Books like 'The Gamble: A Novel'
Readers who enjoyed The Gamble: A Novel by Xavier Neal also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
funny athletes multicultural virgin heroine plain heroine sassy heroine friends to lovers slow burn bwwm black-mc
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Bayou With Benefits by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThey are friends. Without benefits. Unfortunately. Michael LeClaire is small-town Louisiana. A firefighter. A single dad. And Amelia Landry is New York City. A social media influencer. A model. Sure, she’s his son’s favorite person on the planet... -
![Luke by Tiffany Patterson, Covers by Combs]()
Luke by Tiffany Patterson, Covers by Combs
From Bestselling Author Tiffany Patterson. Luke. Call me what you want to call me. Only one thing mattered and that's claiming the NFA heavyweight title once again. I don't trust people, which is why I have my crew, my manager, Lenny, and myself. That's all I need. At least that was until Syd walked into my gym. Syd. I'm here to train Luke... -
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![Words with Friends: A Mason Family Novella by AshleyNicole]()
Words with Friends: A Mason Family Novella by AshleyNicole
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsShe’s offering to teach him a few things. He’s willing to learn. Can a few words and a little bit of “trouble” turn into something more? -
![Mail Order Groom II by A.N. Boyden]()
Mail Order Groom II by A.N. Boyden
Life for Zane and Nina is going better than expected. The couple symbolically ties the knot on Zane's former eviction date and discovers a few months later that they are expecting Zane Jr. The nursery is outfitted, the maternity photos are framed, the baby shower invitations are in the mail, and the couple is looking forward to the future. However, life rarely goes as planned. Zane Jr... -
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![Sealed With A Kiss by Erin Nicholas]()
Sealed With A Kiss by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat’s a girl to do when her celebrity crush needs her to be his fake girlfriend? Keep her damned feelings to herself, of course. Child TV star turned adult wallflower Naomi LeClaire has vowed never to return to the spotlight. But when she’s stuck in a storm with Donovan Foster, the hot, charming, wild-life rescuing internet sensation, and she finally gives in and kisses him. .Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers black-mc bwwm contemporary humor secret-relationship m-f -
![One Last Job by Anise Starre]()
One Last Job by Anise Starre
When designer Amber Wyatt gets the opportunity to project manage a lucrative contract with The August Room, an exclusive and glamorous private members’ club, she can’t wait to get started. That is until she meets handsome managing director, Finn Hawthorne. Finn has no respect for her hard work, continuously undermines her and, worst of all, has the uncanny ability to charm everyone he meets...Categorized as:
multicultural bwwm friends to lovers from hate to love contemporary humor dual-pov office -
![Slow Burn by Blue Saffire]()
Slow Burn by Blue Saffire
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHush 2: Slow Burn Book 2 in Series. Shannon’s whole world changed seven months ago. She has never felt more lost. All the insecurities she has grown up with and tried to hide are roaring to the forefront as she feels like her identity has been rubbed from her. Luca knows he is making a mistake. He is running from his future because of his past... -
![Eric's Inferno by Tiffany Patterson]()
Eric's Inferno by Tiffany Patterson
The men of Rescue Four are known for two things: for being the best the Williamsport Fire Department has to offer and for their rugged sex appeal. Rescue Four’s reputation is carried like a badge of honor among all the men, including Eric ‘Harvard’ Kim...Categorized as:
multicultural slow burn sassy heroine black-mc contemporary african-american suspense humor -
![Lobsters, Bisques, and Berries by Olivia Gaines]()
Lobsters, Bisques, and Berries by Olivia Gaines
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLakota Simjak is nothing like he looks. A laid-back kind of fella that takes life as it comes, while enjoying the simple beauty of the day to days. However, the lonely nights and eternal mornings tells him it’s time for a change. He wants a wife. Melody Willis’ trophy case displays thirty years of being in the music business and performances all over the world. Yet, she goes to bed alone... -
![Born to Sin by Rosalind James]()
Born to Sin by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing sentenced by a woman in a black robe is not a meet-cute. Quinn Jeffries follows the rules. A judge in small-town Sinful, Montana, doesn’t have much room for missteps, and when you spend your childhood training for the Olympics, you don’t have time for anything but discipline anyway. And, see? It’s worked! Her life is just fine... -
![Love, Delivered by A.N. Boyden]()
Love, Delivered by A.N. Boyden
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo years ago, Noah Porter would have been described by his closest family and friends as charismatic, outgoing, the life of the party, and a social butterfly. That all changed when Noah became the victim of a mass shooting at a popular nightclub. Noah escaped with his life, but his two best friends weren't so lucky. Noah now suffers from PTSD, agoraphobia, anxiety, and depression...Categorized as:
bwwm multicultural friends to lovers black-mc contemporary humor grumpy sunshine cold hero -
![Fire and Rain by Tiana Laveen]()
Fire and Rain by Tiana Laveen
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThis book contains adult content. Readers be advised. Aries ‘Flame’ Creed is not the kind of man you want to cross. He’s rough around the edges, revenge-seeking, shrewd and nobody’s pushover. After living through a checkered past and a nasty divorce, single fatherhood and a successful motorcycle sales and repair shop in Atlanta, GA keep him on his toes... -
![Shatterproof by Xavier Neal]()
Shatterproof by Xavier Neal
From USA TODAY Bestselling author Xavier Neal comes an all-new, best friends to lovers, forced proximity, bodyguard romance. .. The assignment is simple. Don't let the client get kidnapped. Don't let someone kill her. Don't confess that I've secretly been in love with her since we first met. It's the last part that complicates what would otherwise be a fairly routine operation...Categorized as:
friends to lovers multicultural bwwm black-mc forced proximity suspense military humor -
![Cheeky Romance by Nia Arthurs]()
Cheeky Romance by Nia Arthurs
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe only thing worse than marrying your prissy childhood friend in a Vegas wedding is waking up the next morning and hearing she forgot about it. I got my best friend pregnant. No sense sugar-coating the truth because the Vegas wedding and drunken honeymoon are just a tiny part of the story. The real crapstorm is what happens after Vanya finds out there’s a bun in her oven... -
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![Bargaining with the Librarian: BWWM Enemies to Lovers by A.R. Williams]()
Bargaining with the Librarian: BWWM Enemies to Lovers by A.R. Williams
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJasper Stockton did the unimaginable and slept with his daughter-in-law’s mother, Gayle Turner, whom he dubbed “the red dragon. ” From the moment he met her, she drove his blood pressure through the roof, aggravated him repeatedly, and made him want to gag her holier-than-thou mouth on several occasions... -
![Stranded in Arizona by Olivia Gaines]()
Stranded in Arizona by Olivia Gaines
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsKevia Caplan spent her entire life as a caregiver, first to her parents and then to her spoiled baby sister. Working as a database administrator for the FBI, she came across files of the worst in human behavior. When her sister tells her she’s going to become a mail-order bride, Kevia tags along to ensure her sister’s safety...Categorized as:
bwwm multicultural black-mc contemporary historical humor african-american length-short -
![She Loves Me by Melissa Foster]()
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sassy heroine humor contemporary independent heroine strong heroine m-f audiobook -
![The Gutshot: A Small Town Romance by Giulia Lagomarsino]()
The Gutshot: A Small Town Romance by Giulia Lagomarsino
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Gutshot is the final book in the series A Good Run Of Bad Luck and should be read in order. It was just another day in the life of being a small town cop. I’m a protector at heart, and always have been. Which is why I stepped up immediately after finding out I had a kid. Well…to be honest, I didn’t believe it at first...Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers black-mc contemporary humor suspense bad boys from hate to love -
![Quarantine and Chill by Kenya Wright, Lacy Laurel]()
Quarantine and Chill by Kenya Wright, Lacy Laurel
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBestselling author Kenya Wright returns with a standalone multicultural forced proximity romance that’s a beautiful escape with a huge happy ending. News of the coronavirus hit New York City, and LA-native Jade is stuck dog sitting in her best friend’s Brooklyn apartment. Her bestie Zora is on her honeymoon in the Maldives, but may now be stuck there too. The island has canceled all flights...Categorized as:
friends to lovers multicultural black-mc contemporary forced proximity alpha male cheating suspense -
![Everything Happens at 2:04 AM by Nikki20038]()
Everything Happens at 2:04 AM by Nikki20038
Octavia. That's the name the world knows her by. One word. One name. At seventeen, she was a girl who had her spotlight when she was whisked away to co-star in what would be an award-winning movie. From that moment on, she had never strayed away. Now, at 24, Octavia is a star and has found herself in multiple productions...Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers black-mc slow burn strong heroine contemporary new adult humor -
![Bad Boy by Janet Elizabeth Henderson]()
Bad Boy by Janet Elizabeth Henderson
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA Bad Boy trying to be good, a Good Girl driven to be bad and a five year old who wants to rule the world…. Being good is so freaking hard. And boring. Flynn Boyle has only been doing it for a couple of hours and already he’s had enough... -
![Claiming Her Innocence by Vivian Wood]()
Claiming Her Innocence by Vivian Wood
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFrom Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller Vivian Wood. He’s gonna make sure he’s her first. Ryan Scott is big, bad, and he has a body made for sin. When he leaves the SEALs and heads home to D. C. , the first person he wants to see is his best friend, Poppy Baker. Just to be around her, of course… nothing funny. Their friendship isn’t like that... -
![Must Love Hogs by Xavier Neal]()
Must Love Hogs by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThirty. Single. And apparently a pig parent in a custody battle. .. Olivia "Ollie" Steele isn't expecting to take care of the pet pig her ex boyfriend randomly leaves behind, but when a handsome, green eyed stranger comes by demanding custody, she absolutely refuses to let go of her new pink pal... -
![T.Y.P.O.: Take Your Pants Off by Frankie Love, C.M. Seabrook]()
T.Y.P.O.: Take Your Pants Off by Frankie Love, C.M. Seabrook
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA typo in a text brought us together. Auto-correct gone wrong? It's never been so right! Aylee is scared of a couple things: Being in the water for one and being with a man for another. Good thing I'm the guy who got the message because I can kill two birds with one stone. Alpha-hole much? Let's call it confident. I know what Aylee needs because I have my own demons to conquer...Categorized as:
multicultural virgin heroine black-mc sports humor alpha male new adult contemporary -
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![Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy Bwwm Holiday Romance) by Kenya Wright]()
Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy Bwwm Holiday Romance) by Kenya Wright
This is A Christmas Carol with an erotic romantic twist. Bestselling author Kenya Wright is heating the holidays up with a steamy standalone novel full of magic. _______________. Leaning forward, Saint put his mouth close to mine. “Your kisses are my favorite part of Christmas. My favorite part of you. ”. “Why? ” I whispered. “Because they’re the first door to your body...Categorized as:
multicultural black-mc bwwm sassy heroine humor contemporary curvy heroine alpha male -
![Lunchtime Chronicles: Spice Cake by Keta Kendric]()
Lunchtime Chronicles: Spice Cake by Keta Kendric
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRenata: My sweet personality is one of my best attributes. At least, that’s what I thought until my friends staged an intervention on my behalf and demanded I attend racial sensitivity training. What? The suggestion filled me with special, individually wrapped curse words for each of them…until I met Rook. Rook: My caring and unselfish ways were often complimented... -
![The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam by Valerie Pepper]()
The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam by Valerie Pepper
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJodi Bristol knows three things for bad things happen to good people; college girls order the most complicated coffee drinks; and Price Joseph will never see her as anything other than the barista who makes his vanilla oat-milk lattes... -
![Duncan's Pride by Xyla Turner]()
Duncan's Pride by Xyla Turner
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDuncan's Pride was written by USA Today Bestselling & Multi-Award Winning Author Xyla Turner. Portia:. I can handle it, I said. Duncan can handle it, I said. We can handle it, I said. Shit, we can't handle it. We said. .. Duncan:. Portia had this undeniable belief that the two of us having a child would be a good thing... -
![Tease by Camilla Stevens]()
Tease by Camilla Stevens
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“Hello, neighbor. Going down? ”. Miss Pink. That’s what I call her. Her “real” name is too ridiculous to repeat. Besides, my nickname for her is more than apt. Everything about her is pink, from the pink champagne she gets delivered by the caseload, to the tiny pink feathers I find randomly breezing down the hallway of our apartment building in her wake. It’s ridiculous…in the most addictive way... -
![Small Town Rogue by Marion Meadows]()
Small Town Rogue by Marion Meadows
Only an old flame can set an ice-queen on fire. .. Twelve years ago, Chrissie Harper left her segregated small town and swore never to return. But a blast from the past draws her back to the hills. Back to Florin. Chrissie gives the smooth-talking white boy a second chance, but when a tangled web of lies and secrets tightens around them both, she cuts and runs. Too Bad... -
![My Funny Valentine: A Valentine Novella by Blue Saffire]()
My Funny Valentine: A Valentine Novella by Blue Saffire
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAward winning Author Blue Saffire presents. My Funny Valentine. Love doesn’t always come in a beautifully wrapped, elegant, gilded box. Ever heard of the chipped plate or the ugly duckling? I’ve been referenced to as both. It’s fine with me. I still have no problem going after what I want. I’ve built a multi-million-dollar company, soon to be worth billions...Categorized as:
multicultural bwwm sassy heroine black-mc humor contemporary boss & employee african-american -
![Them by Carey Heywood]()
Them by Carey Heywood
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFirst comes love, then comes marriage, then comes…. As Will and Sarah Price settle into being Mr. & Mrs. , they meet a stumbling block neither of them anticipated. All of their friends are starting families of their own, but not them, and not for lack of trying. For them, their dreams of a happily-ever-after always included a baby... -
![Body By Night by Zuri Day]()
Body By Night by Zuri Day
Zuri Day sizzles with a seductive story of one woman's quest to take control of her life. . . while experiencing an attraction too explosive to resist. D'Andra Smalls has had enough. She's tired of being overweight, she's had it with her overbearing family, and she's fed up with settling for any guy who'll have her--especially since she caught her boyfriend cheating with her best friend...Categorized as:
slow burn sassy heroine black-mc contemporary curvy heroine african-american clean humor -
![This Is Where I Sleep by Tiffany Patterson]()
This Is Where I Sleep by Tiffany Patterson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratings***THIS IS A STANDALONE NOVEL ***. For more than a decade, life has been one mission after another for Coral Coleman. This time, Coral is on a mission to find the elusive “Ghost,” who Coral believes is responsible for trying to kill her two years ago. Unfortunately for them, they missed her, but in the process took out two of Coral’s teammates—that, Coral takes personally...Categorized as:
multicultural bwwm friends to lovers sassy heroine black-mc contemporary suspense humor -
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![Whiskey Kisses by Lena Hampton]()
Whiskey Kisses by Lena Hampton
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCountry music’s bad boy falls for a straight laced plus sized accountant. Wilder Mann is accustomed to sneaking out on groupies before they wake up, not chasing them down the hotel hall barefoot in his boxers to keep them from leaving with a part of his heart. Then again, Serenity is no groupie. She’s not even a fan...Categorized as:
multicultural black-mc bwwm humor curvy heroine african-american contemporary length-short -
![Canuck by E. Cleveland]()
Canuck by E. Cleveland
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe best friends to lovers you’ve been waiting for! Grab your copy for a front row seat to the funny, one-upping friendship, the tender understanding only best friends can give each other, and the blood-rushing sizzle they bring to the bedroom. Set some time aside, because you’ll devour this book in one sitting! Canuck. What a weird name. It’s like calling someone The American... -
![Tingle by Trevion Burns]()
Tingle by Trevion Burns
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTo the naked eye, Veda Vandyke has it all. An amazing boyfriend who’s madly in love with her—with savage bedroom skills that bend her spine nightly, a flourishing medical career that brings her a sense of accomplishment, and even a few new friends who keep her in good spirits when times get tough. But Veda Vandyke has a secret. A dark secret... -
![Duched by Xavier Neal]()
Duched by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBrie Sanders' entire life is on the brink of change. Her college graduation is just a few months away, she has no idea what do with her life when the degree is in her hands, and is most likely going to be kicked out of her apartment when her best friend's boyfriend moves in. Enter One Night Stand King, Kellan Kenningston, who also happens to be a real life prince as well as a duke... -
![A Hard Time by Jordan Marie]()
A Hard Time by Jordan Marie
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSlater Daniels is a player. I’ve been around enough players to recognize one. If you looked the word up in the dictionary you would see his face. I don’t need the hassle. I have things to figure out. He’s persistent, though. He’s also easy on the eyes. A girl can only resist so much... -
![Keep It Together by Rachel John]()
Keep It Together by Rachel John
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt's not awkward unless we make it awkward. Carmen. .. I’ve forgiven Isaac for being a jerk to me when we were kids, but while my grudge against him is gone, my fears are alive and well. I don't care how much chemistry there is between us. I’m done with guys and their commitment issues, and I’ve found a way to make life a whole lot easier. I friend-zone them. Every single one...Categorized as:
friends to lovers multicultural contemporary dual-pov humor latinx-mc length-short audiobook -
![Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart]()
Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLynn Brooks is officially over it. With four overprotective brothers, the youngest Brooks sibling has had enough with bossy alphas. So, when professional baseball star Joey Martel makes a play for her, she's determined to steer clear of him and his toxic circle of jocks. Being the latest conquest for another overbearing caveman? No thanks...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes contemporary sports age difference grumpy sunshine humor length-medium -
![Jaxon by Blaire Wilde]()
Jaxon by Blaire Wilde
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt started with a spilled coffee and ignited in the boardroom…. I’m Jaxon Owens, the billionaire CEO of Harrison Luxury Jewelry. I'm used to a world of luxury and control. Enter Zaria Sterling. Passionate, ambitious, and utterly captivating. She's not just an employee; she's a temptation I can't resist... -
![Getting Wound Up by Jennifer Bernard, Erin Nicholas]()
Getting Wound Up by Jennifer Bernard, Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA fun and flirty crossover novel from bestselling authors, Jennifer Bernard (Love Between the Bases) and Erin Nicholas (Sapphire Falls)! Caitlyn Murray has never let on that she’s had fantasies about her brother's friend Eli Anderson for years. She'd do anything for the sexy baseball player who walked away from stardom to stay in Sapphire Falls and take care of his family... -
![Knock Knock by SaRai Savage]()
Knock Knock by SaRai Savage
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSix years – well five years, three months, and eight days since my life was irrevocably changed, and there’s nothing I can do about it. As much as I want to move on…how do I do that? How do I allow myself to feel those butterflies of love again when I know what the consequences could be? Life can change in the blink of the eye... -
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![Covered by Elise Faber]()
Covered by Elise Faber
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s his best friend’s sister. He’s going to keep her anyway. Getting caught in bed with his friend’s sister wasn’t the welcome Ben had planned when joining the roster of the San Francisco Gold. Neither was the black eye he sported for several weeks afterward. Jordyn was a newly divorced, single mom of two boys, and not looking for love, but Ben wasn’t easily scared off... -
![Real Men Love Charms by Kat Baxter]()
Real Men Love Charms by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThird book in Curvy Ever After series. -
![The Rebound by Jennifer Bernard]()
The Rebound by Jennifer Bernard
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThis summer at Lake Bittersweet is going to be a scorcher…. Firefighter Jason Mosedale doesn’t take anything seriously except fires—not even himself. With his lighthearted approach to everything from dating to raising his teenage sister, he loves his life just how it is...Categorized as:
friends to lovers multicultural black-mc bwwm humor contemporary strong heroine men in uniform -
![Going for Four by Erin Nicholas]()
Going for Four by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"It's either true love. .. or the biggest mistake they've ever made. ". "Counting on Love, Book 4". Hot firefighter Cody Madsen has stayed away from Olivia Dixon for almost two years-technically. Even though he talks to her every day and sees her every weekend. But there's no kissing, touching, or telling her how he really feels. Because they're "just friends... -
![Work Song by Danielle Allen]()
Work Song by Danielle Allen
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen society tries to put you in a box, knock the walls down. –Tati Green. “You have a pretty face” is such a back-handed compliment. It’s like telling me that my face is beautiful, but the rest of me is not. Despite what society says, my curves are hot. My love life, on the other hand, is not. My mom says I’ll never find love because of my weight...Categorized as:
friends to lovers slow burn sassy heroine humor contemporary office new adult curvy heroine -
![Bender by Colleen Charles]()
Bender by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMy second chance is the biggest gamble of my life. I am Marco Rossi, once an Italian nobody, now living the dream as a Vegas Venom player. I thought I was swapping my lonely orphan past for a team-family. But I was wrong. I am on thin ice with everyone, but especially when it comes to Madison McKay...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes hockey sports curvy heroine contemporary humor length-medium
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