Books like 'Hard to Take'
Readers who enjoyed Hard to Take by Piper Lawson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary sports m-f siblings-bff secret-relationship friends-benefits christmas found-family black-mc basketball
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A Madaris Bride for Christmas by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHe refuses to get matched, but is about to stumble into his own trap… Don’t miss this reader favorite from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson. One by one, Madaris men have surrendered to the matchmaking schemes of Felicia Laverne Madaris, matriarch of the family. But Lee Madaris isn’t letting anyone else control his destiny... -
Power Play by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsPosey Adler is coming home. After a devastating journey for what she mistakenly thought was true love, she is saying to hell with men and love forever. As the Nashville Assassins’s new assistant coach for special teams, Posey is ready to focus on her job and have the attention on her for a change... -
Piece by Piece by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsLaylaOwen Riggins is too good to be true. The best things in life usually are. He’s good looking, generous and interested in me. Too bad someone like him and someone like me aren’t’ meant to be together.He’s used to the best things in life, and I’ve grown up with the worst... -
The Billionaire's Secrets by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFormer rock star Xander Sinclair may be out of rehab, but he’s not out of the woods. Still haunted by his parents’ murders, he has secluded himself in his Amesport mansion and dodges any attempted contact from his two brothers. Struggling not to fall into relapse, he believes he’s battling his demons alone. That is, until Samantha arrives to work as his live-in housekeeper...Categorized as:
super rich hero independent heroine m-f contemporary sweet heroine length-medium audiobook -
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Love By Design by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA sexy Christmas novella that’s a cross between The Devil Wears Prada and Holidate.Holland McQuaid works for the toughest designer in New York City. It’s a dream job. It’s heaven and hell at the same time. But when she gets her lucky break, and the job turns into something she never expected, it comes with strings... -
The Setup by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsI’m a sucker for pretty things. Give me a roaring engine in a souped-up vintage muscle car with cherry red paint and brand-new leather interior, and that’s about as pretty as anything I could ask for. I’m a simple man, who doesn’t need or want the kind of wild celebrity that my father has. I restore one-of-a-kind vehicles and sell them to the highest bidder... -
The Grand Ruin: Lance & Scarlet, Part One by J.C. Hawke
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBeing stood up on your birthday sucks.It sucks even worse when it's your brother's egotistical best friend and CFO who delivers the blow.My first encounter with Lance Sullivan had me crying in an elevator as I clung to a stranger for comfort.On our second, he stormed my dress fitting pretending to be my husband.And by the third... I'd made the bastard smile.I do not have time for a man in my life... -
Now's The Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get.”That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends-benefits secret-relationship m-f contemporary humor forced proximity -
Assist by Alexandria House
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Center for the St. Louis Sires has lived an undeniably good life, but something has always been missing, something he desperately craves—a family.The alluring rapper is at the top of her game, talented and adored by her fans, including the Center for the St. Louis Sires, but what she desires most is a real connection—a friend... -
Solid Soul by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsA chance encounter leads to a passionate reunion in this sexy Steele story from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson!In the real world, there was no way flower shop owner Kylie Hagan would ever meet up with millionaire Chance Steele... -
Bayside Fantasies by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFall in love at Bayside, where sandy beaches, good friends, and true love come together in the sweet small towns of Cape Cod. Bayside Summers is a series of standalone steamy romance novels featuring alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They’re fun, flirty, flawed, and easy to relate to. In USA Today bestseller BAYSIDE FANTASIES.. -
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... -
With Love, This Christmas by Kimberly Brown
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNoelle Ackerman loves Christmas and plans to make this Christmas the most special of all. After five years of living in Paris, she has returned home to Grand Hills, the place where love has always dwelled for her. Love for Noelle is not only her family but with the man who stole her heart at the tender age of five.Kane Weston aka Noelle’s tall, dark, and handsome best friend... -
Out of Love by Ruth Cardello
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsLaughter and sparks set the stage for a fun romance from New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello about a farmer who switches places with his business-savvy twin brother and falls in love with the daughter of his brother’s biggest client.I just found out I have an identical twin... -
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Deja Brew by Jessica Gadziala
Within the struggling cafe Deja Brew, trouble percolates beneath the coffee beans. The shop’s owner, Shale, is forced into a dangerous game by a cartel, and when her shipment vanishes, it's game on.Shale's only hope is an unexpected Junior. Her only regular, and a local hacker with a knack for saving the day... -
A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne chalet in the Smokies. Four loving families. While all the grandbabies are on Santa’s Nice List, a few of the adults are getting coal in their stockings. But no matter their status with the man in the red suit, Elli Adler will spoil each and every one of her favorite people with love and holiday cheer... -
Second Time's the Charm by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsYears ago, family tore them apart. Will sweet revenge lead to a second chance? Find out in the latest from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson! This one chance at revenge may be their second chance at love Part-time rancher and world-renowned musician Dylan Emanuel never forgot his college romance with Charm Outlaw... -
Repairing the Wreckage by Autumn Jones Lake
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFrom day one, I’ve been fighting to survive. I should have known better. Nothing in life comes easy. In the end I might leave a champion. But victory has a price. And losing Molly is more than I’m willing to pay... -
The Ruins Of Us by Catharina Maura
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you do when the one that got away comes back?CarterI thought I was doing right by those Emilia and I both love when I let her go. So why has not a single thing in my life felt right since she left? Emilia is back now, and I'm ready to fight like hell for her...Categorized as:
super rich hero found-family siblings-bff m-f contemporary new adult length-medium audiobook -
Holiday Treasure by Melody Anne
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsMega wealthy Tanner Storm has it all - great looks, wealth, and nothing holding him down. Then, his father decides to play games with him and his siblings, handing him an apartment complex in downtown Seattle that Tanner wants nothing to do with. When the conditions of his father's terms ensure that he do something with this building or lose his inheritance, he at first thinks, so what... -
Hart to Heart by ME Carter, Murphy Rae
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWe’re the Harts. Between an engagement, a wedding and an adoption, we’ve had the best year of our lives. Things have never looked better for Jaxon, Addison and myself. But just because you say “I do” doesn’t mean you get a happily ever after. And sometimes, you get tackled more in life than you ever did on the football field... -
Defying Our Forever by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa delivers a funny, heartfelt, sometimes angsty romantic comedy where love begins anew. Fresh out of Vet school, I married Pierce Aldridge. Gorgeous, sexy, and smart. He’s a philanthropist with a heart of gold, or so I thought.After a while he became distant, self-centered, and callous. The man I married disappeared before my eyes... -
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... -
Quake by Giuliana Victoria
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLark Hughes is the kind, sweet, and outgoing veterinarian who owns Toute la Famille, a non-profit veterinary clinic on the outskirts of Philadelphia. It's a typical night for Lark, working a late shift at the clinic, when one of the players from the Divine Flyers soccer team arrives with his golden retriever rescue, Pickles.He clearly takes them both by surprise when he asks her out...Categorized as:
sports friends-benefits found-family friends to lovers soccer contemporary length-long -
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Always Destined by Scarlett Avery
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSo I lied about my best friend’s older brother being my boyfriend. I never expected him to find out in this humiliating way…Loki Berkshire… There are some unwritten BFF codes… abiding rules, you might call them.No one has to speak them.You just know.Like coveting my best friend’s older brother. Bad idea.Wanting to kiss him more than I want to take my next breath. Really bad idea...Categorized as:
siblings-bff super rich hero m-f friends to lovers alpha male contemporary length-long -
Touch of Heaven by Maureen Smith
Warrick Mayne has spent twelve years blaming Raina St. James for ruining his sister's life. Now the self-made millionaire has the perfect opportunity for payback--knocking down Raina's luxury day spa to build an office complex. But his plan has met a hitch, in the delectable form of Raina herself...Categorized as:
super rich hero m-f black-mc contemporary length-short explicit-open-door african-american -
A Callahan Wedding by Monica Murphy
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe sweet and sexy conclusion to New York Times bestselling author, Monica Murphy’s standalone Callahan series, bringing readers along for the ride as fan favorites, Jake and Hannah get married! Hannah Walsh. Gorgeous. Intelligent. My first love. My high school sweetheart. My everything. And now my fiancée...Categorized as:
athletes sports found-family m-f alpha male contemporary friends to lovers new adult -
A Forever Christmas by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThe Black family is back in this short Christmas holiday story! Join Connor, Ellery, Julia and Collin, as they prepare for and celebrate the holiday season with their family and closest friends... -
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Distance Forever by Luna Mason
It’s their wedding anniversary and this year, it’s Keller's turn to surprise Sienna.In true Keller style, expect an extravagant get away, filled with lots of spice and worshipping of his wife. But when Sienna tells him that she doesn’t feel beautiful after having kids, Keller makes it his mission to spend the entire weekend showing her otherwise… and he won’t stop until she believes him... -
Leave Me Breathless by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe’s his best friend’s little sister. Completely off-limits. And now she’s moving in with him…When Gabe Winter’s best friend calls with an unusual request – give his broken-hearted little sister a roof over her head for a few months – he readily accepts.But he doesn’t expect Nicole to be quite so enticing. Or for her to bring out all the feelings in him... -
Nixon by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsI’m the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL because I know how to read the field.I control the plays—and my life—with absolute precision.Until Liberty Jones delivers the ultimate hit to my blind side with a story about two pink lines.The beautiful, free-spirited brunette has starred in my dreams since she disappeared after our wild weekend in Vegas, but I’ve been burned before... -
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Vaughn 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...Categorized as:
sports athletes independent heroine m-f contemporary from hate to love explicit-plentiful audiobook -
Where We Found Our Heart by Natasha Bishop
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIsaiahI had my chance at a family and it was stolen from me. I was told I was a joke, so that’s just what I’ll be. But then she gives me news that turns my whole life upside down. Nina Williams is my second chance at a family and she might just be the missing key to my heart. I just need to prove to her I’m not the joke I pretend to be...Categorized as:
found-family friends-benefits black-mc m-f contemporary pregnancy length-medium audiobook -
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The Fake by Rebecca Jenshak
I've made a lot of dumb mistakes but none dumber than losing her.Senior year. I should be partying and living it up with my friends before graduation, but one more mistake and I'm off the team.Enter Chloe. She comes into my life at a low point, but she becomes the bright spot I reach for every day. She's the kind of girl who makes a guy want to be a better man... -
Claimed by a Steele by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis Steele man isalways in the driver’s seat…Is this playboy ready for the wildest ride of his life? Agreeing a PR stunt would be good for business, trucking CEO Gannon Steele invites reporter Delphine Ryland to hitch a ride cross-country... -
Wedding Bells and Wall Street Bros: A Hot Romantic Comedy by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIs the bridal lingerie embroidered with dildos too much? It might be too much… Welcome to life as a wedding dress-maker for the rich and entitled of Manhattan. I’ve seen it all—from the most spoiled brides to the most egotistical Wall Street Bros.The worst?Mark Holbrook—Billionaire. Arrogant. Knockout sexy. Certifiable jerk.He hates weddings and I hate him... -
Your Secret to Keep by Rachel LaBerge
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBrooks Pittman’s heart has been broken by his first love: basketball. An ACL injury sidelined him right before the playoffs, and without him, the New Jersey Jaguars fell short of a championship. Now, with a new NBA season, Brooks is determined to redeem himself and outrun the darkness that consumed him during recovery.Lia Stone is sports obsessed and a die-hard Jersey Jags fan...Categorized as:
sports basketball secret-relationship found-family office contemporary dual-pov length-medium -
Game Day by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIn the heat of victory, I asked her to be mine forever. We’d both triumphed in our own way:Nova broke free from her past.I led my team to a championship and discovered life beyond the court. Our journey to "I do" was supposed to be easy. Except…The hottest resort in Aspen is only available is on short notice.A new season with the Denver Kodiaks looms on the horizon... -
His Best Shot by J. Nichole
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsCelebrities, bright lights, fancy restaurants, shopping excursions - the life of a basketball wife living in L.A. was amazing. Or at least it seemed. I wouldn't know because I was a single woman living in a small town. Oh, and I had a teacher's salary. But my best friend was married to Nate King, the Nate King of the L.A. Stars. And I had the privilege of visiting her... -
The Baby-whisperer and the Brute by Tru Taylor
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsYou can’t appreciate all the implications of the word “conflicted” until you come face to face with the guy you’ve been secretly lusting after for weeks... and then learn he’ll be signing your paychecks—Angelina RappaportSome people might call me sheltered. That doesn’t begin to cover it. I’ve been practically sequestered my whole life... -
The Two Week Stand by Samantha Towle
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsFrom NYT bestselling author Samantha Towle comes a sizzling beach romance, that will leave you hot in all the right places…Dillon Dawson loves to write romance despite her latest relationship ending with her traveling to the Maldives alone on what was supposed to be her honeymoon. Now, the only thing she wants is two weeks of uninterrupted peace and quiet with absolutely no men in sight... -
The Ex Puck Bunny by Ellie Hall
Life Rule #1: Never date your brother’s best friend, especially if he’s a hockey player. He’ll break your heart.Life Rule #2: Never fall for your brother’s other best friend who’s also a hockey player.I’m a former hockey hype girl, aka a puck bunny. After a big win, I fell for the center who happened to be one of my brother’s best friends... -
Stubborn Heart by A.K. Evans
The Westwood Company is expanding. Leading the charge is Wyatt Westwood, and he’s as determined as ever to see it through. His dedication, work ethic, and commitment to his career have propelled him through the ranks of the company, where he now sits just one notch shy of CEO. Unfortunately, one small problem has brought the expansion to a grinding halt, and it’s up to Wyatt to fix it... -
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Hot Pickle by J.J. Knight
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI'm rock hard.No, not like that.When that happens, you won't need me to tell you.I'm a competitive bodybuilder, ready for my very first contest. And winning requires more than killer workouts and stage presence.It's all about the tan.My training partner Franklin uses the best in the business — Camryn Schultz. She understands the career killer of a badly placed white spot.She’s also his sister... -
Game Breaker by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. He’s becoming a Game Breaker on the ice. With the playoffs right around the corner, Nate “Ghost” Golston is focused on only one thing—getting the Portland Storm to the Finals so he can finally hoist the Cup... -
Ghost Dance by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the sexy Tulsa Thunderbirds hockey romance series. He had it all. And lost it in an instant. The night Dmitri Nazarenko won hockey’s Holy Grail, he lost more than he ever bargained for. With a world of guilt weighing him down, Dima can never forgive himself for his tragic misjudgment... -
Wreck My World by Victoria Ashley
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“The feeling I have in this very moment, after not seeing her for so long, will haunt me forever, reminding me why I left to begin with.” For as long as I can remember, Easton Crews has been off-limits. As much as it kills me, that’s never going to change. After his little disappearing act three years ago, then suddenly showing up out of nowhere, I shouldn't want anything to do with him... -
Going All In by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing the nice guy leaves me open to being a rebound romance.Which I’m not interested in. I’ve got better things to do.Like taking my spot on the NBA draft picks. It’s all that matters to me.Love has never been on the radar. I’m too focused for all that fluff.Then life slows me down. Way down.An injury at the end of the spring semester has me working my way back to full health all summer long... -
Ice Queen by A.J. Wynter
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Ice Queen has a SecretEvery hockey player knows that the coach's daughter is off-limits.But, what about the owner's daughter?Is she off-limits too?Asking for a friend...To make things even more complicated, she's the general manager of the team.AKA my BOSS.So, yeah. If I want to see the playoffs, we need to keep this relationship a secret...
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