Books like 'Fighting the Odds'
Readers who enjoyed Fighting the Odds by Kristen Granata also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance sports fighter steamy friends-to-lovers workplace age-gap grumpy-sunshine grumpy-mc
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She's Like The Wind by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’d be a fool to fall for his long-legged, barefoot employee. But bad decisions have never stopped him before… Successful businessman and single father, Nate Crawford, doesn’t need any more complications. That’s why he’s moved his business – and his life – to a small beach town. He’s expecting sun, sea and tranquility, but what he gets is a whirlwind in the form of town sweetheart, Ally Sutton...Categorized as:
sports age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc workplace friends-to-lovers romance -
Wild Side by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJamesonLast man standing. I’ve watched all three of my friends fall in love with no desire to ever follow in their footsteps. Collectively, we own the hottest restaurant, bar, and brewery in town. They are a few of the places I find peace, a refuge against this cruel world. When I’m on the stage playing music, everything just seems to fade away.Until I saw her...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy adult book contemporary -
Southern Hotshot: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Jessica Peterson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLusting after the woman trying to steal my job is stupid. Sexting with her? That’s a game-changing fumble.Emma Crawford became enemy number one the second she stepped foot on Blue Mountain Farm. She might think I’m just a dumb jock, but I know she’s a stuck-up wine snob who believes she’d be a better exec than me.She can take my position over my dead body...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports steamy workplace adult -
Wild Temptation by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Wild is a temptation I can’t resist.He’s my grumpy boss.He didn’t want to hire me,But as a favor to a friend -- he gave me a chance.Besides proving I’m a good worker, and can make a difference on his peach farm.It seems I can’t stop throwing myself at him. I didn’t think Asher would rock my world... -
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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... -
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 -
Learn Your Lesson by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMy mother only wanted me to learn one lesson growing up…Men are trash. Her father left her, and then my father left us. Being raised by her and my grandmother, I was surrounded by the reminder to be independent and guard my heart...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap workplace friends-to-lovers steamy -
The Arrangement by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe gorgeous CEO of Brewer Air is my boss and, thanks to a bet, my new husband for six months.Why? Because I begged.I have a grandmother to support, a stack of bills higher than my five-foot frame, and as a cherry on top, I need to find a new place to live. Soon.Sure, Jason Brewer’s bright green eyes and chiseled jawline steal my breath. His smirk makes me weak...Categorized as:
age-gap friends-to-lovers workplace steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
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... -
Cold as Ice by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCaptain of the team? He's not giving up until he's Captain of her heart.KrisWhen you're the Captain, you get what you want.Until the one thing you want refuses to cooperate.I've been chasing Kelsey, our feisty publicist, for years.She won't give me the time of day.I know she wants me too.I see it in her eyes every time she looks at me.But she runs as soon as I get close...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers age-gap romance insta-love -
Downfall by Evelyn Sola
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe thought he had his life figured out, but he had no idea.Summer Madison is the opposite of everything Maxwell Sutton finds attractive in a woman. And yet, here he is, fighting powerful feelings for the new personal assistant his brother hired while he was out of town.Everything about her is wrong, yet his thoughts are consumed with nothing but her... -
Love You Wild by Becka Mack
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShattered. That’s the best way to describe Claire Thompson after the ultimate betrayal. When her long-term boyfriend cheats on her, Claire decides she’s done with men. Maybe forever. Healing the pieces of her broken heart seems like too impossible a task...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports steamy workplace adult -
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:
sports age-gap friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy romance -
Asher by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom Amazon top ten bestselling author Samantha Whiskey comes the billionaire, opposites attract romance you won't want to miss!I execute many roles: owner of the NHL’s Carolina Reapers, CFO of Silas Tech, and genuine fan of all things professional sports.One thing I’m not?Chaotic.I’ve made my billions off of structure, discipline, and very little risk... -
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Smokeshow: A Hockey Love Story by Raine Miller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBe "just friends" with a smokeshow like her? That's pretty much a p#cking impossible ask.—Tyler Lockhardt, VEGAS CRUSHI'm just over here minding my business playing hockey for the Crush when the SMOKESHOW of my dreams turns up and seriously rocks my world.For real.Beautiful, smart, and so incredibly sweet I cannot help myself from wanting to get to know her a whole lot better... -
Now's the Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get.”That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man... -
Without Regret by Aubrey Bondurant
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRejection and I have an understanding: I don't put myself out there and it doesn't screw with my life any more. I keep my feelings hidden, and my heart locked away. It was working well until he came along and threatened my impenetrable armor, one honeyed word at a time. With his clean cut looks, and southern manners, I'm convinced he's not my type... -
Happy Hour Hoe by Shae Sanders
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAccording to office gossip, Cairo King has bagged every single woman in his department. A couple of married ones, too. The man is so legendary, the employees at Billingsley-Davis have dubbed him the "happy hour hoe." So when Taylor Knowles is unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend, her coworkers take her for drinks after work and point her right in Cairo's direction...Categorized as:
steamy workplace friends-to-lovers romantic-love contemporary poc-mc fiction romance -
Not As Planned by Harlow James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“So you’re single?” “Are you seriously hitting on me right now while I have breastmilk all over my shirt?”When Grant Thomas, the handsome stranger standing in front of me in line at the coffee shop, stripped his uniform shirt off and handed it to me, I could have sworn I was on an episode of Punked...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance contemporary fiction -
Upping the Ante by Emma St. Clair
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's been the grumpiest boss a woman could ask for--or he WAS until I quit. But former football star Deacon Clark doesn't seem to be getting the memo. Instead, he tags along with me to Sheet Cake, Texas, where I'm hoping to start a new business.Deacon's only hope is to hire me back as his assistant. At least, that's what I thought. Until ... the very clear lines we've always kept start to blur...Categorized as:
sports workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers 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 -
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... -
Mr. Jerk by Leslie North
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe first time I met Noah Parker, he asked if I was an escort.Apparently when you’re a billionaire sports agent, finding strange half-naked women in your hotel room is…normal?That didn’t stop me launching a stiletto at him.He’s fine—good reflexes.Still, he walked into my hotel room—claiming it's his—and has no plans on leaving.Neither do I.Which is how I end up sharing a bed with Mr. Jerk... -
You're It by Cleo White
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI am a walking, talking disaster.Sometimes it feels like every step I take leads to a mistake that is painful or embarrassing, or painful and embarrassing, and it’s pretty remarkable that natural selection hasn’t taken me out yet.The point is, I have a lot of experience in cleaning up my own messes...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc workplace steamy friends-to-lovers romance -
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The Has-Been and the Hot Mess by Isabel Jordan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer job is to resurrect his image. Falling for him is not part of the plan...Kendall Quinn is a PR goddess. Meanwhile, her love life is a complete mess. So, when her latest romantic disaster leaves her jobless and homeless, it's time to take drastic measures. And that means dragging a grumpy, has-been rock star kicking and screaming back into the limelight. The job will be easy...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy friends-to-lovers romance contemporary humor -
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... -
The Blush Factor by Deborah Bladon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI lost something.No, it’s not my virginity. I’m still clinging tightly to that because…well, there’s only one man I want to help me lose that.It just so happens that same man found my journal in the elevator last night after I accidentally dropped it.I’ve carted that leather-bound journal around Manhattan with me since I moved here a year ago... -
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... -
Path To Redemption by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRising boxer Jaxon Cage is known to be a fighter on and off the ring. He's a man on a mission; redeeming the death of his little brother, who was on his way to becoming a boxing star. Jaxon holds himself accountable for his brother's death and now takes his place in the ring to continue his dream. Turns out, he's a natural... -
Following His Rules by Kylie Kent
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFollowing His Rules is book 1 in The Tempter Series; a series of stand-alone, office, best friend’s brother romances. ⚠⚠⚠ T his book contains adult language, sexual content, age-gap relationships, and so much spice it'll have you dripping sweat as you read . ⚠⚠⚠ Shardonnay I need this job... -
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... -
Sin Bin by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsI should stay away.Emilia Anderson is the team’s social media manager, and there are strict rules about not fraternizing with the staff. It doesn’t matter that we already accidentally broke them—we can’t let it happen again.Besides, my time in the NHL is winding down, and this is my last shot at winning the Cup. I need to focus on the game, not some girl I have no business chasing...Categorized as:
age-gap cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports steamy workplace -
Reckless by Elsie Silver
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsTheo Silva. Rowdy bull rider. Notorious ladies’ man. Scorching hot trouble wrapped up in a drool-worthy package.And he’s looking at me like I might be his next meal.But I’m almost free of my toxic marriage and have sworn off men entirely. So all I see when I look back is temptation served up with a heaping side of heartbreak.The man is hard to trust—and even harder to resist.Make that impossible...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy age-gap contemporary western small-town -
Xavier by Lane Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsXavier Malone returned to Maryland for his ten-year high school reunion to get away from all the drama in Seattle. He never thought he would spend the week second-guessing every decision he’s ever made or seriously consider trading in his suit and tie for a chance to get in the cage. Most of all, he wasn’t supposed to fall for Cassidy, his childhood best friend... -
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Shot Taker by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe leads the league in scoring. My heart won’t give him another shot.I vowed I’d never return to Denver. But a life-changing opportunity puts me back in the same place as the grumpy athlete who broke my heart.Clayton Wade rules the basketball stadium, and now he’s gunning for redemption. But I'm not the same girl who fell for the man behind the all-star image...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap workplace steamy friends-to-lovers -
Needing the Next-Door Neighbor by Kristin Canary
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy next-door neighbor, Ryan Rosche, is pretty much the perfect guy.He’s a freaking doctor, for one.Humble…Mature (Did I mention he’s eleven years older than me?) …And flat-out gorgeous.If only he wasn’t also … my boss.Look, if I wasn’t the nanny to his nieces, I’d be all. over. that...Categorized as:
workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap romance contemporary fiction -
Tainted Kitten by Sarah J.D., Sarah Jane Duncan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI am Kitten. Feel my Claws!The insatiable cravings that control my life have well and truly thrown me into a clusterfuck of epic proportions! Why didn’t I see this coming? Why didn’t I just walk away when I had the chance?I’ve put myself in less than ideal situations before, but never could I imagine this!Having the choice taken from me.Having my pleas ignored...Categorized as:
age-gap steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance reverse-harem -
Falling For the Grouch by Carolina Jax
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDashWhen my son had to leave our small hometown of Christmas, Texas, I couldn’t wait to leave with him, only to fall into a new fresh hell.Christmas 2.0 a/k/a Candy Cane Key.Everyone is in love down here. They love their town. They love their school.Let me tell you, True Love doesn’t exist. Romantic love is made up.There’s no one who can tell me differently.No matter how gorgeous she is... -
Innocent by Khloe Summers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan this protective older man convince a curvy virgin to save herself for love, or will she auction it off to the highest bidder?JanieI've spent years trying to find love, but all I've found is heartache and debt.With no way to pay my college tuition, I follow a friend's advice.I auction my virginity online.At first, this seems like a great plan. I'm going to make out huge...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy insta-love small-town contemporary -
Boss Abroad by Rachel Kellar
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsImagine having the best date ever, only to find out he thought you were someone else.Blind dates are challenging enough, but when my best friend hijacks my Tinder account and sets me up? On my first night in a foreign city? That’s just asking for trouble.Especially when the man I find waiting for me leaves me speechless and feeling all kinds of things... -
Rocked by the Roadie by Eve London
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo hearts, one bed, no looking back.DaisyWhen the hottest boy band on the planet gets back together for an epic reunion tour, there’s no decision to make. I’m going. It’s been ten years since I’ve had the chance to hang out with my groupie besties. They don’t know it yet, but my parents are forcing me to settle into a life they’ve pre-planned, right down to the man they want me to marry... -
Tangling with the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s a massage therapist, in town temporarily. But he might not ever let her leave.I'm off the clock when a gorgeous mountain man shows up at the new spa at the Rosewood Ridge Retreat Center. He's hot and in need of help. How can I turn him down?When the massage turns a little steamy, I know I'm going beyond my professional boundaries. But this guy has me feeling things I’ve never felt...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy romance audiobook -
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 -
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Grump and Grumpier by Stephanie Brother
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy job interview started with two scowls and ended with a bang. Yeah … that kind of bang!There’s absolutely no way I can accept the position after the jaw-droppingly amazing and completely unprofessional things I did with the two gorgeous but grouchy men who own the buzz-worthy coffee company, Community Bean...Categorized as:
workplace steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance reverse-harem contemporary -
The Gentleman by Dianna Roman
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsCameron Fairway has a secret. Before he shares it with the world, he’s determined to build the confidence he wants to live life as a gay man and the experience he’ll need to snag Mr. Right. For that, he requires a mentor—someone experienced. Someone with manners. Someone discreet enough to be able to mix business with pleasure under the watchful eye of his father’s empire—a gentleman... -
It Was Always Love by V. Theia
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings♡Today’s love doesn’t always have to look like yesterday’s love ♡ Book 2 in a set of 2. Love is blind. And the universe hates me. Serious fricking hate. To catch you up; Southern girl falls for extremely wealthy and gorgeous gay. We became besties. Then in an epic plot twist my gay... caught feelings for me. Unbelievable, right? I should have known I was deluding myself. Now I’m left broken... -
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... -
Unwrapping His Package by Cameron Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIndie: I trust my gut, the universe, and the healing power of sugar. I’ll admit I had my doubts in all three of those things when my sister wanted to move all the way here to Christmas, Michigan in the dead of winter. I’ve been scrambling to be the supportive sister after her messy divorce, but I’m exhausted. Just when I think I’m at my breaking point, I sense something... -
Ice Giant by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJonas MichaudThere are two places I'm not supposed to be: in trouble and in a gentleman's club.But thanks to my sister, I find myself in both anyway.And just in time to rescue the sports reporter who drives me crazy.Jamie Knight is the curviest little enemy I've ever had.She's been publishing stories about my hockey teammates for years.But I want her attention focused on me...
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