Books like 'Cruel Steps'
Readers who enjoyed Cruel Steps by Kris Butler also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
young adult new adult college cruel hero exhibitionism sports forbidden love found-family from hate to love stepsibling
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Fallen Crest Forever by Tijan
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsMason Kade is the dream.He is the promise.He's offering what so many would fantasize about, and it's not that I don't want it/him/us.It's the opposite.There might be ghosts haunting me, but this man who's my soulmate is asking me for forever... -
![Unbelievers by AgnesBellex]()
Unbelievers by AgnesBellex
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsIt’s Louis’ senior year, and he’s dead set on doing it right. However, along with his pair of cleats, a healthy dose of sarcasm and his ridiculous best friend, he’s also got a complicated family, a terrifyingly uncertain future, and a mortal enemy making his life just that much worse. Mortal enemies “with benefits” was not exactly the plan... -
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![#Bae by Cambria Hebert]()
#Bae by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThis fall... Happily-ever-after. That’s what happens when you get married. Right? Turns out sparkly rings, cake and a fantastic wedding do not automatically grant you that, not even when it’s all you truly want. I’m even starting to doubt the bottomless, unconditional love I share with the man I married will be enough... -
![Finding You by Kelly Elliott]()
Finding You by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIf Grace Johnson knew one thing at all, it was that all men were dirt bags. All men … except Noah. “I was lost in his eyes. Lost in his tears. My goal was to pull him out of the darkness … if even if it dragged me in as well.” If Noah Bennet knew one thing at all, it was he needed Grace Johnson. Needed her … desperately. “My pain was pulling me under … she was my only saving grace... -
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![That Promise by Jillian Dodd]()
That Promise by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsWhat happens to childhood promises when you grow up?Growing up, Devaney Diamond and Chase Mackenzie promised to go to college together. But it’s been three years since the summer that changed everything between them, and their friendship hasn’t recovered... -
![Broken Empire by Callie Rose]()
Broken Empire by Callie Rose
Truths will be uncovered. Alliances will shift.And nothing will ever be the same.The final book in the Boys of Oak Park Prep series is coming soon.**The release date will be moved forward... -
![The Deception You Weave by Tracy Lorraine]()
The Deception You Weave by Tracy Lorraine
I never could hide from him.Kane Legend always finds me.And now he’s found out the truth.The dark secret I’ve been hiding, the one that’s been slowly poisoning me from the inside out.The pain of the words falling from my lips, is nothing compared to the look of devastation in his eyes. Or the rage that follows.The way I thought he hated me back then is nothing compared to the damage he can do now...Categorized as:
new adult sports from hate to love cruel hero college football contemporary young adult -
![Fallen Crest Campout: A Fallen Crest/Crew crossover novella by Tijan]()
Fallen Crest Campout: A Fallen Crest/Crew crossover novella by Tijan
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsSam and Mason return to Fallen Crest for a camping trip.They head north, meeting up with a few friends from Roussou and enjoy a night of booze, some leapfrogging, and there’s a small therapy session to air out some tension in the group... -
![The Betrayal You Serve by Tracy Lorraine]()
The Betrayal You Serve by Tracy Lorraine
You can’t outrun the truth...It changes everything.Her secrets might have been exposed, but mine are still hanging over us.A betrayal that sends her straight into the arms of another.It’s like a knife to my heart.But I was holding the blade.Scarlett gave me an ultimatum, one that I need to take seriously.Walk away from the only life I’ve ever known, everything I’ve worked for...Categorized as:
new adult sports cruel hero from hate to love college football contemporary young adult -
![Whistleblower by Kate Marchant]()
Whistleblower by Kate Marchant
Kate Marchant presents a story about a young journalist who fights for the truth to come to light—even if it means she might lose everything . . . Laurel Cates has never wanted the spotlight...Categorized as:
new adult sports from hate to love college young adult contemporary behind-doors length-medium -
![Let Me Love You by Megan Smith]()
Let Me Love You by Megan Smith
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWill their lives take them in different directions? Jaylinn McCormick is determined to forget that one terrifying night which left her feeling broken and tainted. There is one person who can make her whole again… but he is hell bent on keeping her at arm’s length. She has loved him her entire life but can she wait for him to step up to the plate? Cooper Cahill has loved Jaylinn for years... -
![The Relationship Pact (Kings of Football) by Adriana Locke]()
The Relationship Pact (Kings of Football) by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsHow hard can it be?That was the question rolling around Larissa Mason’s mind just before she asked Hollis Hudson to be her fake boyfriend.It was only supposed to be for five minutes, after all.Granted, that was also before she felt his hand on the small of her back as he charmed the heck out of her family.She hadn’t heard his laugh yet either... -
![Bittersweet Always by Ella Fields]()
Bittersweet Always by Ella Fields
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom bestselling author Ella Fields comes an all new standalone. An emotional new adult romance that proves love is worth fighting your demons for. Toby Hawthorne was an enigma. One I didn't factor into my college plans. I wasn't looking for love. I wasn't not looking for it either. And in that state of in-between, he found me. Unaware of the battle he fought everyday, I fell fast... -
![The Truth About Air & Water by Katherine Owen]()
The Truth About Air & Water by Katherine Owen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Truth In Lies Series. READ This Much Is True, book 1 first, although it's been written as a standalone. Readers say, don't do that. “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” -Ernest Hemingway ~ A Farewell To Arms They share an epic love but one moment changes everything. A life together that seemed certain is shattered...Categorized as:
cruel hero new adult sports young adult contemporary possessive hero m-f length-medium -
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![Drops of Rain by Kathryn Andrews]()
Drops of Rain by Kathryn Andrews
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsAli Rain Sometimes I think to myself, “How did I get here?” Then the pain hits and I remember…it’s because she’s gone. I now live in a new town, go to a new school, and I’m supposed to be moving on with my new life. Only, I no longer know who I am anymore. Dancing is all I have left and every day I feel completely alone. Silence has become the theme song to my life... -
![Broken Hill Hearts by Sheridan Anne]()
Broken Hill Hearts by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsI have never been at such a low. School work? Stuff it. Manners? Get screwed.Being a decent human being? Over my dead body.And it’s all because of him. Nate was supposed to be the reason I wake up in the morning until he took that reason away. Now, I’m left feeling like an empty shell of the girl I used to be.He’s the love of my life. Always has been and always will be...Categorized as:
from hate to love cruel hero new adult young adult bad boys contemporary length-short -
![The Mistakes You Make by Tracy Lorraine]()
The Mistakes You Make by Tracy Lorraine
From USA Today bestselling author Tracy Lorraine comes a new dark bully college romance.Some demons we can't outrun.Kane Legend is mine.The gorgeous boy who always finds me.The ruthless bully I've spent my life avoiding.Even leaving Harrow Creek wasn't enough to escape his torment.Because I didn't stay away and neither could he.One weekend home... one party.One night that ruined everything...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love cruel hero college sports football young adult contemporary -
![Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn]()
Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI lost the game.Now? I’m going to lose everything else, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. Sacrificing Damon, who turns my world upside down with a single touch, for my best friend’s happiness is a no-brainer. Protective and determined to make me his, Damon didn’t get the memo. And he’s made it clear that he isn’t going to let me go without a fight... -
![Petty Rage by Thandiwe Mpofu]()
Petty Rage by Thandiwe Mpofu
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNo half measures. No in-betweens. Just two angry extremes with disaster in our very near future.NoahShe’s hellishly smart.Cunning.Stormy.Rebellious.And overly pathetic.One lingering look and I wanted her. A single laugh at her quirky, smart-mouth and I was done for.But just underneath her unimpressed gaze as she looked at me, was a calculating deviant that I failed to notice until it was too late... -
![The Crash Trilogy: Includes Crash, Clash and Crush by Nicole Williams]()
The Crash Trilogy: Includes Crash, Clash and Crush by Nicole Williams
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLucy Larson lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, and has her sights firmly set on a place at Juilliard. She's on her way to the top and has so far been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Well, up until now…Jude Ryder is the quintessential bad boy and everything a girl like Lucy needs to stay away from, especially if she wants to hold onto her dream future... -
![All That's Been Said by Emma Doherty]()
All That's Been Said by Emma Doherty
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIzzy Kavanagh hates her new life in the US; that much she’s made obvious. She’s done everything she can to alienate her twin, Ethan, and to prove she doesn’t want to be there.She’s certainly succeeded.Perhaps a little too much.Suddenly the idea of having her brother hate her isn’t what she wants...Categorized as:
sports new adult found-family football young adult high-school contemporary siblings-bff -
![The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle]()
The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOne last summer together.One bucket list.One line and once it’s crossed, there’s no going back…Luna Truly was living on bottled air and borrowed time.She had spent most of her life in and out of hospitals.All she wanted to do was live a typical life—one where she didn't feel like she was a burden.Everyone treated her like she was a fragile piece of glass, except for one person...Categorized as:
sports football new adult friends to lovers young adult forced proximity contemporary length-medium -
![#MNGirl by A.M. Brooks]()
#MNGirl by A.M. Brooks
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy family’s scandal is my fall from grace. The night of my seventeenth birthday leads to the final event that catapults my future in a different direction. One call for help turns into my only chance of survival.Now, the only way to stay safe is to keep hidden...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love cruel hero suspense young adult contemporary mystery length-short -
![Running Home to You by Suzanne Sweeney]()
Running Home to You by Suzanne Sweeney
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLibrarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00IFR0XP2 Juliette Fletcher thought she had it all – a strikingly handsome man who adores her, a new business venture with her best friends by her side, and a dream house right on the beach. But appearances can be deceiving and everything comes at a cost... -
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![Home Game by Ginger Scott]()
Home Game by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFootball has been my life. Not that I ever had a choice in the matter. When your dad is a retired, future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, the gridiron tends to weave its way into your DNA.I always loved the game, but I could do without the spotlight that comes with being Peyton Johnson, the great Reed Johnson’s daughter...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love football young adult high-school athletes contemporary length-medium -
![Soulless by Ivy Fox]()
Soulless by Ivy Fox
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsNothing is ever as it seems. In a world where lies and deceit rule, my carefully hidden secrets weren’t an exception. The privileged hide behind masks that only elitism and power can provide. Yet, I’m still learning just how vile and ruthless you need to become to play their twisted game. In my naiveté, I thought my heart would always be safe in their hands. But I was wrong... -
![Stay With Me by Jessica Cunsolo, Ava Violet]()
Stay With Me by Jessica Cunsolo, Ava Violet
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsIt's finally winter break, which means Amelia, Aiden, and the rest of their friends get to enjoy a well deserved vacation at the beach house. After all the drama, the death of Aiden's step-father, and Aiden's arrest, it'll be good to take a break and just relax with friends.Unfortunately, Thea Kennedy, aka Amelia Collins, could never be so lucky...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love found-family young adult contemporary high-school mystery length-medium -
![Almost Beautiful by Jamie McGuire]()
Almost Beautiful by Jamie McGuire
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe highly anticipated sequel to Jamie McGuire’s New York Times and internationally bestselling phenomenon, Beautiful Disaster.Newlyweds Travis and Abby Maddox return from Vegas, hoping to one day leave Eastern State University’s fatal fire in the past. But when the FBI arrives in Eakins, friends quickly become enemies, and the Maddoxes fear their happy ever after could go up in flames... -
![The Midseason Fakeout by E.M. Moore]()
The Midseason Fakeout by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe star quarterback of the Bulldogs was supposed to be my ticket to a normal life, but now I’ve fallen for him…again.He’s my brother’s best friend. The perfect person to fake a relationship with. No feelings involved. Just pretend.He helps me. I help him.We both agreed.Except, things get real…and quick...Categorized as:
sports football college new adult from hate to love contemporary friends to lovers siblings-bff -
![Deposed by Sofia Daniel]()
Deposed by Sofia Daniel
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsEdward, Henry and Blake used to rule the school. Now they just rule me. They know my secret. Something that will get me into a world of hurt. And now they own me, body, mind, and soul. These days, I play their dangerous games. And I’m helpless to their seductive kisses. I’m in the biggest trouble in my life. But I’m not sure I want to be free... -
![Defenseless Hearts by Meagan Brandy]()
Defenseless Hearts by Meagan Brandy
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAfter months of silence, here she stands on my front porch, waiting to be let in again. But it's the same play every time, and I know how this ends - I give her all I have and she carries it with her on the way back to him. I should turn her away, but I won't. Couldn't do it if I tried. Because no matter how many times she pops back up, pulls me in and drags me under, it will never be enough... -
![Pep Talks by Ali Dean]()
Pep Talks by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 14 ratings(This is the fourth book in the Pepper Jones series, which should be read in order. The first three books in the series may be purchased as a box set for a discounted price, under the title “The Pepper Jones Collection.”) Pepper’s freshman year at college is a harder transition than she anticipated... -
![Unspoken Rules by Eliah Greenwood]()
Unspoken Rules by Eliah Greenwood
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 21 ratings"I lost the fight. I lost her. But I don't care about my promise. I'm chasing that girl... again." Haze Adams and Winter Kingston were supposed to be a done deal. A onetime thing. The notorious street fighter had one goal and one goal only: make the girl fall in love, break her heart to hurt his enemies, and move on to the next best thing. Easy, right? Wrong... -
![These Defiant Souls by L.A. Cotton]()
These Defiant Souls by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA brand-new story from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author L A Cotton, set in the angsty and gritty Darling Hill series.Celeste Rowe is lucky.At least, that’s what everyone thinks. Rich, beautiful, and smart, she has it all.She knows one thing though: the heart is a treacherous thing.It wants what it wants. You can try to fight it. Ignore it. But in the end, it’ll ruin you...Categorized as:
from hate to love college new adult sports cruel hero forbidden love suspense high-school -
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![Wicked Beginnings by L.A. Cotton]()
Wicked Beginnings by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe first book in a brand new YA/NA crossover series from l. a. cotton When seventeen-year-old Eloise Stone finds herself half way across the world, moving into her Uncle's pool house, she expects things to be ... awkward. She doesn't expect to come face-to-face with the boy from last summer. The boy that made her feel things she'd never felt before... -
![The Winning Side by CM Doporto]()
The Winning Side by CM Doporto
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLexi’s determined to keep her word and stand by Raven’s side because her love for him is too strong to deny. As Raven learns to deal with the issues that are destined to destroy him and their relationship, their love is taken to a new level. As doors are closed and new ones are opened, Lexi and Raven find themselves in a heavenly bliss, but not without the challenges from Raven’s past... -
![At the Buzzer by E.M. Moore]()
At the Buzzer by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsSenior year. My last chance…The Ballers took everything away from me last year. Riding the bench wasn’t what I’d planned, and I don’t want a repeat of that this season. I can’t have a repeat of that, not if I want to accomplish all those goals I set for myself when I first came to RHS.There’s one problem though. One Baller is determined to keep me on the sidelines. I’m broken because of him... -
![Tell Me You Love Me by Gracie Graham]()
Tell Me You Love Me by Gracie Graham
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBrynn Nichols is an enigma wrapped up in a riddle I can’t decipher.She’s my best friend’s twin sister, the only girl immune to my charms. Far too wholesome for a player like me.Getting under her skin is my favorite pastime. And it’s not hard to do considering how much she hates me.But when football and summer classes take us to the same college, her brother makes me promise to watch over her... -
![The Easy Way Out by C.W. Farnsworth]()
The Easy Way Out by C.W. Farnsworth
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsLoss is nothing new to Lennon Matthews.With each hit her heart has taken, she’s guarded it more closely. Except Caleb Winters smashed through her defenses in high school. Three years later, their relationship is stronger than ever. But aside from letting a boy in, little in Lennon’s life has changed... -
![The Falling of Love by Marisa Oldham]()
The Falling of Love by Marisa Oldham
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou will never forget your first date, your first kiss, or your first love. You will also never forget how it felt when it was torn apart. Seventeen-year old Grace Hathaway does not give much thought to falling in love, until the day that Ian Taylor, rebel and misfit walks into her math class. From their first conversation, Grace is mesmerized by Ian's charisma and rock star façade... -
![Surviving Us by Erin Noelle]()
Surviving Us by Erin Noelle
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsTwo survivors. Two weeks. One awakening. When Bristol Criswell travels to St. Lucia for an Enduring Life retreat, she hopes to discover encouragement and support from like souls. A vacation fling is the furthest thing from her mind, especially not with a cocky-mouthed, arrogant jerk like Davis McKay... -
![Unbroken Rules by Eliah Greenwood]()
Unbroken Rules by Eliah Greenwood
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLies, passion, betrayal. Discover the last book of the teen sensation that captured 30,000,000 hearts across the globe today! Haze and Winter’s relationship has been a fight from day one. From crazy exes, to psycho families, to heart-wrenching betrayal, the couple has been through hell and back and lived to tell the tale...Categorized as:
from hate to love new adult cruel hero high-school contemporary young adult pregnancy length-long -
![The Same Side by C.M. Doporto]()
The Same Side by C.M. Doporto
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThe engagement's off and with Collin behind her, Lexi has decided that the temptations of Raven Davenport are too strong to be ignored. It doesn't take long for Lexi and Raven to find themselves wrapped in each other's affection, but not without the challenges that life poses... -
![Damaged by Vera Micic, Vera Hollins]()
Damaged by Vera Micic, Vera Hollins
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNine days have passed since Hayden got into an accident and fell into a coma. Nine days of hoping for a miracle that would allow him to wake up. Nine long, endless days.Half of me is conquered by despair, while the other half clings to the hope that he will recover soon. I refuse to let fear and doubt overcome me... -
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![Varsity Captain by Ginger Scott]()
Varsity Captain by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA new book in the Varsity Series is coming soon! Varsity Captain will give readers the experience and backstory of Varsity Heartbreaker (book 1 in the series) told from Lucas Fuller's POV. This is a full-length novel with brand new content and not just a simple retelling... -
![Malicious by Alex Grayson, Melissa Toppen]()
Malicious by Alex Grayson, Melissa Toppen
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOliver Conley….The most infuriating man I’ve ever met.He’s crass, selfish, malicious. The worst kind of person.From our very first encounter we were at odds. Standing on opposite ends of the battlefield preparing for war. He didn’t care for me.I despised him.Until one day things started to change….I didn’t want to want him. Hell, I hated myself for it...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love college cruel hero young adult contemporary m-f first-person-pov -
![End Game by J.B. Salsbury]()
End Game by J.B. Salsbury
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe would be my end game. I just didn’t know it yet.Ophelia asked me for one simple favor—to get the guy she’s in love with to notice her.It won’t be easy; she looks as if she’s spent her whole life trying to disappear. But I never turn down a challenge. Convincing anyone I’ve given up all women for this one woman is my biggest challenge yet.I agree to help her win over the man of her dreams... -
![The Kiss Of Death by Shanen Ricci]()
The Kiss Of Death by Shanen Ricci
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt was hate at first sight from the day I met her. Now she is enrolled at Pantheon, the world's most elitist university, and my playground. With one keystroke, I can discover everyone's secrets except for hers. I won’t stop until I dissect her soul. A tormented psycho. A genius hacker. A freak. That’s what they call me. A good church girl. A sweet violinist. A pretty doll...Categorized as:
college cruel hero from hate to love new adult young adult mystery queer length-long -
![Past the Rush by Britt Stark]()
Past the Rush by Britt Stark
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne night changed everything.Every hope and dream I had vanished with the touch of a hand.Whoever said love lasts forever obviously has never been in love with their brother’s best friend. Ever since high school, I have been trying to replace the painful memories of my past with new ones. Forgetting every trauma was working until I ran into him… Conrad Stone... -
![Unbroken by R.E. Hunter]()
Unbroken by R.E. Hunter
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShe was running toward her future. He was running from his past. When their worlds collided, nothing could prepare them for what was to come. Reeling from Luke’s betrayal, Embry Jacobs is lost and looking for answers. His lies have ripped them apart, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about the man she loves...
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