Books Like...

Stand and Defend by Sloane St. James is the fourth and final book in the Lakes Hockey series, focusing on the relationship between Jordan and Camden. Jordan, escaping an abusive relationship, finds refuge in Camden, who becomes her protector and support. The book delves into themes of growth, vulnerability, and strength, highlighting the character development of both protagonists. St. James' writing style balances elements of hockey, banter, plot twists, character depth, and intense romance, creating a compelling and immersive story that resonates with readers.

Stand and Defend stands out for its well-developed characters, particularly Jordan and Camden, who are portrayed as strong, complex, and relatable individuals. The book is praised for its engaging plot, world-building, and storytelling that seamlessly weaves together elements of sports romance, friendship, and personal growth. Readers appreciate the perfect blend of humor, spice, and emotional depth, making it a satisfying conclusion to the series that leaves a lasting impact.

Powerless by Elsie Silver is a heartwarming story of childhood friends turned lovers, Sloane and Jasper. Sloane, a people-pleasing ballerina, and Jasper, a professional hockey player with a traumatic past, navigate their deepening feelings for each other. The book is filled with humor, banter, and a slow-burn romance that captures the essence of small-town life in Chestnut Springs.

As Jasper rescues Sloane from a potentially disastrous wedding, the two embark on a road trip where they discover their true feelings for each other. The author, Elsie Silver, weaves a tale of growth, love, and self-discovery as Sloane finds her voice and strength while Jasper comes to terms with his past and his deepening emotions for Sloane.

'Superbia' in the 'Shades of Sin' series by Colette Rhodes is a enemies-to-lovers story focusing on Astrid, the best Shade Hunter who defected from the human realm to protect her sister, Queen Ophelia. The plot continues from the first book, involving rebels trying to unseat the king and Astrid's sister, led by Soren's sister who is in prison. The book delves into themes of prejudice, breaking down walls, and overcoming internal conflicts, all while maintaining a balance between humor, tension, and steamy scenes. The writing style is described as flowing effortlessly, with fully realized characters, realistic personalities, and engaging inner monologues.

'The Dixon Rule' in the series 'Campus Diaries' by Elle Kennedy is a fun and emotional read that follows the story of Diana Dixon and Shane, who start off as enemies but end up exploring a grumpy sunshine romance with elements of friends with benefits and fake dating. The book is filled with witty banter, emotional connections, and individual character growth that brings the main characters to life within the pages. The plot weaves through themes of love, friendship, and personal struggles, creating a story that is both heartwarming and poignant. Elle Kennedy's writing style shines through in her ability to create relatable characters with depth and engaging storylines that keep readers hooked from the first meet in the hall to the last page of the book.

Face Off by Chelsea Curto is a delightful hockey romance featuring a strong female character who plays in the NHL. The story revolves around Maverick, the charming and initially arrogant playboy of the team, and Emmy, the first female player in the league. Their relationship starts as friends with benefits, but it evolves quickly as they face challenges together, like sickness and unexpected moments of care. The banter and flirty exchanges between them are fun and keep the reader engaged throughout.

The writing style is refreshing and down-to-earth, making the characters relatable. Chelsea Curto has a knack for blending romance with humor, and she avoids unnecessary drama or breakups, focusing instead on communication and connection. Readers appreciate the forced proximity elements and the sweet moments that make the romance feel authentic. Overall, Face Off is not just about hockey; it's about the tender and playful dynamics between two strong characters.

'Sleet Kitten' by S.J. Tilly follows the story of Katelyn and Jackson, a Meet Cute romance between a strong and independent woman and a down-to-earth NHL star. Their instant connection leads to chemistry-filled banter, but obstacles keep getting in the way, threatening to end their relationship before it can even start. The writing style is described as light, easygoing, and full of playful banter and humor, with a sprinkle of spice and a slow burn romance that keeps readers engaged and rooting for the characters to be together.

'Shucked' by Kate Canterbary is a delightful small-town romance set in Friendship, Rhode Island. The story follows the dynamic between Sunny, who is running a vegan cafe, and Beckett, the owner of an oyster company, as they navigate their complex relationship filled with tension and banter. The plot unfolds with Beckett returning to Friendship to handle family issues, leading to unexpected encounters and a slow-burn romance between the grumpy Beckett and the sunshine-like Sunny. The book is filled with quirky characters, small-town shenanigans, and moments of humor and steamy chemistry, making it a captivating read with a unique voice in romance writing.

The author, Kate Canterbary, skillfully crafts a vivid and colorful world in Friendship, Rhode Island, bringing to life a diverse cast of characters with unique personalities and experiences. The book's plot is engaging, blending elements of humor, romance, and drama seamlessly to create a heartwarming story about love, friendship, and personal growth. Canterbary's writing style shines through in the witty banter between the characters, the well-developed relationships, and the charming small-town setting, making 'Shucked' a compelling and enjoyable read for fans of the genre.

'The Right Move' in the 'Windy City' series by Liz Tomforde is a romance novel that follows the story of Indy and Ryan, two opposites who become forced proximity roommates. The plot revolves around their evolving relationship, fake dating arrangement, and the challenges they face as they navigate past heartbreaks and insecurities. The writing style is praised for its smooth flow, realistic character development, and engaging banter between the main characters.

Heartless by Elsie Silver, the second book in the Chestnut Springs series, follows the story of Cade Eaton, a grumpy cowboy rancher in need of a nanny for his son Luke. Willa Grant, a sassy and free-spirited young woman, becomes the nanny, sparking a slow burn romance filled with tension and chemistry. The book portrays the heartwarming relationship that develops between Willa, Cade, and Luke, bringing out the best in each character. The writing style is described as humorous, emotional, and engaging, capturing the reader's attention with its swoony romance and charming characters.

Heartless is praised for its perfect blend of tropes, including age gap, grumpy x sunshine, single dad, and cowboy themes. The book is commended for its impeccable execution of these tropes, creating a story that is heartwarming, cute, and emotional. Readers appreciate the character development, especially highlighting the strong, independent female lead, Willa, and the grumpy yet caring Cade. The chemistry between the characters, the banter, and the slow burn romance are highlighted as key strengths of the book, making it a delightful and engaging read.

"The Pool Boy" by Nikki Sloane is a steamy romance novel set in the Nashville music scene, revolving around Erika, a recently divorced woman in her 40s, who finds herself drawn to her best friend's son, Troy, who also happens to be her pool boy. The forbidden romance between Erika and Troy is filled with passion, self-discovery, and age-gap dynamics, creating a sizzling and emotional journey for both characters. The book explores themes of desire, connection, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of the music industry and the complexities of relationships.

The writing style in "The Pool Boy" is described as engaging, immersive, and addictive, with vivid storytelling that brings the characters and their emotions to life. The author, Nikki Sloane, skillfully weaves together moments of intimacy, self-reflection, and forbidden love, creating a narrative that is both sensual and emotionally resonant, leaving readers captivated by the chemistry between Erika and Troy.