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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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... -
![The Key Trilogy by Nora Roberts]()
The Key Trilogy by Nora Roberts
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsKey of Light (2003)The Malory Price Life Plan does not include a quixotic quest - but the strangers on Warrior's Peak claim that she must find a key that will release three souls held captive by an evil god. Little does she know that the quest will bring her two new friends, the love of her life, and danger beyond anyone's imagination... -
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![Flirt With Me by Kristen Proby]()
Flirt With Me by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 24 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... -
![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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![Pretty It Up by Cee Bowerman]()
Pretty It Up by Cee Bowerman
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDescriptionSometimes love just isn’t enough, or is it?Lana Gold, one of the Donovan triplets, found her one true love in college but lost him when the life he’d dreamed of became reality. Being an outsider looking in and so far away from her family and hometown took its toll on Lana and her marriage until she’d finally had enough and left it all behind...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers multicultural contemporary alpha male second chances length-short -
![Wreck by Cora Brent]()
Wreck by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTHOMASNot too long ago my future was all mapped out.Then two brutal swings of a steel bat wielded by a maniac wrecked my world.The adrenaline high I used to get from pitching a perfect game is gone.The major league dreams I counted on have vanished.And the peace of mind I took for granted is shattered.The thrills I seek out now are self-destructive.I know this and I can’t stop... -
![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... -
![Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry]()
Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsOnce upon a time, I fell in love with a boy.A beautiful, broken boy who had his own world of struggles. People warned me against our love, but I didn't listen.We looked weak. Young, foolish. Dangerously in love. We didn't care.In order to keep our hearts protected from the opinions of others, we became each other’s secret. We shared stolen moments. Tender touches. Secretive embraces... -
![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 -
![He Said Together by Ruth Cardello]()
He Said Together by Ruth Cardello
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 13 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...Categorized as:
insta-love friends to lovers m-f contemporary super rich hero length-short audiobook -
![Love and Lists by Tara Sivec]()
Love and Lists by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 51 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... -
![Take A Chance With Me by Kristen Proby]()
Take A Chance With Me by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 23 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... -
![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... -
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![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...Categorized as:
sports age difference friends to lovers m-f contemporary humor length-short audiobook -
![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... -
![Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife]()
Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIt’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a... -
![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...Categorized as:
m-f age difference insta-love from hate to love contemporary small town dual-pov audiobook -
![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... -
![Crashing into Love by Nicole Pyland]()
Crashing into Love by Nicole Pyland
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSports Series Book #7. This series is related by a sports theme, not by characters.Drew Oakes had her first chance to take home an Olympic gold medal taken away from her when another rider crashed into her in the first race of the competition.Four years later, she is determined to get on that podium, and preferably, at the top of it... -
![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 -
![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 audiobook -
![Beast by C.M. Steele]()
Beast by C.M. Steele
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA witness to a crime, Mary Stark lands herself in Steeleville, under the care and protection of DA William “Beast” Brandon and the Steele Riders. Unbeknownst to her, she’ll be living with Beast until the trial. She’s been warned of his gruff and surly behavior when it comes to people invading his home and messing it up, but accidents happen...Categorized as:
insta-love age difference virgin heroine m-f suspense contemporary alpha male bikers -
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![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 -
![Forever Us by Scarlett Avery]()
Forever Us by Scarlett Avery
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe likes her relationships uncomplicated.So does he.An illicit weekend between them makes things… well, complicated.Love is for pussies…Ciara learned that the hard way.She likes her relationships uncomplicated.She isn’t girlfriend material…And she couldn’t care less.She has specific set of rules when it comes to men—love ’em and leave ’em.Nikolaj is a force of nature... -
![Eating Her Heart Out by Fiona Davenport]()
Eating Her Heart Out by Fiona Davenport
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSawyer Ward had heard wild stories about Katie Blake from her brother—his best friend and business partner. The last thing he expected was to fall for her the minute they met. She was nothing like her brother described, and Sawyer quickly realized the gorgeous blonde was his perfect match in every way...Categorized as:
virgin heroine insta-love age difference friends to lovers m-f contemporary new adult alpha male -
![Master of Revenge by Sienna Snow]()
Master of Revenge by Sienna Snow
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWe are rivals. Sworn enemies. And he is the only man to ignite a fire in my soul. I walk a fine line between control and chaos, defined by my past and driven by my future. Nothing can stop me from protecting those I love. Zack Lykaios is cunning and dangerous. He wants to destroy everything I've built on his ruthless march to the top... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Thunder by Susan Fanetti]()
Thunder by Susan Fanetti
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThorin “Thunder” Vaduva is a journeyman MMA fighter—toiling in the shadows, a set of strong shoulders to lift other fighters toward stardom. After years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he’s trying to get his life on track—be a good father to his teenage son, get his fights in, do his work, keep his head down, keep his demons at bay.Nina Rodriguez is trying to get her life started... -
![The Deeper I Fall by Erika Kelly]()
The Deeper I Fall by Erika Kelly
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe's a rough and rugged hockey player. She's a posh British princess. To win an enormous inheritance, they’re forced to live together.This is not going to go well.When his former hockey coach passes away, Declan Cadell is shocked to learn the man left him a cattle ranch. Well, not exactly. He’s got one little hurdle to jump first... -
![Her Protective Lumberjack by Clara King]()
Her Protective Lumberjack by Clara King
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThis curvy girl is running for her life.But her dad’s best friend will stop at nothing to protect her. ChloeBeing the daughter of a cop never prepared me for this.A local crime boss is threatening my life as a deadly warning to my dad.Now, Dad’s sending me to hide out with his buddy, Trace—the only man he trusts.But one look at this rugged lumberjack, and I want him in all the wrong ways...Categorized as:
age difference insta-love friends to lovers m-f military forced proximity virgin hero contemporary -
![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 -
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![Branded by a Song by L.J. Evans]()
Branded by a Song by L.J. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHas this country-rock legend finally met his match? A woman who can fill the aching void for “more” that’s been missing from his life? Brady O’Neil tells the world he’s temporarily returning to upstate New York to help his sister. While it’s the truth, he’s also searching for the soul his music has lost... -
![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...Categorized as:
from hate to love age difference multicultural bikers contemporary length-long audiobook -
![Her Giant Lumberjack by Clara King]()
Her Giant Lumberjack by Clara King
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s a seven-foot giant who feels like a beast.She’s a curvy beauty looking for her happily ever after.DukeLife isn’t easy when you look like a monster.With my scarred face and hulking frame, people see a freak, not a man.So I keep to myself, rarely leaving the safety of my workshop.Then Ariana walks into my life.She wants me to build her a bookcase. Sounds easy enough...Categorized as:
age difference insta-love m-f curvy heroine disabilities and marks contemporary length-novella -
![Blizzard by Cambria Hebert]()
Blizzard by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAn arctic blast is coming… Fleeing to the wintry town of Caribou was always meant to be temporary, BearPaw Resort just a place to hide. Never in a million years did I expect that running back to the past would bring me face to face with my future. But it did, and now everyone I love is in danger. I’ve already escaped death three times, and I know my luck is running out... -
![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... -
![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 friends to lovers m-f office dual-pov contemporary -
![With a Hitch by R.C. Boldt]()
With a Hitch by R.C. Boldt
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRC Boldt brings us a smart, sexy new standalone about a matchmaker/dating coach who's faced with the challenge of finding Mrs. Right for the city's beloved NFL wide receiver... She’s playing it safe. He’s playing for keeps. DARCY Growing up in the foster system, I learned the hard way that lasting love doesn't always come easy... -
![Gamble by Elyse Kelly]()
Gamble by Elyse Kelly
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThis Sinner doesn't play, he only wins...When Gamble finds out his manager hired a new dancer at his strip club, he's eager to get a look at the hottest attraction everyone's been talking about. But one look at the seductive curves sensually swaying on the stage, and he knows immediately whom they belong to; Dove James, the girl he always wanted, but never let himself have...Categorized as:
insta-love friends to lovers multicultural bikers contemporary alpha male length-short -
![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 -
![Enrico by C.M. Steele]()
Enrico by C.M. Steele
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEnricoShe wasn’t supposed to be on my radar. Another woman who was caught up in the traffickers’ sights, but one look at January and I’d become as lost as Dario and Alessio before me. I had no choice but to hunt her down and make her mine, even if that meant doing some illegal things. Nothing new to me anyway.JanuaryThe brute... -
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![Marked By Ink: A Steamy Standalone Instalove Romance by Flora Ferrari]()
Marked By Ink: A Steamy Standalone Instalove Romance by Flora Ferrari
’ve wanted to be a tattoo artist for as long as I can remember. That’s what brings me to the party.When I see him, Felix Fletcher, I struggle to form words. He’s tall, with intense eyes, silver hair, and a muscular body that has my mind going to all kinds of steamy places.We talk, and I wonder if he feels it too. But I’m a full-figured girl, not the kind most guys fall all over... -
![Spectrum by M.J. Duncan]()
Spectrum by M.J. Duncan
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSparks fly the moment Bryn Nakamura lays eyes on Anna Fitzpatrick, and not in a good way. Driven, reserved, and recovering from another encounter with a life she would rather leave behind, all Bryn wants is to forget about Anna and focus on her beloved vineyard—but Fate has other plans...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers from hate to love f-f contemporary queer length-long -
![Courage by Kristen Proby]()
Courage by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all new novel in her Big Sky series, Courage. This is the first story in the Heroes of Big Sky, all about men in uniform in Cunningham Falls!Natasha Mills feels like she’s loved firefighter Sam Waters her entire life. Since she first met him during middle school, she’s harbored a secret crush on her best friend’s big brother... -
![Turn of the Tides by Jessica Prince]()
Turn of the Tides by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Beau Wade left his small hometown of Whitecap, Oregon, he swore to himself he’d never go back. But when his NFL career goes up in smoke, that’s exactly what he finds himself doing. Not much has changed in the ten years he’s been gone... -
![Misconception by Julia Wolf]()
Misconception by Julia Wolf
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI know rock stars. I grew up in the business, and now I make a living managing their tours. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.Lots and lots of ugly.All that ugly is why I’ve sworn off dating rockers, but sleeping with them, well...I’ve been known to make the occasional exception.One sultry night in Vegas, Mo Aronson, lead singer of Unrequited, becomes one of those exceptions...Categorized as:
multicultural age difference m-f contemporary humor secret-relationship length-medium -
![Tank's Temptation (Diamond Kings MC) by Hope Ford]()
Tank's Temptation (Diamond Kings MC) by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTank's TemptationEverything is bigger in Texas. The men, their bikes, their guns and even their hearts. On the biggest ranch in West Texas, you’ll find the Diamond Kings MC. A group of tough, growly bikers happy with their solitary existence. Until love walks in and challenges them to the ultimate test. It’s time for them to man up and accept their fate or they’ll lose their soulmates forever...Categorized as:
age difference virgin heroine insta-love contemporary bikers alpha male length-novella
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