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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#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... -
Unbelievers by AgnesBellex
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 33 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... -
Fallen Crest Campout by Tijan
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 29 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 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 -
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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...Categorized as:
sports new adult cruel hero contemporary young adult explicit-open-door m-f audiobook -
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
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 -
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
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 -
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 audiobook -
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
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
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
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... -
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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
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
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
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... -
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 -
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...Categorized as:
new adult college from hate to love contemporary young adult friends to lovers audiobook -
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... -
The Easy Way Out by C.W. Farnsworth
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 26 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... -
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
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... -
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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 -
Wicked Beginnings by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 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... -
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKnocked up by the QB.Harassed by punt bunnies. Falling for the enemy isn’t an option here. I threw caution to the wind and my v-card at the one man I can’t stand. What did that get me? Pregnant. Now, we’re both screwed. Mr. Superstar wants the punt bunnies off his back. I want my parents off mine. To do that, he proposes a fake relationship... -
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... -
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 Midseason Fakeout by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 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 -
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
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
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
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
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...Categorized as:
new adult sports from hate to love contemporary young adult friends to lovers audiobook -
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
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
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
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... -
Voted Most Likely by Nicole Adair
Josephine hates Aiden. Almost as much as she hates her horribly plumed marching band hat (and that’s saying something). But just as she must wear the hat, she must also deal with Aiden Christopher Mitchell III, the insufferable Golden Boy and her biggest rival. He’s inescapable in a school as small as theirs and in a town so tiny it’s just a dot on the map...Categorized as:
from hate to love new adult sports young adult contemporary length-medium glimpses-kisses -
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...Categorized as:
college forbidden love new adult young adult contemporary tycoon length-medium audiobook -
The Southern Nights Series by M. Never
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsKamdyn Ellis is the man. Mr. All-Star athlete and resident bad boy. #7 quarterback on the field, and #1 player off. Every guy at school wants to be him, and every girl at school wants to date him. Well, except Laney Summers that is. The sassy city girl is the only one immune to Kam’s clear blue eyes and arsenal of southern charm...Categorized as:
sports new adult football young adult contemporary high-school length-short audiobook -
A Home in You by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI love you. You're my home. Forever.DillonAt first, when Cade and his dad came to the farm to live, I didn’t want a brother or a new father. Mom and I were doing just fine on our own, but when Cade walked into my house for the first time, I was instantly drawn to him. How was that possible? I never had a crush on anyone before, let alone a boy.CadeI have a secret. Two really... -
Stolen Summer by J.L. Weil
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsEndless parties, hot guys, long, warm nights, and an infinite supply of bubble tea. That’s how I want to spend my summer.The sad reality is that I’ll be stuck inside working two jobs while watching all the rich summer kids party their butts off. They’re wild, lewd, and entitled, but if I smile, look pretty, and show them a bit of skin, I’ll at least get a decent tip... -
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Did I Mention I Miss You? by Estelle Maskame
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsIt’s been a year since Eden last spoke to Tyler. She remains furious at him for leaving her and has moved on with life in Chicago, where she is at University studying psychology...Categorized as:
new adult stepsibling from hate to love forbidden love young adult contemporary audiobook -
Finding Autumn by Heather Topham Wood
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo years earlier, Blake Preston received a phone call that would change everything. His stepfather—a man he trusted and admired—had been accused of sexually assaulting one of his students. His stepfather declared his innocence and Blake chose to stay loyal to the man who had raised him as his own. Cook University is the one place Blake can keep his anonymity... -
Five Days Until You by Monica Murphy
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsUnsure. That's how I'm feeling about my entire life. Just when everything's good and I have it all under control, my girl Chelsea decides she's going to leave me for the summer. Despite my disappointment, I have to support her. It's what she wants, an opportunity she can't say no to and no way will I be the one to stop her. I love her too much to hold her back... -
T is For He's a Total Jerk... by Anna Katmore, Piper Shelly
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 24 ratings“I don’t know what’s currently going on in Anthony Mitchell’s mind, but you’re definitely taking up a lot of space in there.” Life isn’t easy for Samantha Summers, daughter of an army general. Moving from one continent to another every other year helps a teenage girl learn 4 different languages in record time. But it’s also killing her social life...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports college new adult contemporary athletes love triangle young adult -
Breaking Rules by S.B. Alexander
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a hunky quarterback. She’s a talented artist. He’s sworn off girls. She’s fighting to protect her honor. Brooding, high school quarterback, Train Everly, was on the fast track to play football at the University of South Carolina until one misstep at a party put his chances in jeopardy. Now in his senior year, he’s sworn off dates, no steady relationships and definitely no sex...Categorized as:
sports football new adult from hate to love young adult high-school contemporary friends to lovers -
Erasing Faith by Julie Johnson
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsA fairytale city. A forbidden love. A fate doomed from the start. Faith Morrissey is overdue for an adventure. After twenty years in the same small town, she sets out on a year-long study abroad trip, fully expecting to fall in love with the wonders of Budapest. She certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Wes, the mysterious stranger who sweeps her off her feet mere days after her arrival...Categorized as:
forbidden love college cruel hero new adult young adult contemporary suspense length-medium
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