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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Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde
HallieWhen I was eleven, my family moved next door to his.When I was thirteen, he was my first crush.When I was sixteen, we fell for each other.And when I was nineteen, we broke each other's hearts.Six years later, I've landed an internship with a big-name interior designer in a new city.Unfortunately, that city just so happens to be the one he plays hockey for...Categorized as:
new adult m-f forced proximity slow burn independent heroine athletes sweet-hero sunny hero -
![Ouran High School Host Club, Vol. 18 by Bisco Hatori]()
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... -
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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 -
![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... -
![The Dugout by Meghan Quinn]()
The Dugout by Meghan Quinn
Let me ask you a question: If someone is vying for your spot on a team and just so happens to injure you during practice, would you believe it was on purpose? Word around campus is . . . it was no accident. That injury has cost me everything; my starting position, my junior year—and the draft... -
![That Baby by Jillian Dodd]()
That Baby by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 29 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... -
![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 -
![With This Heart by R.S. Grey]()
With This Heart by R.S. Grey
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 46 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 -
![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 -
![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... -
![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 -
![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 -
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![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 -
![That Wedding by Jillian Dodd]()
That Wedding by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 43 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... -
![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 -
![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 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 -
![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... -
![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 -
![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... -
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![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Ineligible Receiver by Jerica MacMillan]()
Ineligible Receiver by Jerica MacMillan
My brother’s best friend is the life of the party. I’m the wilting wallflower. Until now …Having grown up sheltered my entire life, I decide to take life by the horns and live a little when my brother invites me to a party at his house, which also happens to be party central for the Marycliff University football team.A hot guy catches my eye. He’s shirtless and clowning with his friends... -
![More Than Water by Renee Ericson]()
More Than Water by Renee Ericson
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 36 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... -
![Summer Ever After by Kortney Keisel]()
Summer Ever After by Kortney Keisel
Falling in love is easy. Finding the right guy to spend happily ever after with... that's the hard part. But I have a foolproof plan. I'm taking the tropes that work in romance books and applying them to my love life.Only one bed? Never fails.Caring for someone when they're sick? A classic."Who did this to you?" Seals the deal every single time.So long, loneliness...Categorized as:
new adult m-f forced proximity cheerful heroine strong heroine sassy heroine athletes sweet-hero -
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![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... -
![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 -
![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 young adult contemporary -
![You and Everything After by Ginger Scott]()
You and Everything After by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsI’m that teenaged girl who has MS. You haven’t met me, but you’ve seen me around. You probably know my sister. We’re twins, and she’s the pretty one. Maybe you’ve heard about my reputation, how much I like to hook up at parties—how easy it is to get me in bed, get what you want, and forget about me after. Forget what you think you know. I’m leaving that girl behind... -
![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 -
![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... -
![Summer Star by Lisa Swallow]()
Summer Star by Lisa Swallow
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe latest book from the best selling Blue Phoenix rock romance series. Summer Star is a companion novella to Summer Sky, a retelling of Part One from Dylan's point of view. "I love the world we're in, where you'll always be my summer Sky. I could live here forever."Dylan Morgan has lived and breathed his life as lead singer of Blue Phoenix for eight years and now it's suffocating him... -
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![Breaking Faith by Joy Eileen]()
Breaking Faith by Joy Eileen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFaith made the mistake of giving her heart to someone who didn’t deserve her. After making the decision to leave, she sought refuge at a bar full of misfits. They accepted Faith without question, and now they protect her as if she's family. While putting the pieces of her life back together, she fights to keep her broken heart from falling for the moody lead singer of the JackholeS... -
![Shine and Shimmer by Shari L. Tapscott]()
Shine and Shimmer by Shari L. Tapscott
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOpposites Attract in this Sweet & Sparkly Sequel All her life, Riley's followed in her perfect sister's footsteps, but now that she's graduated high school, she's not sure who she really is. When she meets Zeke, a brooding artist who's the very definition of trouble, she decides to throw caution to the wind and set her sights on a guy no good girl would dare bring home to her parents... -
![Eye of the Beholder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell]()
Eye of the Beholder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
One girl. One boy. One bargain…MinaLook, I’m no social butterfly. I don’t care what the extroverts say; talking to people is scary. I’d rather hang out with my books than actual human beings. Books don’t call you names or dump water over your head in the cafeteria.But high school is almost over, and I’m realizing I have nothing to show for it but good grades...Categorized as:
angst m-f friends to lovers forced proximity slow burn sassy heroine sunny hero sweet-hero -
![Fooling the Forward by Jacob Chance]()
Fooling the Forward by Jacob Chance
Ryder Goode has been my celebrity crush since he signed on with the Charleston Coyotes. Watching him race around the ice has become a favorite pastime of mine.Despite him being one of my brother’s teammates, we’ve never met. At least not until he cashes in on the prize he won in a charity auction—one weekend with me as his personal chef... -
![How to Date a Douchebag: The Studying Hours: A College Wrestling RomCom by Sara Ney]()
How to Date a Douchebag: The Studying Hours: A College Wrestling RomCom by Sara Ney
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsHe is a CRUDE. ARROGANT. A**HOLE.Sebastian ‘Oz’ Osborne is a walking, talking cliche. One of the university’s most celebrated student athlete—and possibly the biggest douchebag-- Oz has a filthy mouth, a fantastic body, and doesn’t give a sh*t about what I, or anyone else, thinks.He loves to have fun, but loves winning even more...I am SMART. CLASSY. CONSERVATIVE... -
![Fearless King by Maya Hughes]()
Fearless King by Maya Hughes
My first crush. My first heartbreak. My brother’s best friend. The butterflies in my stomach turned into full blown eagles the second our lips touched. A kiss under the stars that changed our relationship forever. After a lifetime of wishing, I stared up into Ford’s eyes with his fingers caressing my cheek and my heart racing. The evening ended with my heart bleeding on the ballroom floor...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers angst college secret-relationship m-f young adult sports
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