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
-
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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers strong heroine independent heroine sunny hero slow burn m-f young adult humor -
![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 -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links / Remove ads -
![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... -
![My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 Volume 4 by Mashiro]()
My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 Volume 4 by Mashiro
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsCould this be love? The fourth volume of the award-winning manga that inspired the anime My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999. Thanks to Yamada’s attentive care, Akane is recovering from her sudden illness. The experience has made her realize she can’t keep hiding the truth—what she feels for Yamada is more than just friendship...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers contemporary young adult humor age difference length-short -
-
![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 -
![Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Vol. 1 by Fujita]()
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku, Vol. 1 by Fujita
The awkward, romantic comedy manga about geeks in love that inspired the new anime! Can a professional man who's secretly a hardcore gamer and a woman who's secretly a fujoshi date without their hobbies getting in the way, or revealing each other's secrets? Extra-long book includes 2 Japanese volumes! Narumi and Hirotaka are, by all appearances, a power couple...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult m-f cheerful heroine contemporary humor young adult length-medium -
![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 -
![You Are Like a Flame to Me: The Algorithm of Letting Go by SEETHALA DEVI CHANDU]()
You Are Like a Flame to Me: The Algorithm of Letting Go by SEETHALA DEVI CHANDU
She said his love felt like drowning. He said her goodbye felt like a funeral. Six weeks after their catastrophic breakup, Rohan and Priya are finally starting to heal. Rohan is piecing his life back together after losing his father’s two lakh retirement fund and the woman he made his entire world. His new job at TechSphere Solutions is his last chance at a fresh start... -
![My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 6 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 6 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.42 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 -
![My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 8 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 8 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.45 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. Is there a light at the end of his tunnel of nerves and anxiety? !Categorized as:
m-f strong heroine cheerful heroine sweet-hero contemporary humor 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: 4.33 of 5 stars · 33 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 -
![Hate Me Like You Mean It by Kyra Parsi]()
Hate Me Like You Mean It by Kyra Parsi
He’s the undisputed loathe of my life. My blood-sworn nemesis. And the man whose toilets I have to scrub for the next thirty days. How’s your week going? It’s inspiring, really—the son of a single mother from humble beginnings rises to become one of the most successful men on the planet, then goes off to exact revenge on the spoiled, bratty heiress he’s been dying to strangle since preschool... -
![My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 7 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 7 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.37 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 -
![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... -
-
![Takane & Hana, Vol. 10 by Yuki Shiwasu]()
Takane & Hana, Vol. 10 by Yuki Shiwasu
When Hana’s childhood friend Okamon confesses that he’s in love with her, Hana goes into a total panic! Can she possibly return his feelings? And once Takane finds out, all bets are off on how he’ll react to the news!Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine sassy heroine young adult contemporary humor age difference length-short -
![Nodame Cantabile, Vol. 1 by Tomoko Ninomiya]()
Nodame Cantabile, Vol. 1 by Tomoko Ninomiya
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 32 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 -
![Takane & Hana, Vol. 7 by Yuki Shiwasu]()
Takane & Hana, Vol. 7 by Yuki Shiwasu
Stripped of his wealth and now penniless, Takane has to learn to cope with being poor. He refuses any help from Hana, but she isn’t about to let him brush her off! Takane is as difficult as ever, but Hana sticks by him. Will she finally admit she has feelings for him?Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine sassy heroine young adult contemporary humor age difference length-short -
![Takane & Hana, Vol. 8 by Yuki Shiwasu]()
Takane & Hana, Vol. 8 by Yuki Shiwasu
Valentine’s Day rolls around, and Hana wonders what she should give Takane even as she struggles to hide her feelings from him. Meanwhile, Hana’s father poses a question to Takane—exactly how long is he planning to continue his arranged marriage relationship with Hana?Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine sassy heroine young adult contemporary humor age difference length-short -
![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. The girl I’ve always loved... -
![The Invitation by Vi Keeland]()
The Invitation by Vi Keeland
Stella Bardot ist eine der talentiertesten Parfüm-Designerinnen in New York. Nachdem sie aber ihren Ex-Verlobten ausbezahlen musste, steht ihr kleines Geschäft kurz vor der Pleite. Als auch noch ihre Mitbewohnerin über Nacht verschwindet, braucht Stella dringend Ablenkung. Ihr bester Freund überredet sie kurzerhand, sich auf die High-Society-Hochzeit der Saison zu schmuggeln...Categorized as:
new adult single-father friends to lovers forced proximity strong heroine m-f angst contemporary -
![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 heroine. Micah 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 audiobook -
![Takane & Hana, Vol. 3 by Yuki Shiwasu]()
Takane & Hana, Vol. 3 by Yuki Shiwasu
After her older sister refuses to go to an arranged marriage meeting with Takane Saibara, the heir to a vast business fortune, high schooler Hana Nonomura agrees to be her stand-in to save face for the family...Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine sassy heroine young adult contemporary humor age difference length-short -
-
![With This Heart by R.S. Grey]()
With This Heart by R.S. Grey
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 51 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 -
![On His Face by Tabatha Kiss]()
On His Face by Tabatha Kiss
5 Goals for a Perfect Freshman Year. 1. 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 -
![Takane & Hana, Vol. 4 by Yuki Shiwasu]()
Takane & Hana, Vol. 4 by Yuki Shiwasu
Summer’s out, but Takane is so busy with work that he doesn’t have much time to spend with Hana! Enter Takane’s new assistant, Eiji Kirigasaki, an efficient helper who gains Takane’s trust and allows Takane to have more free time. Despite all the support he’s providing, however, Kirigasaki might have an ulterior motive that could lead to Takane’s downfall!Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine sassy heroine contemporary young adult humor age difference length-short -
![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... -
![Takane & Hana, Vol. 2 by Yuki Shiwasu]()
Takane & Hana, Vol. 2 by Yuki Shiwasu
Hana has to continue to pretend to be her sister after Takane’s grandfather expresses his desire to meet Takane’s prospective marriage partner! But Hana’s totally out of her element at a party hosted by the Takaba Group, the largest conglomerate in Japan! Just how the heck is she supposed to pull this off? !Categorized as:
m-f sassy heroine cheerful heroine contemporary young adult humor age difference high-school -
![Finding the Right Girl by Violet Duke]()
Finding the Right Girl by Violet Duke
Brian Sullivan has been in love twice in his lifetime. He lost his first love to early-onset Huntington's, and he lost the other more recently. .. to his brother. And somehow, his heart has managed to heal itself after both. Amazingly, without therapy. That doesn't mean Brian hasn't gotten more wary along the way, however...Categorized as:
new adult single-father hurt-comfort friends to lovers contemporary humor young adult small town -
![Takane & Hana, Vol. 11 by Yuki Shiwasu]()
Takane & Hana, Vol. 11 by Yuki Shiwasu
Takane gives Hana a surprise kiss on the nose, and now a flustered Hana is dying to know what it means! Meanwhile, Takane’s cousin Yakumo wants to be reacquainted with Takane, but there’s an ominous vibe about him… What exactly is he after?Categorized as:
m-f cheerful heroine sassy heroine young adult contemporary humor age difference length-short -
![Anyone But Me by Erica Lee]()
Anyone But Me by Erica Lee
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCarter Miller-Cooper wants to start fresh and leaving Philadelphia to take her dream job in New York is the perfect way to do that. The only problem is, it’s hard to do that when she’s living with her sister’s best friend - Jax Michaels. It’s all fun until Jax becomes Carter’s first “no-strings-attached” fling and Carter becomes Jax’s practice girlfriend... -
![The Smirking Jerk by DarknessAndLight]()
The Smirking Jerk by DarknessAndLight
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 11 ratings“I’m in love with you. ” How many times would I have to think about this, how many times, before she could hear it, feel it, see it in my eyes? “I’m in love with you. ” How could I make her see without telling her, without scaring her off… without losing her. I couldn’t lose her. -
![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... -
![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... -
![My Dress-Up Darling 10 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling 10 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.25 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 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 -
![Elements of Chemistry: Capture by Penny Reid]()
Elements of Chemistry: Capture by Penny Reid
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsPart 3 of Elements of Chemistry. 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... -
![Cheeky Brat, Vol. 13 by Mitsubachi Miyuki, Alethea Nibley]()
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 13 by Mitsubachi Miyuki, Alethea Nibley
Geez, that was so nerve-wracking! I’m glad that I could FINALLY do something for him as his girlfriend. .. Next up is graduation, a spring break trip with the team, and then off to college! I’m kinda nervous about how he’s gonna handle Suwa-san being around all the time, though. .. -
![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 -
![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 -
![My Dress-Up Darling 09 by Shinichi Fukuda]()
My Dress-Up Darling 09 by Shinichi Fukuda
Rated: 4.19 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 -
![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... -
-
![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 -
![A Game of Love by Alisha Williams]()
A Game of Love by Alisha Williams
Tobias Munro and Bishop Grant are both my best friends, and the men I’m in love with. Now that my feelings are out in the open, I’m not going back. I want them both, and I refuse to choose. Bishop is willing to do whatever it takes to make me happy, but can Toby do the same? After years of getting the cold shoulder from my step brother, I now know why...Categorized as:
new adult college cheerful heroine sassy heroine friends to lovers angst m-f strong heroine -
![Black Diaries by Robert Thier]()
Black Diaries by Robert Thier
INGREDIENTS FOR A HAPPILY EVER AFTER:. 1. One feisty heroine (That would be me. Hi, I'm Cassy. ). 2. One deliciously hot hero (I prefer them fresh, not frozen. ). 3. Passionate love (and a big fat pinch of lust! ). 4. Oh, and don't forget the "Till death do us part! ". Please leave stewing for 10 minutes in deadly intrigue, stir, and then serve with hot chili sauce. See? A very simple recipe... -
![Beauty and the Bachelor by Kelly Oram]()
Beauty and the Bachelor by Kelly Oram
Beauty and the Beast meets The Bachelor. Thanks to a stipulation in his late father's will, billionaire CEO Sebastian Monroe has one year to find a wife he loves who loves him back, or he will lose control of his family's company. The change could destroy the company and the lives of all its employees... -
![Eye of the Beholder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell]()
Eye of the Beholder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
One girl. One boy. One bargain…. Mina. Look, 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 -
![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...
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
