Books like 'Tainted'
Readers who enjoyed Tainted by Andi Jaxon also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mlm lgbtq trans-mc age-gap university friends-to-lovers sports enemies-to-lovers
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Hostile by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.79 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGraysonLife has been easy for me. Top of my class. Star quarterback of the football team. Every guy wants to be my friend, and every girl wants to date me.Yeah, life is pretty sweet.Except it’s not.It’s all fake. School comes too easy for me, and I’m bored. Football isn’t fun anymore. The guys I hang out with aren’t really my friends.And the girls? I don’t want to date them...Categorized as:
angst cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq mlm -
Everything for You by Chloe Liese
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsGear up for an all-the-feels, steamy slow-burn in this enemies-to-lovers sports romance about fighting for love when life’s taught you it’s a losing game.GavinWe’ve been teammates for two years, but it feels like a lifetime that Oliver Bergman’s been on my last nerve... -
Free from Falling by E.L. Massey
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJustin “Matts” Matthews is good at a lot of things: Rubik’s Cubes, playing guitar, herding cattle, and most importantly for his career in the NHL, hockey. He’s not good at human interactions or social cues, especially when it comes to women. This deficiency is an annoyance rather than a problem, right up until he meets Sydney Warren. If it’s not love at first sight, it’s sure something close... -
Teach Me to Sin by Riley Nash
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThree wrongs can’t make a right.I’ve spent six years building a life that isn’t defined by my father’s sins—a beautiful girlfriend, a thriving nonprofit, safe dreams that won’t get me into trouble. Someone with my family’s reputation can’t step out of line without drawing attention, and they definitely can’t coach professional swimmers... -
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Vow Maker by Lily Morton
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDylan Mitchell wants to get married.However, after seven years of being engaged, that’s looking slightly doubtful. After going through ten wedding planners, they’re gaining a reputation somewhat akin to Henry the Eighth on the wedding circuit.Gabe has vetoed symbolic dove releases, forests of flowers, fire-eating performers, and puce as a wedding colour... -
Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsStella Brooks is a woman who knows what she wants. From her first glimpse of Paris Fashion Week at the tender age of eleven, she has only ever wanted to be a designer. Hardworking and dedicated, she knows she can make a success of it. Until…she is driven to trade fashion for frosting, a move that makes her soul sing but shakes her confidence in her decision-making to her core... -
Red Flags & Tuesdays by Nordika Night
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWaking up to his one-night stand trying to flee the scene, Reid sits back to enjoy the show. This blond boy is all snark and quick-wit, but there’s an awkward side to him that intrigues Reid enough to want to con him into a second date. After numerous failed attempts, Atticus reluctantly agrees to an on-the-spot date, and things get quirky from there... -
My Kind of Perfect by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom author Nikki Ash comes a roommates to lovers, single dad romance...GeorgiaI’m surrounded by love, yet have no one to call my own.But then Chase, my new roommate, is suddenly there.He could be the perfect guy for me, if he wasn’t nursing a broken heart.The more time I waste looking for love, the more I realize that what I want has been right in front of me all along...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult book contemporary -
Old Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s way too young and he works for me … so why can’t I stay away? I had no trouble saying no to Channing when he left for college two years ago. I’m two and a half decades older than him and he was just a kid. But he’s all man now and it’s hard to stay away. Especially when he takes a job at my tattoo shop for the summer. He’s got his whole life ahead of him. I can’t let him waste it on me... -
Wicked Heat by Ella Frank
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRyanKind, caring, and protective. Those are the three qualities I’m looking for when it comes to my dream man. In a city as big as Chicago, you wouldn’t think he would be that hard to find, right?Wrong.Sure, my boss found a super-sexy detective and my best friend fell madly in love with the most eligible bachelor around... -
Easton by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEastonI’m the youngest Swift brother. The one who’s always in trouble and can’t get his life together. I wouldn’t know where to start, and ever since my twin died, I can’t bring myself to care. After my last “situation,” Dad washed his hands of me. And though my brothers should’ve done the same, they stood up for me, fracturing their relationship with him too... -
The Blame Game by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFiery Rescue: Fisher Cats Player Heating Up the Sheets with Handsome Stranger?Fourth line center, Dominic Olson, was spotted with an unidentified man following a fire at the High Park Towers building in Liberty Village late last night.The fire was contained to the fifth floor where—according to firefighters from Toronto Fire Station 346—it began in one of the condo’s kitchens... -
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 age-gap friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
The Life Coach by Sienna Waters
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsIt's time to let a little sunshine into your life...Meet Vivien Curtis, a divorced, depressed, reclusive true crime addict. All she wants is to be left alone, and for the kids to stay off her lawn.Until Alice Knowles appears. A young life coach hired by Viv's best friend Evie to get Viv back on her feet again, Alice wants nothing more than to meet Ms. Right, get married, and start adopting cats...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc lgbtq contemporary wlw fiction -
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Written at Randy's by Katherine McIntyre
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAn adorkable author and an outgoing club kid as roommates only results in one thing—shenanigans! And of course, love.Love beyond the binary, serving up low angst trans romances at Randy's DinerWritten at Randy’s is a low angst M/X roommates to lovers romance between a reclusive trans male author and a life of the party bigender club kid that reads as a standalone... -
Midnight Confessions by J.L. Kenna
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings...Categorized as:
angst cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult billionaire -
Breaking the Rules by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRule #1: Don't fall in love with your agent. Trevor Underhill is a bottom D-pair grinder. A pest. The kind of player who makes it possible for the talent to score. Off the ice, he looks out for himself and never trusts anyone but his sister to have his back... -
Caldwell Brothers: The Complete Series Bundle by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNico is it for me...too bad he’s my brother’s best friend. Friends and brothers are off limits. That’s always been the rule in our house. In a big family it’s the only way to keep the peace. That doesn’t stop my heart from belonging to Nico, my older brother’s best friend...Categorized as:
age-gap enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers lgbtq mlm adult anthologies 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... -
Rules of Engagement by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRule #1: Don't fall in love with your best friend's brotherAfter Anders Lindholm lost his wife and baby daughter in a car accident, he knew he’d never find love like that again.Hockey, routines, and his team are all that have kept him going since.But as he approaches forty, an injury makes him consider what life after retirement will be like... -
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... -
Whiskey Sour by Addison Beck
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKnoxWhat do you do when the love of your life chooses someone else?Easy, you find a nice rebound. If it just so happens to be his hot, dumb hunk of a brother, even better.Elton Hill is everything wrong with people. He’s loud, annoying, way too intense, and pushes too hard. But he’s available and our secret friends-with-benefits relationship turns out to be exactly what I need... -
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... -
The Underdog by Briar Prescott
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAnders:There once was a guy who told a little white lie. That didn’t turn out so well. I would know. I’m the guy.Once upon a time, I told my brother and sister that my dream was to do a triathlon. I never expected them to sign me up for one! Now I’m forced to deal with my very cantankerous personal trainer. Wells Montgomery is an angry, rude, judgmental bastard...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq mlm sports -
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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... -
Brogan by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThey call me Demon for a reason—I’m the most ruthless Reaper on the ice.I’m not the person who finds a baby on their doorstep.Except, after a morning run, I am.And the note accompanying the little bundle says she’s mine.Looks like I'm the newest single dad in the NHL.I was nothing but a burden on my aunt and uncle after my parents died, and I’d decided I’d never have children... -
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:
age-gap cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq mlm -
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...Categorized as:
mlm university lgbtq sports enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc -
Unnecessary Roughness by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJackson Kincaid When my best friend, Allison, died in a car accident, I suddenly became the parent of my ten-year-old godson. How was I supposed to play football for the Portland Pirates and be a full-time single dad? Adjusting is the name of the game. But thanks to my friends, and Simon, the team doctor, we'll heal and make it through... -
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... -
Bar Re’s Redemption by STESLARA
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings...Categorized as:
lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance young-adult contemporary fiction -
Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA competitive swimmer and a glamorous drag queen … a love worthy of gold or a crushing defeat?Openly gay college swimmer Ian Harrington is fighting against a current of tragedy. He's grieving the loss of his parents and best friend, and now he's dealing with a toxic coach and judgmental brother. But he won't let that stop him from chasing his dream: Olympic gold... -
Scene Queen by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNote to self: just because he's hot and funny doesn't change the fact he's annoying AF.Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn't on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste... -
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 angst enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance fiction -
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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:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance contemporary anthologies -
Final Boy at Randy's by Loren Leigh
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI don’t like him. Reed Chambers reminds me of every guy who was ever a jerk to me. With his drop dead good looks and overly confident stroll. His quiet, cold eyes that send shivers across my shoulders... -
Kiss To Defy by Anna B. Doe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe's a figure skating prodigy. He's a guy from the wrong side of tracks.They belong to two completely different worlds...After dedicating her entire life to figure skating, Rei Mitchell-Nagasaki is ready for a little bit of normal...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports university book -
Trust in Me by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe desperately wants someone to care for him. Does he dare share his secret with the ideal man? Sam is terrified of his own success. He may have set up a dream playroom at The Lodge for Daddies and their littles to play, but as a trans man, he struggles to believe anyone would want him as their boy... -
Banger by Kiki Clark
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIf there was one thing Kevin knew, it was that his BFF’s ex was bad news.Hank is arrogant, a sloppy drunk, and a complete flirt. And he didn't treat Kevin’s friend the way he deserved.Enough said.It doesn’t matter that everyone else has forgiven and forgotten what happened between Hank and Kevin’s bestie. He won’t let himself fall for the older man’s sweet words or endearments... -
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
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 romance contemporary steamy -
Choke Hold by Eve Holmes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward.”-Rocky Balboa Ty Roscoe and Luca Mitchell have moved beyond their rivalry in MMA, becoming more than just teammates. Now working together both in and out of the cage, they’re focused on one common making it to the Ultimate Fighting Championship... -
Secrets Embraced by Alisha Williams
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJust when I thought we've won, that we get our happily ever after, the universe has other plans.Tragedy has hit our little family, but we won't let it break us.We will lean on each other and push forward.I have them back now, the 4 who owned my heart and soul from the start.And along side my newest addition to my heart, I'm excited to take this new step in our lives...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq mlm -
He's So Slick by Sinclair Kelly
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis Omega doesn’t do drama, drugs, or hockey players. The first two for obvious reasons. The last because I don’t shit where I eat. As the daughter of the Phoenix Heat’s owner, I know better than to dip my toes into that particular pool. The league is way too small a world, and I am a drama-free zone...Categorized as:
sports mlm lgbtq friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc enemies-to-lovers -
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Resisting You by E.M. Lindsey
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Do you think I can go to jail for cutting holes in all the toes of my boss’s socks? Because that’s where I’m at in life.”Frey’s a single dad, a nurse, and ready to wage a one-sided prank war against the arrogant surgeon with the sexy accent he keeps getting paired up with. And while there might be more to Dr... -
Pretty Broken Doll by Bree Wiley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBeauty isn't always whole.ShiloI’ve always been the outcast—awkward, invisible, a loser. My pet rat and my computer are my only friends. I've accepted the fact that I'll probably die a lonely virgin—until I pick up the hottest man I’ve ever met for a ride home.An impulsive invitation, a strange encounter. He's way out of my league... -
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... -
Rhett by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRhettI’m the eldest Swift brother, the one who should have taken care of my siblings and protected them, but I’ve never been the kind of brother they deserve.Both Morgan and East had the courage to walk away from our abusive father before I did, but now that I have, there’s no turning back... -
Heel by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“I've never thought of calling a man Daddy before, but I can’t think of a word that fits Vale better. He’s my Daddy, and I’m his pup.” Broken and bruised, there’s nothing I won’t do to protect Adrian. I picked him up and made him whole before, and I’ll do it again. Adrian is a sweet pup with a smile full of sunshine and a heart made for love... -
Stealing Home by Grace Reilly
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI should be focusing on my game–not on falling for my gorgeous, grumpy roommate… especially since she’s already left me once.SebastianIt’s my final season to prove myself before the MLB Draft. The last thing I need is a distraction–and especially not one as tantalizing as Mia di Angelo...Categorized as:
sports university friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary
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