Books like 'Desire or Defense'
Readers who enjoyed Desire or Defense by Leah Brunner also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny sports athletes single-mother grumpy sunshine height-difference dual-pov teacher-hero hockey
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Becoming A Vincent by C.M. Owens
When you live in a place where “turbo speed” internet is a slight step above dial-up, men carry on nine-year beard-growing challenges out of stubborn pride, and your brothers do things like nail all your panties to the outside of your cabin just for funsies, you tend to be a little crazy. You can call it a "locational" hazard, if you will. That’s Tomahawk for you... -
![Kitty by Cee Bowerman]()
Kitty by Cee Bowerman
Marler ‘Kitty’ Barnes has always been the fun guy who doesn’t stick around after the fun is over. Even in his old profession, he was always quick to take off once the job was done. After his release from prison, he focused on other things but never lost that urge to run as soon as things got serious...Categorized as:
m-f found-family single-mother independent heroine bad boys dual-pov first-person-pov contemporary -
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![No Easy Dare by Samantha Christy]()
No Easy Dare by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsSecret heir. Pompous womanizer. King of lies. And my protector. Hunter McQuaid is definitely a fish out of water. Or maybe a shark out of the tank. He's a cocky, arrogant, playboy. Something he shouldn't be considering he can barely scrape together the rent for his craptastic apartment. After an ill-advised one-nighter with him, I end up pregnant. Which puts me in a precarious position... -
![Where It Begins by Helena Hunting]()
Where It Begins by Helena Hunting
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting comes a new story in her Pucked series. The untold story of Skye and Sidney, and the origin story where Vi and Miller are teens when their parents start dating and fall in love…I accidentally grabbed the wrong drink at the coffee shop. On the upside, the hot guy it belonged to chased me down to kindly swap with me... -
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![Made For You by Natasha Madison]()
Made For You by Natasha Madison
From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comesA brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance.A spin-off from the Only One seriesVivienneI did the last thing I ever expected to do. I bought a boat. A beautiful boat that was all mine to spend the summer on.Only thing I was looking forward to was the calm being on the water brought me... -
![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... -
![When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor]()
When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor
Evie told herself not to fall for her pro-hockey crush. But when she sees him holding her baby girl, all bets are off.When Evie moves South to the same mountain town where her childhood crush plays pro-hockey, she arms herself with all the reasons why she can’t fall for him again.Number Alec is her best friend’s much older brother... -
![Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor]()
Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor
He’s a grump and happy to stay that way. But can her sunshine melt the ice around his heart? Nathan Sanders didn't earn his reputation as the grouchiest player on the Appies minor league hockey team by chance. So when Summer Callahan breezes into his life with her flirtatious smiles and endless charm, he responds like he always he completely ignores her...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hockey cold hero grumpy sunshine m-f competent heroine dual-pov -
![Fire & Brimstone by R.L. Mathewson]()
Fire & Brimstone by R.L. Mathewson
What happens when a Bradford with questionable OCD, a tempter and a reputation for making his employees cry falls for the woman that refuses to accept the fact that he’s fired her and was terrifyingly more of a Bradford than he was? Well, we can’t share that here, because it would be seriously inappropriate, but we’re sure that you can see where this is leading… To the altar or a stint in... -
![Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe]()
Dirty Little Midlife (fake) Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBrooding, grumpy Des has a problem. He needs a date to his family's Thanksgiving reunion for reasons he'd...rather not say.Single mother and all-around hot mess Mia has an even bigger issue: She can't afford her rent, and her new landlord Des is a major you-know-what.So, they make a deal. One simple weekend away in exchange for a serious rent reduction... -
![Promise Me This by Karla Sorensen]()
Promise Me This by Karla Sorensen
Imagine this: an author with a raging case of writer’s block finds an unexpected source of inspiration in her grumpy, gorgeous new roommate. Sounds amazing, right? Except that new roommate is my childhood best friend. And Ian Wilder has been off-limits since I was five...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers found-family cold hero grumpy sunshine single-mother m-f contemporary -
![Resolution by Adriana Locke]()
Resolution by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke comes a workplace romance between a grumpy, alpha architect and his new client—who just so happens to have the blueprint to bring him to his knees. Romance is not in Wade Mason’s portfolio. This is tragic...Categorized as:
super rich hero grumpy sunshine cheerful heroine cold hero m-f contemporary humor christian -
![Caught by Love by Melissa Foster]()
Caught by Love by Melissa Foster
He’s set on pleasure, but she’s all business. Sizzling chemistry and a surprising connection set this sexy love story in motion. But is it enough to last forever? Find out and fall in love on the sandy shores of Silver Island, home to coffee shops, boat races, midnight rendezvous, and the sexy, sharp-witted Steeles.Archer Steele is one of the leading vintners on the East Coast... -
![Twenty-four Three by K.C. Mills]()
Twenty-four Three by K.C. Mills
A shot in the dark.A mistaken identity.A undeniable attraction.An injured hitman finds himself depending on a stranger and for Carter Reed trust is not something he’s willing to extend. Unfortunately when it comes to McKenna Smith, Carter can either allow her to be his saving grace or risk loosing something more precious than trust…his life.Stakes are high... -
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![This Is Love by Natasha Madison]()
This Is Love by Natasha Madison
From the best selling series, Something So comes the spin-off series This is... Vivienne Never fall in love. That was my motto, and I was sticking to it. Having my heart broken once was enough, and I never wanted to do it again. He was supposed to be a one-night stand, the only thing I do. One rule shouldn’t be so hard to follow, but then I went back for seconds, then thirds...Categorized as:
sports alpha male friends to lovers hockey m-f sassy heroine independent heroine athletes -
![She Loves Me by Melissa Foster]()
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
friends to lovers independent heroine sassy heroine strong heroine m-f humor contemporary -
![Tempted by Love by Melissa Foster]()
Tempted by Love by Melissa Foster
Jack "Jock" SteeleEnjoy heart-meltingly beautiful and toe-curlingly sexy romance in Tempted by Love, an emotionally riveting story about a man who has lost it all and carries a torturous secret, a divorced single mother who has everything to lose, and the little girl who helps them heal...Categorized as:
super rich hero friends to lovers single-mother found-family m-f humor contemporary new adult -
![Killing Booth by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Killing Booth by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsEvery single thing you want is going to require you to be uncomfortable. Those words had been shared with her by the one man she didn’t think she could take a chance on. She just didn’t know that he was right, or that he was going to be the one making her uncomfortable. Nash Wilder Christopherson was the world’s golden boy. For fifteen years, she watched Nash race from the safety of her phone...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine friends to lovers sports from hate to love dual-pov strong heroine m-f humor -
![The Lie by Karla Sorensen]()
The Lie by Karla Sorensen
Rule number 1 for the team owner’s daughter? Don’t date the players. Especially not hotheaded tight ends with tattoos and impulse control problems. That’s why Dominic Walker is completely off my radar. Sort of. Babysitting the team troublemaker when he’s forced to volunteer for the foundation where I work means I can’t exactly avoid him. I wish I had though...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine from hate to love friends to lovers bad boys cheerful heroine cold hero m-f -
![A Ticking Time Boss by Olivia Hayle]()
A Ticking Time Boss by Olivia Hayle
The golden angel who swooped in to save me from a nightmare first date turns out to be a billionaire vulture circling the company I work for.Carter Kingsley: My savior and ruthless corporate raider hell bent on destroying the newspaper I love. Oh, and my new boss.His first order of business? Cut half the staff. I should hate him. Easy, right?Wrong... -
![Kissing The CEO by Layla Hagen]()
Kissing The CEO by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsWhat’s that they say about the best laid plans? They are easily derailed. Especially when my high school crush is the CEO of the competition, and his matchmaking grandmother is plotting to bring us together. After getting the promotion of my dreams, I’m determined to prove to my boss that I’m the right person for the job...Categorized as:
super rich hero bad boys dual-pov friends to lovers from hate to love contemporary humor insta-love -
![Jameson Fox by Nina Levine]()
Jameson Fox by Nina Levine
Rule number one if you’re going to fake marry a billionaire: only marry him if you like him and he likes you. Everything is too hard if you hate each other.Jameson Fox is the most infuriating, arrogant, frustrating, presumptuous, self-important alphahole I have ever met.He stole my company from me five years ago. Now, he’s made me an offer I can’t refuse: fake marry him, and he’ll give it back... -
![Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas]()
Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers.She's got a lot of baggage...literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real.For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but... -
![The Legend by Shey Stahl]()
The Legend by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIn a lifestyle of speed, adrenaline and desire, one racer has sacrificed everything for the sport he loved. In turn, he will fight for his name, his family and now his life to be the legend he’s been portrayed to be. You can be everything you set out to be if you want it bad enough. You can be that record breaker you said you’d be. You can be that hero you always thought you would be... -
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![Black Flag by Shey Stahl]()
Black Flag by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhen the taste you thought you never needed becomes a thirst you cannot quench, then what? Jameson Riley, a NASCAR rookie driver, and Sway Reins, his pregnant girlfriend, are put to the test. They have love; they have lust, and a bond that proves to be vital. But do they have what it takes to make it through his lifestyle. When tested, it’s either fight, or give in... -
![Your Captivating Love by Layla Hagen]()
Your Captivating Love by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsLogan Bennett knows his priorities. He is loyal to his family and his company. He has no time for love, and no desire for it. Not after a disastrous engagement that left him broken-hearted. When Nadine enters his life, she turns everything upside down. She’s sexy, funny, and utterly captivating. She’s also more stubborn than anyone he’s met. . .including himself...Categorized as:
alpha male super rich hero strong heroine m-f humor contemporary insta-love length-medium -
![Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden by Melissa Foster]()
Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden by Melissa Foster
Quarterback Clay "Mr. Perfect" Braden is determined to show sexy scientist Pepper Montgomery the benefits of hands-on research in PLAYING MR. PERFECT, the first book in the Bradens at Ridgeport series by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster. Loaded with heat, humor, and heart, this steamy, small-town, opposites-attract standalone romance is unputdownable... -
![Blind Pass by Teagan Hunter]()
Blind Pass by Teagan Hunter
What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay there.I would know. I’m coming home with a brand-new ring on my finger.My wife? Ryan Bell.We’re polar opposites.She’s sunshine and happiness.I’m grumpy and scarred—literally.We could get it annulled and no one would be the wiser.Only problem? We posted about it online, and it’s already making headlines...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine cold hero dual-pov cheerful heroine hockey from hate to love athletes -
![Your Christmas Love by Layla Hagen]()
Your Christmas Love by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsSienna Hensley-Bennett loves everything about the Christmas season, from hanging decorations to the cozy get-togethers with her family. Despite being part of the well-known Bennett family, Sienna is determined to first gather experience before joining their business. Her job at Statham department store is perfect for that. But her new boss, Winston Statham, is going to be a slight problem... -
![Brogan by Samantha Whiskey]()
Brogan by Samantha Whiskey
They call me Demon for a reason—I’m the most ruthless Reaper on the ice.I’m not the person who finds a baby on their doorstep.Except, after a morning run, I am.And the note accompanying the little bundle says she’s mine.Looks like I'm the newest single dad in the NHL.I was nothing but a burden on my aunt and uncle after my parents died, and I’d decided I’d never have children...Categorized as:
sports athletes m-f caretaking found-family hockey cheerful heroine independent heroine -
![Just One Look by Rosalind James]()
Just One Look by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLuka Darkovic has some tackling skills. He hadn’t planned on using them to bring down a runaway dog the size of a Shetland pony, though, especially not when his neck is already buggered. At 33, a rugby forward protects his vertebrae.. He’s even less happy when the dog’s incompetent owner turns up in his hospital cubicle the next day with a plan to fix those vertebrae... -
![Jock Blocked by Pippa Grant]()
Jock Blocked by Pippa Grant
She can't let him score… Call it superstition, but when a guy bats as hot as Brooks Elliott, you don't mess with what's working. And what's working is him keeping his pants zipped and doing all of his scoring on the field... -
![Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas]()
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... -
![Time to Bounce by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Time to Bounce by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLoneliness is overwhelming in its intensity. There are times you think you can cope, that you can make it despite the hollow feeling in your chest. Then there are the times when you realize you can’t breathe through the pain of loss. When Gable Buchanan Carter walks into Athena’s life, it’s like a light is switched on inside her chest. Suddenly she can breathe... -
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![Knockout by Jessica Prince]()
Knockout by Jessica Prince
It wasn’t fair that the man I hated with a passion was so freaking gorgeous.Things in Layla Fox’s life were going great. She had a fantastic job, amazing friends, and a killer apartment. There was just one tiny glitch in all that perfect. Her upstairs neighbor was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome . . . and she hated the man with every cell in her body... -
![Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsTyler Maxwell's story will be released on January 18th.As the leagues’ top goalie for the Chicago Blades, I stay disciplined and follow three principles:1. Keep a pristine image.2. Play smart and hard on the ice.3. Stay out of relationships... -
![The Rookie by Olivia T. Turner]()
The Rookie by Olivia T. Turner
I'm the last of the original crew still working at the pub.Bridget met a guy online and moved to Australia, James got fired, Ivy had a kid, Zara went to work for her dad in Miami, and now Lauren is leaving too.I'm the only one left.With no prospects and no opportunities.Until out of the blue, I get one.I had long given up my career as a real estate agent.It was over before it even started...Categorized as:
sports m-f working class heroine athletes dual-pov first-person-pov hockey contemporary -
![The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid]()
The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid
How can someone so smokin’ hot be so bad in bed? I mean, Sean Cassidy is absolute rubbish. RUBBISH. He is the epitome of walking, talking false advertising and I want a refund! Plus he’s an arsehole. So… what is wrong with me that I can’t stop thinking about him? THE PIXIE Lucy Fitzpatrick doesn’t like rugby... -
![Kiss Me Tonight by Maria Luis]()
Kiss Me Tonight by Maria Luis
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsI had it all.The Super Bowl rings.The hot shot TV gig.Then I got fired.Now I’m living in middle-of-nowhere Maine, playing assistant coach to the woman of my nightmares.Did I mention that she and her son are my new neighbors?If you talk to the locals, they’ll tell you Aspen Levi is the queen of high school football.But if you ask me, my new head coach is a pain in my left nut sac.She’s too blonde...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes single-mother dual-pov friends to lovers alpha male m-f -
![Miles Ever After by T.L. Swan]()
Miles Ever After by T.L. Swan
Miles Ever After...Categorized as:
super rich hero dual-pov grumpy sunshine friends to lovers alpha male m-f contemporary humor -
![The Champion by Shey Stahl]()
The Champion by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA powerful love story of tragedy, love, and commitment. The fourth book in the Racing on the Edge series submerges you in the lifestyle of a champion of a sport that dominates America. Through smoke and methanol, you learn the good, the bad, and the secrets no one wants you to know... -
![Owen North by Nina Levine]()
Owen North by Nina Levine
A steamy forbidden office romance from USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nina Levine.My one-night stand is my new boss.I met him at the society wedding of the year.The man every woman in New York wants.He's rich.Devastatingly good looking.Charming.Mr. I-Could-Blow-Your-Mind.And yes, he did blow my mind.It was just supposed to be one night.I told him I don't date...Categorized as:
super rich hero alpha male sassy heroine friends to lovers m-f office contemporary humor -
![On the Shore by Laura Pavlov]()
On the Shore by Laura Pavlov
He's the GOAT of the NFL. She's a hot-headed reporter who despises him. They're in the same small town for the summer. What could possibly go wrong?I'm more than aware of the responsibilities that come with being a quarterback in the NFL.The upside—I get to do what I love every day, which is play football.And I make more money than I know what to do with... -
![Matchmaking The CEO by Layla Hagen]()
Matchmaking The CEO by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsJake Whitley and I start on the wrong foot. And then it goes downhill from there.After my career implodes, I’m determined to make a living with my new event planning business.But Jake and I are at odds from the moment I step on his private plane.He wants to get rid of me. I want to throw his grandmother the celebration of a lifetime…on his property in Martha’s Vineyard... -
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![Hot Heir by Pippa Grant]()
Hot Heir by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsIf I had to pick a bride of convenience, my first choice would NOT be Peach Maloney.My fiftieth choice would NOT be Peach.Top spot on my list of occupational hazards? Yes. Royal pain in the crumpets? Yes.A bride of convenience? No.But I’ve unexpectedly gone from royal bodyguard to monarch, having inherited a crown that was stolen from my family long before my birth...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f dual-pov alpha male found-family grumpy sunshine sports contemporary -
![That First Flight by Jenn McMahon]()
That First Flight by Jenn McMahon
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsSomething tells me, nothing I do can stop myself from feeling things for my roommate.I’ve always wanted to be a chef.But the same day two pink lines showed up on the test, was the day I gave up chasing my own dreams to put my daughter first.I didn’t expect that to lead to a life of being scrutinized by my parents for every single move I made.After years of it, I was done... -
![Stop Ghosting Me by Tara Sivec]()
Stop Ghosting Me by Tara Sivec
Harvest Grove News:Another Halloween season is upon us! As usual, please be mindful of the movie fans traveling from Vine Street to Cinnamon Way. Favorite bar owner, Ford Prescott, is back in town for his yearly stay, making this his sixth October in Harvest Grove! Be sure to welcome him warmly when you see him at the Wicked Pub and Grub...Categorized as:
friends to lovers alpha male cold hero m-f dual-pov strong heroine competent heroine sassy heroine -
![Delayed Call by Toni Aleo]()
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsVaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins' star player. He's brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn't afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self. Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders... -
![Text Me Baby One More Time by Teagan Hunter]()
Text Me Baby One More Time by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsA SECOND-CHANCE ROMANTIC COMEDY! I love you , he said. Forever , he said. Turns out, he lied. When he leaves me high and dry after a cross-country move, I push him out of my life as much as I can, which is hard to do when the guy who broke your heart also happens to be the most famous dude in town... -
![Houston, We Have a Problem by Dana LeCheminant]()
Houston, We Have a Problem by Dana LeCheminant
Houston Briggs is at a crossroads, facing the possible end of his career after a devastating injury. With an uncertain future ahead of him and his siblings finding their own happy endings, he’s desperately seeking peace and purpose.Enter Darcy Paxton, his refreshing new neighbor who is nothing like the women of his past relationships...
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