Books like 'The Exception to the Rule'
Readers who enjoyed The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny friends to lovers college new adult competent heroine m-f athletes heroine athlete tall-heroine
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Better Than the Prom by Lynn Painter
Prom night has arrived, and Wes Bennett couldn’t be less excited. Not only is he not going with Liz, the girl he’s loved his entire life, but Liz is going with Michael, the guy she’s loved her entire life. Talk about a nightmare. They manage to avoid each other at the event, but every glance he steals of her in that gown, smiling up at her date, feels like a punch to his solar plexus...Categorized as:
high-school friends to lovers m-f contemporary from hate to love dual-pov humor length-medium -
Dynamite by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.74 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThey call us the devil twins - a fallacy and unfair assumption on everyone’s part. Well. .. mostly. My name is Luke Hart, and I’m the oldest of identical twin boys. Although I may be responsible for the ‘devil’ in our name, I have no urge to set the record straight and exonerate the innocent half of our pairing. There’s no point letting the truth get in the way of a good story. Right? Not so...Categorized as:
new adult m-f found-family competent heroine sports humor length-medium contemporary -
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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:
new adult friends to lovers m-f sweet heroine humor contemporary dual-pov second chances -
Trouble by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsShe wants something real. He wants something now. Together they’re trouble in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s sexy and funny twice-in-a-lifetime love story. With his shameless grin and let’s-play swagger, carpenter Penn Etling leaves women wanting in Dogwood Lane. What do they get? Avery Perry knows: a one-night stand. She’s been there...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers m-f humor contemporary independent heroine length-medium audiobook -
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Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor
My requirements for a man are simple. Must love books. Must NOT love hockey. Which is why I will never be interested in my neighbor, the aloof and mysterious Felix Jamison, no matter how many books I see him hauling into his apartment. Unless he loses his pro hockey skates, I’m out. But then he shows up at my symphony concert. And I catch the sweet strains of Dvorak floating across the hall... -
The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini
How many weddings does it take to fall in love? One year ago, Amelie had it all. Almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant: her life was exactly what she’d ordered. Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, popped up out of nowhere and proved she might like something off menu. ***. One year later, Amelie has lost it all...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers m-f sweet-hero competent heroine sweet heroine sunny hero contemporary -
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... -
Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese
Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption...Categorized as:
new adult m-f competent heroine sweet heroine shy heroine sunny hero sweet-hero teacher-hero -
The Love Bus by Annabelle Anders
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsI thought my life was perfect—until I found out my co-host-slash-fiancé was cheating on me. Live. On. TV. Overnight, I went from rising star to cautionary tale. Hiding in bed sounded like a solid plan. But fate (and my mother) had other ideas. Enter: The Love Bus. One ticket. A bunch of retirees, and The Southwest Bucket List Tour I never signed up for. I just wanted to escape the mess... -
A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce
Claire Ashford has always led a careful life—her family didn't nickname her Claireful for nothing. But after ending a relationship that was equal parts safe and unfulfilling, she recognizes just how much her caution has cost her and dedicates herself to leaving her Claireful ways behind. Her first chance to take a risk comes with a job opportunity in San Francisco...Categorized as:
new adult m-f sweet heroine sweet-hero shy heroine sunny hero insta-love contemporary -
The Cafe at the Loch by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA holiday fling threw her life into chaos …. Elspeth Mackenzie hasn’t had any contact with the father of her child since they had a fling three years ago. Getting pregnant at sixteen turned her life upside down. But now she has everything back under control. She’s managing a cafe and a toddler and making it look easy. If only dating was as easy... -
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 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... -
A Forever of Orange Blossoms by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMillions of readers have fallen in love with Ava's bestselling books. .. come join the family. International Bestselling Author Ava Miles’ feel-good series, The Merriams, is back with a humorous and heartwarming story about a playboy without a cause and a woman whose dreams were diverted by family responsibility—and, of course, everyone’s favorite matchmakers to guide the way... -
Heavy Petting by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s her best friend. A reformed bad boy turned hot teacher. And after one spur-of-the-moment Vegas wedding. .. her husband. Jordan Benoit and Fletcher Landry have been best friends since they were six. He’s always been The Guy. When she needed picked up, cheered up, or lifted up — like literally, to see the stage at a concert — Fletcher was the guy... -
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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... -
The Space Between by Sarah Ready
The love we choose can change everything. A fateful night in Central Park leads Andrea and Jace to one life-changing conclusion-they're meant to be. Andrea Leighton-Hughes is no stranger to wealth-she's the daughter of one of the richest men in Manhattan and has been used as a chess piece in her family's business empire since she was born...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult found-family m-f contemporary humor love triangle dual-pov -
Kitty Valentine Dates Santa by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSPIN THE WHEEL. DATE THE GUY. WRITE THE BOOK. Six years ago, Kitty Valentine took the book world by storm when her sweet debut romance hit number one on the New York Times Best Sellers list, which was followed by a string of successful releases. Her latest novel, however, totally bombs, causing her editor to suggest she write much sexier books... -
Loved Enough by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsEven though they’d never dated, Lily Shaw always just assumed she’d eventually end up with Ben, the boy who’s been her bestie since they were toddlers. So she’s understandably shocked to learn he’s getting married—and having a child with his fiancée. Shocked…but not terribly upset. The truth is, she's been feeling butterflies every time she’s near a particular horse trainer on her parents’ ranch... -
Cocky Senator’s Daughter: Hannah by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsHANNAH COCKER. Every man I've dated in this city has either bored me or hurt me. When Sofia Sol, my crazy cousin, offers a ride on the back of her Harley with no destination in mind besides out-of-Atlanta, what do you think my answer is? I'll give you one guess. TOBIAS KYRKOS. Life doesn't ever hand you what you want. You have to take it... -
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance. Wanted. A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
The Right Wrong: A Hot Romantic Comedy by Michelle Mankin
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBen Kennedy is a rock star. Whoever or whatever he wants, he can easily have with just a snap of his talented fingers. He’s rock royalty, a handsome prince with a court of beauties to command. To the outside world, the legendary life he leads seems charmed, but it’s not. Looks can be deceiving. Sierra Marshall is a single mom... -
Illicit Promises by Catharina Maura
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWe both claim we're over each other, so why do we keep finding ourselves back in each other's arms? Carter. I thought I was over her, right until she walked back into my life. My head knows she and I will end in disaster, yet my heart can't deny her. Maybe I can convince Emilia to make me her dirty little secret. .. Emilia. Carter is still the only one I want and the only one I desire... -
Wish You Were Mine by Judy Corry
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐮𝐛? Bold. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫? Mortifying. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭? Just perfect... -
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
This summer they’ll keep their promise. This summer they won’t give into temptation. This summer will be different. Lucy is the tourist vacationing at a beach house on Prince Edward Island. Felix is the local who shows her a very good time. The only problem: Lucy doesn’t know he’s her best friend’s younger brother...Categorized as:
sweet-hero new adult m-f slow burn found-family competent heroine sweet heroine tall-heroine -
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The Romcom Remake by Jen Atkinson
She’s plotting a romcom. He’s playing without a game plan. But sometimes the best love stories are the ones that don’t follow the script. Is it too much to ask for a romcom-level romance? Fran Fairchild doesn’t think so. After growing up in a loveless home, she is determined to script her own happily-ever-after. True love is out there. It’s real. And Fran won’t be leaving without it... -
The Sterling Shore Series by C.M. Owens
Rated: 5.00 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsLimited time bundle that includes Book 1, 1. 5, 2, and 3 of the Sterling Shore series. No cliffhangers. Book 1 - Hooked on the Game. Kade Colton and Raya Capperton come from two different worlds, but one thing they have in common is that they have both judged each other wrong. Opposites don't just attract; they collide and shift the world off its axis. Raya's POV. Descriptive Sex... -
Just Add Happiness by Julie Hatcher
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom the author of Not Quite by the Book comes a deliciously witty novel about second chances, secret identities, and the art of rising above life’s bitter moments. At forty-six, Sophie Bianco’s life is half baked—trapped in a controlling marriage and estranged from her critical mother... -
Jump on Three by Julia Wolf
-Rules are my favorite. -Order relaxes me. -Tattooed boys with shaggy hair and soulful eyes are strictly off-limits. I’ve recently come to the conclusion I’m bad at boyfriends. But as terrible as I am at choosing them, even I would never consider my sister’s former crush—tall, growly, enigmatic Ivan Sokolov. That’s a line I won’t cross, even if Delilah is way over him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers high-school new adult found-family m-f sweet-hero sweet heroine heroine athlete -
To Love a Prince by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe good news is, I'm out of exile and I have the woman I love by my side. And I still have my crown, tarnished though it may be. The bad news is. .. all of that is temporary. There are those that want me as far away from the crown as possible. I still have a killer on my tail who has a more permanent solution in mind. Oh and there's the small matter of all the secrets I'm keeping from Ariel... -
Shawn by M.S. Parker
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShawn: I’m good with my hands and I’m a quick study. At least that’s what the women say. No trouble in that department, if you know what I mean. Still, it’s best to keep them at arm’s length. I’ve seen how women go after my brothers for money and the family name. I guess you can say I have always been guarded. But then I met Talia, a woman unlike any other... -
Dirty Vegas Nights by Logan Chance
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy body’s made of iron. My muscles are sculpted by God himself. And my green eyes have been described as ‘lady magnets’ by the Vegas Tribune. The Trifecta sensation is only the dirtiest male revue show Vegas has ever seen. We’ve been blazing the stage for a while and have gained quite the fan base. Women travel from across the country just to catch a glimpse of us... -
Born to Sin by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing sentenced by a woman in a black robe is not a meet-cute. Quinn Jeffries follows the rules. A judge in small-town Sinful, Montana, doesn’t have much room for missteps, and when you spend your childhood training for the Olympics, you don’t have time for anything but discipline anyway. And, see? It’s worked! Her life is just fine... -
Illicit – A Sizzling Boxed Set by Calinda B., Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOver 20 illicit romances with the sexy heroes and strong heroines you crave! Lose yourself in the world of hot hookups, where the stories run from sexy to downright scandalous and the characters will leave you breathless. In these pages, you’ll find tantalizing romance, rekindled flames, and forbidden trysts... -
Tempting the Heiress by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsOne error in judgment. That is all it took. They say don't mix business with pleasure, but I fell in love with the client and now I’ve lost her. But I would do it all over again if it meant keeping her safe. Now I’ll have to fight like hell to earn her trust again. If I don’t, it could cost both of us everything. -
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Theirs by Linzvonc
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI pressed my body against hers, kissing her throat as I murmured in her ear. "Say no then. ". If you loved the story of Cal & Gretchen, wait until you see what their darling children get up to. .. . Caleb curses more often than a pirate, despite looking like a fallen angel. He tries to look out for his sisters, but they have their own agenda. . -
Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe way she looks, smells, laughs is killing me. I fell in love with my sister’s best friend. To top it all off, she’s brilliant. And I’m failing Chemistry. Of course, when I get her help, she’s laidback about it. Charming and helpful as always, like she doesn’t know how much I want her. I’ve got to play it cool and let her see a different side of me... -
Master Baker by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsThey call me the sugar whisperer. Anything your tongue desires, I can bake it. Scones? Child’s play. Cupcakes? I’ll frost them so good you won’t know what hit you. Donuts? Please. You’re talking to a master baker. But there’s one egg I’ve never been able to crack. My best friend. Correction: My former best friend. She’s the apple in my pie. The whip in my cream. The lemon in my meringue...Categorized as:
friends to lovers m-f new adult humor contemporary from hate to love military dual-pov -
That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss by Julie Christianson
My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…. That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn. Talk about life being unfair. I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay...Categorized as:
found-family m-f slow burn competent heroine sweet heroine sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary -
Red Flags Only by Storm Sterling
Jove Rogue is a certified maniac. And… also my pen pal? Which is, uh, cool. Totally cool. Really. No panic attacks here! It’s not like I thought my pen pal and closest confidant was a girl or anything. Obviously I knew it was our small town’s walking red flag - and not the cute kind that comes on mailboxes. No, no. Jove is not cute. For one, no one that huge would ever be considered cute...Categorized as:
friends to lovers m-f slow burn found-family competent heroine sweet heroine shy heroine sweet-hero -
Love Letters to Christmas by Camilla Evergreen
He's the best mail lead around, and I'm just his childhood friend turned roommate. .. I've spent my life battling to manage my parents' impossible expectations and trying to catch the eye of Brian Single, a man whose head only turns for mail...Categorized as:
friends to lovers m-f slow burn found-family sweet heroine sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary -
This Time, Next Year by Ruby Barrett
Nora hates two New Year’s Eve parties (too loud, too late) and her friend group frenemy, Finn (too tall, too argumentative). Then one New Year’s Eve, their friends enforce the “everyone has to kiss someone at midnight” rule and Nora and Finn begrudgingly lock lips. And something about that kiss makes Nora rethink that Finn’s mouth might be good for something other than pestering her...Categorized as:
friends to lovers slow burn m-f found-family sweet-hero competent heroine contemporary humor -
Nude Awakening by Penny Clarke
Rylie swears she’s not a prude. How was I to know the art course my best friend signed me up for meant I’d be sketching a nude model? I should have checked the fine print. Then I never would have―quite literally―bumped into Levi Hart moments before he dropped trou in class... -
Tussle by Jacob Chance
“Why haven’t we had sex? ”. When Jesse Gunn, one of the biggest stars of World Class Wrestling, voiced that million dollar question, yet again, I was stunned. After turning him down countless times, I thought eventually he'd give up. Unexpectedly thrown together for a work project, my mind went to places I’d never allowed...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers m-f sweet heroine competent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero slow burn -
Honeysuckle Breeze by B.R. Goodwin
Would you rather know what your best friend’s lips feel like against yours but get ghosted immediately after… or never even taste the possibility of forever? What could be worse than inconveniently falling for your long-distance best friend? How ‘bout sharing an unexpected, but magical, Christmas kiss with him, then being ghosted ever after…...Categorized as:
friends to lovers m-f competent heroine sweet heroine sunny hero sweet-hero contemporary christian -
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Matcha Made in Heaven, Vol. 8 by Umebachi Yamanaka
Roa, a popular live streamer who views Isshin's bottled tea, Chako, as a rival, lost control, and Hananoki-en faced backlash! On top of that, they now have to compete with Roa, who is also a tea maker, in a national competition...Categorized as:
new adult m-f slow burn contemporary humor length-short fake relationship glimpses-kisses -
Teasing the Princess by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRoone. … She’s gone. Someone took her from me. I knew I wasn’t supposed to fall in love. But I did it anyway. And now it might have cost my princess - the princess - her life. I won’t stop until I find her. But when I do, I’ll need to stay away. She won’t survive the scandal. There’s no way I can love her and protect her. I'll have to choose one. Jessa…. Apparently, I can’t trust anyone... -
Filthy Vegas Nights by Logan Chance
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’m a male stripper. Yeah, I said it. And let me tell you, it’s an end to a means, my friend. My brothers and I are the kings of Las Vegas. Owning our own male revue club has been a fantasy of mine for a long time. And now that dream is finally a reality. My nerves are shot. The stress is real. And I need just one night to let loose... -
A Change of Heart by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe was never meant to fall for her best friend’s brother. .. Seren has had a soft spot for her best friend’s brother for as long as she can remember. But when she starts to see Kit as more than just a friend, she knows she’s on dangerous ground. Avoiding him is probably her best course of action, but that’s easier said than done when you live on a tiny island... -
Deja Brew All Over Again by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTrouble has always had a way of finding me, but I never expected to be carjacked by a hot girl in a wedding dress. As the official family screw-up, not many people count on me for anything but a good time. But Maisy Romero and her little brother need a knight in shining armor, and they need him yesterday... -
Wandering Closer by Etta Lane
Lily:. After leaving everything behind, I thought the quiet of a small mountain town would be the perfect place to start over. As an author, solitude is all I’ve known, and I’m finally starting to feel at home. But then I meet Thoren James—a rugged park ranger with a protective nature and a heart of gold. Along with his loyal dog, Shadow, he offers me a sense of security I didn’t know I needed...Categorized as:
friends to lovers found-family m-f slow burn sweet heroine sunny hero sweet-hero forced proximity
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