Books Like...

'Shutout' by Avery Keelan is a college hockey romance novel that delves into hard-hitting topics such as cancer, genetic testing, pressure for success, and the complexities of friendships. The story follows the characters Seraphina and Tyler as they navigate their growing feelings for each other, initially starting with a casual hookup but eventually leading to a deep emotional connection. The book is praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and addictive writing style that keeps readers engrossed until the very end.

In "The Fake Out" by Stephanie Archer, the story revolves around the main characters, Rory and Hazel, who find themselves in a fake dating arrangement that turns into a genuine and meaningful relationship. Rory, a sweet and supportive individual, helps Hazel navigate through her past relationship issues while finding joy in his own life. The book is set in the Vancouver Storm universe and includes tropes like frenemies to lovers and fake dating, creating a dynamic and engaging storyline filled with banter and found family elements.

'The Dare' in the series 'Briar U' by Elle Kennedy follows the story of Conor and Taylor, two characters who navigate their issues, insecurities, and struggles while developing a deep connection. The book is filled with moments of growth, self-discovery, and love, as the characters learn to overcome obstacles and support each other. The writing style captures the essence of a slow-burn romance, friendship, and character development, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.

Readers describe 'Fornever Yours' as a captivating enemies-to-lovers story between Lizzy and Gideon. The book showcases strong character development and a modern take on Pride and Prejudice vibes, with the protagonists working through miscommunications and misconceptions to grow closer. Natasha Anders expertly weaves a heartwarming, funny, and engaging narrative that keeps readers invested from beginning to end. The book is filled with banter, conflict, and drama, presenting a fresh and almost rom-com feel to the enmity between the main characters.

Collide by Bal Khabra is a captivating story that effortlessly combines romance, mystery, and self-discovery elements. The novel introduces us to Summer, a resilient and relatable protagonist, as she navigates through life's complexities. Summer, a sports psychology enthusiast, finds herself challenged when tasked to work on a project with Aiden Crawford, the Captain of the Dalton U hockey team. As time progresses, Summer's perspective on hockey and its players evolves, leading to a shift in her feelings towards Aiden, the man responsible. The book is filled with engaging banter, spicy scenes, and a mix of humor and sarcasm that adds depth to the characters' development and the evolving relationship between Summer and Aiden.

If You Hate Me by Helena Hunting is a contemporary romance set in Canada, featuring a female main character (FMC) who navigates a relationship with her brother's best friend, a hockey player. The plot revolves around their enemies-to-lovers dynamic, marked by forced proximity and some steamy encounters. The FMC unexpectedly manages her brother's multimillion-dollar investments after a brief stint in her first job, adding an interesting twist to the story.

The writing style is a mix of humor and explicit content, with memorable scenes that blend romance and risqué moments. The character names have received criticism for being odd and potentially off-putting. However, the book does offer engaging female friendships and a light touch on angst, despite containing some red flags in the relationship. With a mix of banter, jealousy, and playful interactions between characters, the book drives the romantic tension while maintaining a steamy atmosphere.

'The Enforcer' in the series 'Lakeside University Hockey' by Avery Keelan follows the second chance romance between Nash and Violet. After meeting during freshman year and falling deeply in love, their relationship ends due to past traumas and baggage. Three years later, they are forced to work together, leading to a rocky restart of their relationship. As they navigate their rekindled love, both Nash and Violet must confront their demons and grow as individuals to make their relationship work. skillfully portrays real-life struggles and anxieties while delivering a sweet, spicy, and emotional storyline that keeps readers engaged and invested.

Avery Keelan's writing style in 'The Enforcer' is praised for its depth, character development, and ability to handle difficult subjects with gentleness and tact. offers a blend of sweet and spicy moments, slow and fast burn romance, and a mix of good and bad experiences that resonate with readers. The characters, especially Nash and Violet, are relatable and undergo significant growth throughout the story, making their second chance at love both heartwarming and realistic.

Sierra and Mateo are two baseball players in the big leagues, with Sierra being the first female player in the league. The story follows their journey as Sierra is brought to Mateo's team in California, where he becomes her mentor, helping her hone her pitching skills. The book focuses on their evolving relationship, from strangers to friends to lovers, amidst the pressures of the game and the dynamics within the team. The writing style is praised for its detailed portrayal of baseball, the realistic team dynamics, and the inclusion of LGBTQA and Filipino Latinx representation, making it a must-read for fans of sports romance.

Sierra and Mateo's slow burn chemistry, the development of their mentorship-turned-friendship, and the exploration of their bisexuality and kink dynamics are highlighted as strong points in the book. The story delves into the challenges faced by the characters on and off the field, their personal growth, and the building of a relationship against the backdrop of professional sports. The author's ability to balance the sports aspect with the romance, the representation of diverse identities, and the well-crafted sexual tension between the characters are key elements that make this book stand out in the sports romance genre.

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin follows Natalie and Rob as they navigate their relationship over ten years, intertwined with the lives of their best friends. From initial attraction to complex emotions at various milestones, the story showcases awkward moments, emotional downturns, and the evolution of their connection. Through time jumps and relatable situational comedy, readers witness how external life events affect their bond while both characters grow, falter, and ultimately redeem themselves.

The writing style is engaging and fluid, evoking real-life challenges and emotions. Despite featuring characters that may not be wholly likable, Hankin captures the essence of young adulthood—where aspirations, mistakes, and friendship dynamics play vital roles. The book dives into themes of love, personal growth, and the ups and downs of relationships, making it a fresh romantic comedy that combines humor with heartfelt moments.