Books like 'The Backup Plan'
Readers who enjoyed The Backup Plan by Eden Finley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance lgbtq sports mlm forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov workplace athlete
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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...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor lgbtq mlm -
Finn Rhodes Forever by Stephanie Archer
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe guy who broke my heart is now an arrogant, too-hot firefighter… who’s hell-bent on getting me back. This summer, I have one goal: field work. I need it to finish my PhD. I never expected Finn Rhodes to offer help. He broke my heart twelve years ago, and now that he’s back in town, I want nothing to do with him. Finn wants one thing—me. We were inseparable as kids until everything changed...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor multi-pov adult -
Mile High by Liz Tomforde
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsZandersChicago hockey isn’t complete without me—everyone’s favorite player to hate. I know my role, and I play it well. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy spending the majority of my game time in the penalty box before leaving the arena with a new girl on my arm each night.What I don’t like is the new flight attendant on our team’s private plane. She works for me, not the other way around... -
Until It Was Love by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThere are a million reasons why I shouldn’t date Fletcher Huxley. He’s a growly-faced, stubborn-streaked, international rugby legend trying to revive his flailing career in the US after being canned by his team overseas...Categorized as:
sports humor enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers multi-pov -
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Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
Mother Faker by Brittanee Nicole
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMoving with my three best friends and our seven kids into a dilapidated brownstone in Boston may have seemed like the most insane thing I’d do this year. Apparently the universe said hold my beer. Because last night I got drunk and married my boss. Don’t worry, it’s all fake. Or at least everything after 'I Do' will be. Beckett Langfield is grumpy, rich and hates kids...Categorized as:
humor sports forced-proximity workplace found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
Big, Bossy Problem: An Accidental Baby Romance by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBeing a dog walker isn’t as glamorous as you might imagine.Unless, of course, you’re walking a tech billionaire’s German shepherd mix...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor multi-pov workplace adult -
If You Need Me by Helena Hunting
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA standalone enemies to lovers, fake engagement, hockey romance. I’ve been secretly in love with Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst since the third grade.I should be the one taking her to our small-town high school reunion. The prom king finally gets his chance with the valedictorian.Except she hates me.To the world, I’m a pro hockey player with a million dollar smile...Categorized as:
sports humor enemies-to-lovers workplace found-family multi-pov forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine -
Forever Wild by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe annoyingly handsome hockey captain glaring at me needs my help.He won't admit that, of course. But with his teammate's gone for the summer and him fresh off a season-ending injury, someone has to keep him in check and it's not the nurses he keeps running off... -
Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFrom the author of Love & Other Disasters comes a sparkling grumpy-meets-sunshine romance featuring two men's sweeping journey across the Western wilderness. Alexei Lebedev’s journey on the Pacific Crest Trail begins with a single snake. And it is angling for the hot stranger who seemed to have appeared out of thin air. Lex is prepared for rattlesnakes, blisters, and months of solitude...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity found-family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor lgbtq -
On the Shore by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHe's the GOAT of the NFL. She's a hot-headed reporter who despises him. They're in the same small town for the summer. What could possibly go wrong?I'm more than aware of the responsibilities that come with being a quarterback in the NFL.The upside—I get to do what I love every day, which is play football.And I make more money than I know what to do with... -
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 forced-proximity celebrity multi-pov -
Seth by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBe yourself because everyone else is taken. But what if that risks everything you know? Seth Johnson has worked his entire career to be remembered more for his skill than as an openly gay NHL player. Finding a boyfriend has been pushed to the back burner. As for exposing his softer side, the side that loves lace and lingerie? It’s not happening... -
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 forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov found-family romance -
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The Head Game by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNico Arents Rushed to Hospital After In-Game Fall—Mystery Beau Revealed?The Fisher Cats defenseman is conscious and in stable condition following a seizure that occurred during the recent game against Buffalo.Updates indicate that while still hospitalized, he’s hopeful for a quick return to the ice...Categorized as:
mlm sports lgbtq enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity -
The One I Hate by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI hate Simon Banks.I also hate tequila. The first makes my blood boil with his devilish smirk and giant…ego. The second makes me do questionable things. Specifically, with Simon. Fine. Whatever. It’s a blip on my radar. Even though I can’t stop thinking about memories of our night…or his hands…and that mouth... -
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 enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor sports workplace -
Off Camera by Chelsea Curto
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAvery Sinclair is good at her job as the social media manager for the Baltimore Thunderhawks. She’s one of the best in the NFL, in fact. The only thing stopping her from being the account of the year? The DC Titans, run by the mystery man she’s been feuding with for years.Reid Duncan isn’t the world’s biggest sports fan, but he loves his job...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers found-family workplace multi-pov friends-to-lovers forced-proximity humor -
Learning Curve by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsCobey GreenThere I was, moving into the dorms at Franklin U, and not into the shared party house I’d lived in my freshman year. Last year had been all about football and parties, not schoolwork. Which was why my grades tanked, and why I was one failed class away from being kicked off the team.Why I needed to live on campus, and find myself a tutor...Categorized as:
athlete celebrity cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor -
Connell by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI’m famous for two things—being one of the best defensemen in the NHL and my classic pranks.My teammates always said one of my jokes would bite me in my Scottish arse one day, and they were right.After a prank goes wrong, I’m sentenced to six weeks community service under none other than the sexy, rule-abiding, smart-mouthed city clerk of Sweet Water—Annabelle Clarke.Lucky for me it’s offseason...Categorized as:
athlete celebrity enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers multi-pov sports adult -
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...Categorized as:
celebrity cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor sports workplace -
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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:
humor sports forced-proximity workplace grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers -
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 athlete humor romance -
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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 humor romance -
When I'm with You by Samantha Brinn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe first time I saw Julie Parker, the gorgeous, brilliant, sharp tongued lawyer knocked the wind right out of me.The second time I saw Julie Parker, our eyes met across a football field.The third time I saw Julie Parker, we had a *moment* and I was certain she was meant to be mine.The fourth time I saw Julie Parker, she was struggling... -
Perfect Praise by Grace Pearce
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaren and Locke both exist in the same world of professional golf—he's the number one player in the world while she just takes his picture.Never mind that Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe that he and Maren are dating, because when she confronts him, he couldn't care less... -
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...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports adult book -
Home Game by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s pro football’s hottest wide receiver…But for me he’s pure, red-hot trouble.Storm Rosling is cocky. Charming. A bad boy football player who can’t keep his name out of headlines and scandals.In my life, he’s one big red flag.I’m working with Fixer Brothers Construction to take their home renovation TV show to the stratosphere. I’m all business, and I’m damn good at it... -
Drama! by A.J. Truman
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy arch nemesis is now my fake boyfriend. Can you say drama? Uptight drama teacher Everett and cocky jock Raleigh must pretend to be boyfriends at an upcoming wedding in order for Everett to save face in front of his mega-famous ex...Categorized as:
athlete cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers found-family grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor lgbtq -
Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsChance The day I saw Gemma Steele’s delicious body wearing nothing but a few scraps of lace, I knew being traded was the least of my problems. Her sexy text may not have been meant for me, but that image is not something a warm-blooded man could ever forget—no matter how badly he wants to. I’ve tried to resist her, but I can’t seem to escape Little Miss Suzy Sunshine...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity celebrity 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... -
One Last Play by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe could be the one. I’ve spent twelve years caring for my niece Maddie who I adopted after my sister died. Having a daughter has made me picky when it comes to the women I spend time with. Not to mention dealing with the pressure of being a college football coach. But when I spot MJ at a mutual friend’s wedding, something draws me toward her...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc celebrity friends-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov -
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...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family romance -
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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... -
For the Cameras by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOur fans get to see everything when we’re together on camera.But what’s between the two of us is strictly for the videos… right?I’ve been a socially awkward introvert for my whole life—and not a soul knows that I upload anonymous videos to an adult site. By day, I’m a shy office worker. At night, I have my hand, my phone camera, and a little secret.Chase is my polar opposite... -
You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe first thing Dan says to him is, “we’re in the NHL!”, because that’s how he’s been greeting anyone wearing a jersey, and Marc Lapointe, 'the future of the franchise', is wearing Dan's colours. “I think you’re my new best friend,” Dan says, his excitement beating out common sense, social filters, the need to play it cool. “It is nice to meet you, new best friend," Marc says, his mouth twitching... -
Work: Strictly Professional by Jesse H. Reign
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Not to worry, I’ll compensate you for your time and your… skill.”My boss is a walking red flag. He’s bolshy and rude. Impossible to please. A big, broody man with dark eyes that carry an unmistakable message – I am not manageable. Seriously, he’s the worst. If it’s not bad enough that he’s a nightmare in the office, he’s all but ordering me to be his date to his son’s wedding... -
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 humor lgbtq mlm -
The Loner by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDeclanAs a founding member of The Vers, a queer podcast I host with my three best friends, I’m The Loner—quieter than the others, and except for them, I don’t let myself get too close to people. Most of them just let you down anyway, or maybe it’s just that something about me chases people away.Infrequent, no-strings-attached hookups have always worked for me...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq friends-to-lovers found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc celebrity -
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...Categorized as:
athlete celebrity cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq -
Nailed by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMy new neighbor is a total tool.He hated me from the second he laid eyes on me, and I don’t have the first clue why… But, if he wants to hate me, I’m happy to give him a few reasons: mowing the lawn at dawn on the weekend, leaving garbage cans in front of his driveway, renting a petting zoo for my backyard...making a list of ways to drive him crazy is half the fun...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity found-family grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor lgbtq -
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...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports workplace adult age-gap -
Never Kiss the Bad Boy by Lauren Landish
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA full plate? More like an overflowing platter.The last thing I have time for is the bad boy next door.Even if he’s hot, sweaty, muscled, pierced, and makes sexy promises that keep me on edge.Survival Mode is how I live. My ghost kitchen is the place to be for every work crew in the city, and I bust my butt from sunup to sun down, while rubbing every nickel and dime together to scrape by...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family humor romance contemporary -
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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:
cheerful-mc enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor 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 lgbtq sports enemies-to-lovers multi-pov humor friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine -
Glove Save by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI’ve been told I’m the grumpiest goalie in the league, and that may be the case, but who cares when I’m also killing it this season? The Carolina Comets are currently on a record-breaking run, and I intend to keep it that way.This means the last thing I need is distractions, but my mother didn’t get that memo...Categorized as:
sports humor enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov found-family -
Mother Maker by Jenni Bara
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAll I want is one night.One night away from the falling down brownstone filled with my three best friends, a broody billionaire, and our seven children. Oh, and you can’t forget those adorable raccoons.But the universe apparently has other ideas because I get drunk and sleep with the baseball player.Now two little lines turn my escape into a completely new adventure...Categorized as:
sports humor forced-proximity found-family friends-to-lovers celebrity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc -
Poetry On Ice by Jesse H. Reign
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI can’t tell if we’re fighting…or flirting?Being traded to the Seattle Vipers has left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, they’re my team, the team I’ve loved and supported since I was a kid, but on the other hand, he’s here. Him. Ant Decker. Infamous NHL bad boy. Right wing to my left. A man who’s made it his sole purpose in life to be better than me...Categorized as:
mlm enemies-to-lovers sports lgbtq forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
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...
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