Books like 'Exploring the Rules'
Readers who enjoyed Exploring the Rules by Mariah Dietz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary new adult sports college from hate to love grumpy sunshine
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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]()
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... -
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![A Little Jaded by Kelsie Rae]()
A Little Jaded by Kelsie Rae
Moving in with the infamous Everett Taylor was not on my bingo card.But, after my ex hit me then left me on the side of the road, I had no one else to call.Everett is bossy and moody and controlling.He’s also my ex’s hockey rival, my new very fake boyfriend.The plan is to keep me safe until my ex gets bored and leaves me alone... -
![Battle Scars by Emilia Finn]()
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... -
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![Perfect Boy by Hannah Gray]()
Perfect Boy by Hannah Gray
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 22 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 Exes by Rachel Van Dyken]()
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... -
![We Said Forever by Marie James, T E Black]()
We Said Forever by Marie James, T E Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRock bottom. They say the only way to go from there is up, but what is “up” when you’re born into someone else’s rock bottom? At ten, football became my first love. It’s what got me out of the house away from my self-destructive family... -
![Strike Zone by Ginger Walls]()
Strike Zone by Ginger Walls
WYATT:All my friends are under the impression I’m only at Newhouse to chase women and play baseball. Those are two of my favorite pastimes.The truth is, Newhouse is my chance to save my family’s farm. If I don’t get drafted, we’ll lose everything we’ve been working hard to keep.Then I hear her sing and she’s all I can think about. It’s messing up my game and putting my future in jeopardy...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine college from hate to love new adult baseball contemporary friends to lovers -
![This Fearless Girl by E.M. Moore]()
This Fearless Girl by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsStone Jacobs must…hate me. The tenuous bonds the four of us built could end with one split-second decision. Good versus bad. Old versus new. Loyalties will be tested when the truth spills like blood from a razor’s cut. Caught between high society and the homicidal reach of a well-known gang, finding my family’s treasure is our only hope... -
![Anger Banger by S.M. Shade]()
Anger Banger by S.M. Shade
The residents of Happy Haven Trailer park have been waiting for this for a long time. The slumlord who abandoned this place and let our homes deteriorate has been court ordered to live here while making repairs. Imagine our surprise when the guy who shows up to move in to the dilapidated trailer across the street isn't the sixty year old man we expected, but his son... -
![Jax by E.M. Moore]()
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... -
![I Need You To Love Me by Genicious]()
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... -
![Griz by E. Cleveland]()
Griz by E. Cleveland
This fake relationship romance has it all! Funny, awkward moments. The “will they or won’t they”? And so much tension and steam it'll make you sweat! One thousand dollars.I wasn’t supposed to bid at Westbury’s Bachelor Auction. In fact, I was hosting the event when I decided to lean into the microphone and yell out that ridiculous amount.I blame Bridezilla's stupid text (oops, I mean my sister)... -
![Sexiled by Mickey Miller]()
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... -
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![Callous Heir by Michelle Heard]()
Callous Heir by Michelle Heard
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI made the mistake of falling for one of my brother’s friends. As if that wasn’t stupid enough, I then declared my love to him.Yeah, I know. Big mistake. Huge mistake.But here I am with my rejected feelings, and Noah won’t even look at me. Whenever he has to talk to me, his words are blunt. Yet they cut deeper than any knife... -
![On Thin Ice by L.A. Cotton]()
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...Categorized as:
sports new adult from hate to love college grumpy sunshine dual-pov forced proximity angst -
![Defining the Rules by Mariah Dietz]()
Defining the Rules by Mariah Dietz
It started with friendship. The best stories always do. Our story sounds unlikely. Bizarre. A fable. Like wine and cheese and my favorite pair of jeans, Things got better over time— Too good, it seemed. Arlo Kostas was the starting running back for Brighton University. His quick smile and sharp wit Was enough to disarm even the biggest cynic...Categorized as:
new adult sports college friends to lovers contemporary open-door length-long audiobook -
![Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn]()
Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNo sacrifice is too big.No secret too small.I’m out to win, and I don’t even know the game.My opponents? They’re the Academy’s football stars, gods among their peers, and I want nothing to do with them. But I’m stuck on a mission to help out a friend, and keeping my distance shouldn’t be too hard... -
![Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers]()
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
![Fighting For Your Touch by Nikki Ash]()
Fighting For Your Touch by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCaleb As a teenager I learned firsthand how untrustworthy and cruel a woman could be. She destroyed me from the inside out and took everything from me. The first chance I got, I ran, and have been running from my past ever since. Until I met Hayley. She's a complete game changer. She's everything I never thought a woman could be... -
![The Way Back To me by Anne Mercier]()
The Way Back To me by Anne Mercier
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsShe was perky, fun, and full of life—everything I hated about girls and their bullshit exterior. People called her bubbly; I called her “fake-as-hell.” The edgy, dark, lonely girl in front of me was not the Olivia Brennan I knew from high school—far from it, actually. I knew the story—the whole town knew the story, we witnessed it all... -
![The Trouble With Gravity (Gravity Series) by K.K. Allen]()
The Trouble With Gravity (Gravity Series) by K.K. Allen
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsKai's life is a series of choreographed steps, each one shielding her from the tragic memories of her past. Audition, dance, paycheck, repeat. It's a broken record, but it's what keeps her world spinning... -
![The Trouble with Gravity by K.K. Allen]()
The Trouble with Gravity by K.K. Allen
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsKai’s life is a series of choreographed steps, each one shielding her from her tragic past. Audition, dance, get paid, repeat. It’s a broken record, but it’s what keeps her world spinning.When a dangerously handsome man with trouble written all over his face rides into her life, his entrance makes a disastrous splash... -
![Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones]()
Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones
When 26 year old Reese accepts a position as a grad assistant, she has no idea an unpleasant encounter with a student will lead to the discovery of what she calls “the trifecta”: fine, intellectual, and a little bit rude – three qualities she finds irresistible in a man. She has no intention of doing anything with that discovery – nothing long term, at least...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love grumpy sunshine contemporary cold hero open-door length-short audiobook -
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![Wright Kind of Trouble by K.A. Linde]()
Wright Kind of Trouble by K.A. Linde
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAn age gap, enemy’s little sister romance set in the Wright world about Harley Wright & Chase Sinclair from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde. He didn’t know I was ten years younger.I didn’t know he was a Sinclair.He didn’t care that I was a Wright.I knew exactly what I wanted.Yet, I know none of this when I fall into his bed...Categorized as:
new adult sports from hate to love age difference contemporary length-short audiobook -
![Game Day by Piper Lawson]()
Game Day by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIn the heat of victory, I asked her to be mine forever. We’d both triumphed in our own way:Nova broke free from her past.I led my team to a championship and discovered life beyond the court. Our journey to "I do" was supposed to be easy. Except…The hottest resort in Aspen is only available is on short notice.A new season with the Denver Kodiaks looms on the horizon... -
![Risk by Skye Jordan]()
Risk by Skye Jordan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Skye Jordan returns with another adrenaline-infused story from the Renegades stunt team!After two years sidelined from the Renegades, Duke Reid wants nothing more than the excitement of his stuntwork—except for Caitlyn Winters. She's country fresh and just as naive, the kind of woman you rarely find in LA... -
![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.An injury at the end of the spring semester has me working my way back to full health all summer long... -
![Two for Charging by Lasairiona E. McMaster]()
Two for Charging by Lasairiona E. McMaster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDedicated. Driven. Divorced.Coach Elliott Swift is under pressure from all sides. His players are counting on him to return the team to championship success despite his recently graduated star players. His toxic ex-wife dogs his every move, and his sickly, aging parents require constant care... -
![Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James]()
Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings...Categorized as:
college sports from hate to love m-m contemporary queer-awakening queer length-novella -
![Fallen Crown by W. Million]()
Fallen Crown by W. Million
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaren Tucker is done with men who check in for the good times and check out for the bad. As a member of one of the oldest families in Bellerive, she doesn't have to play nice with the Summerset Royals. Especially not the youngest who represents everything she detests... -
![Until Now by Laura Ward]()
Until Now by Laura Ward
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFocus. Dean Goldsmith is Indiana University’s star quarterback, and his dreams are about to come true. His undefeated season means he has a legitimate shot at the NFL. If he stays focused. Football comes first. College senior, Grace Yeates, is determined to defy the odds. She is months away from graduating with a business degree, something no one thought she would be able to pull off... -
![Fixated on You by Pamela Ann]()
Fixated on You by Pamela Ann
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsEmma Anderson’s career was thriving. Her personal life too—but she knew—it was all a ticking time bomb until everything blows up. What happens then? Even if he’s relationship with Emma was going great, Bass Cole still had a long way to go to make amends after the grief he’d caused Emma last year. No matter what the future held for them, he knew one thing—Emma owned his heart... -
![Bide by E.J. Blaise]()
Bide by E.J. Blaise
Oscar Jackson is a good man in a storm.Luna Evans is the storm.A notorious flirt.A serial anti-monogamist,Wild, carefree, and very, very loud.Luna has one rule in life; don't get attached.Until she meets Jackson.The nice guy on campus.People-pleaser to his core.Reluctant thrower of kick-ass parties.Quiet and unassuming and content to live his life firmly out of the spotlight...Categorized as:
new adult college sports grumpy sunshine dual-pov contemporary explicit-open-door length-long -
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![Trick or Treat by L.A. Cotton]()
Trick or Treat by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsCalliope James would rather live life through a lens than in the spotlight. So when she reluctantly agrees to go with her best friend to a party, she doesn’t expect to find herself on the other side of the camera.Zachary Messiah left Bay View High School without so much as a word.Now he’s back. He’s not the boy she remembers, but she’s exactly the girl he’s tried so hard to forget... -
![Icing by Jami Davenport]()
Icing by Jami Davenport
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSteele:I'm a second-year hockey player for the Seattle Sockeyes. Imagine my shock when I return from a trip to find my former roommate has transferred his lease to my nemesis. She's so annoying I can't stand to be in the same room with her. She pushes all my buttons and is my exact opposite. Despite it all, I want to rip off her clothes and make mad passionate love to her...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love new adult contemporary athletes hockey length-medium audiobook -
![Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins]()
Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThis series is 18+ERIC do you capture a girl's heart? Make her laugh. The waitress with the bird tattoo drawn up her middle finger got my attention by not caring if she has it. My team thinks it's hilarious she's not into me. Trouble is she likes musician types.... But hey, I'm a star quarterback and a Cocker which means I don't drop the ball...Categorized as:
sports new adult from hate to love athletes contemporary dual-pov humor length-medium -
![Bide by E.J. Blaise]()
Bide by E.J. Blaise
Oscar Jackson is a good man in a storm.Luna Evans is the storm.A notorious flirt.A serial anti-monogamist, Wild, carefree, and very, very loud.Luna has one rule in life; don't get attached.Until she meets Jackson. The nice guy on campus.People-pleaser to his core. Reluctant thrower of kick-ass parties. Quiet and unassuming and content to live his life firmly out of the spotlight...Categorized as:
new adult sports grumpy sunshine college contemporary length-long explicit-open-door -
![THE RULE BREAKER by Crystal Kaswell]()
THE RULE BREAKER by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsRule #1 Hands off my kid sister’s best friendRule #2 See rule number oneRule #3 Seriously, don’t even think about touching LunaLuna is my new room mate. My very off limits room mate. My gorgeous, feisty, painfully tempting room mate.I try to keep my distance. To ignore her soft laugh, her intense eyes, her sweet smile... -
![For Crosby by J. Nathan]()
For Crosby by J. Nathan
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCrosby Parks had the life most guys only dreamed of. A wealthy family, girls vying for his attention, and pro scouts after his hockey skills. But when the life he knows comes crumbling down, he’s sent to Alabama to escape the media storm and to rebuild his life. If Crosby has any shot of playing professional hockey, he must keep a low profile and graduate from college... -
![Kiss To Remember by Anna B. Doe]()
Kiss To Remember by Anna B. Doe
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSome moments define the trajectory of your life.Grace Shelton has experienced her fair share of loss and trauma, but moving to Blairwood is her chance for a new beginning.For Trent Remington, going to college is a chance to break free of his overprotective parents and finally play basketball.Some moments will change it forever...Categorized as:
sports new adult college friends to lovers contemporary basketball length-long audiobook -
![Love Inn Books by Erin Branscom]()
Love Inn Books by Erin Branscom
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe doesn’t believe in love.She’s a romantic at heart.He’s her sworn enemy…and her new boss.Preston Steele is a buttoned up, Ivy League lawyer from an affluent prominent Boston family.He ditches the city life and moves to small town Freedom Valley to start over where he finally feels like he belongs.His new friends think he could use some fun and love in his life... -
![Two Tickets by A.J. Manney]()
Two Tickets by A.J. Manney
She’s a tender-hearted English teacher; he’s a hardened professional hockey player. They have nothing in common, but the world wants to see them together. Brielle Campbell is a fun-loving English teacher whose goal in life is to make everybody love Christmas as much as she does...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports grumpy sunshine christmas dual-pov contemporary length-medium behind-doors -
![One Night with the Rebel by Kendall Ryan]()
One Night with the Rebel by Kendall Ryan
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShe barged into my life and turned everything upside down. We spent one scorching-hot night together, and then she disappeared into the sunset with the golden jock everyone adored. Which makes sense, right? A girl as beautiful and brilliant as Eden Wynn doesn’t end up with a rebel like me.I expected them to live happily ever after, except that's not what happened...Categorized as:
sports new adult college hockey contemporary athletes disabilities and marks men in uniform -
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![You’re the Reason by J. Nathan]()
You’re the Reason by J. Nathan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to Crestwood University...Where smiles conceal secrets.Gossip runs rampant.And everyone hides the truth.Sophia Galloway has no idea what she’s walking into when she transfers to Crestwood University.Returning to Texas was her only goal.But nothing could prepare her for stepping foot on a campus where no one is what they seem.In a world where frat guys think they can do no wrong... -
![The Winning Defense by Jamie Bennett]()
The Winning Defense by Jamie Bennett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIf she follows her rules, Chloe is guaranteed a win—but now she’s not sure what she’s playing for.Chloe Carpenter has developed a system. After a life that has been anything but easy, she has a plan to get what she wants, and what she wants is justice. She’s on offense to make up for the wrongs done to her and punish those responsible.They’re going down... -
![Caught Looking by Kimberly Readnour]()
Caught Looking by Kimberly Readnour
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when the girl of your dreams turns out to be the very one to destroy them?With the sting from not being drafted still fresh, Dalton Boyd gets sent to the strictest coach with the most rules in summer league ball.Was it mentioned the coach also serves as his host family? No? Well, everyone knows the player staying at the coach’s house has the most brutal regime.But here’s the thing... -
![Solo by Lauren E. Rico]()
Solo by Lauren E. Rico
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen graduate student Katherine Brenner walked into my class, I couldn't stand her -- all perfect skin and big, blue eyes -- just like the woman who broke my heart. If it wasn't for that blizzard, if her car hadn't broken down outside my house, if she hadn't looked amazing by the firelight, I never would have kissed her. No matter how hard I try, every excuse I make not to see her comes up flat... -
![One Fired Up Fourth by Claire Raye]()
One Fired Up Fourth by Claire Raye
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFor fans of all seasons, Claire Raye brings you a brand new series set around your favorite holidays featuring laughs, love and of course a little bit of steam. Each book can be read as a standalone and happily ever afters are guaranteed! Aida McNaughton’s life has been nothing but exams and studying for the last year... -
![Complete Me by Claire Raye]()
Complete Me by Claire Raye
Life at its most complete is still unexpected.Reid Bowen ruined her life and he is the one person she trusted. She had no business getting involved with him. Sienna Parker is the only girl he’s ever wanted and now he’s lost her. But he will stop at nothing to win her back. Forced together by circumstance, Sienna’s heart will be tested, but it’s Reid who must risk it all to protect them both...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love sports college contemporary explicit-open-door hurt-comfort dual-pov
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