Books like 'The Third Best Thing'
Readers who enjoyed The Third Best Thing by Maya Hughes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny friends to lovers sports new adult college athletes curvy heroine tortured hero sweet heroine
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Reshuffle by Emilia Finn
The first round is for practice. The second round is for keeps. She was everything Ben ever wanted. But time, distance, and jealousy made it impossible. Now they’re adults, Evie’s back in town after college graduation, and Ben never once let go of what he knew was meant to be... -
REGRET by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.72 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsPreston Danes was born and raised on the streets.Unloved. Unwanted. And quickly discarded.Now he’s a man on the verge of a new career when the infamous Checkmate Security offers him a job.They want to shut down a mafia family, and they need the assistance of a skilled hacker to get the job done.Preston knows code like others know their left hands. He’s perfect for the job... -
Ice Cold Rival by Nikki Hall
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOne night, one chance, one hundred percent a lie…ReeceHookups are my jam, but I’ve never had a girl shuddering with one breath then running away the next. And I can’t stop thinking about her. Probably for the best I’m trading in party games for extra practices. I can lead us back to the Frozen Four, but I need a sign of my dedication to persuade Coach... -
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance Wanted A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
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Queen of Klutz by Samantha Garman
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsChoose the best phrase to describe Sibby Goldstein's 1) Sucky. 2) Really sucky. 3) Major suck-fest. D) All of the above. I started my day with a boyfriend and a job. I ended my day with a bottle of tequila. I'll let you connect the dots. Somehow, I wound up working as a waitress at an Italian restaurant. I have no idea what I'm doing. And I'm not just talkin' about life... -
Just One Look by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLuka Darkovic has some tackling skills. He hadn’t planned on using them to bring down a runaway dog the size of a Shetland pony, though, especially not when his neck is already buggered. At 33, a rugby forward protects his vertebrae.. He’s even less happy when the dog’s incompetent owner turns up in his hospital cubicle the next day with a plan to fix those vertebrae... -
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsVaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins' star player. He's brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn't afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self. Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders... -
Rogue Wave by J. Bengtsson
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA love story that survives the test of time. Keith McKallister is the king of the stoners. You know the type. Every school has one – the hot, fun, dopey guy beloved by the student body but despised by, well, just about everyone else. He spends his early mornings in the ocean and his days trying to get to class on time... -
The Champion by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA powerful love story of tragedy, love, and commitment. The fourth book in the Racing on the Edge series submerges you in the lifestyle of a champion of a sport that dominates America. Through smoke and methanol, you learn the good, the bad, and the secrets no one wants you to know... -
Cocky Senator’s Daughter: Hannah by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsHANNAH COCKER Every man I've dated in this city has either bored me or hurt me. When Sofia Sol, my crazy cousin, offers a ride on the back of her Harley with no destination in mind besides out-of-Atlanta, what do you think my answer is? I'll give you one guess. TOBIAS KYRKOS Life doesn't ever hand you what you want. You have to take it... -
Playing Dirty by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI'm going to teach Andrea to play dirty...she just doesn't know it yet. Jake Pulling in eight figures a year as star pitcher for the Chicago Jaguars, there's no shortage of parties, booze, and women. I'm a beast on the mound and between the sheets but when my social media presence becomes a major problem, the team’s owner brings in a PR expert to clean up my image... -
The Romcom Remake: A Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Soccer RomCom by Jen Atkinson
She’s plotting a romcom. He’s playing without a game plan.But sometimes the best love stories are the ones that don’t follow the script.Is it too much to ask for a romcom-level romance?Fran Fairchild doesn’t think so.After growing up in a loveless home, she is determined to script her own happily-ever-after.True love is out there. It’s real. And Fran won’t be leaving without it... -
Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe way she looks, smells, laughs is killing me.I fell in love with my sister’s best friend. To top it all off, she’s brilliant. And I’m failing Chemistry.Of course, when I get her help, she’s laidback about it. Charming and helpful as always, like she doesn’t know how much I want her. I’ve got to play it cool and let her see a different side of me... -
The Roomie Rulebook by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOliver is my best friend's older brother. He's brooding, bossy, and painfully off limits. But all rules are off when I move in as his new roommate. When I need a place to crash, I go straight to the guy I know best. My best friend's older brother, Oliver. Who's right in the middle of enjoying his alone time. No big deal, right? It's not like I'm going to die of embarrassment... -
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Lucky by Carina Adams
Everyone loves Lucky # 7. He’s the whole package – smart, athletic, and sexy as sin. A filthy talking bad boy, he can have any woman he wants. Except me. A chance encounter. One unforgettable night. That’s all we could ever have. At least, that’s what we tell ourselves. Fate has other plans. If anyone found out, I would lose my job. He could lose his scholarship... -
The Candidate by Alice Ward
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLust drove us together. Our differences are driving us apart. As the Republican Party’s front-runner for the White House in 2024, I’m the man the media praises for having a silver tongue. By day, I’m a very conservative, buttoned-up professional. By night, my wild side comes out to prowl, searching for something. I end up in The Black Room... and find her... -
Playboy’s Reward by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIt was supposed to be a favor between neighbors…When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I intervene. I volunteer to be her date to her ten-year high school reunion. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy and I make an exceptional plus-one.Being Harper's fake date is easy... -
Play Maker by Nikki Hall
Friends without benefits. For now.MacLast year, I only wanted three things out of a good time, a date with Wonder Woman, and a shot at playing and singing in the same Superbowl. This year, I can’t bring myself to care. Until Blue. The quiet girl with the rainbow hair refuses to let me suffer alone, and I’m starting to think losing everything is worth finding her... -
Behind the Plate by J. Sterling
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsChance Carter is the son of local baseball legend, Jack Carter. Now in his junior year at Fullton State, Chance is facing challenges he never saw coming. Failing a class will stop his draft season short, making him ineligible to play and pushing his goal of professional baseball even further away.In steps Danika, a mouthy tutor from New York, who only wants to help him pass his class.. -
The Chameleon Effect by Joe Arden
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLights. Camera. Action…I've got everything it takes to make it in Tinseltown: confidence, charisma, and a killer chin. Now all I need is a chance.But Los Angeles is full of hot, young hunks, and talent might not be enough to separate me from the cookie-cutter crowd.Well, you know what they say: fake it till you make it.So I devise a wild scheme to get noticed... -
JOCK by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen the dean of students asked me for a favor, I had no idea it would mean tutoring Owen Dawson. Me, forced to spend time with Boston University’s notorious quarterback? With his dark hair, chiseled body, and a promising future playing in the NFL, every guy on campus wants to be him. Every girl wants to be under him. Every girl, except me... -
The Gambler: The Wedding Pact #3 by Denise Grover Swank
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsBook three in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling series by Denise Grover Swank. Libby St. Clair believes in fate—so much so, she’s willing to pin everything on a curse a fortune teller placed on her and her two best friends when they were kids...Categorized as:
fake relationship friends to lovers new adult humor contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAs the Dating Guy on L.A.‘s top morning show, I give the single guy’s perspective on dating, love, and sex—and I give great advice. Everyone’s hooking up…well, except for me. Sure, I can get any woman I want, but I’ve got a “no relationship” clause in my contract and the only woman I want has “relationship” written all over her. Probably stamped on her ass, too... -
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... -
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The Race by Alice Ward
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI like it fast. She likes it faster. Who will win this race? As founder and CEO of UnCaged Fitness, I sponsor some of the hottest fitness properties around. Top female athletes and models beg for my attention. I’m rich. I’m ruthless. And when it comes to my business, I don’t play around. Until Emma James and her beautiful curves comes to Daytona... -
Going All In by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing the nice guy leaves me open to being a rebound romance.Which I’m not interested in. I’ve got better things to do.Like taking my spot on the NBA draft picks. It’s all that matters to me.Love has never been on the radar. I’m too focused for all that fluff.Then life slows me down. Way down.An injury at the end of the spring semester has me working my way back to full health all summer long... -
On Ice by Stella Stevenson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last thing Quinn Cooper needs is romance. Between her job and her dad’s diagnosis, she doesn’t have any extra time or need any added stress. She doesn’t have time for a hockey game either, but a favor finds her sitting in the stands as The Arctic takes the ice. Of course she’d end up sitting next to a man she can’t ignore, even if he’s cheering for the wrong team...Categorized as:
sports m-f friends to lovers sweet heroine tall-heroine curvy heroine hockey contemporary -
Faked and Fumbled by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsKnoxville Coyotes football heartthrob Cohen Campbell is my brother’s best friend. Now, he’s the man posing as my fake boyfriend. Simple, right? Wrong.I thought my luck couldn’t get worse than when my long-term boyfriend publicly dumped me. Wrong again. Now, my ex is dating my cousin, and our friend group is embarking on an annual ski trip.Desperate to save face, I beg Cohen to pretend to like me...Categorized as:
sports football friends to lovers athletes new adult humor contemporary siblings-bff -
It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff comes a fierce, emotional romance about surviving the spotlight, outrunning your past, and choosing love when everything says you shouldn’t.They call her the Black Widow. A pop star. A tabloid tragedy. A girl who set the world on fire—and got burned in return.But Sloane Walker doesn’t care what they say. Not anymore...Categorized as:
found-family football friends to lovers sports contemporary humor length-long audiobook -
One Timer on Top by London Casey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDON’T SLEEP WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND’S EX. Okay. I get that. I respect that. But what about sleeping with your biggest rival’s ex? And… what about marrying her…?* * *I caught my boyfriend enjoying some “oral service” from another woman. Dumping him is easy. Getting rid of him his almost impossible since I work in PR and he’s one of my clients. (Yeah, I know, don’t mix business with pleasure... -
ICED by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOliver Ice, one of Boston University’s notorious hockey players, has been on my radar since I slammed into his rock-hard body during my first week of college, three years ago. He helped me to my feet, muttered an apology, and ran off after his girlfriend, dashing my hopes of a happily ever after. Now, he’s the bartender where I work, and this time, very much single... -
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:
sports friends to lovers athletes curvy heroine hockey contemporary humor length-medium -
Heartthrob by Katie McCoy
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMove over, Colin Firth - there’s a new Darcy in town! Jax Hawthorne is Hollywood’s sexiest bad boy. I’m a glorified secretary who thinks color-coding my library is a wild Friday night. So when he shows up after all this time wanting to make good on our childhood deal to tie the knot, it’s not because he can’t resist my perfect credit score... -
Pitch to Palace by Aven Ellis
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShe was a princess who found solace and happiness in books, determined to stay hidden from the world forever. But will her crush—a sexy Canadian footballer with a playboy past—be the one to lure her out of her shell and into his arms instead?Comfort for Isabella York is found buried in the pages of books... -
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The Gate to Everything by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMillions of readers have fallen in love with Ava’s bestselling Dare series…come join the family. USA Today Bestselling Author Ava Miles presents a heartwarming and romantic second-chance story about love and family. Quarterback Jordan Dean thought he had everything until his long-time girlfriend broke up with him. His football rock star life had become too burdensome to her... -
Wicked by M. Malone, Nana Malone
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat could be worse than catching your creepy boss in an inappropriate position? Hearing him say your name... Bailey This day couldn't get any worse. I just saw my boss Mr. Dent's extremely unimpressive... dent. A night of drinking with my best friend is exactly what I need. Hunter is always there for me. The perfect Mr. Nice Guy. Hunter This day couldn't get any better... -
The Fight by Alice Ward
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCherry = Ripe and Delicious. Too tempting.Even though I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I built my own successful R&D company from scratch. I’m always looking for talent. That’s how I meet Cherry Bomb — underground MMA fighting princess. After watching one match, I’m hooked and sign her on as my newest investment.Sweet, tart, and fresh, I want to do more than spar with her. I want her... -
Going All In by Stephanie Kay
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAll Darcy Collins wants is to focus on finishing her master’s degree. She doesn’t have the time to get involved with anyone. But her meddling mother is persistent in her unwanted matchmaking for Darcy. When her mother tries once again to set her up on a date, Darcy tells her she’s already seeing the San Francisco Strikers' latest handsome hockey star, Jake Northman... -
The Sweetest Game by Cookie O'Gorman
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHopelessly in love with my best friend's brother.That's what it will say on my tombstone. Here lies Junior "June" Dorsey. Tomboy. Car lover. Bookworm. She suffered from a severe case of unrequited love syndrome.It's not like I haven't tried liking other guys. I have. It's just none of them measure up to him.Baylor O'Brien. Beautiful. Cocky...Categorized as:
sports new adult friends to lovers fake relationship dual-pov virgin heroine humor contemporary -
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Fake Fiancé by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAll’s fair in love and war…until you agree to be your best friend’s fake fiancé.Levi: Life as an NFL player has always been fast-paced, but nothing prepared me for becoming the guardian of my godson, Duncan. With his grandmother contesting custody, I need to prove that I’m a steadfast influence who’s not going anywhere and there’s one sure-fire way to show that: get engaged... -
Daddy's Best Friend by Tia Siren
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsI f*cked my best friend’s daughter. Now I need to protect her. I have an infinity pool and Lexi needs to learn how to swim. Sounds like a perfect deal. And I know exactly what my dirty motive is. Put my hands on her curves and take her in the water. I know it’s wrong, but she wants it just as much as I do. Our affair will be our little secret... -
Next Door Player by Clarissa McKay
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe and I have been friends-with-benefits for awhile now, but I want more.Most people treat me like a celebrity, but with her I can truly be myself.She’s the only woman who’s ever been able to satisfy me, and I’m not willing to give that up.Her little girl has me wrapped around her finger, and I’m the missing link in their little family... -
No More Mr. Chai Guy (The Coffee Loft: Fall Collection) by J.P. Sterling
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWelcome back to The Coffee Loft, where a new round of stories has been brewed especially for you.Those of you stopping by to visit again, we’ve missed you. The feeling of home is the same that you loved before. If it’s your first time, prepare to be swept off your feet.While our menu hasn’t changed, we think you’ll be pleased with the fall favorites we’ve added... -
COACH by Jacob Chance
“Are you looking for the cheerleading tryouts, sweetheart?” Zeke Kingston is the arrogant, tattooed, and sinful coach of Boston University's women's football team. And I’m their new quarterback. From the moment the dark and broody hunk mistook me for a cheerleader we've clashed. His smirking lips make my blood boil and his god-like muscles turn my knees weak... -
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It's A Win For Me by Clarissa Mae
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAmelia Cruz-Taylor is a hopeless romantic, always glued to her rom-coms and billionaire romance books. But after a shattering betrayal, her belief in love has crumbled to dust. With a destination wedding approaching and her ex on the guest list, she needs a date to prove she’s moved on... -
Slap Shot by Maria Luis
He’ll do anything for his best friend…even marry her. I live by two universal truths: When I step onto the ice, I’m a god. Daisy Hall is the other half of my soul. My teammates joke that I’m too co-dependent with the coach’s daughter, and maybe that’s true. We’ve been thick as thieves since college, and even when I got drafted to the Boston Blades, Daisy followed me across state lines... -
The Dysfunctional Test by Kelly Moran
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 20 ratings"You are cordially challenged to a test of true love. " Growing up in her large, crazy Serbian family, Camryn Covic became an expert at shutting down her emotions in order to maintain her sanity. But when she loses her apartment, her job and her boyfriend all in one day, she hits her breaking point... -
Thanks For Last Night by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsA sexy new friends-to-lovers standalone!Let me list the reasons why dating a sexy, charming, pro hockey star is a bad idea:1. He’s one of my closest friends2. All our friends are friends3. The wounds I’ve got from past relationships go deep. And so do his.We’re both devoutly single -- it’s just safer for the heart that way... -
Whiplash: A Sports Romance by Tabatha Kiss
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIf I’m a player… Then she’s the coach. ELIZA My dad doesn’t want me socializing with the team. But I’ve never been much of a daddy’s girl. Junior Morgan thinks he can flash a wink and get me in his bed. I won’t make it so easy for him. Sorry, quarterback. You want me? You’re gonna have to earn it. Let’s play... -
Say Something... by T.A. Roth
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwenty–two-year-old Ari Munoz prefers to keep men at an arms’ length. So when her best friend Vonne guilts her into going to a frat party, she couldn't think of a worse way to spend her night. That's until she sparks the interest of love’em and leave’em Ben Rodriguez. She knows she shouldn’t trust him, but the electricity she feels when they lock eyes is something she's never felt before...
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