Books like 'Hard Knocks'
Readers who enjoyed Hard Knocks by Cassie Mint also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary multicultural virgin heroine insta-love sports sweet heroine fighters m-f from hate to love friends to lovers
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Playing With Danger by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsIt’s strange how quickly life can go from predictable and boring to…not. How a chance meeting can set off a chain reaction. How a single moment can offer much-needed clarity. How a kiss can alter the course of your life. Valentine Malone fell into my life…correction, I fell into his in the aisle of a grocery store... -
![Ashes by Chelle Bliss]()
Ashes by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDylan Walsh left his small town behind and vowed to never return. But when his brother needs help, Dylan steps back into the memories he tried so hard to forget. He thought there was nothing there for him anymore until a woman he knew as a little girl catches more than Dylan’s eye.Rosie Gallo is known for her kind spirit, good-girl vibes, and her loyalty to the ones she loves... -
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![Flirt With Me by Kristen Proby]()
Flirt With Me by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsFrom New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes an all new novel in her beloved With Me In Seattle Series!There are two things Maeve O’Callaghan values more than anything else: her family and her career... -
![Wicked Empire by Tracy Lorraine]()
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:
m-f from hate to love first-person-pov dual-pov contemporary new adult mafia high-school -
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![Soda by Cee Bowerman]()
Soda by Cee Bowerman
If you believe - really and truly believe with all of your heart and soul - that true love exists, there’s no sense wasting your time on anything less. If you believe in true love, then you know that your soul’s match is out there just waiting to find a heart that beats in the same time as your own...Categorized as:
multicultural m-f dual-pov first-person-pov contemporary bikers length-novella explicit-open-door -
![Flaunt by Adriana Locke]()
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 28 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... -
![Time by Penny Reid]()
Time by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid A (brokenhearted) physicist. Now an infamous (who is LITERALLY EVERYWHERE!! UGH!) musician. The worst has already happened. Mona has learned that she has nothing figured out and plans are meaningless. After leaving her in Aspen, Abram is now breaking sales-records, rising to rock star fame almost overnight. Mona can’t seem to escape him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers m-f sweet heroine dual-pov from hate to love humor new adult contemporary -
![He Said Together by Ruth Cardello]()
He Said Together by Ruth Cardello
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom New York Times, bestselling author Ruth Cardello comes another scorching Corisi romance about the lengths people go for those they love and how complicated family can be.Kal has always done whatever was necessary to protect and care for his family—even if that meant dancing for money. He’s not happy with his life or himself, but what matters most are the people he loves... -
![The Score by Kristen Proby]()
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 insta-love dual-pov m-f contemporary sassy heroine alpha male explicit-open-door -
![Path To Realization by TheFeveredBookaholic]()
Path To Realization by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAsher Pryce hides behind a wall of secrets he's spent most of his life building up. How else is the adopted child whose birth parents run a drug cartel supposed to fit in? He's notorious for his overconfident swagger and total lack of patience for bullshit - a master of masks. The one thing in his life he can't fake? His feelings for his best friend's twin sister... -
![Tight Laced by Lisa Suzanne]()
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:
age difference sports friends to lovers m-f forced proximity contemporary siblings-bff length-short -
![Love and Lists by Tara Sivec]()
Love and Lists by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 46 ratingsLove and Lists is the first book in the Chocolate Lovers spinoff - Chocoholics: The foul-mouthed offspring tell their stories. Twenty-five-year-old Gavin Ellis has always had the love and support of his family ever since he was a little boy and couldn't stop talking about his penis. He's also always had their unsolicited advice and uncanny knack of embarrassing him at all costs... -
![Fated to the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Fated to the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
He’s her dream man…literally. But can he live up to the fantasy?I know him the second I see him.I know his name, his birthdate, his entire history.It makes no sense, but I’ve dreamed about him for months.If I tell him that, though, he’ll think I’m crazy. So I keep my mouth shut. Until it’s clear he’s falling for me... -
![Dirty Flirty Enemy by Piper Rayne]()
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... -
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![Cash by Fiona Davenport]()
Cash by Fiona Davenport
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsCassius “Cash” Gannon wasn’t thrilled to be assigned babysitting duty that required him to head all the way to Aspen to pick up his charge. But then he met Karina Timkins, and he realized she was the light that he needed in his life.Determined to do whatever it took to keep Karina safe from the mess her father had created, he brought her back to the Silver Saints compound...Categorized as:
insta-love virgin heroine age difference from hate to love m-f contemporary bikers alpha male -
![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... -
![Part of Me by Kelly Elliott]()
Part of Me by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFishing for the TruthSeasiders,News on the docks is Sutton Bradley may be adding new stock to her little boutique store, Coastal Chic, on the square. Now, I can neither confirm nor deny that it is sexy lingerie, but seeing as Ms. Bradley has been seen on more than one occasion in the company of Brody Wilson, who, let me remind you, was voted as the catch of the season... -
![Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe pro football player I’m faking a relationship with has the perfect solution to my career woes. He’s encouraging me to lean into the pseudo-celebrity life I was born into instead of trying to outrun it, and for the first time in my life, someone sees me for me.I feel like he’s falling for me, too.And then my ex shows up... -
![Get Frosted by Amy Aislin]()
Get Frosted by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFor years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking.As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn... -
![Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne]()
Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese three women are the toughest juries they’ll ever have to plead their case to.THIS BOX SET INCLUDES…Clean Slate (Charity Case #0.5)Moving two thousand miles away wasn’t my plan, but when family needs you, you come. Before I can head back to my hometown of Chicago though, I have two men to say good-bye to. Neither one of them will be happy to hear the news... -
![Wishing for the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Wishing for the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
He could be her forever, but first, she has to tell him the truth about her.I know this man.I’ve seen him in my dreams. I even know his name before he says it.Does that mean we’re destined to be together? It certainly feels like it. But I’m too afraid to tell him the truth about myself... -
![Stubborn Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Stubborn Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
He came to town to get away from people. But when a curvy blonde is injured on his property, he can't resist helping her.I've spent most of my adult life trying to be alone. My hometown has grown so much, it's impossible, though.But Sweetheart Falls shows promise. My cabin is in the middle of the woods, where nobody can find me...until someone does...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f age difference insta-love virgin heroine dual-pov length-novella contemporary -
![Stranded with the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Stranded with the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
In Rosewood Ridge, hunky mountain men make up a large portion of the population. And that population is growing, as a group of Navy SEALs move to town to help a buddy by serving on the town's volunteer fire department. One by one, these dreamy firefighters will find love.Stranded with the Mountain Man is an OTT age gap romance featuring an alpha hero and V-card heroine... -
![Take A Chance With Me by Kristen Proby]()
Take A Chance With Me by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA friends to lovers, soulmates story from Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby, set in her beloved With Me In Seattle Series!Cameron Cox has mastered the art of keeping secrets. His talent for computer hacking means he’s been recruited for highly classified jobs since leaving the military. He travels the world, risking his life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference sweet heroine m-f contemporary siblings-bff length-medium -
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![Ryker's Reward by Loni Nichole]()
Ryker's Reward by Loni Nichole
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsKeeping his curvy spitfire in line will be this grumpy CIA agent's hardest mission yet.RykerWhen I requested a secure room at the Silver Spoon Falls Inn, I didn't realize it came with sassy commentary from the desk clerk. Nor did I think I'd enjoy the thought of spanking that attitude right out of her. But here we are anyway. Sight unseen, I'm already hooked on Francesca...Categorized as:
insta-love age difference virgin heroine m-f contemporary alpha male curvy heroine length-novella -
![Out of Control by K. Bromberg]()
Out of Control by K. Bromberg
Every story needs a villain. The arrogance. The conceit. The lone wolf. Oliver Rossi is that person on the track. And leave it to me . . . I’ve gone and fallen for him. Rossi is his own worst enemy. He doesn’t care what people think or what’s expected of him. And he’s reached the pinnacle of his sport because of his bad boy ways. He’s unpredictable and reckless on the track...Categorized as:
sports m-f first-person-pov dual-pov bikers contemporary length-medium explicit-open-door -
![Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s okay to admit I’m scared.Outside forces are working hard to tear us apart, but we’ve teamed up against them. It’s the internal struggles we’re battling that could spell the ultimate end.When Ben makes a public show to prove how committed we are, I’m left confused as I struggle to figure out whether his feelings for me are real or if they’re part of the act...Categorized as:
age difference sports friends to lovers m-f forced proximity contemporary length-short -
![Wrap with Love by Ella Goode]()
Wrap with Love by Ella Goode
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI'm kicking off the holidays with a bundle of sweet snowy festive reads! Four previously released classics from my backlist are now all in one click for a limited time!Christmas ChemistryIt’s time for the ho-ho-holidays and while this is one of my favorite times of the year, I’m feeling a little off...Categorized as:
insta-love m-f first-person-pov dual-pov alpha male contemporary christmas length-medium -
![The Scandal by Kristen Proby]()
The Scandal by Kristen Proby
THE SCANDAL is an all-new marriage of convenience, age-gap novel from New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby, set in her Single in Seattle Series, featuring Stella McKenna!Who knew that weddings in Vegas were the real deal? I certainly didn’t when I agreed to marry my co-worker while on a bender in Sin City. Now, I need a quick annulment, which means I need an attorney, STAT... -
![Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell]()
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 from hate to love m-f contemporary grumpy sunshine forced proximity -
![Grizz's Passion by Loni Nichole]()
Grizz's Passion by Loni Nichole
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsShe's a sucker for a happy ending, and this bodyguard won't stop until she has one. With him.GrizzI should have known I was being set up when my boss couldn't stop grinning, but I took the last-minute private security gig anyway. Color me surprised when I show up to a bachelorette party and a crowd of drunk chicks start yelling for me to take it all off... -
![Brazen Steele by Ali Dean]()
Brazen Steele by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBeckett Steele knows what he wants and he’s finally going after it. But there’s one thing that might complicate his mission. It was easy to sign the legally-binding contract prohibiting a public relationship when he had no intention of falling in love... -
![Sailing with the SEAL by Lilah Hart]()
Sailing with the SEAL by Lilah Hart
It's my best friend's wedding, and I'm miserable.First, the bride chose Violet to be her maid of honor. Violet, who was never anything but mean to me in school. But somehow they've become friends, and I, the woman who's always been there for the bride, am relegated to a mere bridesmaid position.When I overhear Violet trashing me, I escape to go for a walk...Categorized as:
m-f age difference insta-love dual-pov virgin heroine military length-novella explicit-open-door -
![Temptation by T.K. Leigh]()
Temptation by T.K. Leigh
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA brand new older woman, younger man romance...It was supposed to be a typical business trip to Hawaii.During the day, I’d promote the new location of my bakery. At night, I’d relax on the lanai while sipping a glass of wine.But that all changes when I meet him.Sexy. Intriguing. Haunted.And easily fifteen years younger than me.I should walk away... -
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![Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife]()
Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a... -
![Foul Play by Kat Mizera]()
Foul Play by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Phantoms are back with a vengeance… and the City of Angels will never be the same. When the world's top supermodel’s friend zones you, what's a determined hockey player supposed to do? Change her mind. But it’ll take more than a trick play to convince her. Cheyenne is more than a stunning beauty; she's a part of my life, my bed, and now my heart... -
![Enemies in Paradise: A Sweet Romantic Comedy (Love in Paradise Valley) by Brittany Larsen]()
Enemies in Paradise: A Sweet Romantic Comedy (Love in Paradise Valley) by Brittany Larsen
Paradise is supposed to be my escape from burnout and bad guys, but I’ve already burned bridges with the hottest guy in town.Bear Thomsen and I both want the same thing—his grandpa’s old auto shop. My dream is to rehab it into a bookstore. Bear’s is to tear it down to build a hockey rink... -
![Bad Behavior by Vivian Wood]()
Bad Behavior by Vivian Wood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller Vivian Wood Cynic. F*ck up. Outsider. That’s Jameson in a nutshell - not to mention drool-worthy, dreamy, and perfect fantasy object. He’s also my older brother’s best friend and business partner. I’ve had a thing for Jameson ever since I was old enough to have dirty dreams...Categorized as:
sports multicultural age difference virgin heroine contemporary siblings-bff betrayal length-short -
![Beyond the Badge: Crew by Jeanne St. James]()
Beyond the Badge: Crew by Jeanne St. James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen life gives you lemons… Throw them out. It’s too much damn work to make lemonade… When a member must leave the Tri-State Federal Drug Task Force, Colin Crew, as leader, doesn’t get to pick a replacement. Instead, he’s assigned one. One he’s not happy about.Not only because the woman only has a year on the job as a DEA agent, but she’s also younger than he’d like... -
![Waiting for the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Waiting for the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
She’s nursing a broken heart. He might just be the perfect person to help her get over her ex.I’m so not in the market for a relationship.I was just dumped by a guy I’d only been dating a few weeks. I’m in Rosewood Ridge to help with tornado cleanup…and to get my mind off things.But the gorgeous guy heading up my team keeps distracting me...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f age difference insta-love virgin heroine dual-pov open-door contemporary -
![Fighting for the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Fighting for the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
A double booking leads to two strangers sharing one bed…and neither minds.Disaster recovery is hard work.So when I arrive at my hotel room after a long day, I have one thing on my a hot shower, followed by an early bedtime.But when I crawl into bed, naked and squeaky clean, I discover someone’s already in my bed. And he’s hot.This particular mountain man has lost everything in the tornado, though...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f age difference insta-love virgin heroine dual-pov contemporary small town -
![Protective Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Protective Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
Seduction Summit is on the brink of growth. Four months out of the year, it’s a thriving ski town, attracting tourists from across the region. When a potential buyout pushes the lodge owner to step up his game, military vets flock to the town to help with construction. For these six mountain men, Seduction Summit quickly becomes home…especially when they meet the female shop owners residing there...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f age difference insta-love virgin heroine dual-pov contemporary small town -
![Wild Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Wild Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
A national baking competition has come to the Seduction Summit Lodge, bringing aspiring bakers from all over the country. For six contestants, sweets aren’t the only thing on the menu. The logging crew nearby is stocked with hot lumberjacks who have no interest in finding love…until it sneaks up on them.Wild Mountain Man is an OTT age-gap romance featuring an alpha hero and V-card heroine...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f age difference insta-love virgin heroine dual-pov contemporary small town -
![Smokeshow by Raine Miller]()
Smokeshow by Raine Miller
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBe "just friends" with a smokeshow like her? That's pretty much a p#cking impossible ask.—Tyler Lockhardt, VEGAS CRUSHI'm just over here minding my business playing hockey for the Crush when the SMOKESHOW of my dreams turns up and seriously rocks my world.For real.Beautiful, smart, and so incredibly sweet I cannot help myself from wanting to get to know her a whole lot better... -
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![Bang it Out by Cameron Hart]()
Bang it Out by Cameron Hart
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen I accepted the bid for Clearwater Construction to remodel an old restaurant into a new clothing boutique, I thought the most frustrating thing would be hauling out the industrial-sized kitchen equipment. Little did I know I would be getting yelled at every morning by the relentless, curvy, and distractingly beautiful store owner next door...Categorized as:
age difference from hate to love virgin heroine dual-pov friends to lovers m-f office contemporary -
![Forbidden Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Forbidden Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
Seduction Summit is on the brink of growth. Four months out of the year, it’s a thriving ski town, attracting tourists from across the region. When a potential buyout pushes the lodge owner to step up his game, military vets flock to the town to help with construction. For these six mountain men, Seduction Summit quickly becomes home…especially when they meet the female shop owners residing there...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f age difference insta-love virgin heroine dual-pov contemporary small town -
![Guarding Her Body by Ella Goode]()
Guarding Her Body by Ella Goode
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsChild actress Sadie Monroe grew up under the hot lights of Hollywood. Her good girl image takes a hit when it's revealed her mom-ager has been stealing from Sadie for years. The scandal sites are ablaze again when semi-nude photos of her are released. Her new manager wants her to take advantage of this and pivot to a daring new role, but Sadie longs for a normal life with a husband and kids...Categorized as:
sweet heroine m-f first-person-pov dual-pov contemporary length-novella bodyguard-hero -
![Inked By My Sister's Ex by Flora Ferrari]()
Inked By My Sister's Ex by Flora Ferrari
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMy sister is all I’ve got.Kelly basically raised me after we lost our parents in a plane crash. When a douche made a joke about it, when life went bad, and when I needed her…She was there. Always.But I can’t stop crushing on her ex-boyfriend.Jamie Jensen is six and a half feet of pure muscle, his arms tattooed and strong, his hair silver…his aura brooding. Aura sounds so cheesy, but he has one...Categorized as:
age difference insta-love multicultural m-f contemporary alpha male new adult length-short -
![Grumpy Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Grumpy Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
He's a gruff lumberjack dead set on his goal. When his hard work threatens a baker's dreams, he's forced to examine what really matters in life.My cake has fallen.I don't want to say the dude with the chainsaw outside the baking tent is to blame, but he did knock down a giant tree right before the disaster happened.When I confront him, though, I'm surprised to find I'm drawn to him...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f insta-love age difference virgin heroine dual-pov contemporary small town -
![Play Me by Kelly Elliott, Kristin Mayer]()
Play Me by Kelly Elliott, Kristin Mayer
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsShe has a head for business and a body for sin. He is a coach who knows how to use his equipment. Neither is looking for love. Should be easy, right? Wrong. This might be the most important game Kendall Wales and Hunter Owens have ever played where everything is on the line. With one wrong play, they could lose it all...
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