Books like 'No Paine No Gain'
Readers who enjoyed No Paine No Gain by McKinley May also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance sports university enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers humor
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Consider Me by Becka Mack
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsCarter Beckett is the NHL's resident badboy, top player both on the ice & in the bedroom, and quite possibly the sexiest man to ever grace my field of vision. But worst of all? He knows it.He’s arrogant, self-centered, and the man doesn’t seem to know what a filter is, let alone how to use one...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers humor sports adult billionaire book contemporary -
![F*ck It by C.M. Owens, S.M. Shade]()
F*ck It by C.M. Owens, S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat’s a woman supposed to do after watching her cheating ex's wedding implode?Apparently, the answer is get fired.And evicted.And move to another state to start over as an independent woman who would rather stick her tit in a beehive than get into another relationship.It’s fine. Really.The only thing messing with my new, badass single girl life is an encounter with my childhood crush... -
![Pause by CJustMe, C.J. Adler]()
Pause by CJustMe, C.J. Adler
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAqueela, a dreamer and comedian at heart, has just one joyous vision - to transform lives through the mere power of friendship, friendships so solid that they last a lifetime. However, Jay, pessimistic by nature, is convinced that friends are overrated, and that Aqueela is nothing short of a whackjob with an idealistic perspective on the world. It would seem that he wants nothing to do with her...Categorized as:
humor enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers romance contemporary young-adult fiction high-school -
![Game Changer by Alley Ciz]()
Game Changer by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI had the girl — THE girl.Kay. My Skittles...MINE.Then a blitz from the past flattened me like a linebacker.Time for a new playbook.Mason Nova is...argh!I told myself to stay away.Warned my heart not to fall for him.Did it listen? NOPE.Now it feels like it’s crushed under a fallen cheer pyramid.Sorry to tell you, but you are NOT a game changer... -
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![Adrenaline: A Fall Away Series Bonus Content Collection by Penelope Douglas]()
Adrenaline: A Fall Away Series Bonus Content Collection by Penelope Douglas
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratings**You ask. You receive!*** Have you read Bully and the rest of the Fall Away series? Would you enjoy having all the bonus content in one place? Adrenaline is approximately 36, 000 words of bonus scenes, deleted scenes, character conversations, and Q&As shared over the past few years and is mostly material not found in the actual books. Here, you'll find..Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers humor university alpha-mc book contemporary fiction -
![I Sold Myself To The Devil For Vinyls... Pitiful I Know by DarknessAndLight]()
I Sold Myself To The Devil For Vinyls... Pitiful I Know by DarknessAndLight
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLexi Grayson is just a normal teenager, as normal as she can be with her unobserving skills and her overthinking mind. But she'll need the overthinking if she wants to unravel the smirking mystery that is Blake Eaton...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers humor sports book contemporary fiction high-school -
![Difficult by R.L. Mathewson]()
Difficult by R.L. Mathewson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSurviving high school was going to be hard enough, but surviving telling the one girl that he couldn’t live without how he felt was going to be one of the most difficult things that Sebastian Bradford was ever going to do.From New York Times and USA Today’s bestselling author R.L...Categorized as:
humor friends-to-lovers sports romance young-adult contemporary high-school small-town -
![Player by Natalie Rios]()
Player by Natalie Rios
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCocky. Player. A**hole. Without a doubt, Theo Montgomery is the university's most promising student athlete – and it’s biggest player. Confident, charming, and handsome as sin, there isn’t a single girl at Carlton University who’s immune to this quarterback. Except Allie. Smart. Driven. Sassy. Make no mistake, Allie Perez can’t stand jocks...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers humor sports university athlete book contemporary -
![His To Hold by Serena Akeroyd]()
His To Hold by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEver hear the kid song, Jack and Beau sitting in a tree K I S S I N G?Well, she met me when I was up in a tree, but kissing her has never been an option. She isn’t the kind to fall for a daredevil.And I’m a Formula One race car driver. Adrenaline Junkie is my middle name. Taking risks and tossing my fate to the wind is what I do.Being her friend is no longer enough... -
![Slap Shot Surprise by Melanie Harlow]()
Slap Shot Surprise by Melanie Harlow
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn my defense, I thought the plane was going to crash.Otherwise, I never would have blurted out those embarrassing things to a perfect stranger.Did I mention he turned out to be a scorching hot superstar of professional hockey?But wait, there’s more.When the plane lands safely, I rush off, praying I’ll never have to face him again... -
![The Lion Heart by Carrie Aarons]()
The Lion Heart by Carrie Aarons
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s supposed to be the ruler of this kingdom. The prince poised to take his rightful place on the pitch. Instead, he plays the jester, shunning his legacy. Only I am privy to his lion heart. Kingston Phillips is the heir to England’s football dynasty. The offspring of two of the world’s greatest players, the expectations set on his shoulders could crush the universe...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers sports university action-adventure adult athlete book -
![Tactical Heart by S.K. Rose]()
Tactical Heart by S.K. Rose
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Romantic Comedy by S.K. Rose - Coming 8.22.19My name is Scarlett Mavis. I have a sweet tooth, no filters, and video games are my life. Let me clarify that last part: They’re not a hobby; they’re not a way to kill the time; They. Are. My. LIFE. Where family, men, and humans, in general, have failed me, video games are always there waiting for me to return to their warm and accepting embrace... -
![The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo]()
The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNow all four novels and the companion novella are together in one can’t-miss eBook bundle: TAKING SHOTSTRYING TO SCOREEMPTY NETFALLING FOR THE BACKUPBLUE LINES The Assassins may be the hottest things on two legs and ice skates, but when the gloves come off, the chiseled men of this Nashville NHL team will do anything for the women they love: A reformed bad boy helps a charming, willful beauty... -
![Defending Donovan by Jillian Quinn]()
Defending Donovan by Jillian Quinn
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe'll do anything to earn her v-card... and her heart. Here’s the thing about Drake Donovan. He’s a hotshot hockey player with a secret the size of his stick, a real monster of a problem. And I’m the only one who can help him. But as we grow closer, I realize there’s more to Drake than good looks and a big stick. If he wants to be the one to punch my v-card, he has to work for it... -
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![You're So Vain by Whitney Dineen]()
You're So Vain by Whitney Dineen
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFamily drama is something Lutéce Choate struggles to avoid. With a mother who’s an award-winning country western song writer, an aunt who’s a Country Music Hall of Famer, and a brother who’s a rock star, it hasn’t exactly been a low-key kind of life, and she’s ready for a break... -
![Wild Card by Maggie Rawdon]()
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 humor enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers romance contemporary forced-proximity steamy -
![Score by Jacob Chance]()
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... -
![Sexiled by Mickey Miller]()
Sexiled by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMorgan Kennedy: Campus Legend. Ruggedly handsome superstar athlete turned hedge fund manager. My one night stand mistake.And now my boss at my internship. Every staff meeting, I’m taken back to the night I was filled with a need I never knew was possible. Sparks fly between us in the office... -
![68 Days And Counting by Nikki20038]()
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... -
![Behind the Plate: A New Adult Sports Romance by J. Sterling]()
Behind the Plate: A New Adult Sports Romance by J. Sterling
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsChance Carter is the son of local baseball legend, Jack Carter. Now in his junior year at Fullton State, Chance is facing challenges he never saw coming. Failing a class will stop his draft season short, making him ineligible to play and pushing his goal of professional baseball even further away.In steps Danika, a mouthy tutor from New York, who only wants to help him pass his class.. -
![Admit You Want Me by Taylor Holloway]()
Admit You Want Me by Taylor Holloway
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy mind says Hell no. My body says Yes please. My heart says You’ve really done it this time.EmmaWard thinks I’m still hung up on him? Please.Who would want that chiseled body? Those broad shoulders? Those strong hands shredding my clothes and exploring every inch… Not me. I got my shallow infatuation out of my system and learned my lesson... -
![Triple Play for the Single Mom by Rebel Bloom]()
Triple Play for the Single Mom by Rebel Bloom
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy plan was transfer to the college where my ex, the star quarterback, could finally be a dad.But life threw a curveball when I accidentally collided with three of his hunky teammates!Being a young single mom hasn’t been easy.My ex shirks fatherhood, and I’m a magnet for judgmental stares.But it’s all been worth it for how much I love my little boy...Categorized as:
sports university friends-to-lovers humor romance reverse-harem contemporary small-town -
![The Show by Lulu Moore]()
The Show by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAs any true sports fan will tell you, once you have an allegiance to a team it's set in stone. It's unwavering. It's finite. You never leave.Yet somehow, I’ve been asked to do just that.To set aside my love for The Yankees and take ownership of The New York Lions - the worst team in Major League Baseball.Oh, yes, and turn them into winners... -
![Wild Night by Mari Carr]()
Wild Night by Mari Carr
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrenemies RomanceConfirmed bachelor Colm is living the good life with a thriving law practice and all the freedom the playboy has come to enjoy. Until a city-wide blackout and the greatest sex he’s ever had has him reconsidering his single status. Unfortunately, he doesn’t realize the woman of his dreams is actually his lifelong frenemy, Kelli... -
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![My Bad Decisions by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
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...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers sports university adult book contemporary family -
![Break the Ice by Piper Rayne]()
Break the Ice by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Winter Games are over, but the bedroom games are just beginning… This is about the time I normally hang up my snowboard and chill for a while. Except this year. This year, I’m dealing with what fate dealt me at the Winter Games—nope, not gold. A broken arm. Since I’m not close to my family, I head to my best friend, Skylar’s pad to recoup... -
![Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe way she looks, smells, laughs is killing me.I fell in love with my sister’s best friend. To top it all off, she’s brilliant. And I’m failing Chemistry.Of course, when I get her help, she’s laidback about it. Charming and helpful as always, like she doesn’t know how much I want her. I’ve got to play it cool and let her see a different side of me...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers humor sports university action-adventure adult book -
![Home Run King by Stella]()
Home Run King by Stella
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy life was what country songs are made of: my Granny died, my girlfriend broke up with me, I knocked up her cousin, and I was inducted into the Major League Hall of Fame. Yup…just like every country song I’ve ever heard. But let me start over… My name is Gage Nix. That’s all you need to know. Actually, there’s a lot more to Gage than meets the eye... -
![My Rebound by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
My Rebound by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA rebound isn’t supposed to last. Though, sometimes, fate has other ideas in this opposites attract, friends with benefits romance.It wasn’t supposed to happen this way.Mackenzie Thomas started planning her future at the age of six. She knew the college she wanted, the career she needed, and the boy she would marry.Only he wasn’t supposed to break up with her in such a spectacular fashion... -
![Shopping for a Turkey by Julia Kent]()
Shopping for a Turkey by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI don’t understand Americans. Or, as we say in Scotland, I dinna understand ye eedjits.And I definitely dinna understand the crazy mother-in-law of my cousin Declan. Who in their right mind names a wee dog Chuffy?I’m stuck in New York after ma agent makes a bloody mess of an otherwise good endorsement contract for a sports towel company, and this crazy American holiday–Thanksgiving–is in two days... -
![Hating and Dating Your Boss with Style!: A Romantic Comedy by Alina Jacobs]()
Hating and Dating Your Boss with Style!: A Romantic Comedy by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBad day at work? Try having someone steal your beloved hotel.Oh, and the new boss is absolutely the worst. Work hard and ye shall be rewarded…Wrong. The Maxine Hotel was supposed to be mine. I invested my meager savings into the upkeep.I slept in a freezing-cold attic like Cinderella but with way more overeating. I dealt with entitled guests and feral children on a daily basis... -
![BLAZE: Enemies to Lovers College Hockey Romance by Eddie Cleveland]()
BLAZE: Enemies to Lovers College Hockey Romance by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis enemies to lovers romance is impossible to put down! Full of fiery friction. Funny oil-and-water banter. And enough steamy tension that you’ll feel the fire! Blaze is a book boyfriend you won’t soon forget.I have a new job. My official title, Public Relations Manager for the Westbury Warriors hockey team, is a mouthful. It’s also a complete lie...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers sports university adult book contemporary fiction forced-proximity -
![Dirty Deal by Mira Lyn Kelly]()
Dirty Deal by Mira Lyn Kelly
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFatherhood blindsided me.There I am, working to get a rise out of my cranky little rule-following, fun-wrecking, soon-to-be ex-neighbor when my one-night stand from last season shows up… in labor.Next thing, I’m a single-dad begging for a crash course in caring for this tiny miracle from the neighbor who loves to hate me.Turns out, Nora raised half her siblings.She knows things... -
![Truth About Nerds & Bees by Andrea Simonne]()
Truth About Nerds & Bees by Andrea Simonne
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe's the beauty. She's the beast.Theodora Stewart, Bee BiologistThat's it. I've had enough. My new neighbor has been sending threatening letters for months and is now suing me. He's trying to force me to remove the beehives from my backyard. (What kind of jerk doesn't understand how important bees are?)It turns out he's some famous quarterback named Gabriel "Beauty" Bardales...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers humor romance contemporary womens-fiction small-town fiction -
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![Ice Cold Player by Nikki Hall]()
Ice Cold Player by Nikki Hall
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA deal with the devil...GavinAnyone but her. Eva Adams—the entitled, picture-perfect cheer princess. Incapable of empathy, patently manipulative, and absolutely beautiful. I can’t afford her drama—I just want to play my last year of hockey without being kicked out of TU, but there she is on my first day back. Crying. In a weak moment, I make her an offer. An agreement I never thought she’d take...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers humor romance contemporary forced-proximity angst -
![Offside by Avery Keelan]()
Offside by Avery Keelan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis listing refers to the Wattpad edition of Offside. For ARC reviews and other reviews of the published version, please see my other listing for Offside, which has the subtitle Rules of the Game #1.*2021 Watty Award winner: Romance category... -
![Desperately Seeking Roommate by Micalea Smeltzer]()
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... -
![JOCK by Jacob Chance]()
JOCK by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen the dean of students asked me for a favor, I had no idea it would mean tutoring Owen Dawson. Me, forced to spend time with Boston University’s notorious quarterback? With his dark hair, chiseled body, and a promising future playing in the NFL, every guy on campus wants to be him. Every girl wants to be under him. Every girl, except me... -
![Felix by Lulu Moore]()
Felix by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI have a secret. Twelve years ago I crushed on my teammate’s little sister, before firmly putting her in the friend zone. Which then became the best friend zone. And my teammate became more of a brother.But now we have two problems.1. I just found out she’s been crushing on me too, and my feelings have come hurtling back like a puck heading for the net2... -
![First Flight, Final Fall by C.W. Farnsworth]()
First Flight, Final Fall by C.W. Farnsworth
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat do you do when you encounter the famous footballer voted “Sexiest Athlete Alive” three years running on a soccer field in Germany? If you’re Saylor Scott, you challenge him to a shoot-out. And win. Saylor’s goals have always involved the literal kind constructed from posts and netting... -
![Tripped by Jacob Chance]()
Tripped by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEight hundred and eighty days. That’s how long it’s been since my no good ex broke my heart. And I was doing just fine without him. But now, with both of us playing hockey for Boston University and running in the same circles, I can’t seem to avoid him—no matter how hard I try. And boy do I try.It seems my former boyfriend is cockier than ever—if that’s even possible... -
![Callous by Xavier Neal]()
Callous by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsC.J. and Erin have a complicated relationship. They do three things very well together. Argue, have sex, and keep secrets from each other. However, when C.J.'s past comes to tear him away, it not only threatens to destroy the new life he has built, but the relationship with the only woman who has ever been his match... -
![Going All In by Stephanie Kay]()
Going All In by Stephanie Kay
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAll Darcy Collins wants is to focus on finishing her master’s degree. She doesn’t have the time to get involved with anyone. But her meddling mother is persistent in her unwanted matchmaking for Darcy. When her mother tries once again to set her up on a date, Darcy tells her she’s already seeing the San Francisco Strikers' latest handsome hockey star, Jake Northman... -
![Always Making Waves by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
Always Making Waves by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWater, waves, and women. That’s my focus for my time at Pro-U. As it should be for a guy who looks like me. Unfortunately, I failed English the semester before and now I’m scrambling to keep my spot on the swim team and on the campus. The last place I expected to find help was from a hot goodie-goodie on the girls’ team...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers humor sports university action-adventure adult athlete -
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![Playing the Field by L.M. Reid]()
Playing the Field by L.M. Reid
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWork hard. Play harder.I’m a player - both on and off the field.Avery and I have been friends since we were kids.In a moment of weakness, she winds up being the latest addition in my playbook and everything falls apart – our friendship and my life.I’m spiraling out of control, and with my football career on the line, there is only one person who can save me... -
![Addicted to Love by Deborah Cooke]()
Addicted to Love by Deborah Cooke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKyle wants it all… Kyle Stuyvesant doesn’t believe in love and romance. His parents taught him that there’s no such thing as forever, and he took the lesson to heart. After all, there’s only one woman who ever tempted him to more than a single hot night together. Fortunately for his convictions, she’s married to another guy... -
![The Comeback Pact by E.M. Moore]()
The Comeback Pact by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s everything she hates… So, why can’t she say no to him? Introducing Book 1 in the Warner University Bulldog series...KennaWest Brooks stands for everything I despise. He’s a meathead jock whose silence says it all: He only cares about himself and his football season.So, why can’t I say no when he offers me his help?I should run the other way... -
![Cap by Elise Faber]()
Cap by Elise Faber
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s the one he wants.And he’s not going to give her up without a fight.As the newly named captain of the San Francisco Gold, Josh is used to pressure and hard work.What he’s not used to?Women despising him.Jess, however, has taken an instant dislike to him, and no matter what he tries to do, he can’t seem to get beyond her prickly exterior... -
![Caught in a Jam by Lila Felix]()
Caught in a Jam by Lila Felix
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’ve loved her since we were kids. But loving someone gets tough when they don’t love you back. Nixon Black has made mistakes. He made one mistake that would change his life forever. Now he’s working and in school—and he’s got a three year old. He gave up dating when Scout was born, but every night he retreats to another life in his mind, one he could’ve had with her... -
![Savage Love by Penelope Bloom]()
Savage Love by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe was practically a god to them, and I was nothing.They saw me as the scarred, broken girl who had run from tragedy.And he thinks he can break me. Torment me. Claim me.He says he'll steal my heart, whether I like it or not.But my heart can only be given. And he'll have to earn every piece of it.Fire is a funny thing. It can destroy, but those few things that survive it come out stronger...
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