Books like 'Kiss To Defy'
Readers who enjoyed Kiss To Defy by Anna B. Doe also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance sports university enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers multi-pov
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On the Surface by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPeople see what they want to see. They only view what’s on the surface, and they’re easy to fool. I let them see on the outside that I’m a successful businesswoman. My clothes are designer, my makeup flawless, and I live in a high-rise condo in Lennox Hills. They see perfection, not what lies beneath the surface...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov sports adult age-gap -
Ares by Asia Monique
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAres MitchellThey said my presence changed the atmosphere in any room I entered.According to my mother—it was in my name. According to my twin brother—it was in my soul.But to Nyx Campbell, I was multifaceted.The star gazing beauty forced her away into my heart and opened my eyes to a part of myself I never knew existed.She calmed the chaos...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers poc-mc female-mc romance steamy -
Tutoring the Player by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA sexy opposites attract standalone novel from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Jenshak.I have a type.I love the good guy.Responsible and stable. Safe.So when a beer-drinking, quick-witted, tattooed hockey player asks me to tutor him, I'm suddenly thrust into the world of bad boys and bad decisions.Jordan is a renowned player on campus...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov sports university athlete -
Something Like Love by Christina C Jones
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEddie is arrogant, quite vain and slick at the mouth - or simply confident, discerning, and unafraid to speak his mind, if you ask him. Astrid is annoyingly perky, unpolished, and a little delusional about Eddie’s attraction to her - or, according to her, energetic, authentic, and absolutely spot on about the driving factor of a certain local tattoo artist’s “hatred” of her...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers female-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine poc-mc sports adult -
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Twenty-four Three by K.C. Mills
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA shot in the dark.A mistaken identity.A undeniable attraction.An injured hitman finds himself depending on a stranger and for Carter Reed trust is not something he’s willing to extend. Unfortunately when it comes to McKenna Smith, Carter can either allow her to be his saving grace or risk losing something more precious than trust…his life.Stakes are high...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc female-mc poc-mc romance forced-proximity contemporary -
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s rewriting his love story. But can she rewrite her own?Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. She’s spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies—good ones! That win contests! But she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc female-mc romance contemporary fiction -
Bittersweet by Christina C. Jones
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt's looking like Anika might be alone for the holidays... unless the very last person she'd ever want to spend them with can convince her otherwise. Is it really enemies-to-lovers if the disdain is one-sided?Bittersweet is a novella...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers female-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine poc-mc adult audiobook -
The Consigliere by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI inherited Las Vegas. It's mine even if I never wanted it.I may be the Don of the Camorra but every leader needs a Consigliere, and the only one I want belongs to the New York Sicilian Mafia. Aurora Valentini hasn't spoken to me in a decade and I'm tired of waiting.It's time to claim what's mine. Whether she's ready or not...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers female-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov adult -
Bad Reputation by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEveryone knows the Hales.Mega-rich and salaciously famous.No one knows shy, quiet Willow Moore.Until she makes one daring move that changes her world forever.At seventeen, Willow moves across the country to connect with her famous older brother, Loren Hale. Before she can even say hello, she runs into the teenager who’s been vandalizing Loren’s house with his group of delinquent friends...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine university adult book contemporary -
Strike Zone by Ginger Walls
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWYATT:All my friends are under the impression I’m only at Newhouse to chase women and play baseball. Those are two of my favorite pastimes.The truth is, Newhouse is my chance to save my family’s farm. If I don’t get drafted, we’ll lose everything we’ve been working hard to keep.Then I hear her sing and she’s all I can think about. It’s messing up my game and putting my future in jeopardy...Categorized as:
university sports friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers romance -
Out of Focus by Cristina Santos
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan two people, brought together by chance and mutual need, overcome their differences and find a love that defies the odds?Rafael and Charlie are two souls destined to collide. He is a vibrant Brazilian CEO with a deep seated desire to find love. She is a British redhead navigating life in finance while trying to prepare for a potentially monotonous relationship...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov poc-mc romance -
Blind Pass by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay there.I would know. I’m coming home with a brand-new ring on my finger.My wife? Ryan Bell.We’re polar opposites.She’s sunshine and happiness.I’m grumpy and scarred—literally.We could get it annulled and no one would be the wiser.Only problem? We posted about it online, and it’s already making headlines... -
To Be Your Last by Rae Kennedy
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’ve never done something so reckless. So exciting. Perfect Gracie Gallagher would never run away from home with four men she just met. But when Logan invites me on tour with his band for the summer—I say yes.Logan is charismatic and carefree. With him, I'm fun Gracie. Wild Gracie.But then why can’t I stop thinking about the tattooed singer? Colin doesn’t want me here. He’s quiet and cold...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine university adult book contemporary -
Reckless Fate by Kate Crew
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDaisy WellsI never planned to kiss Kye that night, but with him being the only one not scared of my ex, it became my only chance to get back at him. But now, I’m pretending to be the girlfriend of the town troublemaker while trying to not let that be known to my father...Categorized as:
university friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc sports romance contemporary -
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Can't Help but Want You by Tay Mo'Nae
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJust when things seem to be going well a curve ball is thrown at Tae causing Brenna to take a step back from their situation. Now becoming a father, Tae puts all his attention on his son, ignoring the yearning inside of him.Brenna thinks moving on is the key to her problems, but what she soon learns is the heart wants what the heart wants...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers sports female-mc poc-mc romance -
Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsChase Andrews.The Kingsmen’s top tight end.My brother’s friend and teammate.My new neighbor.The grumpy to my sunshine.But underneath that grumpy exterior, there’s so much more.Chase likes to pretend nothing affects him, but I’ve seen glimpses of his other side in the time we’ve spent together.And the more we get to know each other, the more I’m falling for him...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers multi-pov romance contemporary -
Face Off by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI have two goals this season:1. Stay single.2. Get Rory Sinclair to admit she doesn’t completely hate me.When I find a stray dog roaming the streets of Seattle, the last place I expect to end up is in the office of a grumpy veterinarian—the one woman who can resist my charm. Twin to my teammate’s girlfriend, Rory is full of fire, but I’m not afraid of her flame...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov female-mc romance -
All I've Wanted All I've Needed by A.E. Valdez
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHarlow Shaw feels naïve for believing in happily ever afters but she craves a love that lights her up.She thought she had it all with her boyfriend. Until his promising baseball career overshadows their relationship and he asks her a life changing question. It causes her to wonder if what they have is all she ever truly wanted.Harlow is yearning for more than the curated life she is living...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers poc-mc grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary fiction -
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... -
Don't Let Me Break by Kelsie Rae
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMacklin and I are just friends.And even that's a stretch.He saw me at my most vulnerable, and now the guy's popping up left and right.Pretty sure it's because my friend is trying to set me up with him, but what do I know?It's not like I have much experience with guys.And he's...well, Macklin's older, much more experienced, and bluntly put?Way out of my league...Categorized as:
university sports friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance new-adult -
Burnout by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s the hot, tattooed bad boy that I traded insults with...and now he wants my help? Knox Holland is in a jam. After an incredible first year on the pro motocross circuit, he should be on top of the world. Instead, his bad reputation has landed him without a team. He’s untouchable and desperate to turn it around. Which is how he ends up at my gym asking me to train him...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov romance -
Wild Card by Maggie C. Gates
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s crazy how three seconds can change your life.For Steve Pelham, those three seconds happened in a doctor’s office. His wife—the girl he had been madly in love with since elementary school—was given a terminal diagnosis. Years of being dragged through an endless cycle of betting on science and miracles to save the love of his life? Useless... -
Take Me Down by Avery Kingston
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKennedy Hello, my name is Kennedy, and I’m an addict. Pills, booze—you name it, I tried it. I wasn’t exactly particular about it. Now, I’m two years sober, in a new country, and looking for a fresh start.But my noisy, upstairs neighbor is testing the limits of my sobriety. He’s either watching an adult film marathon, harboring a hooker, or performing an exorcism in his flat...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc female-mc romance contemporary -
The Fall Out by Jenni Bara
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLet me tell the story of how I fell in love with a woman who had no idea that we were even dating. The ridiculousness started when she stole my beer, and trust me, my grumpy self doesn’t normally share. But somehow, Avery Wilson is the exception to every one of my many rules.Unfortunately, I’m not hers...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance slow-burn contemporary -
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Houston, We Have a Problem by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHouston Briggs is at a crossroads, facing the possible end of his career after a devastating injury. With an uncertain future ahead of him and his siblings finding their own happy endings, he’s desperately seeking peace and purpose.Enter Darcy Paxton, his refreshing new neighbor who is nothing like the women of his past relationships...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary -
Rule Breaker by Stacey Lynn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSpending the night in jail isn’t exactly how I planned to spend Christmas, but I’ve had worse holidays… Now that I’m out, it’s time to accept my real punishment. Coaching ten-year-old terrors on the ice, in my non-existent free time. My Coach thinks it’d be good for me. Remind me where I came from. He should know I’ve tried every day of my life for the last ten years to forget... -
Bro Code Hell by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLiving with my older brother’s best friend wasn’t even my worst idea lately.Keeping it a secret from my brother was on the list too. Oh, and actually falling (literally) for Blaze Hellman—when every frown clearly said to stay away—was most definitely at the top of the list.I was kind of a genius normally... -
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:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports university adult -
The Curveball by Emily Childs
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe's the charmer of the infield. I'm the uptight, jaded author who won't give him a chance...now we're roommates?Griffin Marks can charm the socks off anyone he meets. Except me. To me he's a beautiful pest who will do just about anything to make me like him. I wish him luck...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc female-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports university adult -
Sweet Spot by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSierra Lancaster has had an agonizingly mediocre life. She grew up in a happy home, made loyal friends, graduated college, and is now pursuing her dream of running her own bakery. Boring, right? A story like this wouldn't be one for the books. At least not until you bring a hot neighbor into the mix... -
Slow Dancing by Noelle N., hepburnettes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings#1.3│Isla Moore is the fake girlfriend of billionaire Kaden Bretton. But Kaden is suffering from temporary blindness and still thinks he's dating his real girlfriend, Evangeline, who's actually buried six-feet underground... -
Better. Obsesión by Carrie Leighton, Elena Rodríguez
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratings«¿Y si te dijera que prefiero un amor equivocado a un sueño perfecto?»La historia de Thomas y Vanessa ha llegado a su fin. Las mentiras y las traiciones pesan demasiado, y no siempre es posible reparar lo que está roto...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance young-adult contemporary fiction -
More Jade by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAnd then I met Cruz Winslow…He’s everything I’m not, and then some —a budding musician, he’s cocky and arrogant. He’s at ease in every situation and treats me like I’m the only person whoexists. Together we’re in sync with everything we do and I’m falling hard and fast forhim...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers female-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov university audiobook -
The Enforcer by Olivia T. Turner
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe's mean.And grumpy.When he's on the ice, he's the most violent player out there.But there's something about him I just can't shake.There's a sweetness hiding under that gruff, brute exterior.A little boy peeking out who wants to come out and play.I never thought I'd be with someone like Tucker McKinstry.But once I get past that rough hard shell, I can't imagine being with anyone else... -
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Love Me Tomorrow by Maria Luis
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThey call her America’s Sweetheart. And me? I’m the so-called “inked god” she dumped on TV. I’ve tried to forget her. I’ve tried to move on. Until I discover that her family is opening a new restaurant next to my tattoo parlor. If I were a gentleman, I’d offer my congratulations and go my own way. If I were a gentleman, I’d let her be . . . but I’m not...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine poc-mc adult alpha-mc -
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...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers multi-pov female-mc romance new-adult contemporary -
The Tip-Off: A College Sports Romance by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA slow burn, friends to lovers, college sports romance. I've spent years hiding in the shadows. He's spent his whole life chasing the bright lights of the NBA. We have nothing in common, except for the fact our friends ditched us for spring break. I have a bucket list for my senior year at Valley U. He's the only person I know on campus. I'm ready to start checking things off my list...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov poc-mc sports university -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers multi-pov sports university adult book contemporary -
Blue Skies by T.L. Martin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings*Standalone mature high school romance.*All Blue Everest wants is the wide open sky above her head and the soft earth beneath her feet. And maybe to spread a little love where she can. When she gets the opportunity to live with a father she’s never met and to enroll in public school for the first time, she brings her optimistic and free-spirited nature with her...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers female-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov university alpha-mc -
Mine Would Be You by K. Jamila
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsValentina Scott is the epitome of a July thunderstorm.Now a cynic for love, she is left dark and brooding after her one and only relationship left her burned and broken. After throwing herself into work at Poze, a major fashion magazine, drunken nights with her friends in the city, and long therapy sessions, she still keeps the walls around her heart sealed up tight...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine poc-mc university adult book -
Surrender to the Stars by Swati M.H.
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsVik Bedi was not supposed to be the one.Arrogant, smooth-talking surgeons—who also happen to be Geminis—are bad news. Our chemistry might be off the charts, but I’ve been burned by guys like him before.You’d think I’d have learned my lesson . . .But in a moment of weakness, I foolishly allowed a one-time fling to get him out of my system... -
Claiming Carter by Jennifer Bonds
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsQuarterback Austin Reid’s got it all—talent, looks, women. The only thing missing? A national championship. Something he intends to rectify. With his kicker laid up and the university’s home opener in three weeks, he’s not above poaching talent from the women’s soccer team. Or recruiting a sassy, STEM-loving brunette who wants nothing to do with football or him.Kennedy Carter is no jersey chaser...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers multi-pov female-mc contemporary new adult -
Shortbread & the Scotsman by Lana Dash
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAINSLIEThere is nothing like Christmas in the Highlands of Scotland. Our village is known for many festivals, but nothing compares to the Christmas Matchmaking Festival. People visit from all over the Highlands, but there is only one Scotsman that I wish to be matched with this Christmas. But after a kiss and a misunderstanding over the summer, he's given me the cold shoulder... -
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Hard Facts by Penny Clarke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSummer knows secrets.Everyone has a secret. Everyone, that is, except Grayson Rowe. With my new tutor, apparently what you see is what you get. Though what I see is fine, I know he’s hiding something behind those dorky glasses and annoyingly endless collection of facts. And it’s not just a superhero set of biceps.I don’t date nerds... -
Implode by Victoria Dawson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNicI should have stayed away from her. Even I know this.I used to convince myself that I’m irreparable. But what if the one woman I shouldn’t crave is the only person who can mend my jaded heart?Claire Nettles is hiding more than just her feelings from me. And when I find out what has her so scared, I’m never allowing her to walk out of my life again...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers angst contemporary romance fiction -
Charmed by the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe needs someone to help with his infant. She gives him more than he bargained for.I’m not a tough boss. I don’t ask for much.But when my nanny walks out on me, I question everything.Then my neighbor’s girlfriend recommends her best friend. She’s been working catering, but her degree is in early childhood education. This friend has no experience as a nanny, but beggars can’t be choosers...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance age-gap contemporary anthologies -
Beautiful Devil by Rachel Leigh
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Deliciously Sexy Ex-Boyfriend’s Rival, New Adult, Hockey Romance by USA Today and International Bestselling Author Rachel Leigh.Two sports collide when a feisty sideline cheerleader meets her match in an arrogant hockey player who is more than just his bad boy reputation.I fell for the wrong Devil…Hayes Madden was never on my dance card... -
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 grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary -
Nude Awakening by Penny Clarke
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRylie swears she’s not a prude.How was I to know the art course my best friend signed me up for meant I’d be sketching a nude model? I should have checked the fine print. Then I never would have―quite literally―bumped into Levi Hart moments before he dropped trou in class...
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