Books like 'Unexpected'
Readers who enjoyed Unexpected by EJ Blaise also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary college grumpy sunshine forced proximity friends to lovers sports new adult alpha male friends-benefits secret-relationship
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Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
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... -
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... -
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Writing the Rules by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsPoppy Anderson was nailing her sophomore year at Brighton University. She liked her classes, had the greatest best friend, and was finally ready to start dating again. Or she was … until her ex, Mike, transferred to Brighton and started exchanging long stares and inside jokes that Poppy thought he’d forgotten.Paxton Lawson was long ago labeled ‘The Golden Boy...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers college siblings-bff contemporary football length-long -
Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Shanora Williams comes an emotional page-turner about two people still reeling from tragedy who look to each other for the strength to move forward.It’s been months since her dreams of forever were brutally shattered. Seven long months since her husband and soulmate, Lew, died in her arms, leaving her to carry on. Alone... -
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 forced proximity from hate to love college grumpy sunshine dual-pov angst -
A Callahan Wedding by Monica Murphy
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe sweet and sexy conclusion to New York Times bestselling author, Monica Murphy’s standalone Callahan series, bringing readers along for the ride as fan favorites, Jake and Hannah get married! Hannah Walsh. Gorgeous. Intelligent. My first love. My high school sweetheart. My everything. And now my fiancée...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers sports new adult found-family athletes contemporary m-f -
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain? I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page...Categorized as:
friends to lovers grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love contemporary m-f -
Van by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTemptation could destroy everything he’d spent his career building…Professional hockey player Jean-Michel Vander is living the dream…. And the Las Vegas strip is a long way from the small town in Quebec where he grew up. He works hard but he plays harder, especially in the off-season. The sexy redhead he spots doing a striptease in a Paris nightclub is all kinds of fun...Categorized as:
sports friends-benefits friends to lovers new adult contemporary hockey length-medium -
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... -
Burn by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings**Burn is the third and final book in the brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers Fuel Series by Ginger Scott. This second-chance romance completes this angsty, steamy, new adult trilogy.Dustin Bridge’s world is about speed. About the edge. His life has been carved by cutting corners and making moves, following impulsive decisions while weighing the facts at hand... -
Jolly & Jaded by D.J. Krimmer, Amanda Willow
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHer tireless holiday spirit is like a snowstorm in summer-overpowering, all-encompassing, and a wonder to behold... -
Quake by Giuliana Victoria
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLark Hughes is the kind, sweet, and outgoing veterinarian who owns Toute la Famille, a non-profit veterinary clinic on the outskirts of Philadelphia. It's a typical night for Lark, working a late shift at the clinic, when one of the players from the Divine Flyers soccer team arrives with his golden retriever rescue, Pickles.He clearly takes them both by surprise when he asks her out...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers friends-benefits found-family soccer contemporary length-long -
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In Pieces by Danielle Pearl
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThree years ago she was left in pieces . . . Most college freshmen love the newfound freedom of living on campus, but none of them craves it like Beth Caplan. One ill-fated night when she was fifteen left her locked in a posh prison of private tutors. It's for the best , everyone said, and maybe it was...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers college friends-benefits siblings-bff contemporary angst length-medium -
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... -
Baby for my Brother's Best Friend by Josie Hart
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIf “sexy” had a mascot, my brother’s best friend would be it.Deep hazel eyes and a diamond cutting jawline.He offers me the business deal of a lifetime,If I play a convincing date for his ex’s destination wedding.But pretending we're smitten is easier said than done.His devilish smirk and cocky attitude work me up,Until I can't decide if I want to punch him or kiss him... -
Does He Know? by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsNYT and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan brings you a new standalone series surrounding five best friends who co-own a tattoo studio. "Does He Know?" is an age gap, brother's best friend, small town romance.EmersonIt’s not like I planned to fall for my older brother’s best friend.It just happened... -
Wicked Waters by Becca Steele
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFrom USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Becca Steele, comes an all-new standalone M/F academy romance.Roman Cavendish. The bad boy of Hatherley Hall. Once we were friends. Once I thought I meant something more to him. Once I was the person who knew him best.Until I left without an explanation, ruining everything between us... -
Lace 'em Up by Elise Faber
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’d decided long ago it was easier to pretend embrace my namesake than to try to prove myself to the world.No one ever had ever seen through that…Until I rescued a runaway bride from the side of the road.Then my mom—my interfering, matchmaking mom—saw the diamond ring, made assumptions I didn’t have the heart to dispel, and, suddenly, Rory and I were pretending to be engaged... -
Undeniable Love by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Sports Romance from New York Times bestselling author, Samantha Chase She’s a small town girl looking to escape her monotonous life. He’s the NFL superstar looking to return to his roots. Twelve years ago, he nearly destroyed her family. Now they’re working together and the attraction she feels is…completely undeniable. Lucy Dawson dreamed of leaving South Creek... -
Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fell for the enemy.He broke me, and then put me together again. Our future? It’s worth fighting for. Or it was before the accident.The accident stole Phoenix from me. Now, he’s nice… kind even. But the memory of me—of our baby—is gone. Despite everything, I’m left fighting for our child and the man I’ve come to love...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports new adult found-family forced proximity angst second chances contemporary -
Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fell for the enemy.He broke me, and then put me together again.Our future? It’s worth fighting for.Or it was before the accident.The accident stole Phoenix from me. Now, he’s nice… kind even. But the memory of me—of our baby—is gone. Despite everything, I’m left fighting for our child and the man I’ve come to love...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports new adult found-family forced proximity angst second chances contemporary -
Caught from Behind by Elise Faber
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIt's always the quiet ones you have to watch out for. I’ve had a crush on my brother’s teammate and friend for a long time… Long enough to know that my interest isn’t reciprocated. I’m destined to be his teammate’s little sister—untouchable and completely off-limits no matter how hard I try to convince him otherwise. But then…everything changes... -
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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... -
Fortunate Misfortune: Clear Lake Quartet Book 1 by Miah Onsha
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMallory Edwards is the queen of plans and hers are always on schedule. Captain and soccer goalie for Clear Lake University? Check. 4.0 student? Check. On track for graduate school and an amazing career? Check. Everything is right on target.Until it suddenly isn’t... -
Baby Llama Drama by Kate Watson
Embittered single dad Duke has sworn off love forever. Unfortunately, his daughter just met the mother of her dreams. I have it all. I work my dream job doing animal-assisted therapy, I live with the four best friends in history, and I own an actual pair of Louboutins. I should be content... -
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
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... -
Oar Than Friends by Lulu Moore
She's rowing for Cambridge. He's rowing for Oxford. A boat race to go down in history.Arthur Osbourne-Cloud has always had his future mapped out for him – graduate Oxford and follow his dreadful father into politics. Except Arthur wants to do anything but that. He’s more than happy filling his days rowing for golds at the Olympics or World Championships, and this year he has The Boat Race to win... -
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... -
Wreck by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings**Wreck is the second book in the brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers Fuel Series by Ginger Scott.When Dustin Bridges left Camp Verde to try to make it on his own, he left half his heart behind. A life with Hannah Judge was just too dangerous... -
Just a Batter of Time by Molly O'Hare
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Molly O'Hare comes an older brother's best friend, curvy, teach-me-all-the-things, opposites attract romance.Riley's been crushing on her older brother's best friend, Liam, for years. Sad, right? Oh well, she's living her best life baking her heart out at Pastries & Paws - her bakery that caters to humans and pets... -
Make You Keep Me by L.A. Shaw
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBook Two in the Fight for me duet.She disappeared without a trace. Leaving me with a piece of paper and a shattered heart.We grew up in a world full of demons, but I never expected her to become one of mine.The ghost of her haunted me for over two years.I was finally moving on with my life in more ways than one...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers found-family siblings-bff new adult pregnancy mma-boxing contemporary -
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Promise Me by Jami Rogers
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHudson Asher is my brother’s best friend and my number one enemy—I think.One accident later, and I can’t remember the last three years or the exact reason why my childhood nemesis and I still refuse to hold a civil conversation.Heck, I didn’t even know he had moved back to our small town of Lovers until I woke up in the hospital and he was the only one sitting next to my bed... -
Starting Line by Michae Marie
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTJ BrennerAmerica’s Golden Girl, the one they love to loveGold is a heavy weight, but I’ve learned to carry it with grace. It’s what they expect as I prepare for another Olympic Games. Smile, entertain, and most importantly, win.I’ve sacrificed everything for gymnastics and the sport has taken its toll. I’m not sure how much I have left in me, but I also don’t know who I am without it... -
Insincerely Yours by Lila Evers
When they say to keep your enemies close, I don’t think they mean ten feet down the hall.After experiencing the bliss of being away at college, I’d rather hide in the dorm room air ducts than go back to my hometown for the summer. Sadly, that isn’t an option (Seriously, I tried. The vents aren’t wide enough). I have no other choice... -
The Love Playbook by Jerica MacMillan
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSteamy love tutor romance with an inexperienced football player and the free spirit who rocks his world.Jackson Lancaster is a mystery. At least to me.He's not your typical jock at all—shy, studious, and apparently not looking to get all the action he can.I know, I know, stereotypes are bad. But if the shoe fits ...Except in this case, it doesn't. At all...Categorized as:
sports new adult college friends to lovers friends-benefits virgin hero contemporary length-medium -
Delay of Game by Stephanie Kay, Samantha Cook
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLength: 9 hours 3 minutes Can secrets designed to protect the ones they love end up tearing them apart?From a painful past nobody knows about to aspirations for the future, Sophia Lanzi has learned to lock things away to please those around her and to protect herself...Categorized as:
sports new adult secret-relationship forced proximity friends to lovers hockey contemporary office -
You Kissed Me First by Cala Riley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKatieA fourteen day Caribbean Cruise with my sister and her entire wedding party.Sounds like Heaven, right?Except Barrett, her fiancés brother, also happens to be the jerk who cheated on me a month before the wedding, leaving me to scramble to find a new roommate.As if the universe hates me, the only room available is with the groom’s best friend, Dominic, who is a womanizing, arrogant player... -
The Roommate Arrangement by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMickey Miller presents a brand new, second chance romance with all the feels. Is it true what they say: if it’s meant to be, it will be? Lucas:Eight years ago, I faked a marriage with my best friend.The arrangement was a ruse, but the feelings I developed were real.Then we graduated from college, and let each other go. At last, I tried to. Letting go of Sky was harder than I ever imagined... -
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... -
Go Find Less by Thea Claire
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“If I’m too much, go find less.”In the bingo card of life, Piper Delmonico did not expect to mark out the squares “widowed” and “sober” before her ten year high school reunion... -
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Indulging Temptation by N.J. Weeks
A DASH OF NO STRINGS ATTACHED. A SPOONFUL OF LOVE DISGUISED AS LUST.EQUALS AN UNEXPECTED RECIPE THAT WILL HAVE THEM BOTH STARVING FOR MORE...Santino Amato is one of New York City’s hottest chefs and restaurateurs… in every sense of the word... -
Chosen Boy by Hannah Gray
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhen my parents took me to a hockey camp as a kid, they never dreamed it would take me off the path of becoming a doctor, like everyone else in the family. Unfortunately for them, the moment I stepped into that arena and onto that ice, there was no going back.Fast-forward to my junior year at Brooks University, and I’ve got one shot to make it to the pros. It’s now or never...Categorized as:
new adult sports from hate to love college forced proximity friends to lovers contemporary dual-pov -
Dirty Play by Lexi James
GwenWanna know what happens when two doctors meet and get married? What about when they get married to each other, and their jobs, then decide to have a kid? Me. I’m what happens. A nurse by the age of twenty-four working at my dream hospital, with the best friends I could ask for. But, at the end of the day, I still walk into an empty apartment... -
Puck Honey by Dani Galliaro
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThere’s a very thin line between hate and desire…Jessie Welsh wants absolutely nothing to do with her womanizing next-door neighbor, Ben “Mikey” Miknevicius. All she wants is for him to turn down the late-night party music so she can get some sleep.He may be a sexy-as-puck hockey star, but nothing about him screams “relationship” – in other words, not for Jessie... -
Cocky Fiancé by Melissa Jane, T.L. Smith
He wasn’t meant to be on my radar, he was definitely the off-limits guy. My brother’s best friend, my friend’s ex, but most of all he was my boss. Hawk Carnage resembled one thing, and one thing only. Sex. He used it, he knew it, he lived it. Hawk owned the largest lingerie company in the world, and I was his leading lady. In business... -
Off-Ice Collision by Cali Melle
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsVaughn One moment in time, one freak accident, and my entire hockey career was over. Two years had passed since my injury and I am still mentally struggling with this loss. Mad at the world and everyone in it, I sought solace at my parents' lake house for the summer. It was supposed to be somewhere for me to be alone and heal...
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