Books like 'Down for the Count'
Readers who enjoyed Down for the Count by Christine Bell also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny athletes bad boys cheating alpha male fighters friends to lovers sports tortured heroine
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Aideen by L.A. Casey
Aideen Collins is fed up. She is at her wits’ end with her eon long pregnancy, her new-found paranoia, but mostly she is fed up with her boyfriend’s constant hovering and nit-picking. Kane Slater is happier than ever. He is about to become a father for the first time with the woman he loves. Little does he know that Aideen is both literally and figuratively a ticking time bomb... -
Beard Necessities by Penny Reid
Billy Winston’s family is going to see him happy and in love if it’s the last thing they do. No one deserves a happily-ever-after quite as much as the second oldest Winston brother and his lady love, Claire McClure (aka Scarlet St. Claire). Cruelty and circumstance tore them apart almost twenty years ago. Secrecy and bitterness kept them separated...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers sweet heroine dual-pov m-f tortured heroine humor contemporary -
Star by B.B. Easton
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsIn 1999, I met my Prince Charming. He was the tall, tattooed, wickedly handsome bass player for the up-and-coming rock band, Phantom Limb. But, more importantly, he was mine. I knew it the moment he flashed me that shy, dimpled smile. And he knew it too. Hansel "Hans" Oppenheimer wore his heart on one sleeve and scrawled lyrics about me on the other...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers cheating bad boys other-man-woman m-f new adult contemporary -
Thick as Thieves by Lucy Lennox
Julian:I've been in love with my best friend since forever. Okay, fine. Like, kindgergarten. It started out platonic, obviously, but then became... nope. Still platonic. The problem is that Parker Ellis has been straight since forever. And that makes it difficult to convince him the two of us are meant to be together.And now there's no point. All is lost... -
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Swink by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsI’m that guy. Camilla Landry rustles against me, the silky fabric of her overpriced lingerie slipping along my bruised rib. The porcelain perfection of her skin is even more innocent against the colorful ink dotting my own. It’s demure meets damaged, pampered meets punctured. So, yeah, it’s obvious I’m that guy. Dominic Hughes. Her attempt at rebellion... -
Time by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid A (brokenhearted) physicist. Now an infamous (who is LITERALLY EVERYWHERE!! UGH!) musician. The worst has already happened. Mona has learned that she has nothing figured out and plans are meaningless. After leaving her in Aspen, Abram is now breaking sales-records, rising to rock star fame almost overnight. Mona can’t seem to escape him... -
The Moment of Truth by Shari Low
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe Moment of Truth…Laney Cochrane loves her life.With her friends Millie and Tash, she runs a proposal agency, organising the perfect setting for their clients to pop the question. Finding that forever love is something Laney knows all about. Her marriage to Cameron is blissfully content and she has never doubted they’ll live happily ever after.Then Cara Deacon walks into their office... -
Space by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny ReidOne week.Private cabin.Famous physicist.Still an unrepentant slacker.What’s the worst that could happen?Mona’s meticulously planned allotment of relaxation is thrown into chaos by the unscheduled appearance of her older brother’s band of friends, including the one person she'd hoped to never face again... -
Mistake by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsCole Miller is a good-for-nothing nobody who skulks around dark alleyways and makes money by boosting cars from those more fortunate than he. He’s the unwanted child of a couple of deadbeats, so he never truly understood what family meant until he stumbled onto a treasure far more valuable than the GT he’s supposed to steal from the heavyweight world champion... -
Once Upon a Wild Fling by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThere are a million reasons why Miles Hart isn't the man I should date but allow me to enumerate the top three. He's friends with my brother, he's a single dad, and he's a sexy, in-demand rock star. He might as well wear an off-limits, totally unavailable, and don’t-even-attempt-to-ride-this-ride sign. And there’s one more, little itty-bitty thing -- he's never asked me on a date... -
The Legend by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIn a lifestyle of speed, adrenaline and desire, one racer has sacrificed everything for the sport he loved. In turn, he will fight for his name, his family and now his life to be the legend he’s been portrayed to be. You can be everything you set out to be if you want it bad enough. You can be that record breaker you said you’d be. You can be that hero you always thought you would be... -
Happy Halloween from the Montgomerys by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsCaleb is spending his first Halloween as a... -
Black Flag by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhen the taste you thought you never needed becomes a thirst you cannot quench, then what? Jameson Riley, a NASCAR rookie driver, and Sway Reins, his pregnant girlfriend, are put to the test. They have love; they have lust, and a bond that proves to be vital. But do they have what it takes to make it through his lifestyle. When tested, it’s either fight, or give in... -
Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden by Melissa Foster
Quarterback Clay "Mr. Perfect" Braden is determined to show sexy scientist Pepper Montgomery the benefits of hands-on research in PLAYING MR. PERFECT, the first book in the Bradens at Ridgeport series by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster. Loaded with heat, humor, and heart, this steamy, small-town, opposites-attract standalone romance is unputdownable... -
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Cinder by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOlive Thornbury only had one crush in high school, and his name was Asher Gallo. She was smitten with him from the first time she had laid eyes on him. But instead of acting on how she felt, she kept her nose stuck in a book, finding safety in the words rather than emotions.Asher had never thought of Olive as anything more than a friend. She was aloof, preferring to read books...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sweet heroine dual-pov alpha male contemporary suspense humor insta-love -
Just One Look by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLuka Darkovic has some tackling skills. He hadn’t planned on using them to bring down a runaway dog the size of a Shetland pony, though, especially not when his neck is already buggered. At 33, a rugby forward protects his vertebrae.. He’s even less happy when the dog’s incompetent owner turns up in his hospital cubicle the next day with a plan to fix those vertebrae... -
Come Rain or Shine by Sarah Bennett
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThere are worse fates than growing up knowing that you will one day inherit a vast and magnificent Cotswolds country estate, but for Rhys Travers it has always felt like a huge responsibility.Juniper Meadows is home to much of his extended family, not to mention the many local businesses that operate on the estate, so there’s no time to sit back and enjoy the view... -
Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsTyler Maxwell's story will be released on January 18th.As the leagues’ top goalie for the Chicago Blades, I stay disciplined and follow three principles:1. Keep a pristine image.2. Play smart and hard on the ice.3. Stay out of relationships... -
Kiss Me Tonight by Maria Luis
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsI had it all.The Super Bowl rings.The hot shot TV gig.Then I got fired.Now I’m living in middle-of-nowhere Maine, playing assistant coach to the woman of my nightmares.Did I mention that she and her son are my new neighbors?If you talk to the locals, they’ll tell you Aspen Levi is the queen of high school football.But if you ask me, my new head coach is a pain in my left nut sac.She’s too blonde... -
Rogue Wave by J. Bengtsson
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA love story that survives the test of time. Keith McKallister is the king of the stoners. You know the type. Every school has one – the hot, fun, dopey guy beloved by the student body but despised by, well, just about everyone else. He spends his early mornings in the ocean and his days trying to get to class on time... -
Mr. Mayfair by Louise Bay
It should be the most shocking news I’d ever gotten—My boyfriend is getting married.Okay, technically he’s my ex-boyfriend. Two months ago he decided he wanted a break. I still thought he was my happily ever after.On any other day, knowing he was gone for good would be the worst thing that could possibly happen. But not today...Categorized as:
angst cheating alpha male friends to lovers male-pov dual-pov other-man-woman contemporary -
The Champion by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA powerful love story of tragedy, love, and commitment. The fourth book in the Racing on the Edge series submerges you in the lifestyle of a champion of a sport that dominates America. Through smoke and methanol, you learn the good, the bad, and the secrets no one wants you to know... -
Felix by Lulu Moore
I have a secret. Twelve years ago I crushed on my teammate’s little sister, before firmly putting her in the friend zone. Which then became the best friend zone. And my teammate became more of a brother.But now we have two problems.1. I just found out she’s been crushing on me too, and my feelings have come hurtling back like a puck heading for the net2... -
Mr. Park Lane by Louise Bay
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsI haven’t seen him in over a decade, but Joshua Luca can still get to me. And I hate it.At twenty-nine, I’m a doctor and I’ve travelled the world, but just the thought of him has me sliding my sweaty palms down my jeans and wishing I could steady my racing heartbeat.Joshua was an almost obsession until, at seventeen, he cost me my future. In one night, I grew up and let go of my silly crush...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sweet heroine siblings-bff contemporary humor super rich hero length-medium -
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Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott
A vintage VW van. Four friends. A cross-country road trip.It will be the best adventure of my life, if only I can shake the feelings I have for Cameron .Cameron Reeves is as gorgeous as his name makes him sound.He’s about six feet tall, which is the height I always wrote in my ideal man list in my journal. Yes. I have a list of qualities I want in a man... -
Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe pro football player I’m faking a relationship with has the perfect solution to my career woes. He’s encouraging me to lean into the pseudo-celebrity life I was born into instead of trying to outrun it, and for the first time in my life, someone sees me for me.I feel like he’s falling for me, too.And then my ex shows up... -
Good Girl Gone Badd by Jasinda Wilder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsEvangeline du Maurier is the definition of a good girl. Attending Yale, raised with the best tutors and etiquette instructors, she's expected to toe the family line and be a trophy wife for a future senator. But when this good girl takes a quick getaway to clear her head, she finds a whole lot more than she'd bargained for. She finds herself in the arms of a bad boy. Baxter Badd... -
Born to Sin by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing sentenced by a woman in a black robe is not a meet-cute.Quinn Jeffries follows the rules. A judge in small-town Sinful, Montana, doesn’t have much room for missteps, and when you spend your childhood training for the Olympics, you don’t have time for anything but discipline anyway. And, see? It’s worked! Her life is just fine... -
Text Me Baby One More Time by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsA SECOND-CHANCE ROMANTIC COMEDY! I love you , he said. Forever , he said. Turns out, he lied. When he leaves me high and dry after a cross-country move, I push him out of my life as much as I can, which is hard to do when the guy who broke your heart also happens to be the most famous dude in town... -
Blue Lines by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsAfter serving as a dutiful bridesmaid in the wedding from hell, Aynslee Shaw just wants to slink home to Nashville and forget the whole trip. That is, until the hottest guy she’s ever seen is seated next to her on the flight and dazzles her with his easy laugh and killer smile... -
Dirty Exes by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThey’re serving up some red-hot revenge. A sizzling series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel van Dyken. Blaire has never quite gotten over Jessie Beckett, the ex–NFL star whose kisses were hot enough to ignite the entire Eastern Seaboard. When he chose work over her, Blaire was left brokenhearted...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers sports male-pov other-man-woman humor new adult contemporary -
Wishing for Champagne Kisses by Brittanee Nicole
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBest Friends Don’t Kiss.Ryan Manning has been my best friend since we were kids. He’s my secret keeper. The holder of all my truths and the person I admire most in the world. He’s also a Lumbersnack and the man I’ve secretly pined after for decades.But we don’t talk about that.I’m just here in Lake Tahoe for the next week to play the part of his doting girlfriend...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov angst alpha male humor contemporary forced proximity christmas -
Bucking Bear by Izzy Sweet, Sean Moriarty
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSometimes, the biggest fights of your life are the ones outside the ring. Grace They call Max "Bear" for a reason. He's enormous and hairy, and not someone you want to mess with -- in the ring or out of it. But he's wonderful with my daughter and he makes me feel like a queen. Things were great until my baby daddy started causing trouble... -
Finding Dandelion by Lex Martin
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsWhen soccer all-star Jax Avery collides with Dani Hart on his twenty-first birthday, their connection is instantaneous and explosive. For the first time in years, Jax isn’t interested in his usual hit-it and quit-it approach. But Dani knows better. Allowing herself a night to be carefree and feel the intensity of their attraction won’t change anything when it comes to dealing with a player... -
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Can't Resist Him by Molly McLain, Sommer Stein
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 12 ratings*** SPECIAL PRE-ORDER PRICE OF $2.99!*** Sometimes what you want and what you need are two very different things. Always relegated to the "friends with benefits" corner of small town River Bend, Jenny Riley is done giving the milk for free. Falling hard for a bad boy? Not in the plan, either. Sexy, emotionally-wounded Marine Reservist Brody Nelson just needs someone to lend an ear... -
Kissing A Stranger by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDeckerIf you ask my family, I’m wasting my life. If you ask me, I’m living it to the fullest. Am I capable of doing more? Absolutely. However, slinging drinks at the resort makes me happy. At least for now. Not that my family would understand.It’s just another night behind the bar, until it isn’t. She’s everything I never knew I wanted wrapped up in one breathtaking package... -
Incinerate by Tessa Teevan
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsKnox and Charlotte's story. When Knox Wellington opens the door to Charlie Davenport, he's not expecting the fiery brunette with whiskey colored eyes and a feisty personality. Sparks fly immediately, even though their initial meeting is nothing but hostile...Categorized as:
bad boys alpha male friends to lovers tortured heroine athletes dual-pov contemporary military -
Playboy’s Reward by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt was supposed to be a favor between neighbors…When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I intervene. I volunteer to be her date to her ten-year high school reunion. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy and I make an exceptional plus-one.Being Harper's fake date is easy... -
Off Limits by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsProfessional football has an actual rulebook, but it’s the unwritten rules that come with the harshest consequences.The biggest one of all: don’t date your teammate’s sister. And if you do, don’t you dare fall in love with her.I never meant to fall, but when it comes to Brenna Donald, I never stood a chance. She’s everything I’m not--a light-hearted wild child who shines brighter than the sun...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes siblings-bff forbidden love contemporary humor length-medium -
Tight Spot by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI don’t date football players.I’m not interested in the ones who are a decade older than me. I want nothing to do with the ones who play on the same team as my brothers, and I certainly avoid the ones who spend more time in strip clubs than kids’ clubs... -
Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWelcome to the Circus is a brand-new series that centers around a family that owns a circus, 6 sisters and one brother. This is book 1 featuring Val & Felix... -
Ryan Hunter by Anna Katmore, Piper Shelly
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsRyan Hunter kissed more girls than he cares to remember. But the only one he ever wanted is in love with his best friend. Watching Lisa Matthews’ obsession with Tony Mitchell is a torture Ryan conceals from everyone. Until after a five-week soccer camp, where Tony gets involved with someone else, things suddenly take a different turn...Categorized as:
athletes friends to lovers bad boys sports sweet heroine male-pov dual-pov other-man-woman -
Fake Start by Jasmin Miller
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsYou know that awkward moment when your agent tells you to fake date your best friend’s sister so you can get the endorsement deal of your dreams? No? Call me crazy for considering it, but why not? Daisy’s my friend, after all, and I’ve gotten quite close to her and her two awesome boys over the last few years since her douche-nozzle husband divorced her... -
My Fake Fiance by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI never felt truly desired by a man—until him.The second he stepped foot into my small town Alaskan inn, his gaze swept over my curvy figure with desire, igniting a flame I thought was dead. He flirted with me, and I might’ve left two chocolates on his pillow at turndown, but that’s where it stayed. Over the years, he’s floated in and out of town while a friendship developed between us... -
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Stop Ghosting Me by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHarvest Grove News:Another Halloween season is upon us! As usual, please be mindful of the movie fans traveling from Vine Street to Cinnamon Way. Favorite bar owner, Ford Prescott, is back in town for his yearly stay, making this his sixth October in Harvest Grove! Be sure to welcome him warmly when you see him at the Wicked Pub and Grub... -
All the Wright Moves by K.A. Linde
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA sexy brother's best friend roommates romance set in the world of the Wrights from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde…When I moved in with my brother’s best friend, I thought it was temporary.Weston Wright would be in LA with my brother for six months. I’d get the place to myself to get back on my feet. A perfect plan.Until he comes back and asks me to stay...Categorized as:
friends to lovers alpha male angst m-f siblings-bff contemporary humor forced proximity -
Hot Pickle by J.J. Knight
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI'm rock hard.No, not like that.When that happens, you won't need me to tell you.I'm a competitive bodybuilder, ready for my very first contest. And winning requires more than killer workouts and stage presence.It's all about the tan.My training partner Franklin uses the best in the business — Camryn Schultz. She understands the career killer of a badly placed white spot.She’s also his sister... -
Down And Flirty by Staci Hart
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsNothing good comes after the third date.Date three is the crucial point when things get real, which is exactly why I bounce out the door, twiddling my fingers at whatever poor boy I’ve left behind. Because if I stick around, one of three things will happen: he’ll profess his undying love, he’ll get weird and stalky, or I’ll go crazy. Like, Sid and Nancy crazy...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov male-pov m-f contemporary new adult humor friends-benefits -
One Baby Daddy by Meghan Quinn
An accidental pregnancy, a hunky hockey star, and a surprise twist you will never see coming, this swoon-worthy and heart-felt romance from bestselling author Meghan Quinn will keep you on the edge of your feet as you fall head over ice skates in love with your next book boyfriend, Hayden Holmes. "What are you doing now that your team is out of the running for the Stanley Cup?" Forget... -
Happy Hour by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsBetween revving engines, smoking tires, and high speeds, two friends form a vital bond in the shadows of the blaring spotlight. Sway Reins, a track owner’s only daughter, and Jameson Riley, a gritty NASCAR rookie driver, have been best friends since they were kids. Over the years, Sway becomes his safety shield during his rapid rise to the elite levels of auto racing...
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