My Favorite Forced Proximity Romance Books
There’s something thrilling about watching two characters who can’t escape each other, no matter how hard they try. I’m talking about forced proximity: where the main characters are sharing air, space, tension—and maybe, if we’re lucky, a single hotel bed. Forced proximity allows readers to see a parallel of what real, day-to-day life would be for these characters together. Whether it’s hunkering down in a snowed-in cabin until the storm blows over, keeping each other calm in a broken elevator, or having to team up for a common cause, these stories let us see what happens when you get trapped in the right place with the right person. Here are some of my fave forced proximity romances that I think you’ll enjoy!
Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
A classic she-inerhits-a-house-in-a-small-town-and-he’s-the-grumpy-neighbor situation, which I absolutely love. The romance in this one develops beautifully, and I had actual butterflies in my stomach.
Strike to Burn (Snowfall Valley 2) by K.E. Monteith
He crashes into town—literally—and since the hotel is full, he has to stay with her (the town mechanic). It’s got spice, plus fake dating, which is always a good time!
We'll Never Have Paris by Adriana Anders
It doesn’t get more Forced Proximity than a tiny Parisian elevator (seriously, those things are tiny)… On one of her last nights in Paris, the FMC gets caught in the elevator with her grumpy Welshman neighbor. This is the perfect spicy novella for the holidays!
The Half of It by Theresa Christine
June goes to Ireland to get to attend her newly discovered half sister’s wedding…little did she know, her half sister is also best friends with a handsome cinnamon roll of an Irishman. The two of them have to work together on wedding errands and eventually can’t ignore the sizzling chemistry between them.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
A masterfully done EmHen book! The main characters move in together after their respective fiances broke up with them (and began dating each other—yes, you read that right!). I think Beach Read is my fave of hers, but this one is a close second.
Trouble with the Truth by J.L. Minyard
I love the added drama that comes with romance books where the main characters are in college. These two main characters, Emory and Sebastian, blur the line between roommates, hookups, friends…and maybe something more. 🔥
Don’t Regret Me by Stephanie Louise
When Mandy agrees to go on tour for Zack Maine’s band, she’s doing it for the money for her family and the career advancement—and she wants to keep things strictly professional between them, despite their tangled past. Zack, on the other hand, is determined to win his girl back. The conflict and tension here is absolutely delicious.
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
Obviously I had to put Talia Hibbert on here. Her books have blush-worthy spice and laugh-out-loud moments. In this third book in the Brown Sisters Trilogy, the hot mess FMC Eve starts working for a bed & breakfast owner—after she accidentally hits him with her car. I loved seeing how the romance between these two developed.
Managed by Kristen Callihan
This one has forced proximity in an airplane that kicks off the main couple’s relationship. Sooooo much tension!
Haven by Claire Kent
I devoured this post-apocalyptic romance in one go. I really empathized with the FMC, Faith, and loved seeing her learn to become vulnerable in a harsh world—and one where so many people count on her.
You, With a View by Jessica Joyce
Ah, the road trip—a classic forced proximity foil. This romance hit a nice balance between emotional, funny, and spicy, and it’s a solid enemies-to-lovers story. The social media setup that sends Noelle on her journey also seems really believable for this day and age, so I enjoyed reading something that felt very contemporary.
Float Plan by Trish Doller
I’m always a fan of books that bring grief into the mix, and this one does so beautifully. After her fiance’s passing, Anna goes on the sailing trip she’d always planned with him. Things…don’t go as planned, and she quickly realizes she needs help. It’s not her fault Keane, the sailor she hires is also charming and good-looking!
Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center
I’m not normally a fan of age gap romances, but this one was just too adorable. After her divorce, Helen goes on a pretty intensive hiking group trip—and who else shows up, but her little brother’s annoying best friend. This one takes the FMC on a lovely emotional journey, and the HEA is so good!
