Books like 'Smug Bastard: A Hero Club Novel'
Readers who enjoyed Smug Bastard: A Hero Club Novel by Stacey Marie Brown also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary from hate to love new adult sports forbidden love siblings-bff m-f forced proximity sassy heroine independent heroine
-
Always You by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsWhat does any self respecting socialite do when she finds her husband screwing his secretary on HER dining room table? She gets petty revenge a'la Louisville Slugger, then she runs home and pretends her whole life isn’t in tatters... -
Without You: Scotch and Sammy duet - book 2 by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsSammy I left because I thought I was doing the right thing. I was falling on my sword. I thought I was saving everyone a lot of heart ache, and in exchange, I took all that ache on my own. I was supposed to be the hero, but instead I was the villain.He hates me with every fiber of his being…It’s been thirteen years since we last saw each other. It turns out ghosts can’t be buried... -
Take A Chance On Me by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsOh Sh*tThis is part 2 of the Marc and Meg Duet. It cannot be read as a standalone. Due to spoilers, the above is all the blurb you will get.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The conclusion to the Meg and Marc duet is phenomenal. It’s been a long time since I’ve found a writer that makes me laugh, scream, and cry in the same sitting. This is an epic story - epic love, epic friendship, epic woman finding her way... -
Made For You by Natasha Madison
From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comesA brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance.A spin-off from the Only One seriesVivienneI did the last thing I ever expected to do. I bought a boat. A beautiful boat that was all mine to spend the summer on.Only thing I was looking forward to was the calm being on the water brought me...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity dual-pov from hate to love cold hero m-f contemporary athletes -
-
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsLooking for a Fake FiancéHave you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it?It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to go there is what counts.Hi. It’s me. I’m that person.The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and I should “lower my expectations... -
Wicked Empire by Tracy Lorraine
USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tracy Lorraine brings you the next installment of her new dark mafia, high school bully romance series.She didn’t want to believe me.She wanted to believe the threat wasn’t really there.But as the sirens ring out in the distance and she stares down into my eyes, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her...Categorized as:
new adult m-f from hate to love dual-pov contemporary mafia high-school first-person-pov -
Battle Scars by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.82 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThey call him Romeo—though no one would accuse him of being a romantic. Troy ‘Romeo’ Rosa has been a mystery for years. A mercenary used to working away and taking orders from his tutu wearing, ruthlessly savage boss. Her domineering ways mean his most recent assignment should be a walk in the park. The last thing he expects is a family so corrupt, it may destroy Checkmate from the inside out... -
Twelve of a Kind by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCarter: I was grateful for my second chance at life and discovering a family I never knew existed. Relocating my company and myself from South Carolina to Los Angeles brought me closer to them. They were all happily married, except my brother Gabriel, who was engaged to the love of his life. I didn’t trust women, and for good reason... -
Checkmate by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsBishop men are nothing but a plague on this planet, a disease that needs eradication before it spreads. They’re murderers. Liars. Thieves. The day I met Colum Bishop, I thought my life was finally turning around. I was led to believe he would be our saviour. He was supposed to be our hero, a long awaited reprieve from the hardships life insisted on throwing at my mom and me... -
Hearts at Play by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBrianna Heart has a six-year old daughter and a twelve-year plan to keep her life as simple as possible until Layla turns eighteen. That means swearing off relationships and the drama that goes along with them, working two jobs, and being the best damn mother she can be... -
The Best of All by Karla Sorensen
He’s commitment phobic. She believes in happy endings. The twist of fate that binds them is a surprise they never saw coming in a bittersweet romance about instant family—and not-so-instant love.A decade-old animosity is the only thing Liam Davies and Zoe Valentine have in common...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports dual-pov from hate to love new adult m-f grumpy sunshine friends to lovers -
Jake Understood by Penelope Ward
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Jake Undone, comes a full-length companion novel and sequel. A different side to the story: Jake’s side. “We’re getting a new roommate,” they said. I thought nothing of it...until she walked in the door. Her hand trembled in mine as she looked at me with fearful eyes. My entire world spun on its axis. Nina.. -
Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWolfe Emerson is notorious for two things: being an absolute beast in a boxing ring and being a voluntary mute. His story remains unspoken and he prefers to live his life in silence. That is, until, his world is turned upside down when he meets someone who is louder than life... -
Stay Tonight by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsSterling It’s always been her, and I just never realized. Now that I’m looking at her that way, I can’t unsee it… and I don’t want to. Alyssa has been my best friend since kindergarten, and these intense new feelings could cost me our friendship. She’s the one I share everything with, good or bad. It makes sense to share my life with her... -
-
Sea of Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsYou fell in love with Lacy Snow in Sisters in White (Snow Sisters, Book Three). Follow her on her path to her forever love in Sea of Love. Lacy Snow hadn’t been looking for love when she met strikingly handsome and seductive Dane Braden... -
The Score by Kristen Proby
An all-new meet-cute sports romance from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kristen Proby, featuring Sophie Montgomery!I have millions of followers on social media, and it has absolutely nothing to do with my last name. It’s because I’m good at what I do. I work hard, and it has paid off. I’m not a trainer who only talks the talk, either...Categorized as:
sports dual-pov sassy heroine m-f contemporary insta-love alpha male explicit-open-door -
Down To You by Jayne Frost
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEvery story deserves a soundtrack. And ours is epic. She started from perfect. A star who shone brighter than the rest. But then fate took it all away. Now she's broken. A beautiful song with a fractured beat. But I'm still on the rise. Chasing a dream that she's already left behind. If I'm lucky, I can find my redemption in the spotlight. Destiny brought us together. Put her in my path... -
Touched by Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTOUCHED BY LOVE is a USA TODAY BESTSELLER Readers’ Favorite calls Touched by Love, “The best book I’ve read all year!” 5 Stars! An unexpected tragedy leads to an unexpected love. Fall in love with the story thousands of readers are raving about. Fiercely independent Janie Jansen has always believed there were worse things in life than being blind, and she’s spent her life proving it... -
Kickin' It by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsLove breaks the offside rule in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s irresistibly sexy Red Card romance. Successful, high-profile sports agent Matt Kingston thinks he can handle anything. Then soccer player Parker Speedman shows up at his door. She is young and gorgeous, has natural talent, and is looking for a team...Categorized as:
sports new adult forbidden love from hate to love siblings-bff contemporary athletes soccer -
Strays by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSTRAYS (An Anti-Hero Romance)Before age sixteen I was kicked to the streets, condemned for a crime I didn’t commit.Since then I’ve done nothing to be proud of.Which is why a man like me isn’t cut out to be a dad.And if this kid had another option I wouldn’t try to be one now.But for once I’m going to step up.I’ll right the worst of old wrongs... -
Dangerous Exes by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsIn #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel van Dyken’s scorching series, revenge is a justified pleasure… Isla made one teeny little mistake. Now she and her PI company, Dirty Exes, are being targeted by one seriously angry and furiously sexy ex-quarterback. Jessie freakin’ Beckett. But there’s no way some NFL superhunk is going to take her business away... -
Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo
Stella Brooks is a woman who knows what she wants. From her first glimpse of Paris Fashion Week at the tender age of eleven, she has only ever wanted to be a designer. Hardworking and dedicated, she knows she can make a success of it. Until…she is driven to trade fashion for frosting, a move that makes her soul sing but shakes her confidence in her decision-making to her core... -
Tight Laced by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOne of us will have to give up the future we’ve dreamed of if we’re going to make this work. It’s not going to be me. We can’t both have that same thought if we want to stay together when our contract ends.But the more I see him struggle against the things his mother does to him, the harder I fall. The more his ex tries to get in his way, the more I want to stand up for him...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity siblings-bff m-f age difference friends to lovers contemporary length-short -
Playing For Keeps by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLife is all about choices, right? Everything we do, from brushing our teeth in the morning, until we climb into bed at night, is a series of choices. Sometimes we make bad choices, sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re made under duress, and sometimes they’re the lesser of two evils kind... -
-
The Day I Stopped Falling for Jerks by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsI’m Luciana Wright. Everyone calls me Lucky, but when it comes to love, I’m anything but. I have a long history of dating the wrong men. You know the ones I’m talking about. The beautiful, charming guys who are quite literally too good to be true. The ones who are impulsive in love and prefer short flings over long-term relationships. I’m talking about the jerks...Categorized as:
sports new adult from hate to love forced proximity siblings-bff m-f humor contemporary -
Kissing My Brother's Bride by Molly McLain
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMy brother’s fiancée should have been mine. Now, I know what you’re thinking, and it’s not quite as bad as it sounds. Linc was running late for their first date and he begged me to stand in until he could get there.I only went to tell the girl to run. To warn her about my brother’s selfish ways and promise she wanted no part of it.But then I saw her...Categorized as:
forbidden love dual-pov new adult m-f friends to lovers contemporary strong heroine length-medium -
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 27 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... -
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... -
Trust the Push by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI'm making strides in the world of dirt late model racing. With back-to-back championships under my belt, I'm determined to win a third and be the youngest driver in history to do so. I'm going to make it happen. My career is my focus. That is until the ultimate distraction in the form of a redheaded bombshell drops into my life... -
Jax by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI had real love once. The all-consuming, toe-curling kind of love.Fate had other plans for the two of us though.Ruled by a world of dangerous men, I did something reprehensible. I did what I needed to survive. I betrayed Jax—the only man who ever truly cared whether I lived or died.Years later, I remain a brokenhearted plaything. A puppet to maneuver around a chess board... -
My Brother's Forbidden Friend by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsI’ve gone from crushing on my brother’s best friend to wanting to crush him. Cameron Baker and I have a few things in common. The first being that we were both born and raised in our small Alaskan town. Second, is that we hide our feelings and keep our hearts closed off from anyone who could break them.But hiding my feelings is harder to do with Cam than most... -
Perfect Boy by Hannah Gray
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsAn entire campus knows my name. Women throw themselves at me, hoping I’ll take them home that night. Whispers from the NHL say I’m the one to watch. And the weight of each game is on my shoulders because if our opposing team scores … that’s on me. All the things that keep me up at night are probably someone else’s dreams... -
Dangerous Fling by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHe's her rock star crush, her go-to fantasy, and he's offering to make all her dreams come true... Rock star Malcolm Strong is used to being in control. Of the band. Of his feelings. Of the woman he has tied to his bed. He never gets close enough to get hurt. He never wants to. Until Lacey. The sassy brunette is working on the band's latest music video... -
I Need You To Love Me by Genicious
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsTogether they are nothing more than madness,but they say there’s always some madness in loveSix years elapsed since he shattered her life. Four years since she’s brought him to his knees.Now, Ace is the youngest boxing champion in the world – a force to be reckoned with. He’s dangerous, heartless, and always gets his way.Calla moved to New York to chase her career... -
-
Someone to Love by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe Seaside ChroniclesJanuary 3, 2023On the HookSeasiders,News on the beach is Braxton Bradley has caught the eye of Seaside’s very own darling, Harlee Tilson. Now, this might come as a shock to many of you, since the eldest Bradley sibling has been rumored to have made a vow to never marry. After all, his fishing charter has always been his number one love...Categorized as:
from hate to love sassy heroine siblings-bff m-f friends to lovers contemporary length-short -
Playing Dirty: A Bad Boy Sports Romance 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... -
End Game by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis is going to be Ryan Justice’s year. It’s his last year of college and his last year as a hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies. He’s making all the plays in preparation for achieving his dream of being drafted into the NHL. This is Sofia Castilleja’s beginning. She is starting her college career as a star member of Bellevue’s brand-new gymnastics team... -
Sexiled by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMorgan Kennedy:Campus Legend.Ruggedly handsome superstar athlete turned hedge fund manager.My one night stand mistake.And now my boss at my internship.Every staff meeting, I’m taken back to the night I was filled with a need I never knew was possible.Sparks fly between us in the office... -
Ready For Flynn: Part 3 by K.L. Shandwick
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLife had never been easy for Rock God, Flynn Docherty. At a tender age, he'd locked down past personal tragedy, hurt, and pain to make his life bearable when most would have crumbled from what he witnessed. When Valerie Darsin entered into his life their instant attraction later grew into the kind of love that most of us can only dream about, after she'd survived her own traumatic event... -
Still Not Love by Nicole Snow
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsNot the heck again. I've had my alpha-jerkface fix.Now he's my sworn protector... I'm about to go nuclear. Yet I have to smile and pretend I won't slap him into the next century. James Nobel and I have history. Raging hearts. Dueling kisses. Firestorm nights. A man like him breaks laws with that suit and that smirk... -
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy... -
Changing Lines by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsClaire and Jude Sinclair have been living the perfect life for the last ten years. Blissfully in love, professionally successful, happily married… They have everything they want—except a baby to make their family complete... -
Promise by T.K. Leigh
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe was supposed to be my first kiss. My first love. My first everything... There are moments in our lives that define us. For Brooklyn Tanner, it's the summer before her junior year of high school. The summer boys finally begin to notice her. The summer he finally begins to notice her. Andrew Brinks. Handsome. Popular. Star hockey player. Her best friend's brother... -
Rock F*ck Club 3 by Michelle Mankin
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIt’s Rock F*ck Club. Season Two. The Gods of Rock Tour. 4 summer concert venues. 10 famous rock stars to f*ck.Two at a time. Maybe even three. I know what I like and how to get it.I’m Marsha West. Raven Winter’s best friend. A sidekick no longer -- I’m now in the starring role. I’m going to f*ck whoever I want. However I want. Whenever I want... -
-
Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHigh school teacher Brooklyn Briggs has always been great with chemistry but terrible with relationships. When a guy drops into her life—literally—and offers to coach her into getting a date with her longtime crush, she's willing to accept any help she can get.Even if her new flirting coach is her brother Houston's best friend, the guy who drove her crazy all throughout high school...Categorized as:
forced proximity siblings-bff from hate to love dual-pov m-f contemporary multicultural humor -
On Thin Ice by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAn emotional and angsty grumpy x sunshine hockey romance from USA Today and WSJ bestselling author L A Cotton. Are you ready to fall in love with a Laker?When Harper Dixon discovers her father is the Lakeshore U Lakers new assistant coach, she wonders if her life can get any worse.Enter Mason Steele.Arrogant. Cold. With enough ice around his heart to freeze anyone who gets too close... -
Dirty Flirty Enemy by Piper Rayne
He’s the arrogant Manhattan realtor with billboards advertising his six-pack more than his expertise in negotiations. I’m the competing broker who stupidly moved across the hall from his office. From day one, I’ve been his sworn enemy. Okay, so I might have accidentally stolen one of his clients... -
Only One Forever by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsFrom The Something So Series and the This Is series comes Only One Forever.DylanMy dreams came true when I was adopted at ten.I was the best on the ice. Living the life of what every kid dreams of.We’ve been best friends since then. Even when she was the annoying little sister following us around.I would do anything for her.It is another family vacation; except this time it feels different...Categorized as:
sports new adult forced proximity forbidden love m-f contemporary friends to lovers athletes -
Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDid you ever see a guy and just know you had to meet him?That was me and Bodhi Merrick. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he donned his wetsuit at the famous big-wave surf spot, Mavericks. I'll never forget that day. Or every time our paths crossed after that. Big wave surfing is a small world. And, as it happens, Bodhi felt the same tug---this irresistible attraction that drew us to one another...Categorized as:
sports siblings-bff forced proximity m-f multicultural humor contemporary length-medium -
Brazen Girl by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIt only takes a second for her world to come crashing down.Jordan’s crash is a wake-up call for everyone. Recovering from a head injury brings new challenges no one is expecting or prepared to handle. Jordan begins to doubt that she has what it takes to make it as a pro skateboarder...
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.