Books like 'The Fake Out'
Readers who enjoyed The Fake Out by Jenni Bara also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny sports multicultural grumpy sunshine forced proximity baseball siblings-bff friends-benefits friends to lovers
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The Lost Letters by Brittney Sahin, Joseph Cannata
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsFrom Joseph Cannata and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brittney Sahin comes the love story of Jesse and Ella told from a unique perspective in this companion novella to the international bestselling novel The Broken One. Step back into the Falcon Falls Security world and experience it like never before...Categorized as:
tortured hero sassy heroine friends to lovers m-f humor military contemporary length-short -
![Forever Wild by Rebecca Jenshak]()
Forever Wild by Rebecca Jenshak
From USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Jenshak comes an age gap sports romance that brings all the heat, banter, and swoon. The annoyingly handsome hockey captain glaring at me needs my help. He won’t admit that, of course. But with his teammate’s gone for the summer and him fresh off a season-ending injury, someone has to keep him in check and it’s not the nurses he keeps running off... -
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![500 First Editions by Maggie Gates]()
500 First Editions by Maggie Gates
Romance author Willow Winslet believes the best in everyone, unless that one is Ryan Ford. What’s worse than being the only single person in your friend group? A hot guy in the checkout line mocking your boring Friday night. But Ryan Ford isn’t just anyone. To Willow, he’s an intolerable dating coach, an obnoxious podcaster, and a life-coaching con artist... -
![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. So why can't he stay away? Knox and Fiona's story! Finally! -
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![Now's The Time by Harlow James]()
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 forced proximity athletes friends-benefits secret-relationship m-f contemporary humor -
![Spoke Too Soon by Dulcie Dameron]()
Spoke Too Soon by Dulcie Dameron
It’s every girl’s dream to move in with the hot guy who ghosted her. .. NOT. I’m about to be homeless at almost twenty-five. Cue the pathetic wah, wah, wah sound effect. And to make matters worse, I’m nowhere near having enough money to fund the clothing line startup I’ve dreamt about for years...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity m-f neurodivergent cold heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero himbo -
![Cooper Bailey Is A Cinnamon Roll by Jen Atkinson]()
Cooper Bailey Is A Cinnamon Roll by Jen Atkinson
I’ve hated Cooper Bailey since high school. So why would a few years, a set of swoon-worthy forearms, and one shiny new law degree change anything? Leah Bradford’s never been a fan of the spotlight—not years ago at her high school prom and definitely not now with the drama her ex-boyfriend is causing. Running her cinnamon roll shop is all she needs, thank you very much...Categorized as:
m-f competent heroine sassy heroine himbo sweet-hero contemporary from hate to love humor -
![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... -
![Sealed With A Kiss by Erin Nicholas]()
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 secret-relationship m-f contemporary humor black-mc bwwm -
![The Secret Hook-Up by Pippa Grant]()
The Secret Hook-Up by Pippa Grant
You’d think nearly dying trying to get out of a too-tight gown in a dressing room and being saved by a strong, competent man was a good thing. Not so much, though, when that strong, competent man is your ex. Your secret ex. And the reason you need a gown is because you’re part of a charity auction. The charity auction where he gets into a bidding war to win you... -
![Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper]()
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... -
![Out of Focus by Cristina Santos]()
Out of Focus by Cristina Santos
Can two people, brought together by chance and mutual need, overcome their differences and find a love that defies the odds? Rafael and Charlie are two souls destined to collide. He is a vibrant Brazilian CEO with a deep seated desire to find love. She is a British redhead navigating life in finance while trying to prepare for a potentially monotonous relationship... -
![Be Still My Racing Heart by Madison Love]()
Be Still My Racing Heart by Madison Love
This is a dual POV, kisses only, sports romance in the Sweet Sports Kisses Series. A reformed bad boy, an heiress with a secret, and a forbidden love. Blake. Groomed to run my father’s company, I dream of flying down the speedway. Not "flying" a desk. Forbidden from chasing my dream, I spend my free time helping kids chase theirs while waiting for fate to claim me... -
![Silver Linings by Violet Page]()
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... -
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![Born to Sin by Rosalind James]()
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... -
![Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene]()
Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene
A viral photo, a fake relationship, and one big problem. Matthew. All I wanted was a quiet few days. Instead, I get coffee poured on me, a gossip scandal, and a fake girlfriend. My agent insists this PR stunt will boost my career. Fake dating her for a few months? Fine. No problem. Except it’s definitely a problem. The more we fake this, the more I forget it’s not real. Beth...Categorized as:
insta-love sports m-f fake relationship forced proximity competent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero -
![Driving Maisie Crazy by Deborah M. Hathaway]()
Driving Maisie Crazy by Deborah M. Hathaway
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“What happens on an Irish bus tour stays on an Irish bus tour…”. This is the second book in the clean and sweet romcom Men of the Isles series by Deborah M. Hathaway. Although this clean, road trip, forbidden romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order. Don't miss the other novels in this series! Book 1: Winning Winnie's Hand. Book 2: Driving Maisie Crazy - 2025...Categorized as:
forced proximity secret-relationship forbidden love contemporary humor length-medium -
![Happy New You by Brenda St. John Brown, Cassie-Ann L. Miller]()
Happy New You by Brenda St. John Brown, Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratings★10 Resolutions. 2 Friends. 1 Shot At Love. ★. I’ll admit, having nine New Year's resolutions makes me twitchy. After all, I’m Allison Gottlieb; overthinker, overachiever, hot mess extraordinaire. I’ve spent my entire life trying to be the best but for some reason, I’ve always fallen short... -
![Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs by Dana LeCheminant]()
Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHigh school teacher Brooklyn Briggs has always been great with chemistry but terrible with relationships. When a guy drops into her life—literally—and offers to coach her into getting a date with her longtime crush, she's willing to accept any help she can get. Even if her new flirting coach is her brother Houston's best friend, the guy who drove her crazy all throughout high school...Categorized as:
forced proximity siblings-bff multicultural m-f contemporary from hate to love dual-pov humor -
![Playing Games by Max Monroe]()
Playing Games by Max Monroe
Dickson University’s star quarterback and campus golden boy is used to winning on and off the field…until he meets the one woman who changes the game. Blake Boden is the ultimate distraction—annoyingly handsome, enigmatic, and confident enough to make my teeth grind. He’s the kind of guy who could charm anyone with a single smile, and somehow, I’ve become his latest challenge... -
![Things I Remember by Kelsey Humphreys]()
Things I Remember by Kelsey Humphreys
It shouldn’t be a surprise that my marriage is ending, since it was secretly a business arrangement to begin with. It’s time to let it go. I have accepted that. Apparently, my almost-ex-husband has not. Susan Canton loves her family and their business. Typical first-born, she’s an achiever, a leader... -
![When I'm with You by Samantha Brinn]()
When I'm with You by Samantha Brinn
The first time I saw Julie Parker, the gorgeous, brilliant, sharp tongued lawyer knocked the wind right out of me. The second time I saw Julie Parker, our eyes met across a football field. The third time I saw Julie Parker, we had a *moment* and I was certain she was meant to be mine. The fourth time I saw Julie Parker, she was struggling...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity found-family grumpy sunshine friends to lovers athletes m-f insta-love -
![Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy]()
Fake Fiancé at First Sight by Kristine W. Joy
I can't believe I'm at the point in my life where I need to convince a stranger to pretend to be my fiancée. My publicist came up with the idea to hire a fake fiancée to improve my bad-boy reputation and “win over the hearts and minds of fans. ” But I'm the one who impulsively decided to bring one home with me for my brother's vow renewal... -
![Knock Out by Jiffy Kate]()
Knock Out by Jiffy Kate
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn the blink of an eye, Willow Bernard goes from stocking shelves at the Piggly Wiggly to kicking butt at Viking MMA. Willow Bernard has taken a lot of hits in her twenty-two years but always manages to come back swinging. Hoping to fly under the radar for a change, she relocates to Green Valley... -
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![Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott]()
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 siblings-bff forced proximity m-f humor contemporary length-medium -
![Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
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... -
![The Scientist by Kristen B. Cole, Margo Lipschultz]()
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 -
![Beautiful Thing by Cassie-Ann L. Miller]()
Beautiful Thing by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Fake-dating my best friend’s brother should be easy. He’s grumpy. He’s guarded. He’s older. And he’d never fall for a complicated single mother like me. Or that’s what I need to tell myself…so I don’t fall in love with him. Archer Brighton needs a girlfriend. If the broody lumberjack shows up at his younger brother’s wedding without a date, his meddling family will drive him insane... -
![The Shake Off by Lulu Moore]()
The Shake Off by Lulu Moore
My name is Ace Watson, and I’m having an existential crisis. I finished last season as one of the league's best pitchers. Baseball’s smooth-talking boy wonder. The future of The New York Lions. I'm starting this season as the worst. And I don't want to sound dramatic, but the fault lies entirely with Payton Lopez...Categorized as:
sports baseball grumpy sunshine found-family friends-benefits m-f competent heroine sassy heroine -
![Off Limits by Chelle Sloan]()
Off Limits by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsProfessional football has an actual rulebook, but it’s the unwritten rules that come with the harshest consequences. The biggest one of all: don’t date your teammate’s sister. And if you do, don’t you dare fall in love with her. I never meant to fall, but when it comes to Brenna Donald, I never stood a chance. She’s everything I’m not--a light-hearted wild child who shines brighter than the sun...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers forbidden love athletes siblings-bff contemporary humor length-medium -
![The Agent by Kimberly Kincaid]()
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 tortured hero multicultural latinx-mc suspense dual-pov military -
![The Mistake You Crave by Piper Hale]()
The Mistake You Crave by Piper Hale
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you get when you combine one drunken night in Vegas, your brother’s best friend, and a twenty-four-hour chapel? One giant, hot hockey player mistake. Growing up with a hockey hot-shot for a brother, I’ve spent my life surrounded by cocky men. I know the ins and outs of the games they play both on and off the ice. Which is why I’d never date one of them. And marriage? Absolutely not... -
![After The Vows by D.E. Haggerty]()
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... -
![Kind of a Sexy Jerk by Lili Valente]()
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 -
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![Love on Display by Dana LeCheminant]()
Love on Display by Dana LeCheminant
They’re sworn enemies. They also happen to be incredibly attracted to one another. After bonding at a half-marathon, rival gym owners Cam and Kailani discover the person they thought could be their soulmate turns out to be the reason their respective businesses are failing... -
![The Roommate Mistake by Pippa Grant]()
The Roommate Mistake by Pippa Grant
An injured rugby star, his pregnant roommate, and one rule they can’t Don’t date the owner’s daughter. It was supposed to be an easy house- and dog-sitting gig while the owner was gone for a month. But when my sportsing landlord comes home unexpectedly, injured and in need of a new arrangement, we end up as accidental roommates instead...Categorized as:
sports m-f athletes grumpy sunshine forced proximity friends to lovers found-family tortured hero -
![Game of Hearts by Cathy Yardley]()
Game of Hearts by Cathy Yardley
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsKyla Summers has been offered the opportunity of a lifetime to get her cosplay business off the ground, and only one thing stands in her way. She needs someone to take over the auto shop, and there’s only one person she can think of to call…. Jericho Salomon hasn’t been back in his home town since he joined a biker gang and rode off nine years ago...Categorized as:
multicultural career professional poor heroine humor contemporary length-short audiobook -
![Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio]()
Behind the Pages: A sultry romcom of the unexpected by K. Iwancio
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo authors, an intertwined plot, and one heck of an alluring ending to their highly-anticipated bestselling books. .. With her fantasy series, Bridget Paige is the newest member of the New York Times Bestseller list. Except no one knows who she is. To the world, she's Bridget. To those behind the scenes, she's introverted Paige Booker... -
![Just Breaking The Rules by Lauren Blakely]()
Just Breaking The Rules by Lauren Blakely
Everyone knows the golden rule of business—don’t bang your business partner. Especially if he’s your brother’s hot-as-sin, hockey-star best friend...Categorized as:
sports m-f fake relationship athletes friends to lovers insta-love forced proximity siblings-bff -
![Against the Rules by Bree Hayden]()
Against the Rules by Bree Hayden
After a famous football coach caused my parents' divorce, I have a rule against dating athletes. When I asked, the cute guy I'm talking to is adamant, no sports. Until I met my stepdad's star defense player. Him. Tattooed, scarred, so gorgeous, King was who I wanted to take my v-card until I saw the jersey on his back...Categorized as:
sports insta-love forced proximity found-family grumpy sunshine athletes m-f multicultural -
![Dirty Flirt by Mira Lyn Kelly]()
Dirty Flirt by Mira Lyn Kelly
Bad ideas are kind of my superpower. .. I’m Ben Boerboom, the NHL’s favorite puck boy, and Lara's my slamming hot, former bestie. She's also the friend who got away and my dirty, dirty accomplice from those two insane weeks that weren't supposed to change anything. .. but did. I wanted it all. Would have wrapped my forever around her finger if she'd let me... -
![Red, White, and You by Ash Keller]()
Red, White, and You by Ash Keller
This Fourth of July, I'm declaring my independence from love. Too bad nobody told Phoenix Wood. Gigi Hart has two goals this summer: keep her bakery stocked with red, white, and blue cupcakes, and avoid anything—or anyone—remotely connected to her health-obsessed family and their fitness empire, Hart Health...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine competent heroine sassy heroine sweet-hero sunny hero curvy heroine humor -
![Silver Linings by Violet Page]()
Silver Linings by Violet Page
Silver 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... -
![Curveball by A.K. Landow]()
Curveball by A.K. Landow
⚾️ᑕᑌᖇᐯEᗷᗩᒪᒪ: ᗩᑎ E᙭Tᖇᗩ IᑎᑎIᑎGS ᑎOᐯEᒪ🥎. ᴀ ʙᴀsᴇʙᴀʟʟ ᴀɴᴅ sᴏғᴛʙᴀʟʟ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛɪᴄ ᴄᴏᴍᴇᴅʏ. Sports Romance. Best Friend’s Brother. Marriage of Convenience. Surprise Pregnancy. Curvy FMC. Secret Relationship. Forced Proximity. Second Chance. RIPLEY. I’ve loved my best friend’s brother from the shadows since I was a kid…until I grew up and he finally noticed me... -
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![A Christmas Court(ship) by Tiffany Noelle Chacon]()
A Christmas Court(ship) by Tiffany Noelle Chacon
A best friend’s brother, a high-stakes holiday pickleball game, and a spark they can’t ignore. Sadie:. I’ve had a crush on Beckett Dawson forever—my best friend’s older brother, the hometown golden boy turned pro pickleball player. He’s been gone for years, but when he walks into my early-morning practice, I finally have a chance for him to notice me. .Categorized as:
sports m-f forced proximity siblings-bff sassy heroine athletes humor length-novella -
![Falling in Vermont by Elise Kennedy]()
Falling in Vermont by Elise Kennedy
Sophia Bertone books a six week stay at a quintessential Vermont pumpkin farm planning to perfect her rustic fall recipes for her upcoming cookbook. But after raccoons take up residence in her rental cottage pantry and the thatched roof caves in at the height of leaf-peeping season, she has no other option than to move in with her landlord, a quiet flannel-clad pumpkin farmer... -
![Hot Pickle by J.J. Knight]()
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... -
![Empty Net by Teagan Hunter]()
Empty Net by Teagan Hunter
I have two goals this season:. 1. Stop enough pucks to get the Seattle Serpents to the playoffs. 2. Don’t fall for my fake fiancée. When Lilah Maddison’s mother keeps trying to set her up on dates she’s not interested in, she blurts out that she’s already seeing someone. The problem? She’s single. So, I step in to help and agree to pretend to be her boyfriend for an event...Categorized as:
sports m-f competent heroine sassy heroine sunny hero sweet-hero athletes forced proximity -
![Acting Merry by Martha Keyes]()
Acting Merry by Martha Keyes
She brought him to save her pride. He showed up ready to steal her heart. When Reese Cameron learns that her annual friend’s Christmas getaway will include her ex coming as her friend’s plus one, she considers a few. Stay home and nurse her prideBreak her leg skiing for a rock-solid excuse not to goAsk someone to come as her fake boyfriend. Enter Cole Bradley...Categorized as:
m-f fake relationship forced proximity insta-love sweet-hero sunny hero humor length-short -
![Rules of Engagement: A Single Dad Romance by Mika Jolie]()
Rules of Engagement: A Single Dad Romance by Mika Jolie
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRule #1: Don’t fall in love. As a single dad, my life revolves around my daughter. No complaints…until my ex-wife forces my hand over custody. I needed a cover story. In steps Katharine Morello. My best friend’s sister is ready and willing to be my fake fiancée. Overnight we’re engaged. A temporary arrangement. No sex. No strings attached. No complications. Easy, right? Not quite...
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