Books like 'Against the Rules'
Readers who enjoyed Against the Rules by Bree Hayden also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny sports football forced proximity college found-family grumpy sunshine athletes insta-love
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Without You: Scotch and Sammy duet - book 2 by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsSammy. I left because I thought I was doing the right thing. I was falling on my sword. I thought I was saving everyone a lot of heart ache, and in exchange, I took all that ache on my own. I was supposed to be the hero, but instead I was the villain. He hates me with every fiber of his being…. It’s been thirteen years since we last saw each other. It turns out ghosts can’t be buried... -
Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers. She's got a lot of baggage. .. literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real. For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but. So why can't he stay away? Knox and Fiona's story! Finally! -
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Luke by Tiffany Patterson, Covers by Combs
From Bestselling Author Tiffany Patterson. Luke. Call me what you want to call me. Only one thing mattered and that's claiming the NFA heavyweight title once again. I don't trust people, which is why I have my crew, my manager, Lenny, and myself. That's all I need. At least that was until Syd walked into my gym. Syd. I'm here to train Luke... -
Now's The Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get. ”. That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity from hate to love athletes secret-relationship football m-f contemporary -
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The Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman
Rated: 0.00 of 5 stars · 0 ratingsA beautiful vineyard. A new beginning. A summer that will change their lives forever. .. Linzi arrived at Green Valley Vineyard nine years ago, in need of a fresh start. In the lush emerald countryside and ripening grapes, she finally has a place to call home. But Linzi's world is rocked when the owner announces he is retiring, and his grandson is taking over... -
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsVaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins' star player. He's brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn't afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self. Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders... -
Sealed With A Kiss by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat’s a girl to do when her celebrity crush needs her to be his fake girlfriend? Keep her damned feelings to herself, of course. Child TV star turned adult wallflower Naomi LeClaire has vowed never to return to the spotlight. But when she’s stuck in a storm with Donovan Foster, the hot, charming, wild-life rescuing internet sensation, and she finally gives in and kisses him. .Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers secret-relationship black-mc bwwm m-f contemporary humor -
The Champion by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA powerful love story of tragedy, love, and commitment. The fourth book in the Racing on the Edge series submerges you in the lifestyle of a champion of a sport that dominates America. Through smoke and methanol, you learn the good, the bad, and the secrets no one wants you to know... -
Cocky Senator’s Daughter: Hannah by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsHANNAH COCKER. Every man I've dated in this city has either bored me or hurt me. When Sofia Sol, my crazy cousin, offers a ride on the back of her Harley with no destination in mind besides out-of-Atlanta, what do you think my answer is? I'll give you one guess. TOBIAS KYRKOS. Life doesn't ever hand you what you want. You have to take it... -
It's Always Sonny by Kate Watson
Sunshine always melts ice eventually. And I’m starting to feel the burn. People may call me an “overachieving ice queen,” but I would do anything for the people I love. So when my friends ask me to host an event at their famous farm, I’m more than happy to help…until I discover I’ve been set up. The “event” is actually a reunion for my ex’s family...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports grumpy sunshine m-f found-family football contemporary humor -
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance. Wanted. A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
Silver Linings by Violet Page
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSilver James has perfected the art of keeping everything at a distance—her career, her friends, and most definitely romance. Her motto is simple: keep life carefree and fun. The more she avoids the unexpected, the less likely she is to get hurt... -
Born to Sin by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing sentenced by a woman in a black robe is not a meet-cute. Quinn Jeffries follows the rules. A judge in small-town Sinful, Montana, doesn’t have much room for missteps, and when you spend your childhood training for the Olympics, you don’t have time for anything but discipline anyway. And, see? It’s worked! Her life is just fine... -
Love, Delivered by A.N. Boyden
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo years ago, Noah Porter would have been described by his closest family and friends as charismatic, outgoing, the life of the party, and a social butterfly. That all changed when Noah became the victim of a mass shooting at a popular nightclub. Noah escaped with his life, but his two best friends weren't so lucky. Noah now suffers from PTSD, agoraphobia, anxiety, and depression...Categorized as:
bwwm multicultural grumpy sunshine friends to lovers new adult black-mc contemporary humor -
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Driving Maisie Crazy by Deborah M. Hathaway
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“What happens on an Irish bus tour stays on an Irish bus tour…”. This is the second book in the clean and sweet romcom Men of the Isles series by Deborah M. Hathaway. Although this clean, road trip, forbidden romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order. Don't miss the other novels in this series! Book 1: Winning Winnie's Hand. Book 2: Driving Maisie Crazy - 2025...Categorized as:
forced proximity secret-relationship forbidden love contemporary humor length-medium -
Perfectly You by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings us a light-hearted small-town romantic comedy full of a swoon-worthy billionaire, single dad romance, and big laughs. I need a massive break. So long to my cheating boyfriend and betraying roommate. Goodbye hectic emergency room and long hours... -
When I'm with You by Samantha Brinn
The first time I saw Julie Parker, the gorgeous, brilliant, sharp tongued lawyer knocked the wind right out of me. The second time I saw Julie Parker, our eyes met across a football field. The third time I saw Julie Parker, we had a *moment* and I was certain she was meant to be mine. The fourth time I saw Julie Parker, she was struggling...Categorized as:
sports football forced proximity found-family grumpy sunshine friends to lovers athletes new adult -
Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDid you ever see a guy and just know you had to meet him? That was me and Bodhi Merrick. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he donned his wetsuit at the famous big-wave surf spot, Mavericks. I'll never forget that day. Or every time our paths crossed after that. Big wave surfing is a small world...Categorized as:
sports multicultural forced proximity m-f siblings-bff humor contemporary length-medium -
Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe way she looks, smells, laughs is killing me. I fell in love with my sister’s best friend. To top it all off, she’s brilliant. And I’m failing Chemistry. Of course, when I get her help, she’s laidback about it. Charming and helpful as always, like she doesn’t know how much I want her. I’ve got to play it cool and let her see a different side of me... -
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
I moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy... -
Thunderstruck by Dana LeCheminant
Rugby player Cole Evanson doesn’t need romance complicating his life. So when the team’s new athletic trainer—the spunky and stunning Carissa Paxton—arrives, Cole knows he should steer clear and let his teammates make their moves. Easier said than done. Carissa’s vivacious and sweet nature tempts Cole to risk his infamous family curse, which would be a mistake for everyone... -
It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff comes a fierce, emotional romance about surviving the spotlight, outrunning your past, and choosing love when everything says you shouldn’t. They call her the Black Widow. A pop star. A tabloid tragedy. A girl who set the world on fire—and got burned in return. But Sloane Walker doesn’t care what they say. Not anymore...Categorized as:
found-family football friends to lovers sports contemporary humor length-long audiobook -
The Problem with Players by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsAs a female coach, I’ve always lived by a simple mantra: throw hard, swing for the fences, and never, ever look back--especially when it comes to past flames. So when my ex-boyfriend somehow manages to land the job as my new assistant coach, my life is flipped upside down. The game I thought I'd mastered is now being played with a whole new set of rules. My ex is baseball's all-star Nathan Pierce...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports friends to lovers from hate to love black-mc found-family m-f baseball -
Stealing You by Mollie Goins
Beck Daines has everything he needs—at least that’s what he wants everyone to believe. As the starting first baseman for the Blues, he has his dream job, amazing friends, and while he’s a romantic at heart— watching his friends find the love they deserve is more than enough. However, love for himself is an idea he’s benched for good...Categorized as:
sports m-f forced proximity found-family athletes insta-love friends to lovers baseball -
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Deja Brew All Over Again by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTrouble has always had a way of finding me, but I never expected to be carjacked by a hot girl in a wedding dress. As the official family screw-up, not many people count on me for anything but a good time. But Maisy Romero and her little brother need a knight in shining armor, and they need him yesterday... -
After The Vows by D.E. Haggerty
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe sexy cop next door wants nothing to do with me. Until he asks me to marry him to save his daughter. When Lucas moves in next door, I don’t waste any time trying to get his attention. But the police officer who looks strong enough to throw me over those wide shoulders of his and carry me away isn’t interested in me. Time for desperate measures... -
The Candidate by Alice Ward
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLust drove us together. Our differences are driving us apart. As the Republican Party’s front-runner for the White House in 2024, I’m the man the media praises for having a silver tongue. By day, I’m a very conservative, buttoned-up professional. By night, my wild side comes out to prowl, searching for something. I end up in The Black Room. .. and find her... -
T.Y.P.O.: Take Your Pants Off by Frankie Love, C.M. Seabrook
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA typo in a text brought us together. Auto-correct gone wrong? It's never been so right! Aylee is scared of a couple things: Being in the water for one and being with a man for another. Good thing I'm the guy who got the message because I can kill two birds with one stone. Alpha-hole much? Let's call it confident. I know what Aylee needs because I have my own demons to conquer... -
Tease by Camilla Stevens
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“Hello, neighbor. Going down? ”. Miss Pink. That’s what I call her. Her “real” name is too ridiculous to repeat. Besides, my nickname for her is more than apt. Everything about her is pink, from the pink champagne she gets delivered by the caseload, to the tiny pink feathers I find randomly breezing down the hallway of our apartment building in her wake. It’s ridiculous…in the most addictive way... -
Play Maker by Nikki Hall
Friends without benefits. For now. Mac. Last year, I only wanted three things out of a good time, a date with Wonder Woman, and a shot at playing and singing in the same Superbowl. This year, I can’t bring myself to care. Until Blue. The quiet girl with the rainbow hair refuses to let me suffer alone, and I’m starting to think losing everything is worth finding her. Blue... -
Some Kind of Blunderful by Livy Hart
If you ask Mia Madden, the road to dating hell is paved with suspiciously hot online profiles. Take tonight’s date, for example. Alex Conroy’s whole “boardroom in the streets, lumberjack in the sheets” thing totally works for her, but his profile did not convey that he represents everything she loathes about corporate hustle culture. He’s not even worth her bottle of purse wine...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love new adult forbidden love m-f humor contemporary -
The Perfect Play by Cookie O'Gorman
She’s playing to win. Okay, so I probably shouldn’t have made that bet with Emmy. But come on! She was challenging me. Attract a guy in seven days? No problem. Well…maybe just one. The guy she chooses is her brother, Chase O’Brien aka golden-boy-Virgin and star pitcher for the Wolves. Unlike most guys, Chase seems immune to my charms—but I’ve always loved a challenge. He’s playing for keeps... -
Them by Carey Heywood
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFirst comes love, then comes marriage, then comes…. As Will and Sarah Price settle into being Mr. & Mrs. , they meet a stumbling block neither of them anticipated. All of their friends are starting families of their own, but not them, and not for lack of trying. For them, their dreams of a happily-ever-after always included a baby... -
The Race by Alice Ward
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI like it fast. She likes it faster. Who will win this race? As founder and CEO of UnCaged Fitness, I sponsor some of the hottest fitness properties around. Top female athletes and models beg for my attention. I’m rich. I’m ruthless. And when it comes to my business, I don’t play around. Until Emma James and her beautiful curves comes to Daytona... -
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Going All In by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing the nice guy leaves me open to being a rebound romance. Which I’m not interested in. I’ve got better things to do. Like taking my spot on the NBA draft picks. It’s all that matters to me. Love has never been on the radar. I’m too focused for all that fluff. Then life slows me down. Way down... -
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... -
Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLynn Brooks is officially over it. With four overprotective brothers, the youngest Brooks sibling has had enough with bossy alphas. So, when professional baseball star Joey Martel makes a play for her, she's determined to steer clear of him and his toxic circle of jocks. Being the latest conquest for another overbearing caveman? No thanks...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports grumpy sunshine athletes contemporary age difference humor length-medium -
The Winning Score by G.K. Brady
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe can’t stand him. The feeling is mutual. Can they make it through quarantine together? Quinn Hadley only does one thing as well as he plays hockey—wheeling the ladies. He’s the envy of his teammates. With puck bunnies on speed dial in every city, he never spends a night alone unless it’s by choice. He has a certain type—hot, blond, and easy... -
Faked and Fumbled by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsKnoxville Coyotes football heartthrob Cohen Campbell is my brother’s best friend. Now, he’s the man posing as my fake boyfriend. Simple, right? Wrong. I thought my luck couldn’t get worse than when my long-term boyfriend publicly dumped me. Wrong again. Now, my ex is dating my cousin, and our friend group is embarking on an annual ski trip...Categorized as:
sports football friends to lovers athletes forced proximity new adult humor contemporary -
Knock Knock by SaRai Savage
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSix years – well five years, three months, and eight days since my life was irrevocably changed, and there’s nothing I can do about it. As much as I want to move on…how do I do that? How do I allow myself to feel those butterflies of love again when I know what the consequences could be? Life can change in the blink of the eye... -
Two for Tripping by Lasairiona E. McMaster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAwkward. Adrift. Alone. Fresh out of college, Will Morrison finds himself at a loss. Graduating top of his class was all well and good, but with no idea of what to do next, it’s all meaningless, and his recent mistakes have put him on tenuous ground with his best friend and sister... -
Adrift by Swati M.H.
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsRani Shah is everything I can’t have–too young, too sweet, too innocent. Not to mention, she’s my late wife’s sister and my son’s nanny. So when she asked me to kiss her, I should have refused. When she begged me to touch her, I could have turned her down. When she coaxed me to take the one thing she’s never given away–her virginity–a better man would have walked away... -
Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThis series is 18+ERIC do you capture a girl's heart? Make her laugh. The waitress with the bird tattoo drawn up her middle finger got my attention by not caring if she has it. My team thinks it's hilarious she's not into me. Trouble is she likes musician types. .. . But hey, I'm a star quarterback and a Cocker which means I don't drop the ball...Categorized as:
sports athletes new adult from hate to love contemporary dual-pov humor length-medium -
Hide and Peak by Victoria Wilder
Alluring. Sexy. Liar. The newest stranger in Strutt's Peak has a mouth as loud and captivating as the bright tattoos drawn all over her body. But she's no stranger to me. Because I’ve met her. I’ve kissed her lips. And I'm the only one who knows her secret. She’s supposed to be dead. Now, I hide the truth and keep her safe. Pretend we never met. Try to forget I ever touched her... -
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Our Star-Crossed Kiss by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsShe’s got two strikes against her. Her name is Erickson and her parents own The Bagel Place. It wasn’t always that way. When we were nine, we were best friends. But then a feud between our dads ripped their successful business apart—and my best friend was ripped away too. Our paths were bound to cross again. Now, both our families are vying for the same spot on a Food Channel’s reality show... -
Royal Engagement by Chance Carter
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA Prince with one rule. Never marry a princess. I follow my heart. It's the code I live by. And that's saying a lot, since they've been trying to put me in a royal match since the day I was born. I'm not cut out to be a prince. I've always been more of the playboy type. The crown sits a lot more comfortably on my older brother's head... -
Nice Guys Still Finish by Harlow James
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“Come on. What’s the risk of getting to know me if I’m just some dorky guy that’s hopeless when it comes to dating? I mean, it’s not like you’re going to fall for me. ”. But hey, a guy could hope, couldn’t he? That was my idea when I met Ariel Logan—my sister’s new assistant on her talk show—to get her to agree to be my relationship tutor in hopes that she’d realize I’m the man she needs... -
1026 Wild Way by Mandi Beck
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShe’s out of her element, and he’s out of his mind…over her. One trip upriver, s’mores over a campfire complete with a hungry bear, and some seriously great sex in a Yurt. That’s all it took for Weston Wild to become smitten. It doesn’t matter that his life is all things outdoors in the small town of Cherry Falls while hers consists of world travel and the glitzy glamour of fast-paced LA... -
& Then They Wed by Riya Iyer
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA roommates to lovers romcom with a grumpy chef MMC and a sunshine doctor FMC who fall in love over street-food dates and terrible jokes. Rian Shetty had a plan. His business was profitable. He was listed amongst the top up-and-coming restaurateurs in the world. He might even get a second Michelin star any day now... -
Trick Shot by Lyssa Lemire
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen I need a fake fiancée, my best friend Abby seems like the safe choice. But I should have known there’s nothing more dangerous than pretending to love your best friend – after you realize pretending isn’t enough. There’s a lot that makes me one of a kind. Being the best defensive player in college hockey. My status as a local celebrity and campus superstar...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers forced proximity athletes new adult contemporary humor hockey
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