress who accidentally kills a fae wolf.
From across the magical veil that separates humans and faeries, a beast shows up at Feyre’s doorstep to demand retribution. In order to protect her family, Feyre decides to go with him to the Fae lands.
When they arrive at his mansion, Feyre learns the beast can shapeshift into its human form. His name is Tamlin, prince of the Spring Court who has been cursed by an unknown enemy.
Soon she starts to grow feelings for him but on the other hand, the curse is getting stronger and draining Tamlin’s power. Only Feyre can save him and she’ll do whatever it takes.
31. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Best Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn Romance.
People We Meet on Vacation gives us an epic love story between two best friends, Poppy and Alex. Poppy is every party’s soul while Alex prefers to stay at home and read, nevertheless, the pair still has a blast together.
Poppy and Alex live far away from each other so every year they decide to go on a summer trip together and enjoy life to the fullest. Everything was fine between them until one summer trip ruined everything. Things got out of hand and they haven’t spoken since.
Missing their special bond, Poppy decides to reach out and convince Alex for one last trip. Surprisingly, he agrees! Now Poppy is determined to get their friendship back on track.
If you’re looking for a forced proximity romance book with the friends to lovers trope, this one is best suited!
32. Shipped by Angie Hockman
Romance tropes: Forced Proximity, Office Romance, Enemies to Lovers.
Shipped follows the story of Henley Evans is tired and overworked when it comes to juggling her MBA night classes and being a marketing manager for a cruise line.
A new promotion is up for grabs and Henley desperately wants it. She just has to draft the best proposal on how to boost cruise bookings in the Galápagos.
Unfortunately, Henley’s arch nemesis Graeme Crawford-Collins is her competitor for this promotion. They’ve never met before but their banter through emails has already added fuel to their fire.
Their boss wants them to take a trip to the Galápagos Islands together, which Henley is dreading but she soon realises having Graeme around might not be bad company.
33. The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare
Romance Tropes: Forced Proximity, Neighbour Romance
Although this book is the third book in Tessa Dare’s Girl Meets Duke Series, it can be read as a standalone.
The Wallflower Wager follows Lady Penelope and her next-door neighbour, Gabriel Duke, a businessman,
Lady Penelope loves animals. She saves abandoned and wounded animals and keeps them in her backyard. She has very little friends and chooses to be with her furry friends instead of actual people.
Gabriel Duke, a businessman who flips houses has a problem with this. The animals are troublesome and annoying. This is bad for the house he is trying to sell which is located right next door to Lady Penelope’s. He must convince her to get rid of the animals.
I loved reading this steam historical fiction romance because of the forced proximity and boy-next-door trope.
Wrap Up: Forced Proximity Romance Books
These were some of the best forced proximity romance books! They are a great way to escape from reality and indulge in a bit of romance.
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