Books Like...

"The Deal" by Elle Kennedy is a new adult romance novel that follows the story of Hannah, a music major with a traumatic past, and Garrett, the captain of the hockey team. When Garrett needs help with his grades, he strikes a deal with Hannah to tutor him in exchange for his assistance in attracting her crush. As they spend time together, their chemistry grows, leading to a complex and heartwarming romance. The plotline may seem familiar, but the well-written banter and character development make this book a captivating and enjoyable read.

The writing style of Elle Kennedy in "The Deal" is praised for its ability to address dark themes such as abuse and trauma with care and finesse. The characters, Hannah and Garrett, are portrayed as flawed yet relatable individuals who find solace and growth in each other. The book explores themes of friendship, trust, and overcoming past struggles, all while delivering a fun and engaging college romance story.

The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen follows Corey, a college freshman adjusting to life in a wheelchair after an accident. She forms a deep connection with Hartley, a hockey player healing from a broken leg, despite the complications of his relationship with his girlfriend. The story is told from both Corey and Hartley's perspectives, showcasing their personal growth, friendship, and the challenges they face in a college setting. The writing style is described as simple, compelling, and emotionally engaging, offering a refreshing take on a college romance with elements of character growth and self-discovery.

"The Hook Up" by Kristen Callihan is a college romance story that revolves around the characters Anna and Drew. They meet in History Class and initially consider each other just a hook up, but their relationship evolves into something more complex filled with love, angst, insecurities, and possessiveness. delves into the realistic and honest issues that Anna and Drew face, with a strong focus on character development and emotional depth. The writing style is engaging, building anticipation and creating a mix of emotions that keep the reader invested in the story.

'Icebreaker' by Hannah Grace is a sports romance novel that follows the story of figure skater Anastasia Allen and hockey team captain Nate Hawkins. Their initial encounter, spurred by a prank leading to the sharing of an ice rink, sets the stage for a dynamic relationship filled with banter, competitiveness, and undeniable chemistry. As they navigate training together, their interactions evolve from humorous banter to deeper connections, leading to a steamy romance that challenges both of their strictly organized lives. The book intricately weaves themes of competition, friendship, and self-discovery into a lighthearted yet captivating plot, capturing the reader's attention with relatable characters and engaging dialogue. Hannah Grace's writing style effortlessly balances humor, romance, and important topics, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

In 'The Graham Effect', Gigi Graham, daughter of NHL legend Garrett Graham, is determined to follow in her father's footsteps and achieve her dream of an Olympic gold medal. To improve her skills, she enlists the help of Luke Ryder, a hockey player on the men's team aiming to impress her father. Their relationship evolves from hockey assistance to a deeper connection, blending elements of found family, ambition, and overcoming obstacles in the world of college sports.

Elle Kennedy's writing style shines in this second-generation novel, combining authentic male points of view, witty banter, and strong character development. The book navigates the merger of rival hockey teams, the dynamics of a budding romance, and the pursuit of dreams with a mix of humor, heart, and relatable struggles.

'Walk of Shame' by Lauren Layne follows the story of Georgina, a misunderstood socialite, and Andrew, a divorce lawyer. Georgina, also known as Georgie, is portrayed as a fun, warm, and affectionate woman who cares deeply about people despite her over-pampered socialite image. On the other hand, Andrew is depicted as a cynic and a workaholic who initially comes off as pompous but shows moments of vulnerability and compassion. The book delves into the unlikely romance between these two characters, exploring their differences, vulnerabilities, and the development of their relationship amidst societal expectations and personal struggles.

The writing style of 'Walk of Shame' is praised for its smart wit, character depth, and ability to expose the vulnerabilities and complexities of the main characters. The plot is described as Cinderella-like, focusing on Georgie's desire to be loved for who she truly is, rather than her social status, and Andrew's journey towards understanding and compassion. The book is noted for its humor, romance, and emotional depth, making it a compelling read that explores themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth.

'Beautiful Disaster' by Jamie McGuire revolves around the tumultuous and passionate relationship between Abby and Travis, two college students with complex personalities. The story delves into their dysfunctional yet intriguing romance, filled with intense emotions, constant ups and downs, and a rollercoaster of events. The plot explores themes of love, obsession, forgiveness, and self-discovery, portraying a narrative that is both captivating and controversial. The writing style of the book is fast-paced, with a mix of steamy romance, angst, and dramatic encounters that keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

In "The Perfect First" by Maya Hughes, the story follows Persephone Alexander, a sheltered and lonely girl who creates a list of firsts she wants to experience before leaving college, including losing her virginity. When a misunderstanding leads to a chance encounter with Reece Michaels, a senior football player with dreams of making it to the NFL, their lives intertwine as Reece agrees to help Seph with her list, leading to a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and romance. The novel beautifully showcases Seph's growth as she breaks free from her sheltered upbringing and learns to live life on her own terms, while Reece's character development from an arrogant athlete to a caring and loyal individual adds depth to their relationship.

The writing style of Maya Hughes is praised for drawing readers into the story, making them emotionally invested in the characters and their journey. The chemistry between Seph and Reece is palpable, and the novel is described as heartwarming, fun, and engaging, with just the right amount of steamy scenes. Through a combination of humor, drama, and romance, Hughes crafts a compelling narrative that explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of love, setting the stage for a series that promises to captivate readers.

'Bittersweet' in the 'True North' series by Sarina Bowen is a sweet and refreshing romance novel that introduces readers to the Shipley family and their non-blood family dynamics. The story follows Audrey, a determined chef working for a food corporation, and Griffen, a grumpy yet endearing farmer. Their paths cross years after a brief college fling, leading to a rekindling of their chemistry amidst Vermont's farming community. The book is praised for its interesting foodie information, perfect blend of romance and sensuality, and the engaging dynamics between the characters.

In "Pucked" by Helena Hunting, the story follows Violet, an accountant working with athletes, who is wary of relationships due to her stepbrother's promiscuity and her own experiences. She meets Alex, the captain of an NHL team, and despite initial misunderstandings and miscommunications, they are drawn to each other. The plot is filled with humor, quirky characters, explicit scenes, and an unconventional writing style that balances crude humor with honest and entertaining storytelling.