Books like 'The Guy in the Middle'
Readers who enjoyed The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny young adult new adult sports athletes christian forbidden love alpha male angst
-
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 alpha male college new adult forbidden love angst sports young adult -
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:
college alpha male friends to lovers from hate to love new adult humor contemporary young adult -
I sold myself to the devil for Vinyls... Pitiful I Know by DarknessAndLight
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsLexi Grayson is a normal teenager, as normal as she can be with her unobserving skills and her overthinking mind. But she might need the overthinking if she wants to unravel the smirking mystery that is Blake Eaton...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends to lovers sports young adult contemporary high-school humor bad boys -
Scarlett and the Kiss Thief by Ivy Smoak
I’ve never been kissed.I know…it’s a huge problem.It all started because I fell in love with my best friend, Axel Stevens. I decided to save my first kiss for him. But…he didn’t fall in love with me back.For the first time in years, he’s finally single though. And I have the perfect plan.I reinvented myself over the summer...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers humor young adult contemporary high-school glimpses-kisses -
-
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... -
That Baby by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsFirst comes love, then comes marriage . . . and then comes That Baby. That Baby is the final book in the That Boy trilogy by USA Today bestselling author, Jillian Dodd. It’s amazing how a few little words can change your life. It starts with a simple I love you. It’s made official with I do. And becomes incredible with I’m pregnant. Jadyn is the girl I love... -
The Dugout by Meghan Quinn
Let me ask you a question: If someone is vying for your spot on a team and just so happens to injure you during practice, would you believe it was on purpose? Word around campus is . . . it was no accident. That injury has cost me everything; my starting position, my junior year—and the draft...Categorized as:
sports new adult friends to lovers college athletes angst heroine athlete contemporary -
Capture by Penny Reid
One week. Manhattan apartment. Super-hot ex-boyfriend. …What’s the worst that could happen? It’s been nine months since Kaitlyn Parker has seen or heard from Martin Sandeke—nine months and five stages of matter. She’s lived through the worst of first-love heartbreak, and is most certainly stronger (and less likely to hide in science cabinets) than ever before. But now Martin is back... -
The Relationship Pact (Kings of Football) by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsHow hard can it be?That was the question rolling around Larissa Mason’s mind just before she asked Hollis Hudson to be her fake boyfriend.It was only supposed to be for five minutes, after all.Granted, that was also before she felt his hand on the small of her back as he charmed the heck out of her family.She hadn’t heard his laugh yet either... -
Kissing Madeline by Lex Martin
What’s the worst thing about wanting a sexy NFL football player? Everyone else wants him, too. After catching my boyfriend getting deep-throated by a skanky cage girl, I’ve learned my lesson – never date a professional athlete. Never. Besides, I have more important things to worry about, like not blowing my shot to make it as a broadcast reporter...Categorized as:
athletes friends to lovers sports insta-love alpha male forbidden love new adult football -
某某 A Certain Someone by Mu Su Li, 木苏里
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 13 ratings盛望搬进了白马弄堂的祖屋院子,一并搬进来的还有他爸正在交往的女人。他爸指着那个女人的儿子对他说:叫哥。桀骜不驯吃软不吃硬的制冷机(攻)x自认很金贵的懒蛋小少爷(受)盛望:我笔直。江添:我恐同。校园文,1v1+heSheng Wang moved into his ancestral home at White Horse Lane, along with the woman that his father was presently seeing.His dad pointed at that woman’s son and said to him: Call him ge (older brother)... -
I Need You To Hate Me by Genicious
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA passionate and enthralling college romance. Two damaged souls on a path to obliteration. When they collide, will they heal each other, or are they damaged beyond repair?What’s worse than losing someone you love? Blaming yourself for their death. Two years after a devastating accident, Calla is still full of guilt. But beyond the blame, other demons are prowling. Post-traumatic stress disorder...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love grumpy sunshine contemporary military humor young adult length-medium -
That Wedding by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsThe 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. His parents say I haven’t dealt with my past. I have horrible wedding disaster dreams. I can’t find the perfect dress... -
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 college angst from hate to love contemporary age difference young adult love triangle -
-
Curvy Girls Can't Dance by Kelsie Stelting
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThe strongest bodybuilder in Emerson isn’t a match for my focus.Emerson Dance is one of the most prestigious dance companies in the country. And I got kicked off the team right before nationals because my curves don’t “fit.” Not their idea of a perfect dancer's body and definitely not their costume.I’m going to enter the competition on my own and show them that every body is a dancer’s body... -
I'll Be Yours by Jenny B. Jones
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsShe's the coach's brilliant daughter, clueless about love.He's the dethroned football star, ready to teach Romance 101.When dark secrets and sparks collide, there's no playbook for what happens next. If life were a nerd parade, sixteen-year-old Harper O'Malley would be its grand marshal... -
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... -
The Deal Dilemma by Meagan Brandy
Ever wonder what would happen if you bribed your brother’s ex-best friend to pop your cherry?Yeah, me either, but I did it anyway. Now the moody man is madder than ever, but I came prepared to strike a deal. One he can’t refuse…Crew Taylor is the picture of perfection, if gruff, grumpy, and prone to throw a punch is your type...Categorized as:
forbidden love grumpy sunshine cold hero angst from hate to love college sports friends to lovers -
The Park of Sunset Dreams by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Ava Miles of the #1 National Bestseller NORA ROBERTS LAND presents a fun, emotional, heartwarming romance about finding happily ever after…in a dog park. “I am adding Ava Miles to my list of always reads like Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, and NORA ROBERTS.” Marjay's Reading Blog Jane Wilcox has a secret... -
The Bad Boy, Cupid & Me by Slim_Shady
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 29 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... -
Breakable by Tammara Webber
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 57 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 college angst new adult sports forbidden love friends to lovers young adult -
Eden High : Series 2 Book 6 by Jordan Silver
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAfter the explosion that could've taken Sian's life, Jace is at the end of his rope. No longer willing to leave Mandy in the same town, he's set things in motion to see to her removal. But first he has to protect the people around him, some from Mandy's wrath once she's cornered, and others, from retaliating against her...Categorized as:
insta-love alpha male new adult contemporary high-school young adult humor length-novella -
Running Home to You by Suzanne Sweeney
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLibrarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00IFR0XP2 Juliette Fletcher thought she had it all – a strikingly handsome man who adores her, a new business venture with her best friends by her side, and a dream house right on the beach. But appearances can be deceiving and everything comes at a cost... -
Stepbrother With Benefits 8 by Mia Clark
"What kind of good girl are you?" I ask. "That's not even something good girls do, Princess." "I'm a very bad good girl," Ashley says, pouting. "I think maybe I need to be punished, Ethan..." Rule #8 – We both want this, so let's take full advantage of it. No holding back, no reservations, no restrictions, maximum pleasure..Categorized as:
athletes college new adult humor young adult contemporary explicit-plentiful stepsibling -
-
Wallflower by Cookie O'Gorman
Wallflower (wohl-flou-erh): Identifier for someone who is shy and/or awkward. For reference, see Viola Kent.Seventeen-year-old Viola Kent likes being invisible. Well, not literally, but she's content being a loner, reading her books, and hanging out with the animals at the shelter. She just wants to keep her head down and get through her senior year at Durham High...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers from hate to love football young adult contemporary high-school humor -
Strum Your Heart Out by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 27 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...Categorized as:
college friends to lovers new adult cold hero humor young adult contemporary rockstars -
Don't Let Me Go by J.H. Trumble
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsSome people spend their whole lives looking for the right partner. Nate Schaper found his in high school. In the eight months since their cautious flirting became a real, honest, tell-the-parents relationship, Nate and Adam have been inseparable. Even when local kids take their homophobia to brutal levels, Nate is undaunted. He and Adam are rock solid. Two parts of a whole. Yin and yang... -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 11 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWith Yuki living on her own, Naruse in his last year of high school, and more than a few months of dating history under their belt, one rainy after in Yuki’s apartment leads to.. -
The Dealmaker by Jessica Peterson
Hating and dating: I didn’t realize they’re two sides of the same coin until I meet him. Theo Morgan.One of Wall Street’s highest-paid traders, he may be hot as sin in his five-thousand-dollar custom-made suit and six-figure SUV. But Theo is the bane of my existence. He’s arrogant, rude, and as brash as they come.As our bank’s newest star hire, he’s also after the same promotion I am... -
Girl at Heart by Kelly Oram
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsAs the daughter of a successful Major League pitcher, Charlie Hastings has baseball in her blood. Unfortunately, being the only girl on her high school baseball team, Charlie has always been just one of the guys.When her best friend, and secret love of her life, asks another girl to the prom, Charlie is devastated. She’s tired of being overlooked by boys because she’s not like other girls...Categorized as:
sports new adult friends to lovers athletes heroine athlete young adult contemporary high-school -
Mason by Michelle Heard
"You’re my assistant." The magic words every girl at Trinity Academy is dying to hear. But I’m the one who gets stuck with Mason Chargill, the star of most women’s fantasies but my nightmare. One of the heirs to CRC Holdings, he might be dangerously gorgeous, but his cold and callous demeanor makes him an ice prince...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love alpha male college super rich hero humor tortured hero young adult -
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:
new adult friends to lovers from hate to love sports young adult high-school contemporary bad boys -
The Hazards of Sex on the Beach by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOne broken heart, one drink too many, one steamy night in the sand... No one warns you about the dangers of drinking with a broken heart. At least no one warned me. I never imagined I'd fall for a musician, especially not one like Chase, but then again I never expected to have my heart broken into a million pieces by the frat guy I thought was the love of my life... -
Linc by Lane Hart
Hi, my name's Linc, and I'm an MMA fighter who’s in love with a porn star. Okay so maybe I'm not in love with Eve Kelly, but I'm completely freakin' obsessed with her, addicted even. Hell, I know that for years I've been using Eve as an escape from reality... -
-
Revenge Kisses by Addison Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratings*A SEXY romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author Addison Moore * ***All 3:AM KISSES books can be read as sexy STANDALONES *** Nothing feels better than REVENGE. Don’t get mad. Get even. When Knox and I catch our respective plus ones making out, all hell breaks loose. So we do the only thing we can—date one another to drive our exes to the brink... -
Blue Horizons by Kathryn Andrews
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWill Ashton Music is my motivation. I’ve always believed that, because of it, I would be somebody. Somebody to someone, and something to myself. At age four, I picked up my grandfather’s acoustic guitar and, up until three weeks ago, I’ve never put it down. From a single chord to a full arrangement, music fed my soul. I craved it with every fiber of my being, but now, I just don’t know... -
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 Ones We Remember by Katie Golightly
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsColin Hartrick is back. Even after five years away from his hometown, nothing could ever make him forget his family or the girl he left behind. The ghost of his eighteen-year-old, grief-stricken self never fails to remind him of how much he lost. Despite every memory and all the lingering feelings that sparked from their intimacy experiment, the girl of his dreams now wants nothing to do with him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult grumpy sunshine young adult contemporary dual-pov high-school humor -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 10 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhat does he MEAN “that wasn’t nearly enough”?! Well, it is true that between my part-time job and classes and getting dragged into stuff with the college basketball club, it’s been a lot harder to find time to just BE together, but…I’m really trying, okay?! Speaking of the basketball club, turns out that weird flirty guy at the park is also my coworker and a club member—seriously hope he and... -
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... -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 12 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSo after the whole Hakamada debacle and then how the whole Finals League ended, it’s kinda awkward every time I see Hakamada-kun...Still, I’m incredibly happy that Naruse won! Although, now he’s literally telling EVERYONE he knows about us, so I’m not entirely sure how to react around everyone else anymore.. -
Fearless King by Maya Hughes
My first crush. My first heartbreak. My brother’s best friend. The butterflies in my stomach turned into full blown eagles the second our lips touched. A kiss under the stars that changed our relationship forever. After a lifetime of wishing, I stared up into Ford’s eyes with his fingers caressing my cheek and my heart racing. The evening ended with my heart bleeding on the ballroom floor...Categorized as:
sports new adult friends to lovers angst college secret-relationship young adult humor -
Brady Remington Landed Me in Jail by Tijan
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 38 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... -
Looking to Score by Carrie Gray, Coralee June
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsHe’s like literally the worst. Oakley Davis is the star running back at our University, and the reason I’ve broken my vow to avoid the college party scene. Thanks to a mixup with my advisor, I’m now serving my Public Relations internship as a glorified babysitter to the party-hard football players.Specifically, Oakley.He’s impossible to manage...Categorized as:
sports new adult from hate to love college friends to lovers athletes alpha male football -
-
Royal Chase by Sariah Wilson
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsBooking her client, Prince Dante of Monterra, on reality show Marry Me is a royal coup for PR agent Lemon Beauchamp. But thanks to a last-minute glitch, Lemon must pretend to be one of the contestants vying to win the playboy prince’s love and then live happily ever after—at least until the publicity tour ends... -
Time Out by Stacey Lynn
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA one-night stand with a sexy stranger has me in over my head and calling time out…Most of my team celebrated our Monday Night Football win with family and a few drinks. I celebrated mine with a smoking hot brunette.One wild night of passion, with chemistry off the charts, we had our fun...Categorized as:
sports new adult insta-love alpha male friends to lovers forced proximity humor pregnancy -
The Purest Fake by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author Jacob Chance comes a Spicy, Fake Relationship, Football Romance.Taking a break from dating seems like the ultimate plan—just me, my wrestling podcast, and zero romantic drama. Then I meet Cooper Grind, the tight end for the Silverbacks. He’s adorkable, hilarious, and completely inexperienced when it comes to love.And I mean in every way...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers football sweet heroine contemporary humor young adult length-short -
The Ones We Remember by Katie Golightly
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsColin Hartrick is back. Even after five years away from his hometown, nothing could ever make him forget his family or the girl he left behind. The ghost of his eighteen-year-old, grief-stricken self never fails to remind him of how much he lost. Despite every memory and all the lingering feelings that sparked from their intimacy experiment, the girl of his dreams now wants nothing to do with him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult grumpy sunshine contemporary dual-pov young adult high-school humor -
You Can't Catch Me by Cassie Mae, Becca Ann
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy body suuuucks. After lounging around on my butt all summer (okay, so maybe that was my bad), this body decided to become something completely foreign. So now I’m trying to make the track team and I feel like I’m a baby learning to walk again. A couple pounds wouldn’t have been so bad. Work those off, run like a mad woman, no problem, yeah? But no... -
Fooling the Forward by Jacob Chance
Ryder Goode has been my celebrity crush since he signed on with the Charleston Coyotes. Watching him race around the ice has become a favorite pastime of mine.Despite him being one of my brother’s teammates, we’ve never met. At least not until he cashes in on the prize he won in a charity auction—one weekend with me as his personal chef...
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.