Books like 'Hard Count'
Readers who enjoyed Hard Count by Ariana St. Claire also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance age-gap sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc suspense
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Unique by Aleksandra Negrońska
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsCzwarty tom bestsellerowej serii autorki „Students"!Nieoczekiwane wyjście z więzienia Taylora Williamsa sprawia, że Zayden zaczyna obawiać się o bliskich. Martwi się, że jego ojciec będzie próbował zemścić się na nim i Rosannie za to, że przed rokiem doprowadzili do jego aresztowania.Rosie wspiera chłopaka, mimo że sama ma podobne obawy, które szybko okazują się słuszne...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance young-adult audiobook new-adult contemporary -
The Resurrection of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIt took me a while to learn that sometimes no matter how much, or how hard you love someone, or something, you have to let them go. You can’t save a sinking ship.Sometimes, you have someone else you have to be strong for, who needs you more.You make a choice.A devastating one.And you hope, maybe one day, they’ll come back to you... -
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... -
Dangerous Rescue by Riley Edwards
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJust friends. I’d repeated the lie so many times I’d almost convinced myself it was the truth.Our friendship was accidental. A lost phone, a string of text messages that led to a once-a-year birthday text. The real trouble started when we upped the game and called each other. Those phone calls strengthened our connection and solidified our bond...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine suspense action-adventure adult book contemporary -
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Savage Daddy by Laylah Roberts
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAll he wanted was to live a quiet life.Work, some cold beers, sleep. Repeat. Sure, it sounded damn boring. But the last thing Sav needed was excitement in his life.Been there, done that.Only problem was that his next-door neighbor seemed determined to bring trouble into his life, whether or not he wanted it.There was nothing quiet or peaceful about Livvy Carlson. She was a mess... -
Command and Control by Jemma Westbrook, Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSix months ago I baited a sinfully handsome but wickedly dangerous man.He didn’t bite.I wanted to work for his company. Desperately. Did all I could to prove my worth and plead my case.To no avail.Until the night I come home to find his card on my kitchen counter...Categorized as:
suspense grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap romance contemporary military -
Famous in a Small Town by Kylie Scott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat chance does a small-town girl have with a world-famous rock star?Two years after his wife’s death, rock star Garrett Hayes hasn’t moved on. But he has moved out of L.A. Where better to escape his past than a small town in the Northern California mountains? If only he could get the townsfolk of Wildwood to leave him the hell alone... -
Ivy's Delta by Elle James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAfter years of resisting his teammates’ good intentions, big, bad and cranky Delta Force soldier, Magnus “Duff” McCormick, agrees to a blind date. Memories of his wife who died on their honeymoon derail his date with the beautiful redhead his friends introduce him to. When his date is attacked and almost stolen away, Duff comes to the rescue and sticks to her like glue, memories be damned...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine suspense action-adventure adult book contemporary -
Daddy's Obsession by Laylah Roberts
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMaeve had never lived a normal life.She found it hard to settle down, to trust. So letting him close was likely a big mistake.When a threat presents itself, she knows she has to protect him.Gray didn’t let many people close. But when he did, he kept them.If Maeve thought she could run . . . well, she could just think again.He was coming for her. She would be his... -
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... -
Shadow and Skulls by L.M. Terry
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShadow and SkullsKelsieBeing adopted by Big Dan and Lily was the equivalent of winning the lottery. When they found me, I was like a dried-up plant that had been neglected. My leaves were brittle. My roots stunted. They took me in, pruned me, planted me in nutrient rich soil, and began to water me daily.But as I grew, as all cared for plants do, I slowly began to outgrow my pot... -
The Hero She Craves by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe last thing he expects on his ship is the off-limits woman he can’t stop thinking about—his best friend’s daughter.After a tough military career as a Navy SEAL, and a member of a covert Ghost Ops team, Lorenzo “Ren” Santoro now calls a research ship home. The ocean, very few people, and solitude…it’s all he needs...Categorized as:
suspense age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary military -
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... -
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Aspen's Defense by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat we professional athletes. What we stick-wielding madmen who look good in blue, play hard, and love harder. It's a good thing this is Silver Spoon Falls because these hunky hockey players fit right in.Welcome the Falcons to the roster! These over-the-top athletes are about to play the most important game of the game of love... -
Awaken My Heart by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAbraham:I already had my happy ending. Childhood sweethearts, my late wife and I made four beautiful kids together who are now grown and married off themselves. I’m content to be their old dad, tending to my ranch and my tomato plants. Until Emily Carson and her tempting curvy body and her smiles that she hands out like candy, crashes into my life making me want things I have no business wanting...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance insta-love small-town contemporary -
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... -
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... -
Satin Empire by B.B. Hamel
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA super-steamy arranged marriage mafia standalone romance with a grumpy, broken hero and a sunny-and-strong heroine from bestselling author B. B. Hamel.I accidentally stripped at my arranged fiancee’s club.It lasted ten seconds before he dragged me off stage.But his possessive jealousy woke something in me…I wasn’t born into the mafia and I’m still trying to find my place in the world...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc suspense romance organized-crime arranged-marriage -
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... -
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 romance contemporary fiction found-family -
Scandalous Liaison by Piper Stone
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLove wasn't part of the deal. My full surrender was. Family. For most people, the thought brought happiness or comfort. For me, the sheer mention created anger. After all, I hated my ruthless father with a passion. Unfortunately, with my brother's impending marriage, I felt compelled to return to my hometown for a single weekend...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc suspense age-gap dark contemporary billionaire -
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 grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance friends-to-lovers slow-burn contemporary -
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 grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary fiction enemies-to-lovers -
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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...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance forced-proximity athlete 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... -
Master Me by Jane Henry
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSavannah is beautiful. Brilliant. Brighter than a ray of sunshine.She’s also way too young for me and practically family.But she’s in trouble.When she witnesses a murder at the hands of rival mafia, Savannah flees to the only safe refuge she knows — my family.My life is ordered. Careful. Disciplined. But when Savannah needs protection, I can’t turn her away... -
Prince of Darkness by Ajme Williams
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWitness protection. Forbidden crush. Now he's a ruthless killer and I'm pregnant with his child.Liam was supposed to be my FBI guardian angel. Now, he's the monster who kidnapped me.One explosive night. One life-altering secret. Will the Prince of Darkness return for the child he doesn't know exists?This is no fairy tale.This is survival.This is us...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc organized-crime forced-proximity fiction contemporary -
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:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance enemies-to-lovers young-adult contemporary fiction -
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... -
Gareth by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI am and have been many owner of the Charleston Cougars, CFO of Maxfield Corp, and ex-Chicago mafia prince. One thing I was certain I’d never be called? Husband. But that was before the Irish mafia princess Serenity O’Brien showed up outside my door, calling in one of my favors... -
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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... -
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 age-gap contemporary western small-town steamy -
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The Billionaire and His Forever by Sadie S. Black
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWe were always going to be an impossible fantasy.There was never a future for us between the secrets and the scandals, the temptations and the lies, and above all--a child who never deserved this life...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc suspense contemporary billionaire humor romance -
The Keeper by Raine Miller, Brit DeMille
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn anti-social goalie unhappy about being traded to Vegas meets an outgoing drummer in a rock band and discovers that maybe fighting their attraction is the completely wrong approach in this enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract hockey romance. "Sometimes I feel like a square puck trying to roll down ice...Categorized as:
sports suspense grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary enemies-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:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap romance contemporary fiction workplace -
Bar Re’s Redemption by STESLARA
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance lgbtq young-adult contemporary fiction -
Just One Summer: A Dirty Dare Series Novella by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carly Phillips comes a new story in her Dirty Dare series…Gabriella Davenport is a gorgeous, twenty-two-year-old virgin with a trust fund, vacationing in the Hamptons for the summer and running from family pressure to marry someone she doesn’t like, let alone love.Maddox James is a sexy bar manager, older than Gabby by a decade...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc contemporary boss-employee family romance -
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...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap romance contemporary small-town -
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 insta-love small-town steamy contemporary -
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Bad Nanny by Maya Nicole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's a grumpy single dad. I’m his new nanny. And my life is an absolute toaster fire. My day started with my breakfast going up in flames and ended with me using a sock puppet during a job interview with the CEO of a billion-dollar company.He’s in desperate need of a nanny, and I need the job to keep my dad off my back... -
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:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance audiobook friendship friends-to-lovers -
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 romance contemporary friends-to-lovers anthologies -
Claimed by the Mountain Man by Mia Brody
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGrumpy mountain man seeks sunshine nanny to care for equally grumpy nephew.HaleI never thought I’d become a single dad at thirty-six. Then again, I never thought my half-sister would just abandon her tiny son. Now, it’s on me to raise the six-month old baby.I don’t have a clue what to do with a little one, but I know they need lots of loving...Categorized as:
age-gap grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance small-town disability stalking
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