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 college new adult friends to lovers secret-relationship forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love
-
Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 36 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... -
Team Player 2: A Sports Anthology by Charleigh Rose, Ella Fox
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMuscular football players. Passionate tennis pros. Sexy soccer stars. All sorts of alpha hotties, on the field and off. Have no fear! The team is back again, and this time...it's thicker. You'll get your sports romance fix with brand-new stories from eleven bestselling authors. Need one last summer fix? Dive into this anthology... -
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... -
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... -
-
All This Time by Harlow James
Fletcher Adams is not just the man that stole my heart at fifteen and never gave it back.He’s also my brother’s best friend, and now one of the most famous players in the NFL.But now he’s back in Blossom Peak for our mutual friend’s wedding, and guess who are the maid of honor and best man?That would be us... -
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... -
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 -
Running Wild by K.A. Tucker, Callie Dalton
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 42 ratings11 hours, 40 minutesFrom the internationally bestselling author of The Simple Wild comes the story of a woman at a crossroads in her life, struggling between the safe route and the one that will only lead to more heartbreak.Veterinarian Marie Lehr knows unrequited love all too well after pining for her best friend, only to watch him marry another woman... -
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... -
Neat by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 18 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... -
Of Pucking Course by Sarah Smith
I’ve had a crush on Dakota Richards since I met her five years ago. One problem: she’s my teammate’s little sister, which means she’s off-limits. When she breaks up with her ex and needs a place to stay, I offer her the guest room in my house. It’s a favor between friends, nothing more... -
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 audiobook -
Hopelessly Devoted to Violet: Hopelessly Devoted Novella by Terri Anne Browning
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEvery time someone mentions planning their wedding, Violet finds a reason why they should wait.Luca is her soulmate and Love Bug’s favorite person.They are already a family, but they need to make it official.Luca is getting tired of calling her his fiancée and not his wife.But Vi is torn.Saying “I do” to Luca will mean releasing the last hold Remington had on her heart... -
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... -
-
Caught from Behind by Elise Faber
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 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 -
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 forced proximity from hate to love college angst grumpy sunshine dual-pov -
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
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 to lovers friends-benefits found-family soccer contemporary length-long -
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:
alpha male friends to lovers sports new adult found-family athletes contemporary m-f -
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 -
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... -
Van by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 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 -
Wild In The Windy City: The Anthology Volume 3 by Rachel Brookes, Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNew Year's Eve on Navy Pier.A sexy, breathless night.Eighteen authors bring magic, steam, and romance to the Resolution Gala on Navy Pier this New Year’s Eve. Don’t miss the fireworks.All proceeds from this anthology benefit Bernie's Book Bank (https://www.berniesbookbank.org/)RELEASE DATE December 10, 2019Look for a pre-order link later this Fall!ANTHOLOGY AUTHORS:Rachel BrookesAudrey CarlanL.M... -
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... -
-
Searching for Sunshine by Hollie Luckie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsYou know what they say— when everything’s falling apart, move to the beach and marry the grumpy boat captain you haven’t seen in over a decade. After losing both my teaching job in the city and my grandmother, I feel like I have no idea what to do with my life... -
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 -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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 -
-
Full Throttle by Brittany Ann
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDominiqueHe was the boy next door, my escape from my splintered home. I fell in love with him too early, thought about him too much, and hoped for something he could never give me–a fairytale. He pushed me away, but I followed. I chased the ghost of Cain Donovan across the country, heart racing for him and him alone.Eventually, I did find him–right where he told me to look...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers from hate to love found-family angst mafia contemporary suspense -
Fallen Crown by W. Million
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaren Tucker is done with men who check in for the good times and check out for the bad. As a member of one of the oldest families in Bellerive, she doesn't have to play nice with the Summerset Royals. Especially not the youngest who represents everything she detests... -
Broken Bridges by Tania Joyce
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHe's lost his band, his lover and his grandfather - the friends and family who'd accepted his lifestyle choices.She's lost her career, the love of her life and after a freak accident has to accept she'll never be the same.A chance audition for The Flintlocks could change his life.A move across the country could be the fresh start he needs.She needs to find her way in the world again... -
Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens… Dessa should have been mine... until my brother kissed her first. Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother... -
Stolen Vows by Penelope Black
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGraham Carter: ethical hacker, resident grump of Avalon Falls, and the man who’s about to make me his wife.For convenience, of course.I need an escape plan—fast. My family expects me to marry a man I can’t stand, and Graham needs a wife to secure his inheritance. A simple deal, no emotions involved. Just one year of marriage, and we both walk away with exactly what we want... -
THE RULE BREAKER by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsRule #1 Hands off my kid sister’s best friendRule #2 See rule number oneRule #3 Seriously, don’t even think about touching LunaLuna is my new room mate. My very off limits room mate. My gorgeous, feisty, painfully tempting room mate.I try to keep my distance. To ignore her soft laugh, her intense eyes, her sweet smile... -
In Too Deep by Tabatha Kiss
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsPros: Star athlete. Amazing body. Excellent sense of humor.Cons: A bit cocky and-- Oh, yeah. I'm his tutor.This. Can't. Happen. I'm so close to getting everything I've ever wanted but all I can think about is John Kirby sitting in the front row of class. Teaching assistants and students cannot mix the way he obviously wants us to... -
For Crosby by J. Nathan
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCrosby Parks had the life most guys only dreamed of. A wealthy family, girls vying for his attention, and pro scouts after his hockey skills. But when the life he knows comes crumbling down, he’s sent to Alabama to escape the media storm and to rebuild his life. If Crosby has any shot of playing professional hockey, he must keep a low profile and graduate from college... -
Wreck by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings**Wreck is the second book in the brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers Fuel Series by Ginger Scott.When Dustin Bridges left Camp Verde to try to make it on his own, he left half his heart behind. A life with Hannah Judge was just too dangerous... -
Make You Keep Me by L.A. Shaw
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBook Two in the Fight for me duet.She disappeared without a trace. Leaving me with a piece of paper and a shattered heart.We grew up in a world full of demons, but I never expected her to become one of mine.The ghost of her haunted me for over two years.I was finally moving on with my life in more ways than one...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers found-family siblings-bff new adult pregnancy mma-boxing contemporary -
-
Caught Looking by Kimberly Readnour
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when the girl of your dreams turns out to be the very one to destroy them?With the sting from not being drafted still fresh, Dalton Boyd gets sent to the strictest coach with the most rules in summer league ball.Was it mentioned the coach also serves as his host family? No? Well, everyone knows the player staying at the coach’s house has the most brutal regime.But here’s the thing... -
Promise Me by Jami Rogers
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHudson Asher is my brother’s best friend and my number one enemy—I think.One accident later, and I can’t remember the last three years or the exact reason why my childhood nemesis and I still refuse to hold a civil conversation.Heck, I didn’t even know he had moved back to our small town of Lovers until I woke up in the hospital and he was the only one sitting next to my bed... -
Starting Line by Michae Marie
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTJ BrennerAmerica’s Golden Girl, the one they love to loveGold is a heavy weight, but I’ve learned to carry it with grace. It’s what they expect as I prepare for another Olympic Games. Smile, entertain, and most importantly, win.I’ve sacrificed everything for gymnastics and the sport has taken its toll. I’m not sure how much I have left in me, but I also don’t know who I am without it... -
The Love Playbook by Jerica MacMillan
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSteamy love tutor romance with an inexperienced football player and the free spirit who rocks his world.Jackson Lancaster is a mystery. At least to me.He's not your typical jock at all—shy, studious, and apparently not looking to get all the action he can.I know, I know, stereotypes are bad. But if the shoe fits ...Except in this case, it doesn't. At all...Categorized as:
sports new adult college friends to lovers friends-benefits virgin hero contemporary length-medium -
6 Clues Your Nemesis Loves You by Kelly Siskind
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsEnemies spark in this Bower Boys romance full of banter, sizzling heat, second chances, and small-town charm.In high school, Maggie Edelstein set the rules of our secret relationship, but I’m calling the shots now. In my dreams.Maggie’s still infuriating and confusing, and absolutely stunning... -
Delay of Game by Stephanie Kay, Samantha Cook
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLength: 9 hours 3 minutes Can secrets designed to protect the ones they love end up tearing them apart?From a painful past nobody knows about to aspirations for the future, Sophia Lanzi has learned to lock things away to please those around her and to protect herself...Categorized as:
sports new adult secret-relationship forced proximity friends to lovers hockey contemporary office
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.

