Books like 'Rules of Play'
Readers who enjoyed Rules of Play by Hayden Hall also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance university mlm forced-proximity sports friends-to-lovers lgbtq multi-pov found-family
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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 found-family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq mlm -
![Starting Over Scottish: A Grumpy Sunshine Holiday Romance by Tricia O'Malley]()
Starting Over Scottish: A Grumpy Sunshine Holiday Romance by Tricia O'Malley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratings...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity found-family grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov steamy adult -
![Frat Wars: Master of Mayhem by Saxon James]()
Frat Wars: Master of Mayhem by Saxon James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBro big or bro home. RobbieAs social chair of Sigma Beta Psi, I’m the life of the party. It’s what I’m known for, and if it’s not fun, I’m not interested, simple as that.I’m not someone who overthinks.So when one of my brothers hooks up with a dude from another frat house, it catches me off guard when I can’t stop thinking about them … together... -
![Line Mates & Study Dates by Eden Finley, Saxon James]()
Line Mates & Study Dates by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsASHER Hockey, studying, and school runs. That’s my life now. After a tragic accident that took our parents’ lives, it’s up to me and my big brother to take care of our five younger siblings. In between burning their meals and keeping them from killing each other, I’m supposed to get a college degree...Categorized as:
athlete cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor lgbtq -
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![Wicked Confessions by Crea Reitan]()
Wicked Confessions by Crea Reitan
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat started as a job has led to some frightening confessions. EdinOne mistake can ruin your life. I learned that at fifteen when my hormones got the best of me and I was landed with an unwanted pregnancy. My parents decided to punish me and forced me out of the sport I love to raise my child and provide for my newly forced-upon-us-both marriage.One mistake can cost a life. My life...Categorized as:
mlm sports university friends-to-lovers lgbtq found-family forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine -
![Making His Play by Mari Carr]()
Making His Play by Mari Carr
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAlex has a big name in hockey, famous for his stick skills—on and off the ice. But he’s also got a freckle-faced female problem. He took his sister’s tomboy best friend, Charley, to a Vegas wedding to cheer her up after a bad breakup.Too much champagne later and he’s waking up with Charley in his bed and his ring on her finger. And the crazy part is…Mrs. Alex Stone has a nice ring to it... -
![Seth by Carly Marie]()
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]()
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 forced-proximity friends-to-lovers steamy multi-pov found-family romance -
![Felix by Emmy Sanders]()
Felix by Emmy Sanders
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat more could an exhibitionist want than a willing voyeur right next door? EmilI like being watched. I’m not ashamed of it, nor my job at Elite 8 Studios where fans know me as Felix. But when my newest costar turns out to be the very same neighbor I’ve been giving private shows to through the window, I’m thrown for a loop... -
![The Blame Game by Brigham Vaughn]()
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... -
![Learning Curve by N.R. Walker]()
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 cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor lgbtq -
![Written at Randy's by Katherine McIntyre]()
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...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers steamy -
![The Fall Out by Jenni Bara]()
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 -
![When I'm with You by Samantha Brinn]()
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... -
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![Perfect Praise by Grace Pearce]()
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... -
![Whiskey Sour by Addison Beck]()
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... -
![Whistle by Cambria Hebert]()
Whistle by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEver since my twin sister was murdered and I blamed my best friend,my life has been nothing but an epic downward spiral.Once a swimmer for the most prestigious West Coast college,I never in a million years thought I’d end up here.Abandoned. Locked up. Alone.In a moment of weakness, I call the guy who was more of a brother to me than anything,the guy I betrayed... -
![Never Have I Ever: Submitted to My Enemy by Willow Dixon]()
Never Have I Ever: Submitted to My Enemy by Willow Dixon
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHow could I not have realized the guy I’ve been chatting with online is the one person I hate?Kai, the bad boy I broke my rules for. Who stomped all over my heart. Twice. He’s arrogant and annoying, and worse, he doesn’t even remember what he did to me.He’s also my new presentation partner...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity found-family grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq mlm steamy -
![Extra Credit by Sarina Bowen]()
Extra Credit by Sarina Bowen
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThree novellas, including all new Ivy Years fun! BLONDE DATE: A nervous sorority girl, a mean fraternity prank and an adorkable basketball player with a heart of gold. Blonde Date follows Katie and Andy’s first blind date… STUDLY PERIOD: One hunky hockey player with a language barrier. Plus one awkward English tutor with a big crush... -
![The Loner by Riley Hart]()
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 steamy -
![Don't You Dare by C.E. Ricci]()
Don't You Dare by C.E. Ricci
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIt was never meant to be more than a dare.A party game. A dare. A single kiss.That’s all it took to flip my world upside down.I’ve always classified myself as straight, and as far as I can tell, so has he.I didn’t think one kiss would change that, but I was so wrong.Now, I can’t stop thinking about him. In all the ways I shouldn’t.My best friend.Aspen... -
![Playing Offside by Jax Calder]()
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... -
![Presidential Chaos by Saxon James]()
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... -
![Poetry On Ice by Jesse H. Reign]()
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... -
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![Care for You by Jayda Marx]()
Care for You by Jayda Marx
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMiles - I may be young, but I know what I want. And what I want is Jake Woods. He’s funny, caring, gorgeous...and straight. Which is exactly why I need to stay away from him. I’m only going to get my heart broken. But I can’t help it; every day I fall a little deeper in love with the guy... -
![Unnecessary Roughness by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett]()
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...Categorized as:
athlete cheerful-mc found-family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq mlm -
![Legend by Isla Olsen, Willow Thomas]()
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... -
![Ineligible Receiver: A Friends-to-Lovers MM Sports Romance by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett]()
Ineligible Receiver: A Friends-to-Lovers MM Sports Romance by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA sexy and emotional story about two best friends that secretly fall in love, but struggle to keep a heartbreaking secret from tearing them apart.When I met Greg Foster, the straight tight end for the Portland Pirates, the rookie needed a friend to bring him out of his shell. There was more to the shy twenty-two-year-old bookworm than met the eye, and I was the perfect person for the task... -
![The Hotshot vs The Reporter by Nicole Dykes]()
The Hotshot vs The Reporter by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRoyalI’m the hotshot—both on and off the track. I know how to work the crowd and show off. And I’m good at it.I’ve had to become very effective at putting on a show.But my agent is not a fan of my over-the-top antics. So she did something I still can’t believe . . .She called in the press—the media. Specifically, the reporter who hates everything I stand for... -
![UnConVentional Kiss by Katherine McIntyre, K.C. Carmine]()
UnConVentional Kiss by Katherine McIntyre, K.C. Carmine
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne Comic-Con. One chance encounter. One kiss that changes everything.BeckI never claimed to be easy to love. My steady stream of ex-girlfriends is proof positive, and my anxiety pretty much confirms I’ll be alone for the rest of my life. No matter who I date, I can’t ever feel completely myself.At least until I met Cay, who’s bright, charming, and captures my attention from the start... -
![Scene Queen by Charlie Novak]()
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... -
![Infamous Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine]()
Infamous Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWho are we? Like you even need to ask. We’re the seven richer-than-sin legacies causing debauchery at the prestigious Astor University in Manhattan.Some call us spoiled.Some call us trouble.But everyone calls us the Park Avenue Princes.Weston LaRue“The Playboy”I’m never one to turn down a bet. Especially not when it comes to retaliating against the dean for pulling a dick move before summer break... -
![Ignited by Becca Steele]()
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... -
![Choke Hold by Eve Holmes]()
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... -
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![Calling it Safe by Lo Everett]()
Calling it Safe by Lo Everett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFriends with benefits—that’s the agreement. No commitments. No complications … but it’s never that simple.At my wit's end, I planned to spend the winter focusing on my writing, away from the soul-sucking grind that’s become my norm. The last person I expected to step in and save me when things go awry is my brother’s teammate, the intense and sometimes grumpy Dean Harrison... -
![The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett, Rheland Richmond]()
The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett, Rheland Richmond
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight-years-old? Patrick Griffin I hurt him. I didn’t mean to.Now he’s gone, and I deserve it.As a linebacker in the NFL, I've never found the right time to come out of the closet. Not even when I promised Cole I would... -
![Playing Deep by Beth Bolden]()
Playing Deep by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsKenyon Ellis knows getting involved with Julian Anderson is an enormous mistake—but from the very first night, he finds him annoying, intriguing and ultimately, irresistible.One, Kenyon is a player, and Julian is a reporter, so hooking up with him, no matter how spectacular the nights are, is a terrible idea.Two, he’s falling for him, even if Julian continues to be prickly and impossible... -
![Pretty Boy by Brianna Flores]()
Pretty Boy by Brianna Flores
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPretty boy Liam Walker is unlucky in love…LiamMy newest obsession is nothing like any of my past hookups.The tattoos? Not exactly my type. A perma-scowl and general leave-me-alone attitude? Yeah, that's the kind of thing I usually stay away from. And, sure, is it surprising that suddenly those things seem to be everything I want? Absolutely... -
![The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes]()
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…TommyHelp! My sister is getting married and according to her, I need a date. And a makeover. I’m a busy man, though. I don’t have time to meet eligible bachelors, and the tape holding my glasses together works just fine. Until my hair stylist steps on them... -
![Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander]()
Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom Author New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author R.G. Alexander, Book 3 in the Finn's Pub Romance series! Ever had a thing for the man next door? My sexy new neighbor is confusing the hell out of me. Elliot Ransom is a baseball player and a single dad, but he doesn’t know his butter beer from a snozzberry... -
![Love Language by Jax Calder]()
Love Language by Jax Calder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAshtonI’ve shared an office with Dominic, the grumpy raincloud to my endless sunshine, for three and a half years. My roommates and colleagues are convinced I’m obsessed with him, and okay, maybe I am slightly curious about what he signed to me at the staff mid-winter party...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers forced-proximity humor -
![Frozen Flames by V.H. Nicolson]()
Frozen Flames by V.H. Nicolson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’ve been in love with Ash Johansson for as long as I can remember.Former hockey player for the NHL, he now has his dream job coaching the team he loves.Except, while he’s off living his best life, I’m left here.Not in a loveless marriage, but in something much worse; a lonely one.Our forever has fizzled out.So I do the only thing that makes sense... -
![Breakneck Hockey by S. Legend]()
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... -
![Stealing Home by Grace Reilly]()
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 forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
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![The Step Bro Situation by Jesse H. Reign]()
The Step Bro Situation by Jesse H. Reign
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s official, my step bro is the biggest himbo ever to himbo.He’s a massive blond beefcake with a soft heart and an over-eager smile. The mere sight of him incites a shaking hot rage in me.He’s everywhere. He’s around me all the time. So sweet and gentle it makes me feel wild. I see him and smell him everywhere. And when I can’t see him or smell him, I hear him...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq university grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov -
![Becoming Bennet by Cora Rose, Nicole Dykes]()
Becoming Bennet by Cora Rose, Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI cannot stand Bennet Montgomery.His rugged hotness knows no bounds and his unwavering cheery disposition is maddening. How can someone be that happy all the time? His smile infuriates me.I need to keep my distance from this man and all his Midwest charm. I have my camboy career to focus on and I can't afford to get attached or bogged down with his nonsense...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq humor forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers -
![Bide by E.J. Blaise]()
Bide by E.J. Blaise
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOscar Jackson is a good man in a storm.Luna Evans is the storm.A notorious flirt.A serial anti-monogamist, Wild, carefree, and very, very loud.Luna has one rule in life; don't get attached.Until she meets Jackson. The nice guy on campus.People-pleaser to his core. Reluctant thrower of kick-ass parties. Quiet and unassuming and content to live his life firmly out of the spotlight...Categorized as:
sports university found-family friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov -
![Playing Games by Max Monroe]()
Playing Games by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDickson University’s star quarterback and campus golden boy is used to winning on and off the field…until he meets the one woman who changes the game.Blake Boden is the ultimate distraction—annoyingly handsome, enigmatic, and confident enough to make my teeth grind.He’s the kind of guy who could charm anyone with a single smile, and somehow, I’ve become his latest challenge... -
![Always Him by Cora Rose]()
Always Him by Cora Rose
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIf there’s one thing I’ve learned this year it’s that life isn’t always fair.Sometimes things happen that test our resilience and our strength.My life was changed forever one fateful night last year when I lost my leg in an accident. It’s affected my independence and my confidence.But there is one thing—one person—that hasn’t changed, hasn’t wavered when life gets hard.Finn Ledger...Categorized as:
angst cheerful-mc forced-proximity found-family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine humor -
![Forsaken Desires by Ashley James]()
Forsaken Desires by Ashley James
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAston WalkerOne night changed everything for me... I walked into that party surrounded by friends and walked out with an enemy. It's been two years and I still have no idea why he hates me. Now, we're forced to work together, and I'm going to enjoy getting under his skin.Knox FinneganI never knew someone could annoy me as much as he does...
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