Books like 'A Beautiful Mess'
Readers who enjoyed A Beautiful Mess by Emily McKee also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult athletes friends to lovers virgin heroine college
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Gentry Boys by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 27 ratings“All my life I’d always known what the Gentry boys were. A set of fraternal triplets born to a depraved family, they were rough, sexy and wild as wolves..." DRAW They called us ‘those white trash Gentry boys’ until we believed that’s what we were. Our people squatted at the edge of a hellhole prison town for generations. The childhood we endured was the stuff of nightmares... -
Endure by S.E. Hall, Sommer Stein
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsOur vessel may have cracks and dings, tatters in its sail, and sometimes takes on water… but it still cuts through the waves with authority. Because of its Crew— bonded for life. Unsinkable. Will this be our final voyage… or just the beginning of a new chapter in our lives? Endure is best read following Emerge, Embrace, Entangled(novella) and Entice of the Evolve Series... -
Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsLife loves a good curveball… Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas's life is completely upended the moment her dad returns to the major leagues as the new pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals. Now she's living in Missouri (too cold) , attending an all-girls school (no boys) , and navigating the strange world of professional sports...Categorized as:
athletes college friends to lovers contemporary young adult forbidden love sports new adult -
Going Long by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThey fell in love in high school and found their way back to one another despite the odds. But can first loves really be forever? For Reed Johnson, the dream was always football. But then Nolan Lennox took over his heart...Categorized as:
athletes friends to lovers college young adult contemporary alpha male sports football -
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With This Heart by R.S. Grey
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsIf someone had told me a year ago that I was about to fall in love, go on an epic road trip, ride a Triceratops, sing on a bar, and lose my virginity, I would have assumed they were on drugs. Well, that is, until I met Beckham. Beck was mostly to blame for my recklessness... -
Let Me Love You by Megan Smith
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWill their lives take them in different directions? Jaylinn McCormick is determined to forget that one terrifying night which left her feeling broken and tainted. There is one person who can make her whole again… but he is hell bent on keeping her at arm’s length. She has loved him her entire life but can she wait for him to step up to the plate? Cooper Cahill has loved Jaylinn for years... -
The Game Changer: The Final Score by L.M. Trio
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe Game Changer: The Final Score is told from 4 different perspectives: Luke, Mikey, JJ & Deanna... (Teaser #1 & Teaser #2 have been moved to my blog page) The story continues with Luke being released from prison, forced to face many challenges that developed due to his careless decisions. His greatest challenge is facing Jesse, the girl he refuses to let go... -
The Final Move by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHockey legend Devin Garrison thought he blew his shot. But his relationship with Callie Caplan just went into overtime.Sexy, rich, and one of the biggest stars in the NHL, Devin Garrison has always been the one who had it all. That is until his marriage falls apart and he realizes he has to start over. If he's honest, there has only been one woman who ever really excited him-Callie Caplan...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports new adult contemporary young adult hockey length-medium -
Drops of Rain by Kathryn Andrews
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsAli Rain Sometimes I think to myself, “How did I get here?” Then the pain hits and I remember…it’s because she’s gone. I now live in a new town, go to a new school, and I’m supposed to be moving on with my new life. Only, I no longer know who I am anymore. Dancing is all I have left and every day I feel completely alone. Silence has become the theme song to my life... -
More with You by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsHailey MacCoy has had a crush on Aiden since the day she met him. Over time that crush has intensified. Hailey feels she has to keep her feelings hidden due to his friendship with her brother. She struggles with the fact that Aiden only sees her as his best friends little sister. Aiden Emerson is lusting after his best friends little sister...Categorized as:
friends to lovers virgin heroine athletes college contemporary love triangle sports young adult -
Wicked Promises by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe edgy, angsty, addictive YA/NA crossover series from L A Cotton continues...Forever is a long time.Summer Stone-Prince has her whole life mapped out. Attend college with her childhood sweetheart. Graduate. Get married and live happily-ever-after. But all it takes are two little words and everything changes.Everything... -
The Game Changer by L.M. Trio
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIt’s hard to believe that it only takes one split second in time to turn your world completely upside down. Everything that ever made you feel safe and secure; can be gone in an instant...” Jesse’s world is shattered in that instant…the rest of her life is mapped out by a split second change that she never dreamed could happen... -
All Broke Down by Cora Carmack
In this second book in "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author Cora Carmack s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with "All Lined Up," a young woman discovers that you can t only fight for what you believe in sometimes you have to fight for what you love. Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes college sports new adult contemporary bad boys young adult -
The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 73 ratingsGetting a boy to fall head-over-heels in love with you isn’t easy. Especially when he’s been in love with your cousin for as long as you can remember. Lana has lived her life in her cousin’s shadow. Ashton always made perfect grades, had tons of friends, and looks model-perfect. And she’s always had Sawyer Vincent—the only boy Lana’s ever wanted—wrapped around her finger...Categorized as:
athletes virgin heroine friends to lovers college contemporary young adult alpha male bad boys -
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Running Home to You by Suzanne Sweeney
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLibrarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00IFR0XP2 Juliette Fletcher thought she had it all – a strikingly handsome man who adores her, a new business venture with her best friends by her side, and a dream house right on the beach. But appearances can be deceiving and everything comes at a cost... -
Maxen by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBrooke - He broke me. Maxen Ryder tore my heart out, crushed it, and had me questioning my self-worth, and nobody but me gets that pleasure. All I want is to move on and forget about the boy who opened me up to a world of hurt, but why is it that every move I make always has me going back? He's not that boy I used to know. He's become a man overnight and I'm not sure I'm strong enough to resist... -
The Art of Life by Sarah Carter
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsJeremy is a devastatingly attractive 21 year old guy with a secret, who just has to walk into a room and flash his winning smile to melt a girl's heart. Isabelle,"Izzy", is a barely noticeable artist, whose home life is less than to be desired. She feels completely alone in the world, that is until the fateful day when Jeremy saves her from school tormentors and changes both their lives forever... -
After the Rain by Lisa De Jong
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsA novella follow-up to When It Rains. The last few years have been my best and my worst. Now I’m learning to move on after my greatest heartbreak of all. I’m in college with the guy I’ve loved since I was just a kid, but when two people have the history we do, there are always obstacles to overcome. They say love conquers all, and it's time to find out how true that really is...Categorized as:
friends to lovers college young adult contemporary tearjerkers second chances length-novella -
The Ever After of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsFrom the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Temptation of Lila and Ethan comes a story of change, hope, and unbreakable vows. The day Ella has waited for is just around the corner. It's the day she'll marry Micha, the love of her life, the light that guided her out of the darkness... -
Pep Talks by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 14 ratings(This is the fourth book in the Pepper Jones series, which should be read in order. The first three books in the series may be purchased as a box set for a discounted price, under the title “The Pepper Jones Collection.”) Pepper’s freshman year at college is a harder transition than she anticipated... -
Waiting on the Sidelines by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsNolan Lennox had things figured out. Named after a baseball legend, she enjoyed being the Tomboy, her closet filled with her brother’s hand-me-downs, cut-off jeans and soccer shorts...Categorized as:
athletes friends to lovers college contemporary bad boys love triangle sports young adult -
Let Me Heal Your Heart by Lily Foster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLET ME HEAL YOUR HEART Book Four in Lily Foster’s LET ME series First loves are not easily forgotten… Anna has endured more by the age of eighteen than most do in a lifetime. Unless you know her, you see only the beautiful, privileged, bright college freshman who seems to have it all. Few people know what she’s gone through or know who she really is... -
Finding Us: Jules and Nate by Allie Juliette Mousseau
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAuthor Note: 50% of all Sale Proceeds from May14th through the 21st will be donated to the "No More Project" through The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "When you're lost... True North" The North brothers were hell on wheels-adrenaline-junky bad boys... -
The Prelude of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsWhen Ella Daniels and Micha Scott are fourteen, they make a pact to leave the small town of Star Grove and create better lives for themselves. The pact was made as best friends, but over the next six years, their friendship begins to intensify. Feelings change. Grow. Veer towards love. But one tragic night changes everything. Hearts get broken. And the future they had planned changes forever...Categorized as:
virgin heroine college friends to lovers young adult contemporary bad boys new adult dual-pov -
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Almost Beautiful by Jamie McGuire
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe highly anticipated sequel to Jamie McGuire’s New York Times and internationally bestselling phenomenon, Beautiful Disaster.Newlyweds Travis and Abby Maddox return from Vegas, hoping to one day leave Eastern State University’s fatal fire in the past. But when the FBI arrives in Eakins, friends quickly become enemies, and the Maddoxes fear their happy ever after could go up in flames... -
Finally, Forever by Katie Kacvinsky
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAuthor's Note: Can be read as book three of the First Comes Love series , or as a standalone . College baseball player, Gray Thomas, had to go far out into left field to find a girl like Dylan, the ex-love-of-his-life. More than a year later, literally at a crossroads, they find each other together on a journey that is a pause between a painful past and an uncertain future... -
Starless Nights by Kathryn Andrews
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsBeau Hale She said that she was my best friend and then one day she wasn’t. Every day I live with the visible scars, but it’s the invisible ones that hurt the most. They are a constant reminder of everything I’ve lost as well as all the things that I’ll never have. I should be over this by now, it’s been years, but I can’t escape the memories that haunt me... -
The Shortstop by A.M. Madden
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 21 ratings“Quint and Annie sitting in a tree…K.I.S.S.I.N.G.” Quint Lawson and Annie Weber heard that childhood song over and over and it never bothered them. Even though Quint was only five, Annie wasn’t just his neighbor. She would become his best friend and the love of his life. Annie wasn’t interested in dolls, or girly things when growing up... -
The Winning Side by CM Doporto
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLexi’s determined to keep her word and stand by Raven’s side because her love for him is too strong to deny. As Raven learns to deal with the issues that are destined to destroy him and their relationship, their love is taken to a new level. As doors are closed and new ones are opened, Lexi and Raven find themselves in a heavenly bliss, but not without the challenges from Raven’s past... -
Let Me Go by Michelle Lynn
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy name is Rob Winters, aka, Jackass. Even to my closest friends. I wasn’t always so arrogant and condescending. It only took one night to change me—one point twenty-seven seconds, to be exact. When tragedy struck, I promised myself, no matter what, unbreakable chains would lock my heart. If one veers too close or digs too deep, the cruel and mean bastard many hate is unleashed... -
The Same Side by C.M. Doporto
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThe engagement's off and with Collin behind her, Lexi has decided that the temptations of Raven Davenport are too strong to be ignored. It doesn't take long for Lexi and Raven to find themselves wrapped in each other's affection, but not without the challenges that life poses... -
Intercepted by Emma Hart
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsFour people. Four goals. Four endings. In the third and final book of the USA Today bestselling By His Game series, the rules of the game no one knew they’d have to play are blurring, and when the past becomes the opposing team, hearts aren’t the only thing at stake of being lost… Finding naked pictures of her best friend on her boyfriend’s phone wasn’t in Everleigh White’s five year plan...Categorized as:
athletes friends to lovers young adult contemporary sports new adult second chances length-medium -
Second Chance by Katie Kacvinsky
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsalternate cover edition of ASIN: B0097UX04M Can two drastically different, imperfect people be perfect for each other? It’s been four months since Gray and Dylan have seen each other. Dylan’s been traveling in Europe, while Gray has college, baseball, and a life rooted in one place. Gray’s determined to forget Dylan, the girl he fell in love with in First Comes Love... -
Soldier On by Sydney Logan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWill his call of duty break both their hearts? Losing her father in Desert Storm has left Stephanie James with a bitter soul when it comes to the military. As a college senior juggling a full course load, Steph's only goal is to graduate with honors at the end of the semester. She’s focused, determined, and a firm believer in all work and no play...Categorized as:
virgin heroine college contemporary humor military young adult men in uniform length-medium -
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Off the Ice by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn the second installment of The Penalty Kill Trilogy, Levi Carr and Presley McCarthy continue to rebuild their relationship as they deal with surprises and other problems. Levi is trying his best not to hover with worry over his father after his heart attack. Presley is still trying to gain the love and respect from her parents and keep her independence as well... -
Forever Love by Chelsea Landon, Megan Smith
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor a limited time only, enjoy books one, Forever Dark, and two, Forever Light, in the Forever Love Series together. Forever changed by one night that leaves their lives, love, and sacrifices forever altered... -
Living with Regret by Lisa De Jong
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsI had my whole life mapped out. Perfect guy. Perfect friends. Everything was exactly the way I wanted it. That was until that night--the one I can’t remember. It’s all my fault, and now the memories are all I have left of him. Of us. My guilt drowns me until Sam Shea steps back into my life and helps me to the surface... -
Her First Kiss: Londons story by M.J. Fields
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA new adult / college / sports romance novel from USA Today bestselling author, MJ Fields . One woman with her entire life in front of her. Having experienced a lifetime’s amount of loss and love under the spotlight of her stepfather and stepbrother’s rock and roll stardom, London Fields decides now is her time to shine...Categorized as:
college virgin heroine athletes friends to lovers young adult sports new adult contemporary -
Winter Wedding by Rochelle Paige
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAll Alexa wants is to walk down the aisle to Drake with their family and friends surrounding them. Feeling the loss of her mother more acutely than ever, she agrees to a lavish event in an effort to please her new mother-in-law. The stress of a high-profile wedding starts to wear on her – and that’s before things even start to go wrong. All Drake wants is to make Alexa his wife... -
Finding Autumn by Heather Topham Wood
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo years earlier, Blake Preston received a phone call that would change everything. His stepfather—a man he trusted and admired—had been accused of sexually assaulting one of his students. His stepfather declared his innocence and Blake chose to stay loyal to the man who had raised him as his own. Cook University is the one place Blake can keep his anonymity... -
Promises Hurt by Elle Brooks
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsI wasn't planning on falling for Ethan Jamison, hell I wasn't planning on our paths ever crossing. He’s the most popular guy at school and a complete player. Me; I’m the perpetual good girl, trying to carry out one last request. But when you make a promise, how far do you go to see it through? ~ Blair It’s a running joke that I’m a terrible liar, if only people knew the truth... -
The Consequence of Loving Colton by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsIt’s all fun and games…until someone’s heart is broken. They’re not kids anymore, but Milo Caro is certain that Colton Mathews will only see her as his best friend’s little sister for the rest of their lives. After all, he made that clear the night before she left for college...Categorized as:
friends to lovers virgin heroine college humor young adult contemporary new adult male-pov -
Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsAfter five months of sheer absolute craziness I was going back to being plain old background D.J. In photographs of course I’m always in the background . . . But it turns out other folks have big plans for D.J. Like her coach. College scouts. All the town hoops fans. A certain Red Bend High School junior who’s keen for romance and karaoke...Categorized as:
athletes college contemporary young adult heroine athlete sports football length-medium -
Game of Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsEllie Parker is a master at building walls around her heart. In the twenty-five years she’s been alive, Dex Remington has been the only person who has always believed in her and been there for her. But four years earlier she came to Dex seeking comfort, and then disappeared like a thief in the night, leaving him a broken man. Dex Remington is one of the top PC game developers in the U.S...Categorized as:
athletes friends to lovers contemporary second chances young adult m-f length-medium -
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Ringside by Tracey Ward
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsKellen and Jenna have been friends for years. A boxer with a shattered past and an artist with a wealthy family, they found each other against all odds. Ever in each other's corner, they grew up together, watched relationships rise and crumble, and the only one that's always left standing is their own...Categorized as:
athletes friends to lovers humor young adult contemporary new adult fighters length-medium -
Blurred Lines by Tamsyn Bester
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsHot on the heels of the Bestselling novel, The Line Between, comes the much-anticipated sequel, Blurred Lines. Jade Matthews and Reid Cole have been best friends all their lives. He was the boy who chased away the monsters from under her bed, and she was the girl he knew he was going to spend the rest of his life with. But even friendships aren’t always built to last...Categorized as:
friends to lovers college young adult contemporary pregnancy new adult m-f length-short -
DJ Dangerfield by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratings“. . . and you’re listening to 91.3 FM.” Justin knows three things for sure about DJ Dangerfield: He has some questionable taste in music. He always provokes Justin into ringing in. And he might just be his favorite weekly distraction...Categorized as:
friends to lovers college young adult contemporary m-m queer queer-awakening length-novella -
Breaking Shaun by E.M. Abel
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSome men fall in love and hand their balls over to the first woman who keeps them interested—but not me. Surfing and my freedom are the only two things I’ve ever needed. Meaningless one-night stands are fun, but the drama and jealousy that follows them aren’t worth it. Until I met Natalie, I never realized there were women who thought like me...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes college contemporary bad boys alpha male sports secret child -
In Ruins by Danielle Pearl
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsShe wanted to start again. To be someone---anyone---different . . .Freedom. When Carleigh Stanger thought of college, that was the word that came to mind. Freedom from her unhappy home life. Freedom from high school mistakes. Freedom from the memory of that terrible morning...Categorized as:
college friends to lovers contemporary new adult young adult alpha male suspense length-long -
Hope by Sydney Lane
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe's the high school softball star. He's the fraternity chaplain. He's the good guy. She's the wild child. Eliza Nichols has a secret. After one night, one mistake, she throws away her softball career, walking away from everything she loves. Broken and damaged, the last thing she needs is someone making her question everything she knows. No one has ever made her want to be so good...
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