Books like 'Nice Guys Don't Win'
Readers who enjoyed Nice Guys Don't Win by Micalea Smeltzer also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance sports university friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn multi-pov steamy forbidden-love
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Becoming Selfish by lizrose, Liz Tomforde
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsELIThis is it. my senior year. My last shot to get called up to play in the National Hockey League. This season is about me. Though every season is about me. I'm the captain of my university's hockey team- the top scorer both o and off the ice- and everyone on campus knows my name.I feel the pressure every single day.I can't afford to get distracted... -
Could Be the One: (Lucas and Becca) by Claire Kingsley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’ve always been the good girl, doing what people expect. But when I find myself dumped, instead of engaged, I realize it’s time for a change. I want to stop being so timid. Take risks. Find my naughty side. And who better to help me than my friend Lucas? Sure, Lucas is sexy as sin, with a smile that turns my brain inside out and a body that makes me think a lot of very bad girl thoughts...Categorized as:
steamy friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn romantic-love contemporary audiobook small-town -
Dirty Like Jude by Jaine Diamond
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe was her first true love…And the worst mistake she ever made.There’s always been a spark between Jude Grayson and Roni “Wild Card” Webber.Unfortunately, whenever it ignites… it explodes.And they both get burned.As head of security for Dirty—his best friend’s rock band—and a member of the West Coast Kings motorcycle club, Jude had a choice to make, long ago. Loyalty or love. Brotherhood or her... -
Splintered by Isabel Lucero
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWelcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa —the best place to go when all you want to do is disappear and not have anyone expect anything of you.Overwhelmed with work and feeling like I’m being pulled in multiple directions at once, I crave the serenity a private island holds for me... -
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The Virgin Game Plan by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA sexy standalone forbidden sports romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely! The woman I want is as off-limits as they come.I had an excuse two years ago when I met her on campus. She interviewed me for a story on major league baseball's rising stars, and we shared a hot, passionate night that ended far too soon, and without a mention of who her father was... -
Fallen Snow by Jolie Vines
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHot rock star meets injured snowboarder. Even broken hearts can melt.ViolaAfter a hit and run, my gold medal dreams are forced on hold. I can’t walk, let alone snowboard, and a wheelchair is my new way to get around.Everything I worked for has been destroyed.Then the world’s number one rock star strides into my life.He’s staying in my castle and working with my family... -
Lost Boy by Hannah Gray
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI was four when my parents gave me my first pair of skates. By six, I was hooked on hockey and couldn’t get enough. At twelve, I had made a name for myself on the ice. And when I was fifteen, colleges were starting to take notice. Life was great—until it wasn’t. Because when I was seventeen, my best friend died in my arms. And nothing made sense after that. Drinking turned to smoking...Categorized as:
sports university forced-proximity friends-to-lovers steamy romance contemporary substance-abuse -
3 Count by Nikki Castle
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA charming ladies' man that everybody loves.A badass photojournalist that treats every day as a new adventure.A friends with benefits relationship.When Aiden and Dani meet on his college campus, their playful banter and physical chemistry immediately draws them to each other. It's easy for one accidental meet-cute to become a standing date, and for a certain understanding to develop between them... -
Fastball by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt was over as quickly as it started…or at least I thought it was. But as it turns out, I can’t stay away. Life keeps throwing us together, and it seems like she’s everywhere all at once. She’s in the same house as me, in the bedroom next to mine as I dream about what she’s doing in there...Categorized as:
forbidden-love forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn sports university adult -
The Season: Kaufman by Nicole Edwards
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSpencer Kaufman When I signed on to the NHL, I promised to give 150% to the game. I’ve done that. Little did I know, but they would ask more from me than merely my skill on the ice. The team wanted me to be their captain. It’s an honor, one I’ve done my best to fulfill. Although I can’t take all the credit, I was there to lead when we won the Stanley Cup... -
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... -
Forgetting the Rules: A Second-Chance-Romance Sports Standalone by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA standalone sports romance. Book 6 in The Dating Playbook Series... -
Declan: A Brash Brothers Billionaire Romance by Jenna Myles
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe's all I've dreamed of for years, but she's my employee...and around her, I turn into a stuttering teenage boy.We’ve been dancing around each other for years. It’s not a dance I’m proud of. The day we met, I fell out of my chair. Now, we’re stuck in this repeating pattern: she corners me, I freeze then I bolt. I’m 33 years old and I should be able to handle a woman better than this... -
Vengeful Rotten Casualties by Lucy Smoke
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI sold my soul to the devil only to turn around and slit his throat… Thomas Kincaid took everything from me. My mother. My hopes. My innocence.Now, it’s my turn.He thought he was safe.They all did.They were wrong.Men always think they can take without ever having to deal with the consequences. Well, now I’m back, and I'm the last consequence they’ll ever see... -
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Wild Card by Maggie Rawdon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe infamous playboy and star wide receiver for the Seattle Phantom is the last person on earth I would ever expect to come to my rescue. Tobias Westfield and I can’t see eye-to-eye on anything. But when my date goes to hell and I end up stranded in the pouring rain on my birthday, he’s there—holding my hand and playing the adoring boyfriend. I might have had him all wrong...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity friends-to-lovers steamy multi-pov romance humor contemporary -
Kissing My Brother's Bride by Molly McLain
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy brother’s fiancée should have been mine. Now, I know what you’re thinking, and it’s not quite as bad as it sounds. Linc was running late for their first date and he begged me to stand in until he could get there.I only went to tell the girl to run. To warn her about my brother’s selfish ways and promise she wanted no part of it.But then I saw her...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers forbidden-love slow-burn steamy multi-pov romance contemporary siblings -
4th Degree by Nikki Castle
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe's her coach.She's too young.They're both risking everything.Forced to grow up too soon, Skylar has built her entire life around taking care of her family. But when she catches her first lucky break, she’s finally able to pick up the sport that has always intrigued her. Signing up at the local MMA gym is where she meets Coach Dominic...Categorized as:
sports university forced-proximity forbidden-love slow-burn friends-to-lovers multi-pov steamy -
Score by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI have a crush on Nolan Archer, Boston University’s freshman running back. He’s the definition of tall, dark, and swoon worthy. My knees weaken every time our eyes meet. There’s only one problem… he’s a virgin. As much as I try to convince myself he’s too young for me, or that I prefer experienced guys, I can’t deny the flames of attraction flaring between us...Categorized as:
forbidden-love forced-proximity friends-to-lovers sports university adult age-gap book -
Hard Fall by Brenda Rothert, Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe St. Louis Mavericks are having the best season in team history. On pace for a pro hockey record, the unexpected death of their captain and star player knocks them off course in ways they never expected.WestonMy world was turned upside down the day Ben Whitmer died. Best friends since junior hockey, Ben was like a brother to me. My voice of reason and a grounding force on and off the ice... -
68 Days And Counting by Nikki20038
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratings~Sequel to The Bad Boy And The Tomboy~Macy Anderson and Sam Cahill are together in Manchester, England living the new university life. Their relationship is striving as they meet new people and experience different things and strengthen their beautiful relationship. But then again there's soccer, the Cahill family and girls because where there's Sam Cahill there will also be many girls... -
Lovestruck by Julie Capulet
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe’s completely off-limits.But some rules were made to be broken.Elias O’Shea isn’t just Hawthorne University’s star quarterback—he’s the campus heartthrob. With the looks of a god and an easygoing charm that leaves women swooning, he’s at the top of his game. The NFL is within reach and endorsements are pouring in...Categorized as:
sports university forbidden-love multi-pov friends-to-lovers romance contemporary new-adult -
Behind the Camera by Chelsea Curto
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMaven Wood is ready for a fresh start. After an injury on the soccer field leads to her dropping out of college, she needs a change. When her godfather–the coach of the hottest team in the NFL–tells her about an open position as a sports photographer, she jumps at the chance to apply. The pay is good, but it doesn’t cover her rent after her roommate moves out...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn multi-pov forbidden-love romance contemporary -
Awake at Dawn by Amelie Rhys
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Gemma Briggs moves in with her brother’s friend, the only thing harder than keeping the arrangement a secret is resisting the explosive chemistry she has with her new roommate—hot NFL player, Noah London.After a workplace one-night stand leaves her high and dry with a baby on the way, Gemma Briggs is forced to leave her job as a college figure skating coach...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn multi-pov romance contemporary new-adult -
Off Camera by Chelsea Curto
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAvery Sinclair is good at her job as the social media manager for the Baltimore Thunderhawks. She’s one of the best in the NFL, in fact. The only thing stopping her from being the account of the year? The DC Titans, run by the mystery man she’s been feuding with for years.Reid Duncan isn’t the world’s biggest sports fan, but he loves his job...Categorized as:
sports steamy multi-pov friends-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity romance contemporary -
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My Bad Decisions by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe first time he kissed me, we kept it a secret.Tanner and I have been at each other’s throats ever since.The second time he kissed me, I told myself not to fall.I should have known something burned beneath the surface and I couldn’t resist him.The third time led to something more and now one positive test later, neither one of us can walk away... -
Bad Taste In Men by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“You’ve been moping around long enough. Let me show you how these guys should be treating you.” Bailey Davis does not have bad taste in men. She’s just had some relationships that haven’t worked out. That’s totally normal. And she now has one broken engagement. Big deal. And an ex-fiancé who cheated on her. Okay maybe she has bad taste in men. At least the ones she plans to marry...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers steamy multi-pov forced-proximity contemporary small-town fiction book -
Rapture by Skye Jordan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Skye Jordan brings you another steamy Renegades story! As a premier stuntwoman in Hollywood, Zahara Parrish is no stranger to risk. Neglected as a child, she learned early on never to depend on others to keep her safe. Now, she’s as protective over her heart as she is over her hard earned success, which is why she’ll never mix business and pleasure... -
Strong and Wild by Sloane St. James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMickyI’m new to this city, but things are looking up. My bestie’s husband hooked me up with a great apartment above the hockey bar where I currently work, and I’ve got a great side gig bringing in plenty of cash to help fund my dream of opening my own cocktail lounge, Sugar & Ice. Life is sweet. My new neighbor, on the other hand, is not.When he reveals his true self, I hate what I discover...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity steamy multi-pov romance enemies-to-lovers contemporary fiction -
Happily Ever Maybe by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan’s Montgomery Ink Legacy continues with a workplace romance that started with a fling and ends with something more. It was only supposed to be one job. I know the rules.Get in. Get out.Protect the girl, then move on.Only it never works out the way it should.Now Jennifer and I work with each other and there’s no going back to normal... -
偷偷藏不住 by Zhu Yi
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratings十三岁那年,桑稚偷偷喜欢上一个男人。 男人的模样冷淡慵懒,说起话来吊儿郎当的,经常来她家,一个下午窝在她哥哥房间里打游戏。 偶尔见她进来送水果零食,也只是漫不经心地掀起眼皮,笑得像个妖孽:“小孩,你怎么回事啊?一见到哥哥就脸红。” *妖孽腹黑x乖戾少女 内容标签: 情有独钟 励志人生 甜文 主角:桑稚,段嘉许 ┃...Categorized as:
slow-burn friends-to-lovers forced-proximity university romance fiction contemporary young-adult -
Mr. Anything: A Billionaire Romance by Emily Bishop
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDamn, I’m not supposed to fall in love… My billion-dollar Texas oil company just had a spill. Nothing like forced time off. Meeting Fiona while visiting my small home town was an unexpected surprise. Beautiful curves fit snugly into tight jeans and enough confidence to take on a lion. Just being near her has got me all tongue twisted... -
Dirty Curve by Meagan Brandy
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsYou know how in college there’s that one guy everyone wants to be?That’s me. I’m the top dog. The number one. The big man on campus.Some say those things are solid wins. My new tutor would disagree. My title means nothing to her. My status lost on her. And now my mind? That sucker is stuck on her...Categorized as:
forbidden-love forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn sports steamy university -
Off the Mark by Kathryn Nolan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFake dating my hottest friend was not my smartest move… The cocky ex-baseball player—and flirty playboy—is the one man I’d never fall for. Which is why I stupidly thought he’d make the perfect fake boyfriend. As the reigning queen of the dirt bike racing circuit, my only goal is to win this next championship race. Except I’ve got a bit of a…reputation problem... -
Wildcat by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI met my dream girl.That’s right. She’s stunning and the worst bartender I’ve ever seen.I should have gone home and gone to sleep—dream girl or not. I had an early morning and the season was starting soon. But when she threatened me with boy band karaoke I couldn't help myself. I went. The stars aligned.I have never felt more alive or wanted anyone more than I want her... -
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Hooked by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAvoiding bad boy hockey player Marshall Winters has been one of my goals since he did me wrong four years ago.However, with both of us attending Boston University and his younger sister being my best friend, it’s damn near impossible.Then he saves me from a dangerous situation, whisking me away to his family’s cabin, changing everything... -
Every Time I Fall by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan brings you Every Time I Fall, a sexy standalone romance about a woman learning to love herself and the guy who’s loved her all along.He’s my brother’s best friend.The hot guy with the heart of gold I’ve never let myself want.Guys like Dean don’t go for girls like me.Curvy. Thick. A big girl... -
Callum by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCallum Derringer was hired by the Pittsburgh Titans to help rebuild the organization after a devastating plane crash left its future unknown. Now that he’s got the team back on track, it’s time to put some effort into his own life.When I accepted the job of general manager with the Titans, it was just the opportunity I needed to prove myself to the sports world...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity steamy slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance contemporary abuse -
Tell Me a Story by Kaylee Ryan, Lacey Black
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJoey I don’t want to be someone’s dirty little secret. I know all too well what that feels like. Guarding my heart means staying out of pro football player Brock Williams’s bed and out of the spotlight. But after all these years, he’s exactly like I remember, charming, determined, and used to getting what he wants. And what he wants now is me. The chemistry between us is undeniable... -
Camden by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCamden Poe is the last of The Lucky Three, the surviving Pittsburgh Titans who weren’t on the team plane the night it went down. By all outward appearances, he’s adjusted to post-crash life well but inside he’s wrestling with the guilt of living. The catastrophe that killed the Pittsburgh Titans changed my entire world. My teammates were more than my friends—they were my brothers...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers forbidden-love slow-burn steamy romance contemporary fiction -
Puck Block by S.J. Sylvis
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFord Collins is my brother’s best friend and Bexley U’s favorite defender on the ice. Unfortunately, he feels the need to block much more than the puck.Namely, ME and any chance I have with a guy.Encouraged by my older brother, Ford has ruined every single date I’ve ever had...Categorized as:
sports university slow-burn friends-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov romance contemporary -
Secret Puck by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSecretly hooking up with the team captain's sister was a bad idea. In my defense, the first time I saw her I didn't know who she was.Kind, gorgeous, a little naïve. Ginny brightened my world from day one.I knew I was no good for her. She was just out of a relationship and I had a reputation for having a new girl in my bed every weekend. I tried to do the right thing. Honest... -
The Rebound by Kendall Ryan
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA smokin' hot new standalone romance from New York Times bestseller, Kendall Ryan.My coach hates me, and our team captain now watches my every move, so that's super fun.Which is why I'm trying something new—being a good guy. It might not be what I'm known for, but I'll try anything once.The part of this that’s not an act? Helping out my new neighbor Kinley. She's beautiful, funny and newly single...Categorized as:
forbidden-love forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn sports adult athlete -
Desperately Seeking Roommate by Micalea Smeltzer
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWANTED: A ROOMMATE Requirements 1. Don’t be a smoker. That’s gross. 2. Don’t be a jerk. I have no time to deal with your mood swings. 3. Clean up after yourself. Is it really so hard to put dirty clothes where they belong? If you meet these qualifications, call me...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov sports steamy university adult audiobook -
Personal Foul by Maggie Rawdon
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratings“I’m her dirty little secret, the one she loves to hate.”She knows just what to say to cut deep, and I know how to press every single button she has.We hate each other, until one night after I lose the biggest football game of the year. When she offers the kind of mercy I need. It changes everything… until the next morning.Now I’m her dirty little secret, and she’s avoiding me like the plague... -
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Don't You Dare by C.E. Ricci
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIt was never meant to be more than a dare.A party game. A dare. A single kiss.That’s all it took to flip my world upside down.I’ve always classified myself as straight, and as far as I can tell, so has he.I didn’t think one kiss would change that, but I was so wrong.Now, I can’t stop thinking about him. In all the ways I shouldn’t.My best friend.Aspen... -
Playboy Playmaker by Maren Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI had the best sex of my life with a man whose name I didn’t even know.No names, no strings, and…. no panties.Long story. Don’t ask.So imagine my surprise when I walk into my dad’s office a week later and see none other than the man who has my panties, but not my name.Turns out, he’s the Avalanche’s hotshot goalie, twelve years older and my father is his coach...Categorized as:
sports forbidden-love forced-proximity friends-to-lovers romance age-gap contemporary fiction -
Scoreless Nights by Katie Rae
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I knew I wouldn’t be strong enough to resist her anymore."Our parents wanted us to spend quality time together, but I’m not sure this is what they meant….CruzAs the goalie of the Miami Inferno FC, it was my job to keep everyone scoreless.So how did I end up being the one that couldn’t score?The answer: Lily Harris. My step sister, and apparently my new roommate...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity multi-pov slow-burn forbidden-love contemporary latinx-mc fiction -
Dirty Score by Skye Jordan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRafe “Savage” lives up to his name on the ice and in the bedroom. Forging a legacy as the Rough Riders’ most notorious playboy is easy when the woman he really wants is off limits. Mia’s brother isn’t just Rafe's best friend, he’s also a teammate. With the Cup in site, Rafe won’t screw with anything that threatens the team’s winning streak... -
Ice Cold Heart by Nikki Hall
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGood boys don’t date the coach’s daughter, but a date isn't what she wants...ColeHockey is my life. I play hard, and I don’t lose. The Frozen Four is at my fingertips, but my eligibility is at risk thanks to one frustrating class. Enter Avery Dalton—beautiful, independent, and utterly off limits. She’s my coach’s daughter and his choice for a tutor...Categorized as:
sports university friends-to-lovers multi-pov forced-proximity forbidden-love romance contemporary -
Temptation by J.D. Hawkins
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat happens when the boy you've wanted your whole life finally wants you back? I'm used to taking what I want, being the best at what I do. During the day, I make big bucks as New York's premiere consultant. At night, I can get any girl I lay my eyes on...
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