Books like 'The Girl I Was Before'
Readers who enjoyed The Girl I Was Before by Ginger Scott also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny young adult athletes college new adult angst independent heroine working class hero single-father
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Ouran High School Host Club, Vol. 18 by Bisco Hatori
The uproarious comedy about a girl enlisted to work in a lavish host club!Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences rated teen... -
![Ouran High School Host Club, Vol. 2 by Bisco Hatori]()
Ouran High School Host Club, Vol. 2 by Bisco Hatori
The school-wide physical exam has thrown the members of the elegant Host Club for a loop. How can the doctor not discover that Haruhi is a girl? And once the female customers learn the turn, Haruhi can kiss her job goodbye. Illustrations. Rated for teens...Categorized as:
m-f class difference friends to lovers independent heroine sunny hero sweet-hero young adult humor -
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![A Secret Service by Joy Jenkins]()
A Secret Service by Joy Jenkins
Carter Owens, daughter of a Secret Service agent, is trained to disassemble any weapon, any situation, and anyone. Her biting sarcasm and razor-sharp mind make her impossible to beat in a word fight and when talking doesn’t work, she uses her fists. She attends Hamilton Prep, Washington D.C.’s most prestigious high school, where everyone is related to someone in power, except her... -
![Grace Note by J. Bengtsson]()
Grace Note by J. Bengtsson
Grace Note Movement at the door caught my attention. I looked over, expecting Elliott to walk back through. But it wasn’t him. My back straightened like a steel rod. Oh my god. It wasn’t him. I bolted to my feet, a breath catching in my throat. I stared in both shock and awe at the man standing on the other side of the doorway. He had always been on the other side, alone and cast out by society... -
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![Bright Side by Kim Holden]()
Bright Side by Kim Holden
Secrets. Everyone has one. Some are bigger than others. And when secrets are revealed, Some will heal you ... And some will end you. Kate Sedgwick’s life has been anything but typical. She’s endured hardship and tragedy, but throughout it all she remains happy and optimistic (there’s a reason her best friend Gus calls her Bright Side)...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult strong heroine college angst single-father sweet-hero m-f -
![My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 2 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 2 by Shinichi Fukuda
Wakana Gojou is a fifteen year old high-school boy who was socially traumatized in the past due to his passion for dolls and doll-making. That incident left a mark on him that made him into a social recluse. But one day he was caught talking to his doll by Kitagawa Marin, a sociable gyaru who is perfectly open about her otaku interests -- in short, the complete opposite of him...Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine strong heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor young adult length-short -
![Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce]()
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce
When it comes to romance, sometimes it doesn't hurt to play games. A fun YA romcom full of fake dating hijinks!Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway... -
![My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 6 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 6 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsA loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy romcom!Ever since he got roped into helping Marin, Wakana has had his world and perceptions expanded by cosplay. In fact, it's even helped him find peace with himself! And that seems to be one of cosplay's superpowers, as Wakana and Marin discover at an Ikebukuro event...Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine strong heroine sweet-hero humor contemporary young adult length-short -
![ラストゲーム 1 by Shinobu Amano, 天乃 忍]()
ラストゲーム 1 by Shinobu Amano, 天乃 忍
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsHe's rich, he's smart, girls gather around him all the time, and he has always gotten first place on his exams... well, until Kujou transferred in his primary school class...Categorized as:
new adult m-f college independent heroine young adult contemporary humor high-school -
![My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 3 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 3 by Shinichi Fukuda
A loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy romcom!Wakana and Marin make it through their very first cosplay event, and not long after, Marin's heart undergoes a change...?! But that's not going to stop her cosplaying! To research their next project, the duo decide to watch the anime it's based on...but on screening night, they wind up alone together..Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine strong heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor young adult length-short -
![My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 8 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 8 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsAt their high school’s cultural festival, Marin tackles her first crossplay! While struggling with projecting masculinity in character, she prepares for the festival with the rest of the class. But while Marin is a pro at group activities, Wakana has jitters about his very first time working together with his classmates...Categorized as:
m-f strong heroine cheerful heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor young adult length-short -
![Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter]()
Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter
In this rom-com about rom-coms, in the spirit of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, a hopeless romantic teen attempts to secure a happily-ever-after moment with her forever crush, but finds herself reluctantly drawn to the boy next door.Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away... -
![My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 7 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 7 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsA loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy romcom!Marin's bestie and Wakana's classmate Nowa might seem a little flaky, but the girl has some serious instinct when love is in the air! When she tosses out a bombshell at karaoke by flatly asking Marin and Wakana if they're an item, it sends the two running!But before long, it's cosplay over love, as the...Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor young adult length-short high-school -
![Capture by Penny Reid]()
Capture by Penny Reid
One week. Manhattan apartment. Super-hot ex-boyfriend. …What’s the worst that could happen? It’s been nine months since Kaitlyn Parker has seen or heard from Martin Sandeke—nine months and five stages of matter. She’s lived through the worst of first-love heartbreak, and is most certainly stronger (and less likely to hide in science cabinets) than ever before. But now Martin is back...Categorized as:
strong heroine friends to lovers athletes college sassy heroine angst new adult independent heroine -
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![Nodame Cantabile, Vol. 1 by Tomoko Ninomiya]()
Nodame Cantabile, Vol. 1 by Tomoko Ninomiya
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe son of a famous pianist, music student Shinichi Chiaki dreams of studying abroad and becoming a conductor like his mentor. Unfortunately, his fear of flying grounds his lofty plans! As he watches other classmates achieve what he has always wanted, Shinichi wonders if he should quit music altogether. Then one day he meets fellow student Megumi Noda, also known as Nodame...Categorized as:
slow burn college strong heroine cheerful heroine contemporary young adult length-short humor -
![With This Heart by R.S. Grey]()
With This Heart by R.S. Grey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 48 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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers college forced proximity m-f humor contemporary tearjerkers virgin heroine -
![Motion by Penny Reid]()
Motion by Penny Reid
Forced to lie to protect her sister . . . From the New York Times Bestselling Author, Penny Reid One week. Home alone. Girl genius. Unrepentant slacker. Big lie. What’s the worst that could happen? Mona is a smart girl and figured everything out a long time ago. She had to. She didn’t have a choice... -
![My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 1 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 1 by Shinichi Fukuda
Wakana Gojou is a fifteen year old high-school boy who was socially traumatized in the past due to his passion for dolls and doll-making. That incident left a mark on him that made him into a social recluse. But one day he was caught talking to his doll by Kitagawa Marin, a sociable gyaru who is perfectly open about her otaku interests -- in short, the complete opposite of him...Categorized as:
m-f sweet-hero cheerful heroine strong heroine friends to lovers contemporary humor young adult -
![That Baby by Jillian Dodd]()
That Baby by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsFirst comes love, then comes marriage . . . and then comes That Baby. That Baby is the final book in the That Boy trilogy by USA Today bestselling author, Jillian Dodd. It’s amazing how a few little words can change your life. It starts with a simple I love you. It’s made official with I do. And becomes incredible with I’m pregnant. Jadyn is the girl I love... -
![A Love Song for Dreamers by Piper Lawson]()
A Love Song for Dreamers by Piper Lawson
He said I taught him how to dream.Maybe he taught me, too.But when fate brings the strongest man I know to his knees, dreams aren’t enough to save us.But true love doesn’t fade to silence after a single verse.Tyler and I have one last chance.And the power to decide how this ends.A tragedy for the ages.Or the perfect ending to the most beautiful song ever written...Ours...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers m-f contemporary young adult humor length-short open-door -
![Know Not Why (Know Not Why) by Hannah Johnson]()
Know Not Why (Know Not Why) by Hannah Johnson
Howie gets a job at Artie Kraft's Arts 'N Crafts hoping to score with his lady coworkers. After all, girls love a sensitive guy, and what's more sensitive than dedicating your life to selling yarn and ... stuff? (Okay, so maybe it'd be a good idea to actually learn what one sells at an arts 'n crafts store.) But things don't go exactly according to plan...Categorized as:
friends to lovers slow burn college new adult contemporary from hate to love m-m young adult -
![Brave by Cora Brent]()
Brave by Cora Brent
RELEASE DATE: December 8**May be read as a stand alone**✅ Enemies with benefits✅ VERY protective anti-hero✅ Major SPICE✅ Fiery heroineMicah Lyonne is the worst man I know. As children, we were constantly thrown together by our powerful parents.And we always despised each other.He was supposed to be the heir to a billion dollar empire...Categorized as:
new adult vengeance m-f angst class difference secret-relationship sassy heroine strong heroine -
![Curvy Girls Can't Date Bullies by Kelsie Stelting]()
Curvy Girls Can't Date Bullies by Kelsie Stelting
He bullied my sister. Now it’s his turn to pay.Ryker is the top of the Emerson Academy food chain, and he uses his power to remind everyone of just how powerless they are.Until now.When I see him picking on the most innocent girl in school for her weight, I snap. Ignoring him is no longer enough. No, my friends and I are going to make him pay...Categorized as:
new adult athletes m-f hurt-comfort cheerful heroine strong heroine young adult contemporary -
![Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce]()
Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce
From the author of the nationally bestselling Dungeons and Drama comes another gaming romance that's sure to win you over!After moving to a new high school, Quinn is desperate for friends, so she joins a D&D group with their own livestream and serious rules—most no dating fellow party members...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity slow burn young adult contemporary humor grumpy sunshine glimpses-kisses -
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![My Dress-Up Darling 10 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling 10 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy rom-com!Upon meeting up with Amane-san and his friends at a cosplay event, Marin and Wakana learn about a group cosplay shoot they’re putting together for Coffin , a horror game... -
![A Love Song for Rebels by Piper Lawson]()
A Love Song for Rebels by Piper Lawson
I swore I’d never fall for a rockstar. He swore he’d never become one.Tyler didn’t mean to break my heart. He did it anyway.Now, I’ll never play by anyone’s rules but mine.When he shows up in the last place I expect, with a confession and a promise…There’s going to be a reckoning.Because the naive girl he shattered is gone.And the woman in her place is ready for a fight...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers m-f contemporary young adult humor length-short open-door -
![That Wedding by Jillian Dodd]()
That Wedding by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsMarry the boy next door in this sweet contemporary romance by USA Today Best Selling Author, Jillian Dodd.The gorgeous engagement ring on my finger mimics my happiness. I feel so sparkly, glittery, and full of promise, because I absolutely know he's that boy. The boy I want to marry. My prince. My happily ever after.But then our pastor starts asking lots of questions... -
![A Side Character's Love Story, Vol. 1 by Akane Tamura]()
A Side Character's Love Story, Vol. 1 by Akane Tamura
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsGrowing up, Nobuko Tanaka was always a "side character" standing off in the corner. Now in her 20s, she's fallen in love for the first time. While she isn't any good at being assertive, she will muster her courage bit by bit as she tries her best to close the distance between herself and her crush -- because even side characters fall in love... -
![On His Face by Tabatha Kiss]()
On His Face by Tabatha Kiss
5 Goals for a Perfect Freshman Year1. Learn a new life skill.2. Get a tattoo.3. Pay off my car.4. Enter the Art Fest. Win.5. Fall in love with a stranger.Yes, I know #5 isn’t technically a goal, but I couldn’t think of anything else. Little did I know, I’d cross it off my vision board two weeks into my first semester at Chicago North University.He was the model in my art class...Categorized as:
new adult college secret-relationship m-f sweet-hero contemporary humor siblings-bff -
![Strum Your Heart Out by Crystal Kaswell]()
Strum Your Heart Out by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsSpecial new release price of 2.99. Price goes up 11/23 Best friends aren't supposed to fall in love. College senior Kara Kendrick is not about to let lust ruin a good friendship. Yes, her rock star guitarist best friend Drew Denton is stubborn, over-protective, and quick to threaten violence on anyone who hurts her. He's also the only person she's ever trusted. He makes her laugh... -
![Remember When by T. Torrest]()
Remember When by T. Torrest
Years before Trip Wiley could be seen on movie screens all over the world, he could be seen sitting in the desk behind me in my high school English class. This was back in 1990, and I cite the year only to avoid dumbfounding you when references to big hair or stretch pants are mentioned. Although, come to think of it, I am from New Jersey, which may serve as explanation enough... -
![My Dress-Up Darling 09 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling 09 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy rom-com!To get the swanky DSLR camera of her dreams, Marin picks up more part-time work! And once she’s scraped up the cash to buy her shiny new gadget, she attends a cosplay event..Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine strong heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor young adult length-short -
![Merry Random Christmas by Julia Kent]()
Merry Random Christmas by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt all started with a game of Truth or Dare… It’s bad enough I got arrested for prostitution on Christmas Eve. Alleged prostitution, mind you. I didn’t do it. Of course I didn’t. The cops say I offered up a certain sex act for a $5 gasoline gift card, but honey? My sex acts are worth way, way more... -
![The Consequence of Revenge by Rachel Van Dyken]()
The Consequence of Revenge by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsAfter losing his best friend to another guy, the notoriously too-confident Max Emory suddenly feels lost. He may have devastatingly good looks, an abundance of charm, and a claim to one of the biggest hotel empires around, but he has no ambition anymore. So when his fed-up friends decide they’ve had enough of his moping, they sign him up to be the next bachelor on the reality series Love Island... -
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![Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon]()
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
The Hating Game meets Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by way of Morgan Matson in this unforgettable romantic comedy about two rival overachievers whose relationship completely transforms over the course of twenty-four hours.Today, she hates him. It’s the last day of senior year... -
![Stepbrother With Benefits 11 by Mia Clark]()
Stepbrother With Benefits 11 by Mia Clark
Ethan fills a part of me that I never knew needed to be filled before. I give him something that he never knew he was missing. Rule #11 – I want to make you feel ecstasy at least once a day. At least. Maybe twice. Three times. All day. I want to be with you all the time, near you, next to you, inside you. I need you... We all have our strengths and weakness... -
![Strobe Edge, Vol. 1 by Io Sakisaka]()
Strobe Edge, Vol. 1 by Io Sakisaka
Having no experience in romance, the vibrant Ninako curiously explores the meaning of what "love" really is, and is surprised to feel a colorful range of emotions as she grows closer to the school heartthrob, the quiet yet gentle Ren, who also happens to be involved in a longtime relationship...Categorized as:
cheerful heroine angst slow burn sweet-hero m-f friends to lovers young adult contemporary -
![Right by Jana Aston]()
Right by Jana Aston
My childhood was perfect. I’ve led a charmed life, and I’m not going to blow it now by picking the wrong guy. I’ve got my sights set on my brother’s best friend. He’s known my family for years. He’s reliable and kind and handsome. Sure, he’s been avoiding me since I was six. I’m a bit aggressive for him, maybe...Categorized as:
new adult college strong heroine sassy heroine independent heroine m-f female-rake single-father -
![The Hazards of Sex on the Beach by Alyssa Rose Ivy]()
The Hazards of Sex on the Beach by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOne broken heart, one drink too many, one steamy night in the sand... No one warns you about the dangers of drinking with a broken heart. At least no one warned me. I never imagined I'd fall for a musician, especially not one like Chase, but then again I never expected to have my heart broken into a million pieces by the frat guy I thought was the love of my life... -
![Sugar and Spice by Shari L. Tapscott]()
Sugar and Spice by Shari L. Tapscott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFueled by love and determination, twenty-one-year-old Harper took a great leap of faith and transferred home from college to finally declare her feelings to Brandon, the boy who's adored her since they were children. There was only one thing that could derail her perfect plan, and that was Brandon showing up with a new girlfriend the very same weekend... -
![More Than Water by Renee Ericson]()
More Than Water by Renee Ericson
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsIt doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t feel wrong. It just...feels. EJ Cunning, an art history major, dates musicians. Foster Blake, a chemical engineering major, can’t sing a tune. They’re not each other’s type. They’re coworkers. Then, one night leads to sex—sex between friends—which leads to an agreement. It all seems so simple—but nothing ever is. Many layers build a person’s facade...Categorized as:
friends to lovers slow burn college sassy heroine angst new adult forced proximity tortured heroine -
![More Than Water by Renee Ericson]()
More Than Water by Renee Ericson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsIt doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t feel wrong. It just...feels. EJ Cunning, an art history major, dates musicians. Foster Blake, a chemical engineering major, can’t sing a tune. They’re not each other’s type. They’re coworkers. Then, one night leads to sex—sex between friends—which leads to an agreement. It all seems so simple—but nothing ever is. Many layers build a person’s facade... -
![Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell]()
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
A coming-of-age tale of fanfiction, family, and first love.Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan.... But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she's really good at it. She and her twin, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving.Reading. Rereading...Categorized as:
new adult college friends to lovers m-f sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary mental illness -
![Lucky Star by Susannah Nix]()
Lucky Star by Susannah Nix
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA lonely barista’s dreams come true when her celebrity crush asks her to pose as his fake girlfriend for the paparazzi. Boone Sheridan is a TV heartthrob with a public relations problem. He needs to clean up his image and create a distraction ASAP... -
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![LDK, Vol. 10 by Ayu Watanabe]()
LDK, Vol. 10 by Ayu Watanabe
FROM ROOMMATES TO CLASSMATES Although Aoi’s father found out about their housing situation, Aoi and Shusei are still allowed to live together, but on one particular condition…Before long, the two of them begin their final year of high school, and end up in the same class...Categorized as:
new adult m-f secret-relationship forced proximity young adult contemporary length-short humor -
![That Wedding by Jillian Dodd]()
That Wedding by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsThe gorgeous engagement ring on my finger mimics my happiness. I feel so sparkly, glittery, and full of promise, because I absolutely know he's that boy. The boy I want to marry. My prince. My happily ever after. But then our pastor starts asking lots of questions. His parents say I haven’t dealt with my past. I have horrible wedding disaster dreams. I can’t find the perfect dress... -
![L-DK, Vol.11 by Ayu Watanabe]()
L-DK, Vol.11 by Ayu Watanabe
かえでに柊聖との関係がバレちゃった！ しかも柊聖と波留の過去を聞き、葵の不安は募るばかり……。悩んだ末に葵はある決断をするが、柊聖がまさかのリアクションを――！？...Categorized as:
new adult m-f forced proximity secret-relationship length-short contemporary young adult humor -
![Catching the Captain by Jacob Chance]()
Catching the Captain by Jacob Chance
When Kaiden Hart, the captain of the Charleston Coyotes hockey team, comes to my aid in an emergency, it’s the first time I’ve seen him since I was a young girl.And boy, have the years been kind to him.When he invites me out to dinner, accepting seems like the polite thing to do.At least that’s what I tell myself...Categorized as:
athletes sassy heroine friends to lovers forced proximity m-f humor sports young adult -
![Curvy Girls Can't Date Surfers by Kelsie Stelting]()
Curvy Girls Can't Date Surfers by Kelsie Stelting
When my dog runs away on the beach and into the arms of a handsome surfer, I think I’m in luck. Until I realize said surfer is actually a crusty, rude, player who acts like he owns the ocean.I want to forget the encounter ever happened and focus on helping care for my dad, who suffered a brain injury while in the military. But I’m out of luck. Jerk supreme, aka Diego, goes to my new school... -
![Love You Forever by Christina C. Jones]()
Love You Forever by Christina C. Jones
Two years after leaving the neighborhood to pursue an opportunity she couldn’t pass up, Sydnee Scott is back. She’s smart, sassy, and maybe a little bit spoiled, but she’s ready to reclaim her place in her family, and in the family business… Or not. That spot is currently filled by Harlan Ramsey, head manager...
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