Books like 'When It's Real'
Readers who enjoyed When It's Real by Erin Watt also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult funny virgin heroine rockstars from hate to love fake relationship love triangle bad boys new adult
-
Five Ways to Fall by K.A. Tucker
Purple-haired, sharp-tongued Reese MacKay knows all about making the wrong choice; she’s made plenty of them in her twenty-odd-years. So when her impulsive, short-lived marriage ends in heartbreak, she decides it’s time for a change...Categorized as:
friends to lovers bad boys alpha male new adult angst love triangle slow burn other-man-woman -
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... -
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)... -
The Casanova by T.L. Swan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 65 ratingsIn T L Swan’s steamy third installment of the Miles High Club, Kate’s hot new pen pal is a welcome distraction from her horrible boss. But nobody is as distracting as Elliot Miles…and he knows it.My favorite hobby is infuriating Elliot Miles. Just the sight of my boss’s handsome face triggers my sarcasm...Categorized as:
from hate to love super rich hero new adult alpha male angst love triangle sassy heroine m-f -
-
This Life and All the Rest by Brit Benson
She thinks our story is over. It’s just beginning. Lennon Washington has been the star of every dream, every nightmare, since the day I lost her.Since the moment I let my demons win, and she slipped through my fingers. Her memory has haunted me. Changed me. Broken me and remade me.And I’d all but given up on us.Now tragedy has brought her back into my life... -
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... -
Kade's Game by C.M. Owens
We never go after what we want without circling around it at least a hundred times. Instead, we play games, try to work just the right angle, even when it's not necessary. You've heard Raya's version, and now it's Kade's turn. He had everything mapped out. His life was a series of strategy and games, all of which he was mastering...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers from hate to love super rich hero bad boys new adult m-f humor -
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... -
Someone I Used To Know by Paige Toon
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSo much can change in half a lifetime… Then At fifteen, George is the foster brother Leah never asked for. As the angry, troubled boy struggles to come to terms with his circumstances, Leah finds herself getting drawn closer to him. Theo’s wealthy family have mysteriously pulled him out of boarding school and he’s now enrolled at the local state school with Leah and George... -
Remember When 2: The Sequel by T. Torrest
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsYou know how sometimes, your high school crush grows up to be an insanely famous movie star? Okay, probably not. But I do. ~Layla Warren Back in high school, Trip Wiley’s fanbase only encompassed the denizens of the nothing little suburb of Norman, New Jersey. Ten years later, all that is about to change...Categorized as:
love triangle friends to lovers angst poor heroine other-man-woman m-f contemporary cheating -
Adrenaline by Penelope Douglas
**You ask. You receive!*** Have you read Bully and the rest of the Fall Away series? Would you enjoy having all the bonus content in one place? Adrenaline is approximately 36, 000 words of bonus scenes, deleted scenes, character conversations, and Q&As shared over the past few years and is mostly material not found in the actual books. Here, you'll find.. -
Crushed by Lauren Layne
Lauren Layne’s latest novel about the healing power of redemption tells the story of a crush gone wickedly wrong, proving that what you want isn’t always what you need. Growing up in New York, Michael St. Claire never expected to spend his twenties wearing cowboy boots. But that was before he learned about his real father, a total stranger with a family in Cedar Grove, Texas...Categorized as:
friends to lovers slow burn cruel hero love triangle alpha male strong heroine bad boys new adult -
キスよりも早く1 [Kisu Yorimo Hayaku 3] by Meca Tanaka, Kenichi Kusano
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsLosing their parents, Fumiko and her brother hop from one relative to another. Getting tired of all those movings, she finally decides to quit school and work to support her brother on her own. As they sat on a park bench, her teacher appears in front of her and agrees to her demanding of marrying and supporting both her and her brother!! Is he serious or just playing around.. -
My Little Monster, Vol. 1 by Robico
Mizutani is a self-absorbed overachiever, concerned only with maintaining the highest grades in school. Haru is an impulsive short tempered brute, who scares everyone with his explosive bursts of violence. Haru gets suspended on the first day of school when he encounters some bullies harassing a student and dispatches the bullies with great bloody violence...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn strong heroine love triangle bad boys cruel hero sassy heroine tortured hero -
-
Anti-Stepbrother by Tijan
He told me to 'settle, girl.' He asked if 'something was wrong with me?' He said I was an ‘easy target.’ That was within minutes when I first met Caden Banks. I labeled him an *sshole, but he was more than that. Arrogant. Smug. Alpha. He was also to-die-for gorgeous, and my stepbrother’s fraternity brother...Categorized as:
new adult alpha male friends to lovers sassy heroine love triangle angst strong heroine bad boys -
Franco by Kim Holden
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFranco Genovese is the drummer for world renowned American rock band, Rook. He’s got it all. A killer smile. Tattoos. Talent. Razor sharp wit and humor. And a heart as big, and generous, as they come. Life is good. Steady. Uncomplicated. Just the way he likes things. Until one night at an unassuming L.A. bar changes everything. Enter Gemma Hendricks... -
Last Game Vol. 1 by Shinobu Amano
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsIn elementary school, the rich and spoiled Yanagi Naoto ruled his class in studies and sports. But he suffered the first setback of his life when Kujou Mikoto, a girl from a poor family, transferred to his school and outperformed him at every turn. Reeling from this unforgivable blow to his pride, Naoto decided that he had to make Mikoto lose at something.. -
Broken Hill Havoc by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsCollege? How did this happen? One minute I'm starting my senior year of high school and the next, I'm in college. Let me repeat myself. How did this happen? I can't even begin to understand the crazy amounts of drama I've suffered through over the past twelve months, but I've never been so happy to say it's over. I’m more than ready for this next step in my life... -
Misunderstood by R.L. Mathewson
From New York Time’s Bestselling Author R.L. Mathewson comes the YA series inspired by the Neighbor from Hell Series… The Neighbor from Hell YA Series. For readers who enjoy stories that leave them smiling… Do you ever feel like life isn’t going the way that you thought it would? That’s what Sebastian Bradford is realizing as he tries to figure out how everything went wrong so quickly...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers virgin heroine m-f young adult contemporary humor high-school -
Broken Hill Honor by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsBeing with Tora Roberts has been nothing but a wild ride, one I never want to get off. At twelve, I knew I loved her. By seventeen, I’d made her life a living hell. She hated me. She stole my heart completely at eighteen. And now at twenty-six, she still hasn’t given it back, and what’s more, I don’t want her to. It’s about time I make her mine… Officially... -
Curvy Girls Can't Date Bad Boys by Kelsie Stelting
An arranged marriage and a bad boy who breaks all of the rules…My father’s been planning my wedding day for longer than I have. Since I turned seventeen, he’s sent me on date after date with people from the film industry–producers, directors, actors… I’ve dated–and turned down–them all.But Ryde Alexander is the worst...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers super rich hero bad boys m-f alpha male young adult contemporary -
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... -
An On Dublin Street Christmas by Samantha Young
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsBraden Carmichael and Jocelyn Butler share their first Christmas together as a couple, exchanging meaningful gifts and spending time with family...Categorized as:
new adult alpha male super rich hero m-f bad boys contemporary christmas young adult -
Daytime Shooting Star, Vol. 1 by Mika Yamamori
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsAfter arriving in Tokyo to live with her uncle, Suzume collapses in a nearby park when she remembers once seeing a shooting star during the day. A handsome stranger brings her to her new home and tells her they’ll meet again. Suzume starts her first day at her new high school sitting next to a boy who blushes furiously at her touch...Categorized as:
love triangle other-man-woman m-f young adult contemporary humor high-school length-short -
-
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 super rich hero from hate to love alpha male friends to lovers strong heroine m-f angst -
Pledge by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsIt’s a new year at Palm South University, and a new chapter for Cassie — who’s excited to take her relationship with Grayson to the next level. But when he asks her to make an impossible choice between him and Adam, loyalty will be tested, and hearts will be broken...Categorized as:
new adult angst love triangle from hate to love other-man-woman college contemporary age difference -
Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven
How do you fix a love that’s been broken beyond repair? For years, Cassie Taylor tried to forget about Ethan Holt. He was the one great love of her life, and when he failed to return her love, a part of her died forever. Or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he’s determined to win her back...Categorized as:
angst alpha male friends to lovers new adult sassy heroine tortured heroine bad boys humor -
Broken Hill Hurt by Sheridan Anne
We had it all until we didn’t.Nate Ryder has been the center of my world for the past few months. He’s cared for me, cherished me, and shown me a love I never even imagined could be real.He was my rock when my father left and my voice when I didn’t have one. He was once my bully but now holds my heart in the palm of his hands, along with it, the power to destroy me... -
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... -
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... -
Somethin' About That Boy by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsBanner Spurlock knew the moment that he walked into Kilgore High School and saw Perry Street that life was about to get interesting.Forced to move due to a problem at home, a problem in the form of his ex-best friend hating him for something that Banner’s father did, Banner doesn’t think very much could improve in his life... -
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... -
Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 7 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Isshin came back from Shizuoka after completing the work there! Chako is so excited as they start living together again. Isshin now trusts Chako even more since she worked so hard to protect the tea farm while he was away, and supported him in making his bottled tea...Categorized as:
m-f fake relationship slow burn contemporary young adult humor length-short glimpses-kisses -
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... -
-
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:
angst slow burn other-man-woman love triangle plain heroine m-f friends to lovers young adult -
Tame This by Hadley Quinn
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsKISS THIS continues with Jay’s story, a rebel of his own sort with the need for freedom and unfiltered opinions. His days of unruly behavior and risky decisions have dealt him a hand that he’s still trying to overcome as he seeks to accomplish his business dreams. But the hits keep adding up...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers bad boys poor heroine m-f humor young adult contemporary -
The Bad Boy, Cupid & Me by Slim_Shady
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsReece smirked, "Trust me Chloe, the Good Girl always falls for the Bad Boy."Chloe Armel is a Good Girl.She never gets in trouble, gets excellent grades and is loved by everyone.Enter Reece.Wild, badass and has an ego that honestly couldn't get any bigger.He gets into fights, breaks every single rule and couldn't care less about the consequences that come with it...Categorized as:
bad boys new adult friends to lovers from hate to love young adult high-school contemporary humor -
Shopping for a Billionaire 4 by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA confusing fight, a garbage-covered car, and a mom who shares her past as a stripper all drive Shannon to the edge of madness. When her big shot at mystery shopping luxury properties leads to another crazy toilet incident, it’s Declan to the rescue..Categorized as:
super rich hero cruel hero new adult humor young adult contemporary tycoon length-short -
Breakable by Tammara Webber
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 59 ratingsHe was lost and alone. Then he found her.And the future seemed more fragile than ever. As a child, Landon Lucas Maxfield believed his life was perfect and looked forward to a future filled with promise — until tragedy tore his family apart and made him doubt everything he ever believed. All he wanted was to leave the past behind...Categorized as:
alpha male bad boys tortured heroine angst new adult tortured hero friends to lovers m-f -
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKnocked up by the QB.Harassed by punt bunnies. Falling for the enemy isn’t an option here. I threw caution to the wind and my v-card at the one man I can’t stand. What did that get me? Pregnant. Now, we’re both screwed. Mr. Superstar wants the punt bunnies off his back. I want my parents off mine. To do that, he proposes a fake relationship... -
The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram
When Avery Shaw’s heart is shattered by her life-long best friend, she chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how—scientifically. The state science fair is coming up and Avery decides to use her broken heart as the topic of her experiment. She’s going to find the cure... -
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 tortured heroine slow burn sassy heroine angst new adult college office -
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... -
The Good Girl & the Bad Boy by M.L. Collins
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat happens when Jackson High’s Good Girl and Bad Boy are forced to work together? I’ll tell you:I destroy his guitar. (Accidentally!)He uses my guilt to trick me into doing his work.For three weeks!Until I find out he lied. Oh, heck no. This bad boy has crossed the wrong girl.I call him out on it. In front of the whole school.Check mate, bad boy. “It feels good to be bad,” he whispers...Categorized as:
from hate to love new adult m-f young adult contemporary high-school humor length-short -
-
Brady Remington Landed Me in Jail by Tijan
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsRayna would do anything for Brady and she has. She's bailed him out of jail. She's healed his bruises and picked him up from parties. She's always been there for him regardless if he had asked or not. But when a potential love interest for Rayna returns to town, their relationship is threatened. Brady has to decide if he's going to make her his or let her go... -
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
A Cinderella story with deadly stakes and thrilling twists. Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why--or even who Tobias Hawthorne is... -
Remember When 3: The Finale by T. Torrest
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 36 ratings"I’d spent too long in limbo. It was time to put The California Plan back into effect."~Layla Warren. I’ve been in love with Trip Wiley since I was sixteen years old. Yep. That Trip Wiley. Academy award-winning actor, known philanthropist, People’s Sexiest Man Alive two years running… Yeah. It’s not like I’m some delusional stalker-fan...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers poor heroine m-f humor young adult contemporary high-school -
The Kiss Bet, Vol. 1 by Ingrid Ochoa
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn this adorable coming-of-age comic for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Faith Erin Hicks and Rainbow Rowell’s Pumpkinheads, Sara Lin has decided now is the time: she’s going to make her first kiss, something special and magical, happen... -
Boys Over Flowers: Hana Yori Dango, Vol. 2 by Yōko Kamio, 神尾葉子
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsSeries Description: Tsukushi Makino has been accepted into the snobbish Eitoku academy. From a middle-class background and poor compared to her classmates, Tsukushi is determined to get her diploma...Categorized as:
m-f from hate to love love triangle slow burn super rich hero young adult contemporary humor -
Until Harry by L.A. Casey
He was my best friend, my best not-really-big-brother and my best protector. He was my best everything. He was mine. Coming home is hard for Lane. Hard because Harry, her beloved uncle, has died suddenly, but also because of him. Kale. Kale Hunt has been her best friend since childhood. But it was never that simple. He was Lane’s reason for leaving home and moving to New York...
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.

