Books like 'Playing Games'
Readers who enjoyed Playing Games by Riley Hart also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance north-america usa california mlm sports university lgbtq enemies-to-lovers
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Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
![Line Mates & Study Dates by Eden Finley, Saxon James]()
Line Mates & Study Dates by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsASHER Hockey, studying, and school runs. That’s my life now. After a tragic accident that took our parents’ lives, it’s up to me and my big brother to take care of our five younger siblings. In between burning their meals and keeping them from killing each other, I’m supposed to get a college degree...Categorized as:
athlete cheerful-mc family forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor -
![Big, Bossy Problem: An Accidental Baby Romance by Lilian Monroe]()
Big, Bossy Problem: An Accidental Baby Romance by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBeing a dog walker isn’t as glamorous as you might imagine.Unless, of course, you’re walking a tech billionaire’s German shepherd mix...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers family grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor multi-pov workplace -
![If You Need Me by Helena Hunting]()
If You Need Me by Helena Hunting
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA standalone enemies to lovers, fake engagement, hockey romance. I’ve been secretly in love with Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst since the third grade.I should be the one taking her to our small-town high school reunion. The prom king finally gets his chance with the valedictorian.Except she hates me.To the world, I’m a pro hockey player with a million dollar smile...Categorized as:
sports family humor enemies-to-lovers workplace multi-pov forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine -
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![Colin by Cora Rose]()
Colin by Cora Rose
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsColinI’ve devoted my life to my son, always putting his needs first, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Becoming a father was the best decision I’ve ever made, but hell, single parenting is difficult. I’m so tired of holding everything together. I need a partner, someone to share my life with. I miss intimacy and passion... -
![Line Brawl by Bianca Sommerland]()
Line Brawl by Bianca Sommerland
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNot all fights are one on one. In a team, no man should stand alone. ‘You can’t keep me.’ Shawn ‘Easy’ Pischlar has given his speech so often, it should be written on the white board in the Dartmouth Cobra’s locker room. Too many of his own teammates have heard the words. And the games he’s played are finally catching up to him... -
![Defender by Nicole Dykes]()
Defender by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTravis WyattAll I’ve ever wanted was to go to college and get out of Kensley. That small town is all I’ve ever known. I want to be free to be myself, not stifled by small minds in the football-loving town where I grew up.And then I blew my one and only chance.So now, I’m just stuck. Stuck in small-town life, with the same small-town people I’ve always known. Stuck where I don’t want to be...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy forced-proximity -
![Take a Chance on Me by Alexa Land]()
Take a Chance on Me by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFree-spirited ballet dancer Quinn is sure he made a terrible mistake by agreeing to be Duke’s roommate. The big cop is the most uptight person Quinn’s ever met, and both men begin driving each other crazy from day one. Before long though, an undeniable spark of attraction ignites between them... -
![Making His Play by Mari Carr]()
Making His Play by Mari Carr
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAlex has a big name in hockey, famous for his stick skills—on and off the ice. But he’s also got a freckle-faced female problem. He took his sister’s tomboy best friend, Charley, to a Vegas wedding to cheer her up after a bad breakup.Too much champagne later and he’s waking up with Charley in his bed and his ring on her finger. And the crazy part is…Mrs. Alex Stone has a nice ring to it... -
![Seth by Carly Marie]()
Seth by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBe yourself because everyone else is taken. But what if that risks everything you know? Seth Johnson has worked his entire career to be remembered more for his skill than as an openly gay NHL player. Finding a boyfriend has been pushed to the back burner. As for exposing his softer side, the side that loves lace and lingerie? It’s not happening... -
![Love You Wild by Becka Mack]()
Love You Wild by Becka Mack
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShattered. That’s the best way to describe Claire Thompson after the ultimate betrayal. When her long-term boyfriend cheats on her, Claire decides she’s done with men. Maybe forever. Healing the pieces of her broken heart seems like too impossible a task...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor sports steamy -
![Now's the Time by Harlow James]()
Now's the Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 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:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor sports steamy workplace -
![Perfect Praise by Grace Pearce]()
Perfect Praise by Grace Pearce
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaren and Locke both exist in the same world of professional golf—he's the number one player in the world while she just takes his picture.Never mind that Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe that he and Maren are dating, because when she confronts him, he couldn't care less... -
![Face Offs & Cheap Shots by Eden Finley, Saxon James]()
Face Offs & Cheap Shots by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsJACOBS For the last three years, I’ve lived and breathed hockey with one goal: team captain.There’s only one thing standing in my way. TJ Beckett.Beck is irresponsible and immature, and I’ve hated him since the moment we met freshman year.Yet, the coaches see something in him I obviously can’t, and they refuse to choose between us... -
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![Home Game by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Home Game by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s pro football’s hottest wide receiver…But for me he’s pure, red-hot trouble.Storm Rosling is cocky. Charming. A bad boy football player who can’t keep his name out of headlines and scandals.In my life, he’s one big red flag.I’m working with Fixer Brothers Construction to take their home renovation TV show to the stratosphere. I’m all business, and I’m damn good at it... -
![Dash: Rushing the Play by Kayley Loring, Connor Crais]()
Dash: Rushing the Play by Kayley Loring, Connor Crais
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings#99 Dash Taylor. Rookie defensive end for the Boston Tomcats. 285 pounds of fast-twitch muscle. Nickname: Big D.I’ve been sacking quarterbacks since junior high and causing trouble since I was born.My college coach thinks I have a bad attitude, so he makes me take ballet lessons as punishment. If I don’t turn things around on the field next season, he’ll bench me...Categorized as:
athlete cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor sports -
![Left Behind by Michele Notaro]()
Left Behind by Michele Notaro
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy god, if I have to watch one more happy couple get together, I’m going to lose it completely and probably rip out all of my awesomely pink hair... -
![The Bastard and the Heir by Eden Finley, Saxon James]()
The Bastard and the Heir by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDARCYThe death of my father not only rips out my heart but tears open my entire life.His funeral brings the appearance of his bastard son, the byproduct of my father’s apparent misadventures. Wren Porter is a prickly, untrusting beef cake in an ill-fitting suit, and he looks so much more the part of a Ritcherson than I do... -
![Goaltender Interference by Brigham Vaughn]()
Goaltender Interference by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe last thing Connor O’Shea needs is more complications … After too much celebrating at his brother’s wedding, Connor wakes up next to cocky Toronto goaltender Jesse Webber—pro hockey’s reigning f*ckboy. With three kids and a failed marriage under his belt, Connor might be ready to admit he’s attracted to men, but that doesn’t mean his life has to change... -
![Skye Blue by Alexa Land]()
Skye Blue by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSometimes, the road to happily ever after takes you where you least expect it.Skye was only interested in finally losing his virginity, but he might have found much more than that. Two guys both feel so right to the twenty-one-year old art student, but maybe that means they cancel each other out. After all, if either was the one, Skye wouldn’t have feelings for both of them... -
![Work: Strictly Professional by Jesse H. Reign]()
Work: Strictly Professional by Jesse H. Reign
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Not to worry, I’ll compensate you for your time and your… skill.”My boss is a walking red flag. He’s bolshy and rude. Impossible to please. A big, broody man with dark eyes that carry an unmistakable message – I am not manageable. Seriously, he’s the worst. If it’s not bad enough that he’s a nightmare in the office, he’s all but ordering me to be his date to his son’s wedding... -
![Extra Credit by Sarina Bowen]()
Extra Credit by Sarina Bowen
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThree novellas, including all new Ivy Years fun! BLONDE DATE: A nervous sorority girl, a mean fraternity prank and an adorkable basketball player with a heart of gold. Blonde Date follows Katie and Andy’s first blind date… STUDLY PERIOD: One hunky hockey player with a language barrier. Plus one awkward English tutor with a big crush... -
![The Backup Plan by Eden Finley]()
The Backup Plan by Eden Finley
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThadFailing to make it in pro ball left me absolutely devastated. Baseball has been my life, my dream, but it’s time to move on.Becoming a sports agent was always my backup plan, and now that I’m interning at the biggest queer-focused firm in the country, I’m doing my best not to let my bitterness toward baseball affect my future... -
![Playing Offside by Jax Calder]()
Playing Offside by Jax Calder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFalling for the guy whose starting spot you're after? Never a good idea.Aiden Jones, aka the Ice King, is one of the best rugby players in the world. He got there by working hard and sacrificing a lot, including denying a large part of himself. But there’s plenty of time to be the poster boy for gay rugby players after he retires...Categorized as:
athlete cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq mlm -
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![Luke by Cora Rose]()
Luke by Cora Rose
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThey say love comes from the most unexpected places; I found mine hiding in my bushes from the cops.My life before Luke was a carefully structured routine. It was predictable and organized, just the way I like it. Some would call it boring, but I call it smart self-preservation, and if there’s one thing that could threaten to bring it all crashing down, it’s Luke van Beek...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor lgbtq mlm -
![Presidential Chaos by Saxon James]()
Presidential Chaos by Saxon James
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTwo houses. Two Presidents. One hell of a happy ending. Zeke Being President of a frat house means everything is on my shoulders.Idiot brothers, epic pranks, a list of organizational duties long enough to make my eyes bleed.None of it fazes me.But senior year is almost over, and I’m ready to take a step back.Until the hazing rumors start... -
![Poetry On Ice by Jesse H. Reign]()
Poetry On Ice by Jesse H. Reign
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI can’t tell if we’re fighting…or flirting?Being traded to the Seattle Vipers has left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, they’re my team, the team I’ve loved and supported since I was a kid, but on the other hand, he’s here. Him. Ant Decker. Infamous NHL bad boy. Right wing to my left. A man who’s made it his sole purpose in life to be better than me...Categorized as:
mlm enemies-to-lovers sports lgbtq forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
![Legend by Isla Olsen, Willow Thomas]()
Legend by Isla Olsen, Willow Thomas
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTomLegend of the Game. That’s me, apparently. I suppose it’s meant to be a compliment, but to me it just sounds like one of those labels people slap on you when you’re on your way out. Legend. Stalwart. Dinosaur. It all sounds the same to me.I’ve been in the Premier League for over twenty years and I’m not ready to leave... -
![The Write Off by K.M. Gillis]()
The Write Off by K.M. Gillis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThere’s a fine line between love and loathe.Rilla Pine is ready for her main character moment, but first her debut fantasy novel must pass inspection by her uptight editor. Easy on her eyes but hard on her head, he seems determined to dissect her life’s work.Logan Carmichael turns manuscripts into bestsellers...Categorized as:
workplace enemies-to-lovers steamy forced-proximity multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
![Famous Last Words by Shann McPherson]()
Famous Last Words by Shann McPherson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA laugh out loud haters-to-lovers, fake-dating hockey romance. Not so long ago, Robbie Mason had it all. Three Stanley Cup wins, two Hart trophies, and sponsorship deals worth millions. But then he went and broke his own teammate’s jaw, and the best defenseman in the history of the NHL hit rock bottom, hard...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers multi-pov athlete grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc workplace -
![Light 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson, Bang Brothers]()
Light 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson, Bang Brothers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLight 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson is book 5 in the Bang Brothers Hockey seriesAnnie BangI’m thrilled to be working in professional hockey, since my five brothers are all hockey players. My new role as skating coach to the New York Bears is the perfect fit and I can’t wait to whip all these guys into shape so we can win more games...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers steamy workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers -
![One Look by Lena Hendrix]()
One Look by Lena Hendrix
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’m a full time single dad. A former NFL player turned coach, tasked with turning around a college team full of kids who either don’t take it seriously or are determined to get injured. I will absolutely not be falling for my new neighbor, despite the number of times my meddling brothers try to set us up.Lark Butler is pure chaos wrapped in gorgeous, infuriating sunshine...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers family forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor sports -
![Chandler: Training Days Book 1 by J.D. Light]()
Chandler: Training Days Book 1 by J.D. Light
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsChandler Bell When my boyfriend breaks up with me because I'm overweight, I go to the one place I feel the most comfortable. Oddly enough, it's the gym I was basically raised in. Things have changed over the years, but the people inside are my family. Some of them literally. Baker reluctantly agrees to help me get in shape, and so begins the torture... -
![Bad Ideas by Alexa Land]()
Bad Ideas by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDoctor Theo Koenig is the most annoying man I’ve ever met, and hooking up with him was a terrible idea. So, why can’t I stop myself from coming back for seconds? And thirds?Maybe there’s more to this man than meets the eye...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor lgbtq mlm -
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![Ignited by Becca Steele]()
Ignited by Becca Steele
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy life was perfect. A dream degree course, amazing friends, a different guy every weekend.Until him. One night.No names.We thought we’d never see each other again.But the man that blew my mind turns out to be Dr. Wilder, a lecturer at my university with a reputation of being cold and unapproachable.Completely wrong for me. He’s a teacher. I’m a student... -
![Single Shot by Pippa Green, Eden Dunn]()
Single Shot by Pippa Green, Eden Dunn
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Minnesota Raider’s PR Guru calls me into her office. No big deal, right? I’m Dominik James. I’m the goalie with the most and the most charming player we’ve got...and now I’m supposed to use my charm to win over the journalist who’s gonna be tailing me for two weeks.Two weeks.I start out with nothing against Fiadora Brown or what she does for a living...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy romance contemporary -
![Calling it Safe by Lo Everett]()
Calling it Safe by Lo Everett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFriends with benefits—that’s the agreement. No commitments. No complications … but it’s never that simple.At my wit's end, I planned to spend the winter focusing on my writing, away from the soul-sucking grind that’s become my norm. The last person I expected to step in and save me when things go awry is my brother’s teammate, the intense and sometimes grumpy Dean Harrison...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov athlete -
![XOXO, Santa by Spencer Spears]()
XOXO, Santa by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHow do you ask your best friend to be your first time?Blake: What do you do when you realize at age 20 that you might like guys?If you’re me, you come up with a brilliant and foolproof plan:Proposition the one gay guy you know to swipe your V-card over winter break.In my case, that’s my childhood best friend, Henry.Just one problem—Henry hates my guts...Categorized as:
california enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers humor lgbtq mlm north-america university -
![The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes]()
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…TommyHelp! My sister is getting married and according to her, I need a date. And a makeover. I’m a busy man, though. I don’t have time to meet eligible bachelors, and the tape holding my glasses together works just fine. Until my hair stylist steps on them... -
![Traded by Carly Marie]()
Traded by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDangerous is moving the new trade in when you have secrets to hide Trevor Cane’s built a name for himself in the NHL. At 5’4” he’s one of the shortest players to ever play professional hockey. He also has a secret. A secret that he’s kept from everyone. But a surprise phone call from a friend leaves Trevor risking it all... -
![Love Language by Jax Calder]()
Love Language by Jax Calder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAshtonI’ve shared an office with Dominic, the grumpy raincloud to my endless sunshine, for three and a half years. My roommates and colleagues are convinced I’m obsessed with him, and okay, maybe I am slightly curious about what he signed to me at the staff mid-winter party...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers workplace forced-proximity -
![Breakneck Hockey by S. Legend]()
Breakneck Hockey by S. Legend
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI don’t want Casey Alderchuck, but I don’t want anyone else to have him either.My hook-up for the night wasn’t supposed to be my long-time hockey rival, but here he is. I’m too worked up to let him go home without having a taste. One little bite of that smart mouth is mine for the taking after how many times he’s broken my nose... -
![The Jock Script by Lane Hayes]()
The Jock Script by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe nerd, the coach, and the hookup…Asher-Swipe left, swipe left, swipe left. Sure, the idea of a quick, no-strings intimate rendezvous via hookup app sounds oddly thrilling, but it’s simply not me. Or maybe it is me, because it happened…and I liked it. Until I realized he looked familiar for a reason. A bad reason... -
![The Step Bro Situation by Jesse H. Reign]()
The Step Bro Situation by Jesse H. Reign
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s official, my step bro is the biggest himbo ever to himbo.He’s a massive blond beefcake with a soft heart and an over-eager smile. The mere sight of him incites a shaking hot rage in me.He’s everywhere. He’s around me all the time. So sweet and gentle it makes me feel wild. I see him and smell him everywhere. And when I can’t see him or smell him, I hear him...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq university grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers -
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![Becoming Bennet by Cora Rose, Nicole Dykes]()
Becoming Bennet by Cora Rose, Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI cannot stand Bennet Montgomery.His rugged hotness knows no bounds and his unwavering cheery disposition is maddening. How can someone be that happy all the time? His smile infuriates me.I need to keep my distance from this man and all his Midwest charm. I have my camboy career to focus on and I can't afford to get attached or bogged down with his nonsense...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq humor forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
![The Romance Line by Lauren Blakely]()
The Romance Line by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe first rule of handling PR for a hockey team? Never hook up with a player.That shouldn’t be a problem since the last man on earth I want to give an image makeover to is our goalie. He’s infuriatingly hot, famously grumpy and lives to spar with me after every game.But shining up his rough edges is my path to landing the promotion I desperately need, so I grit my teeth and do my job...Categorized as:
sports humor enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc workplace forced-proximity -
![The Best Men by Sarina Bowen]()
The Best Men by Sarina Bowen
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsBestselling authors Sarina Bowen and Lauren Blakely team up for the first time in an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, irresistibly sexy standalone romance between the best man and the other best man! In my defense, I was left alone with a bottle of single-malt and a life-long penchant for protecting my baby sister... -
![Egotistical Puckboy by Eden Finley, Saxon James]()
Egotistical Puckboy by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsEZRAPartying, dudes, and hockey. What more could a gay NHL player want?If it weren't for Anton Hayes, my life would be perfect.Not that he affects my life in any way. At all. That would imply I care what the winger from Philly thinks of me.Which I don't.Not even a one-night stand with him can thaw his misplaced animosity toward me.He says I'm the one with the ego, but he can talk... -
![Headstrong by Eden Finley]()
Headstrong by Eden Finley
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsA straight guy gives gay hookup tips to a virgin. What could go wrong? When I first met Whit, I couldn’t get away from him fast enough. He’s a hockey player, and I hate everything to do with the sport that once broke my heart.But I can’t help feeling sorry for the guy. He’s newly out and desperate to meet someone, but his eagerness seems to scare potential hook-ups away... -
![Stolen Kisses by Layla Hagen]()
Stolen Kisses by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsChase I’m a no-nonsense man. As the head of a business empire, I have to be. I’m logical, cut-throat, and don’t believe in cheesy things like marriage and happy ever afters. But when my best friend asks me to be Best Man, I can't say no.En route to the wedding, I get stuck at the airport when my flight is delayed, and this obnoxious woman sits next to me...
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