Books like 'Unexpected'
Readers who enjoyed Unexpected by E.J. Blaise also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary friends-benefits sports siblings-bff college new adult friends to lovers secret-relationship forced proximity grumpy sunshine
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Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsLooking for a Fake FiancéHave you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it?It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to go there is what counts.Hi. It’s me. I’m that person.The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and I should “lower my expectations... -
The Grip Trilogy by Kennedy Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe Grip Trilogy charts the course of rising star Marlon "Grip" James and his manager Bristol Gray. From the beginning, attraction ignites between the struggling musician and his best friend's ambitious sister. It starts with a kiss at the top of a Ferris wheel when they're young, combusts into a tumultuous love affair, and matures into an epic love that defies each odd and defeats every obstacle...Categorized as:
friends to lovers siblings-bff dual-pov new adult contemporary multicultural length-epic -
The Best of All by Karla Sorensen
He’s commitment phobic. She believes in happy endings. The twist of fate that binds them is a surprise they never saw coming in a bittersweet romance about instant family—and not-so-instant love.A decade-old animosity is the only thing Liam Davies and Zoe Valentine have in common... -
RUSH: Deluxe Edition by Emma Scott
To be blind is not miserable; not to be able to bear blindness, that is miserable. --John MiltonCharlotte Conroy, Juilliard-trained violinist, was on the cusp of greatness when tragedy swooped down on dark wings, crushing her hopes and breaking her heart. The music that used to sing in her soul has grown quiet, and she feels on the verge of setting down her violin for good... -
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Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
Neat by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsMy life is over. I swore I would never work at the whiskey distillery with my last name on it, that I would never be a part of my father’s legacy. But when I graduated with my art degree and realized there were no jobs, the devil appeared, and I sold my soul, agreeing to work in the family business if he’d give me the art studio I’d always dreamed of. It can’t be that bad, I thought... -
Strike Zone by Ginger Walls
WYATT:All my friends are under the impression I’m only at Newhouse to chase women and play baseball. Those are two of my favorite pastimes.The truth is, Newhouse is my chance to save my family’s farm. If I don’t get drafted, we’ll lose everything we’ve been working hard to keep.Then I hear her sing and she’s all I can think about. It’s messing up my game and putting my future in jeopardy... -
Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott
A vintage VW van. Four friends. A cross-country road trip.It will be the best adventure of my life, if only I can shake the feelings I have for Cameron .Cameron Reeves is as gorgeous as his name makes him sound.He’s about six feet tall, which is the height I always wrote in my ideal man list in my journal. Yes. I have a list of qualities I want in a man... -
Sexiled by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMorgan Kennedy:Campus Legend.Ruggedly handsome superstar athlete turned hedge fund manager.My one night stand mistake.And now my boss at my internship.Every staff meeting, I’m taken back to the night I was filled with a need I never knew was possible.Sparks fly between us in the office... -
Anger Banger by S.M. Shade
The residents of Happy Haven Trailer park have been waiting for this for a long time. The slumlord who abandoned this place and let our homes deteriorate has been court ordered to live here while making repairs. Imagine our surprise when the guy who shows up to move in to the dilapidated trailer across the street isn't the sixty year old man we expected, but his son...Categorized as:
new adult found-family from hate to love grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary humor -
The Shake Off by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsMy 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 dual-pov grumpy sunshine found-family new adult friends-benefits contemporary -
Forcing You Away by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs I search for a fresh start, a friend convinces me to move to his small town. Considering I don’t have a place to live, his little sister offers me her spare room.She’s every man’s dream—witty, down to earth, and gorgeous as hell—too bad she’s off-limits. Unspoken words and stolen glances have me eager to please her in all the forbidden ways...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers angst forced proximity siblings-bff contemporary length-short -
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Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Shanora Williams comes an emotional page-turner about two people still reeling from tragedy who look to each other for the strength to move forward.It’s been months since her dreams of forever were brutally shattered. Seven long months since her husband and soulmate, Lew, died in her arms, leaving her to carry on. Alone... -
Only Rivals by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe first boy I ever hated was Jax Bridges.The first man I loved was his best friend.My plan was to meet a boy, fall in love, and live happily ever after.That ended when my boyfriend died and left me half of his business.Now, his best friend and I are business partners.There’s just one problem: We hate each other.Jax and I have been rivals since childhood...Categorized as:
new adult forced proximity angst from hate to love contemporary tortured hero length-medium -
Writing the Rules by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsPoppy Anderson was nailing her sophomore year at Brighton University. She liked her classes, had the greatest best friend, and was finally ready to start dating again. Or she was … until her ex, Mike, transferred to Brighton and started exchanging long stares and inside jokes that Poppy thought he’d forgotten.Paxton Lawson was long ago labeled ‘The Golden Boy...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers college siblings-bff contemporary football length-long -
Cheap Trick by Emily Goodwin
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDanielle Cross has spent her whole life running from breakups and troubles. She’s never stayed in the same place for long…until now.The moment she walks through the doors of Logan Dawson’s bar, there’s an attraction between them neither can deny. And when Danielle needs a date to her sister’s wedding, Logan is the man for the job...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov forced proximity new adult contemporary office length-short -
Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsOnce upon a time, I fell in love with a boy.A beautiful, broken boy who had his own world of struggles. People warned me against our love, but I didn't listen.We looked weak. Young, foolish. Dangerously in love. We didn't care.In order to keep our hearts protected from the opinions of others, we became each other’s secret. We shared stolen moments. Tender touches. Secretive embraces... -
If It's Only Love by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom New York Times bestseller Lexi Ryan comes a sexy new standalone romance in the bestselling Boys of Jackson Harbor series. Meet single dad Easton Connor as he leaves the NFL and returns to Jackson Harbor to fight for another chance with the love of his life. *** I don’t regret much. Not my decision to enter the NFL draft before finishing college...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult siblings-bff contemporary single-father length-medium -
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain? I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page...Categorized as:
friends to lovers grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love contemporary m-f -
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 college sports new adult forced proximity dual-pov grumpy sunshine found-family -
On Thin Ice by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAn emotional and angsty grumpy x sunshine hockey romance from USA Today and WSJ bestselling author L A Cotton. Are you ready to fall in love with a Laker?When Harper Dixon discovers her father is the Lakeshore U Lakers new assistant coach, she wonders if her life can get any worse.Enter Mason Steele.Arrogant. Cold. With enough ice around his heart to freeze anyone who gets too close...Categorized as:
sports new adult dual-pov forced proximity from hate to love college angst grumpy sunshine -
Van by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTemptation could destroy everything he’d spent his career building…Professional hockey player Jean-Michel Vander is living the dream…. And the Las Vegas strip is a long way from the small town in Quebec where he grew up. He works hard but he plays harder, especially in the off-season. The sexy redhead he spots doing a striptease in a Paris nightclub is all kinds of fun...Categorized as:
sports friends-benefits friends to lovers new adult contemporary hockey length-medium -
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Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNo sacrifice is too big.No secret too small.I’m out to win, and I don’t even know the game.My opponents? They’re the Academy’s football stars, gods among their peers, and I want nothing to do with them. But I’m stuck on a mission to help out a friend, and keeping my distance shouldn’t be too hard... -
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
Burn by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings**Burn is the third and final book in the brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers Fuel Series by Ginger Scott. This second-chance romance completes this angsty, steamy, new adult trilogy.Dustin Bridge’s world is about speed. About the edge. His life has been carved by cutting corners and making moves, following impulsive decisions while weighing the facts at hand... -
Behind the Count by Kimberly Readnour
Dating my brother’s best friend? Yeah, that’s forbidden…Noah Geren.Cessna University’s starting catcher.Sensible. My life-long crush. And totally off-limits.I only want a few things in life. Graduate with a fashion degree. To be taken seriously. And Noah Geren. After my first year of college, I let the idea of him go. And it almost worked Until that late summer night.Shannon Smith... -
50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover by Kelly Siskind
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom Kelly Siskind comes a slow-burn romantic comedy about one man’s creative attempt to win back his high school sweetheart after a change in fortune gives them a second chance at love.Growing up, I had it all—my art, close friends, a gorgeous girlfriend who owned my heart—but then my life exploded.Turns out my father was laundering money, and my whole family got shoved into witness protection... -
Someday by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsFrom childhood best friends to high school sweethearts…to a relationship so broken it seems impossible to fix… I’ve loved Sofie Copewell for as long as I can remember. She was all I ever wanted. We said someday we’d have a family together and raise them on our ranch in Landmark Mountain. She was my home. My forever...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers forced proximity angst from hate to love contemporary cowboys abuse -
Heart Starter by Michelle Hercules
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMy plans were simple. Graduate from college, get a job, and not worry anymore if I can make next month's rent. It turns out I might have a shot at getting drafted to play in the NFL, and nothing will distract me from that goal.I didn't count on Sadie Clarkson wrecking my plans. Our first meeting was explosive, to say the least. Now I can't stop thinking about her sassy attitude or sexy mouth... -
The Roommate Route by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Mariah Dietz Delivers a delicious and page-turning, forced-proximity, found family, standalone sports romance you don't want to miss!Nolan Payne, wide receiver for the Camden Knights is equal parts impulsive and reckless, and utterly addictive.He’s also my new roommate.My orderly existence implodes when Nolan proposes…. a situation... -
Defining the Rules by Mariah Dietz
It started with friendship. The best stories always do. Our story sounds unlikely. Bizarre. A fable. Like wine and cheese and my favorite pair of jeans, Things got better over time— Too good, it seemed. Arlo Kostas was the starting running back for Brighton University. His quick smile and sharp wit Was enough to disarm even the biggest cynic... -
In Pieces by Danielle Pearl
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThree years ago she was left in pieces . . . Most college freshmen love the newfound freedom of living on campus, but none of them craves it like Beth Caplan. One ill-fated night when she was fifteen left her locked in a posh prison of private tutors. It's for the best , everyone said, and maybe it was...Categorized as:
new adult angst friends to lovers college friends-benefits siblings-bff contemporary length-medium -
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The Way Back To me by Anne Mercier
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsShe was perky, fun, and full of life—everything I hated about girls and their bullshit exterior. People called her bubbly; I called her “fake-as-hell.” The edgy, dark, lonely girl in front of me was not the Olivia Brennan I knew from high school—far from it, actually. I knew the story—the whole town knew the story, we witnessed it all... -
Worth Every Game by Rae Ryder
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHe's only looking for fun, but she's playing to win.Elly CarterI’ve never been interested in Jack Lansen. Sure, we’ve flirted over the years, and I can’t deny he’s gorgeous, but he’s my best friend’s older brother, and a reputed womanizer.I’d never go near him.On top of that, I’m a musician, and he’s a businessman.We have nothing in common...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love new adult siblings-bff super rich hero contemporary -
Baby for my Brother's Best Friend by Josie Hart
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIf “sexy” had a mascot, my brother’s best friend would be it.Deep hazel eyes and a diamond cutting jawline.He offers me the business deal of a lifetime,If I play a convincing date for his ex’s destination wedding.But pretending we're smitten is easier said than done.His devilish smirk and cocky attitude work me up,Until I can't decide if I want to punch him or kiss him... -
Collide with Me by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa continues a romantic comedy series of enemies who become lovers. A romance where opposites attract and being different leads to falling in love. I love routine. Schedules. Stability.And I’m about to travel across the country with an actual chicken and the one man who I would schedule a root canal to avoid.How did this happen? Let me back up...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends to lovers forced proximity dual-pov contemporary length-medium -
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... -
Savage Vicious Heir: Part Two by Caitlyn Dare
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBestselling author Caitlyn Dare brings you a new dark high school romance story in the Heirs of All Hallows' series. Savage Vicious Heir is a dark high school bully romance...Categorized as:
secret-relationship found-family sports angst new adult from hate to love contemporary cruel hero -
Wicked Waters by Becca Steele
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFrom USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Becca Steele, comes an all-new standalone M/F academy romance.Roman Cavendish. The bad boy of Hatherley Hall. Once we were friends. Once I thought I meant something more to him. Once I was the person who knew him best.Until I left without an explanation, ruining everything between us... -
Perfect Praise by Grace Pearce
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMaren and Locke both exist in the same world of professional golf—he's the number one player in the world while she just takes his picture.Never mind that Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe that he and Maren are dating, because when she confronts him, he couldn't care less... -
Full Count by Kimberly Readnour
Dating my bestie? Yeah, I can only wish... Garret Cartel.Cessna University’s starting shortstop.Painstakingly gorgeous.ReservedFriend-zoned since freshman year.I have a knack for falling for unattainable guys.Blame my trust issues.They keep me safe.But this is our final year.My last chance to break the dreaded friend-zone chains before graduation.There’s one slight problem... -
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... -
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Undeniable Love by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Sports Romance from New York Times bestselling author, Samantha Chase She’s a small town girl looking to escape her monotonous life. He’s the NFL superstar looking to return to his roots. Twelve years ago, he nearly destroyed her family. Now they’re working together and the attraction she feels is…completely undeniable. Lucy Dawson dreamed of leaving South Creek... -
Last Letters to Ara by Kaymie Wuerfel
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"A gripping story about finding love, passion and drive after loss. This book is an emotional rollercoaster and I could not put it down." -SSAra Had Everything She Needed. Until She Didn’t. Every time Ara has opened her heart it’s ended in hurt, and now she’s lost the only person she’s ever been able to trust... -
Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fell for the enemy.He broke me, and then put me together again. Our future? It’s worth fighting for. Or it was before the accident.The accident stole Phoenix from me. Now, he’s nice… kind even. But the memory of me—of our baby—is gone. Despite everything, I’m left fighting for our child and the man I’ve come to love...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports new adult angst found-family forced proximity second chances contemporary -
Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fell for the enemy.He broke me, and then put me together again.Our future? It’s worth fighting for.Or it was before the accident.The accident stole Phoenix from me. Now, he’s nice… kind even. But the memory of me—of our baby—is gone. Despite everything, I’m left fighting for our child and the man I’ve come to love...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports new adult angst found-family forced proximity second chances contemporary -
Caught from Behind by Elise Faber
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIt's always the quiet ones you have to watch out for. I’ve had a crush on my brother’s teammate and friend for a long time… Long enough to know that my interest isn’t reciprocated. I’m destined to be his teammate’s little sister—untouchable and completely off-limits no matter how hard I try to convince him otherwise. But then…everything changes...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers siblings-bff angst grumpy sunshine found-family from hate to love hockey -
Fight Dirty by Emily Goodwin
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOwen Dawson is one of Eastwood’s most eligible bachelors. He could have any woman he wants, but when it comes to settling down, he only has eyes for Charlie Williams, and he blew his chance with her years ago. While Owen is busy trying to convince everyone—and himself—that the playboy life is for him, Charlie is trying to put her life back together...
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