Books like 'The Veteran'
Readers who enjoyed The Veteran by Xavier Neal also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny bwwm friends to lovers found-family sports single-father grumpy sunshine forced proximity hockey
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Truly Medley Deeply by Kate Watson
Lucy Jane. The first rule of touring? Don’t fall for your crew. Especially not the grumpy, emotionally caged, impossible-to-read sound guy who acts like tolerating pop-country singers is pure torture. Patrick “Patty” O’Shannan clearly doesn’t want to be here. He does his job and barely looks at me unless it’s to scowl...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine office contemporary humor length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
Bayou With Benefits by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThey are friends. Without benefits. Unfortunately. Michael LeClaire is small-town Louisiana. A firefighter. A single dad. And Amelia Landry is New York City. A social media influencer. A model. Sure, she’s his son’s favorite person on the planet... -
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Don't Fall For The Billionaire: A Billionaire Single Dad/Nanny Romance With All The Autumn Feels by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTaking the nanny job was supposed to be a temporary arrangement for me. I needed money, not a full-blown life detour, with no prior qualifications, and definitely not a brooding billionaire with a too-serious stare and a daughter who hadn’t smiled in months. But Ashton Cross isn’t what I expected. Yes, he’s powerful. Intimidating. Frustrating. He watches me like he’s starving...Categorized as:
boss & employee grumpy sunshine single-father cold hero humor contemporary m-f north-america -
Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt is a truth universally acknowledged that a hockey player in possession of a bad reputation must be in want of a fake girlfriend. Rosie Forrester is in desperate need of cash after an embarrassing run-in with the law. Enter Dylan Savage, a disgraced hockey player who needs a place to hide out for a few months while he figures out how to get back on his team... -
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Hawaii Can Suck It by MéLisa Ryun
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsI’m supposed to film him. Not fall for him. I’m Camila Morales—cargo pants-wearing, scrunchie-collecting, videographer to Reece Dare—a growly, tattooed YouTube adrenaline junkie. He’s hot, sure, when he’s not judging me for smiling (calls it a sign of weakness)... -
Sealed With A Kiss by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat’s a girl to do when her celebrity crush needs her to be his fake girlfriend? Keep her damned feelings to herself, of course. Child TV star turned adult wallflower Naomi LeClaire has vowed never to return to the spotlight. But when she’s stuck in a storm with Donovan Foster, the hot, charming, wild-life rescuing internet sensation, and she finally gives in and kisses him. .Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers black-mc bwwm contemporary humor secret-relationship m-f -
One Last Job by Anise Starre
When designer Amber Wyatt gets the opportunity to project manage a lucrative contract with The August Room, an exclusive and glamorous private members’ club, she can’t wait to get started. That is until she meets handsome managing director, Finn Hawthorne. Finn has no respect for her hard work, continuously undermines her and, worst of all, has the uncanny ability to charm everyone he meets...Categorized as:
multicultural bwwm office friends to lovers forced proximity from hate to love contemporary humor -
Slow Burn by Blue Saffire
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHush 2: Slow Burn Book 2 in Series. Shannon’s whole world changed seven months ago. She has never felt more lost. All the insecurities she has grown up with and tried to hide are roaring to the forefront as she feels like her identity has been rubbed from her. Luca knows he is making a mistake. He is running from his future because of his past... -
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’m sarcasm with a messy bun. He’s a sweetheart with a slapshot. Sparks were one thing—those fireworks, though? Yeah…no one warned me about those. Mabel. Returning to Maple Falls wasn’t part of my five-year plan—or my backup plan. Or any plan, really. But here I am, back in my quirky hometown, dodging my mother’s judgment and trying not to cringe every time someone mentions the viral moment... -
My Wife by Ellie Hall
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s a new Mr. Mom. She’s a jilted bride. When her role as the nanny develops into a marriage of convenience, will playing house become less of a game? Liam. I don’t know what I’m doing. In fact, I have no idea where this kid came from. I mean, I know that part, but when he showed up on my doorstep, not only did I have to put everything on hold, but my hockey coach threw me into the sin bin... -
Over & Out by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIntroducing a brand new enemies to lovers romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claire Wilder! Three months ago, a dirt bike accident stole my confidence, my beloved ride, and the one thing that made me feel alive. Now I’m going through the motions in my coastal tourist town, totally adrift… and trying not to think about the stranger who pulled me from the wreckage... -
Beneath the Ice by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAre you ready to fall in love with a Laker? When Connor Morgan wants something, he goes after it and doesn’t stop until he gets it. Enter Ella Henshaw. She’s the love of his life. Beautiful. Loyal. He has their future all mapped out. When Ella watches Connor take a nasty hit on the ice, she prays it isn’t going to ruin his final season with the Lakers. Or compromise his shot at going pro...Categorized as:
angst sports forced proximity grumpy sunshine found-family hockey college contemporary -
Silver Linings by Violet Page
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSilver James has perfected the art of keeping everything at a distance—her career, her friends, and most definitely romance. Her motto is simple: keep life carefree and fun. The more she avoids the unexpected, the less likely she is to get hurt... -
Salt Love by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you do when you find out your husband’s cheating on you, your aunt just passed away in Florida, and your boss gave the promotion to your work nemesis, so you threaten him with bodily harm in the middle of a board meeting? Well, after getting escorted out of the building by security, I fly straight to Sunshine Key to deal with my aunt’s estate...Categorized as:
office grumpy sunshine found-family contemporary mature couple humor length-medium m-f -
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A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street. .. There's always time for tea. .. unless you've lost your teapot…. Cleo Jordan has only ever wished for one thing – to open her own teashop in memory of her lovely gran...Categorized as:
found-family grumpy sunshine forced proximity small town contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Love, Delivered by A.N. Boyden
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo years ago, Noah Porter would have been described by his closest family and friends as charismatic, outgoing, the life of the party, and a social butterfly. That all changed when Noah became the victim of a mass shooting at a popular nightclub. Noah escaped with his life, but his two best friends weren't so lucky. Noah now suffers from PTSD, agoraphobia, anxiety, and depression...Categorized as:
bwwm multicultural grumpy sunshine cold hero friends to lovers black-mc contemporary humor -
Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe end of my marriage was the beginning of my happily ever after. What happens when you hear your husband putting dents in your mattress with another woman? Leave and never look back! Easier said than done when you're a stay-at-home mom, share two kids with the no-good cheater, and have a savings account that laughs in your face on the daily...Categorized as:
found-family sports forced proximity black-mc age difference single-mother contemporary humor -
Shatterproof by Xavier Neal
From USA TODAY Bestselling author Xavier Neal comes an all-new, best friends to lovers, forced proximity, bodyguard romance. .. The assignment is simple. Don't let the client get kidnapped. Don't let someone kill her. Don't confess that I've secretly been in love with her since we first met. It's the last part that complicates what would otherwise be a fairly routine operation...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity multicultural bwwm office black-mc suspense military -
Cheeky Romance by Nia Arthurs
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe only thing worse than marrying your prissy childhood friend in a Vegas wedding is waking up the next morning and hearing she forgot about it. I got my best friend pregnant. No sense sugar-coating the truth because the Vegas wedding and drunken honeymoon are just a tiny part of the story. The real crapstorm is what happens after Vanya finds out there’s a bun in her oven...Categorized as:
friends to lovers bwwm boss & employee office single-father multicultural black-mc found-family -
Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDid you ever see a guy and just know you had to meet him? That was me and Bodhi Merrick. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he donned his wetsuit at the famous big-wave surf spot, Mavericks. I'll never forget that day. Or every time our paths crossed after that. Big wave surfing is a small world...Categorized as:
sports multicultural forced proximity siblings-bff humor contemporary m-f length-medium -
The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen an outgoing musical maven meets the enigmatic neuroscientist next door, will their worlds clash in a dramatic showdown of art versus science, or will they discover that love is the ultimate experiment worth conducting? When celebrated Broadway composer Hadley Olivier’s best friend receives a life-threatening diagnosis, Hadley says goodbye to her beloved home in NYC and sets off to the West...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary humor menage length-long -
Bargaining with the Librarian: BWWM Enemies to Lovers by A.R. Williams
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJasper Stockton did the unimaginable and slept with his daughter-in-law’s mother, Gayle Turner, whom he dubbed “the red dragon. ” From the moment he met her, she drove his blood pressure through the roof, aggravated him repeatedly, and made him want to gag her holier-than-thou mouth on several occasions... -
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray, Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn the cutthroat world of professional sports, I’m the agent who always calls the shots. Until a decade-old feud with hockey superstar Banks Bennet resurfaces, and I’m forced to play nice. When his agent drops him and rumors of a trade swirl through the league faster than a puck on a breakaway, I find myself in the dreaded role of Banks’s new agent...Categorized as:
hockey sports office forced proximity from hate to love contemporary mature couple humor -
Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley
He’ll break all her rules. Nora Lakes is sophisticated, successful, and happily single. Career problems aside, her life is fine the way it is, thank you very much. Sure, her best friends are all moving into a new season of life—full of husbands and babies and white picket fences. But that’s not what Nora wants. Neither is the gruff, tattooed guy next door. Tattoo artist Dex St... -
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The Sneak Peak by Victoria Wilder
My Best Friend. Young. Tempting . She bid on me at my company’s charity auction and won. Back then, she was too young, with hearts in her eyes and her whole life ahead of her. That’s how we started, and after all this time, she’s become my best friend. Being a single dad of twins and running Colorado's most successful summer sports company requires control and focus... -
Stranded in Arizona by Olivia Gaines
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsKevia Caplan spent her entire life as a caregiver, first to her parents and then to her spoiled baby sister. Working as a database administrator for the FBI, she came across files of the worst in human behavior. When her sister tells her she’s going to become a mail-order bride, Kevia tags along to ensure her sister’s safety...Categorized as:
bwwm multicultural black-mc contemporary historical humor african-american length-short -
It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff comes a fierce, emotional romance about surviving the spotlight, outrunning your past, and choosing love when everything says you shouldn’t. They call her the Black Widow. A pop star. A tabloid tragedy. A girl who set the world on fire—and got burned in return. But Sloane Walker doesn’t care what they say. Not anymore...Categorized as:
found-family friends to lovers sports football contemporary humor length-long audiobook -
As You Ice It: An Appies Hockey Romance by Emma St. Clair, Emily Ellet
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIf at first you don't succeed,. do not. try, try again. At least not when it comes to dating a hockey player. When Naomi met Camden Cole on Oakley Island, she assumed he would be gone in a week or two like any other tourist passing through. Perfect for a fun summer relationship. A temporary one... -
The Problem with Players by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsAs a female coach, I’ve always lived by a simple mantra: throw hard, swing for the fences, and never, ever look back--especially when it comes to past flames. So when my ex-boyfriend somehow manages to land the job as my new assistant coach, my life is flipped upside down. The game I thought I'd mastered is now being played with a whole new set of rules. My ex is baseball's all-star Nathan Pierce...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports friends to lovers black-mc found-family office angst baseball -
Quarantine and Chill by Kenya Wright, Lacy Laurel
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBestselling author Kenya Wright returns with a standalone multicultural forced proximity romance that’s a beautiful escape with a huge happy ending. News of the coronavirus hit New York City, and LA-native Jade is stuck dog sitting in her best friend’s Brooklyn apartment. Her bestie Zora is on her honeymoon in the Maldives, but may now be stuck there too. The island has canceled all flights...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers multicultural black-mc contemporary alpha male cheating suspense -
The Agent by Kimberly Kincaid
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNothing rattles stone-cold FBI Agent Kai Roman. Not chasing down ruthless criminals. Not the grief of losing his wife years ago. Not even inadvertently being caught in the middle of a bank robbery. Except Camila Garza is right beside him when danger strikes, and suddenly he’s the only person who can protect the off-limits beauty. No matter how much her older brother hates him...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity multicultural black-mc suspense dual-pov tortured hero military -
Write or Wrong by Heidi Hutchinson, Smartypants Romance
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsZara Lorna is kind of a big deal. After winning Artist of the Year (again), having a public argument with her boyfriend (again), and being whisked away by a man she barely knows (that’s new), it feels like she can’t go anywhere without drawing attention. It’s taking a toll on her and she could use a break...Categorized as:
forced proximity office friends to lovers contemporary rockstars humor length-medium audiobook -
After The Vows by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe sexy cop next door wants nothing to do with me. Until he asks me to marry him to save his daughter. When Lucas moves in next door, I don’t waste any time trying to get his attention. But the police officer who looks strong enough to throw me over those wide shoulders of his and carry me away isn’t interested in me. Time for desperate measures... -
Playboy’s Reward by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIt was supposed to be a favor between neighbors…. When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I intervene. I volunteer to be her date to her ten-year high school reunion. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy and I make an exceptional plus-one. Being Harper's fake date is easy... -
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Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSo let me get this straight. .. For the next few days I’ve got myself a grumpy fake husband who’s also kind of my. .. bodyguard? I guess that’s a better way to spend the weekend than binge-watching reality television, especially since it’s kind of my fault we’re on the run from the mob and I need a protector. Oops...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine friends to lovers contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Lunchtime Chronicles: Spice Cake by Keta Kendric
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRenata: My sweet personality is one of my best attributes. At least, that’s what I thought until my friends staged an intervention on my behalf and demanded I attend racial sensitivity training. What? The suggestion filled me with special, individually wrapped curse words for each of them…until I met Rook. Rook: My caring and unselfish ways were often complimented... -
Tease by Camilla Stevens
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“Hello, neighbor. Going down? ”. Miss Pink. That’s what I call her. Her “real” name is too ridiculous to repeat. Besides, my nickname for her is more than apt. Everything about her is pink, from the pink champagne she gets delivered by the caseload, to the tiny pink feathers I find randomly breezing down the hallway of our apartment building in her wake. It’s ridiculous…in the most addictive way... -
The Atelier Assignment by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHer assignment is to not fall in love with him…. Zeke Brooksbank is in need of a wake-up call. One that shakes him out of the grump he’s permanently in and turns him into a reasonable human being. I’m not staying at his country residence to tame the beast. I’m meant to be cataloguing his art collection, not fangirling over his own paintings, or becoming attached to his little daughter... -
Man Candy by Vanessa Vale
From USA Today best-selling author Vanessa Vale, a small-town billionaire romance with a hot-as-puck hockey hero and a wannabe romance writer. I’m looking for Mr. Right. Date after blind date, they’re all duds. None of them meet the requirements on my Man List. Until Dex James. My brain? It says he’s all kinds of wrong. He’s young. In town on vacation. A lazy billionaire. He’d only be a fling...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine forced proximity hockey contemporary humor super rich hero insta-love -
Dating For December by Lyndsey Gallagher
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHe's an expert at breakups. .. but this Christmas, can he master a love that lasts? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Lyndsey Gallagher is THE QUEEN page turners! ". My perpetually single status hardly serves as a shining advertisement for HeartSync, the dating agency I own. Nor is it likely to convince my incredibly successful movie star brother, Nate, to invest in my business... -
My Funny Valentine: A Valentine Novella by Blue Saffire
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAward winning Author Blue Saffire presents. My Funny Valentine. Love doesn’t always come in a beautifully wrapped, elegant, gilded box. Ever heard of the chipped plate or the ugly duckling? I’ve been referenced to as both. It’s fine with me. I still have no problem going after what I want. I’ve built a multi-million-dollar company, soon to be worth billions...Categorized as:
multicultural boss & employee bwwm black-mc humor contemporary african-american sassy heroine -
Spotlight Illustrated Edition by Eden Finley
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsRYDER. When I quit the biggest boy band on the planet, I was supposed to get my life back. It’s not that I wanted to leave the spotlight. I felt like I had to for my daughter. Her picture shouldn’t be splashed all over the tabloids. I thought I could do this parenting thing on my own, but it’s obvious I need help. I just didn’t expect to find it in the form of a gorgeous guy I meet by chance...Categorized as:
single-father friends to lovers forced proximity boss & employee office m-m contemporary queer -
A Wild Card Kiss by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 27 ratings#1 New York Times bestseller Lauren Blakely charms with a sexy, flirty sports romcom featuring a pro football single dad who's never forgotten a red-hot kiss from years ago. Now the object of his memories is a jilted bride determined to make a new start...Categorized as:
sports single-father friends to lovers office angst forced proximity football contemporary -
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPlaying hockey in Maple Falls was meant to be just a charity gig, but then my new publicist showed up, melting the ice—and my heart. Cooper. I never anticipated being roped into a charity hockey game during the off-season. But here I am, heading to Maple Falls, all because my publicist decided to retire. Change was inevitable, but I didn't foresee it coming so soon... -
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The Fastball by Emily Childs
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe's the coach's aggravating daughter. He's the shy guy on first base. And they have no idea they're keeping the same secret. After a devastating accident that leaves his throwing hand in shambles, MLB first baseman, Dax Sage, finds out the woman handling the PR for his recovery is none other than the gorgeous, frigid daughter of his head coach... -
Just a Football Star by Deb Goodman
He’s a competitive ex-athlete. Which is code for “He’s gonna break my heart. ”. When I started my career as a sports trainer for professional football players, I didn’t understand the dangers involved. I thought my knowledge and next-level love for the game would be all I needed to treat and motivate the guys. Now? It’s all gone... -
Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLynn Brooks is officially over it. With four overprotective brothers, the youngest Brooks sibling has had enough with bossy alphas. So, when professional baseball star Joey Martel makes a play for her, she's determined to steer clear of him and his toxic circle of jocks. Being the latest conquest for another overbearing caveman? No thanks...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports grumpy sunshine contemporary age difference athletes humor length-medium -
The Principal Problem by Sienna Mills
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe golden boy who made my childhood miserable is all grown up… and my new boss. Look, I didn’t run away from my prestigious teaching job. I just… needed a change… as a substitute teacher… in the podunk town I left fourteen years ago. The cherry on top? The principal is Sawyer Strong, the boy whose relentless teasing would make me cry... -
Knock Knock by SaRai Savage
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSix years – well five years, three months, and eight days since my life was irrevocably changed, and there’s nothing I can do about it. As much as I want to move on…how do I do that? How do I allow myself to feel those butterflies of love again when I know what the consequences could be? Life can change in the blink of the eye... -
Two for Roughing by Lasairiona E. McMaster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s a simple rule: don’t bang your teammates’ siblings. Finn O’Brien didn’t just break the rule, he annihilated it. Falling in love with his best friend’s younger sister when they were teens was an accident. He fought it for years, hiding behind a list of one-night stands a mile long, anything to convince himself Molly Morrison wasn’t the woman for him...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hockey new adult humor contemporary siblings-bff length-medium
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