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... -
![Hell Bent by Rosalind James]()
Hell Bent by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEven princesses have problems. Alix: That line doesn’t exactly invite sympathy, does it? I was a fairly ersatz princess anyway, although you should try convincing my mother of that. And when I ran away from my family, my tech-bro groom, my almost-Stanford degree, and our fabulous future and right back to my trailer-living, hard-hatted life? Even I couldn’t explain it to anybody’s satisfaction... -
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![REGRET by Emilia Finn]()
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... -
![Black Flag by Shey Stahl]()
Black Flag by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhen the taste you thought you never needed becomes a thirst you cannot quench, then what? Jameson Riley, a NASCAR rookie driver, and Sway Reins, his pregnant girlfriend, are put to the test. They have love; they have lust, and a bond that proves to be vital. But do they have what it takes to make it through his lifestyle. When tested, it’s either fight, or give in... -
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![Just One Look by Rosalind James]()
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]()
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... -
![Puck Performance by Alley Ciz]()
Puck Performance by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAll's fair in love and potatoes. Melody Brightly. Broadway Star. Pink hair. A smile that hits me harder than a slap shot. Terrible taste in hockey teams. Full of secrets. The one woman I fail to defend my heart against. Jase Donnelly. Defenseman. Charming. Sexy as puck. Makes my hormones give a standing ovation. The one guy I can never be with, but can't stay away from... -
![The Champion by Shey Stahl]()
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]()
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... -
![Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper]()
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 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... -
![The Romcom Remake by Jen Atkinson]()
The Romcom Remake 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... -
![Things I Remember by Kelsey Humphreys]()
Things I Remember by Kelsey Humphreys
It shouldn’t be a surprise that my marriage is ending, since it was secretly a business arrangement to begin with. It’s time to let it go. I have accepted that. Apparently, my almost-ex-husband has not. Susan Canton loves her family and their business. Typical first-born, she’s an achiever, a leader... -
![Your Rule to Break by Rachel LaBerge]()
Your Rule to Break by Rachel LaBerge
YOUR RULE TO BREAK IS A STEAMY FOOTBALL ROMANCE WITH FAKE DATING. It's the second book in The Play Caller series and can be read as a standalone. What do you do when your sister is marrying your ex? If there’s an answer, Emilie Hayes would love to know... -
![Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy]()
Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy
I can't believe I'm at the point in my life where I need to convince a stranger to pretend to be my fiancée. My publicist came up with the idea to hire a fake fiancée to improve my bad-boy reputation and “win over the hearts and minds of fans. ” But I'm the one who impulsively decided to bring one home with me for my brother's vow renewal... -
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![Text Me Baby One More Time by Teagan Hunter]()
Text Me Baby One More Time by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA SECOND-CHANCE ROMANTIC COMEDY! I love you , he said. Forever , he said. Turns out, he lied. When he leaves me high and dry after a cross-country move, I push him out of my life as much as I can, which is hard to do when the guy who broke your heart also happens to be the most famous dude in town...Categorized as:
new adult athletes friends to lovers sports m-f humor from hate to love contemporary -
![Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
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... -
![Convincing Cara by Melanie Shawn]()
Convincing Cara by Melanie Shawn
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsCara McCord had a new lease on life. After hearing the news that she was cancer free, the Texas beauty was ready to move forward and live life to the fullest…starting with losing her virginity. There was only one problem, though—the gorgeous blonde’s heart beat for one cowboy alone, and he was someone she knew she could never have... -
![Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec]()
Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 20 ratings“Hawks fans still in shock after centerfielder, Shepherd Oliver, sustained season-ending injury last night in the 5th inning of the playoffs against Chicago. ”. Two years ago, I was a pretty big deal. I thought I had it all, until a blast from my past popped up on my social media feed, keeping my ego in check and reminding me how basic I am... -
![It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff]()
It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 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 -
![Tussle by Jacob Chance]()
Tussle by Jacob Chance
“Why haven’t we had sex? ”. When Jesse Gunn, one of the biggest stars of World Class Wrestling, voiced that million dollar question, yet again, I was stunned. After turning him down countless times, I thought eventually he'd give up. Unexpectedly thrown together for a work project, my mind went to places I’d never allowed...Categorized as:
sports new adult friends to lovers m-f sweet heroine sweet-hero athletes rich heroine -
![Lucky by Carina Adams]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
Play Maker by Nikki Hall
Friends without benefits. For now. Mac. Last 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. Blue... -
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![Behind the Plate by J. Sterling]()
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 Gambler: The Wedding Pact #3 by Denise Grover Swank]()
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 -
![Ice Cold Rival by Nikki Hall]()
Ice Cold Rival by Nikki Hall
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne night, one chance, one hundred percent a lie…. Reece. Hookups 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... -
![Presley's Christmas Catch by Ranee S. Clark]()
Presley's Christmas Catch by Ranee S. Clark
All I want for Christmas is for Brock Hunter to realize I’m his dream girl. Presley. I knew Brock was my soul mate from the moment we bonded over the obscure fantasy series we both loved as kids. Since then, our late-night talks and constant text threads have gone way beyond the books we love... -
![Laid Bare by Penny Clarke]()
Laid Bare by Penny Clarke
Natalie needs to get laid. Bad time management skills. Partying a little too much. Glitter in unmentionable places. When boys meet me, they tend to focus less on the hot and more on the mess. Which means I’ve always just been one of the guys. Making it harder to get, well, you know... -
![Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman]()
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]()
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... -
![The Race by Alice Ward]()
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]()
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... -
![Faked and Fumbled by Gina Azzi]()
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...Categorized as:
sports football friends to lovers athletes new adult humor contemporary siblings-bff -
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![One Timer on Top by London Casey]()
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]()
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... -
![Perfectly Wedded by Grace Worthington]()
Perfectly Wedded by Grace Worthington
Who gets married out of convenience? Apparently, I do. My best friend was only supposed to be my fake date to a high-stakes Vegas event. But when my ex showed up with another woman on his arm, my friend suggested the ultimate pretending we were engaged... -
![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:
new adult friends to lovers curvy heroine sports sweet-hero humor contemporary office -
![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:
sports friends to lovers athletes curvy heroine hockey contemporary humor length-medium -
![Pitch to Palace by Aven Ellis]()
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... -
![Big Buns More Fun by Penn Rivers, P. Jameson]()
Big Buns More Fun by Penn Rivers, P. Jameson
Big buns mean more fun. I know it’s true because I spent summers with my best friend and his sister as a teen. Kimmi and I shared enough laughs to make me realize, even then, that she was meant for me. But our family got in the way, and over the years I lost hope that I’d ever have a chance with my big booty cutie. Except now, her brother is married and finally minding his own business...Categorized as:
sports curvy heroine friends to lovers m-f contemporary humor open-door siblings-bff -
![Trick Shot by Lyssa Lemire]()
Trick Shot by Lyssa Lemire
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen I need a fake fiancée, my best friend Abby seems like the safe choice. But I should have known there’s nothing more dangerous than pretending to love your best friend – after you realize pretending isn’t enough. There’s a lot that makes me one of a kind. Being the best defensive player in college hockey. My status as a local celebrity and campus superstar...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes new adult forced proximity contemporary humor hockey -
![The Fight by Alice Ward]()
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]()
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... -
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![The Sweetest Game by Cookie O'Gorman]()
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]()
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]()
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. But my ex-business partner is out for revenge... -
![Next Door Player by Clarissa McKay]()
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]()
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... -
![Layla Meets Her Match by Ranee S. Clark]()
Layla Meets Her Match by Ranee S. Clark
Layla. I’m not interested in falling in love. I used to dream of a glamorous life, falling in love, being a star...
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