Books like 'Cruel When He Smiles'
Readers who enjoyed Cruel When He Smiles by Avery Collins also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
romance university mlm sports enemies-to-lovers anti-hero forced-proximity slow-burn lgbtq
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No Regrets by Nicky James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLife makes no promises, and sometimes, you draw the short straw. Landon Johnston’s life came to a grinding halt seven months ago, when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. With the encouragement of his grandmother, Landon worked his way out of his slump and tried to live life while he still could... -
![Splintered by Isabel Lucero]()
Splintered by Isabel Lucero
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWelcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa —the best place to go when all you want to do is disappear and not have anyone expect anything of you.Overwhelmed with work and feeling like I’m being pulled in multiple directions at once, I crave the serenity a private island holds for me... -
![Iced Out by C.E. Ricci]()
Iced Out by C.E. Ricci
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsAll's fair in hate and hockey.My path to success never included an enemy as a teammate, especially one as infuriating as Quinton de Haas.Clawing under my skin is his favorite pastime, only feeding the animosity between us as the years pass.We’re as completely opposite as two people can be; the golden boy and the black sheep.Constantly at odds or at each other’s throats... -
![Limerence: A MM Rivals to Lovers Ballet Romance by Scarlett Drake]()
Limerence: A MM Rivals to Lovers Ballet Romance by Scarlett Drake
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFelixDancing is everything to me. It’s the mother I lost, the father who never sees me. It’s the fiery love of my life, and I’ll defend it to my last breath—that’s what it means to be the lead principal at one of the best ballet companies in the world. Just when I thought I was on top, my greatest rival—my eternal nemesis—waltzes back into my Nicoló Savini... -
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![Never Let Me Go by Lyla Dane]()
Never Let Me Go by Lyla Dane
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGavin Beck Bowman was once my best friend in the entire world. No one compared to the kind and gentle boy who stole my heart when we were kids. But that was a lifetime ago, before our friendship was torn to pieces and I became a spiteful, rotten shell of a person...Categorized as:
mlm enemies-to-lovers sports slow-burn forced-proximity lgbtq romance friends-to-lovers -
![Taming the Bad Boy by Ivy Coleman]()
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![Finding Delaware by Bree Wiley]()
Finding Delaware by Bree Wiley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings𝘖𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥... Taylor Only two things matter to me in this shitty freestyle motocross and my best friend.They’re my only escape from my father’s fists, but one slip in junior high almost changed everything. I confessed a secret to a beautiful boy, and I’ve been punishing him—and myself—ever since... -
![Wheels Down by Beth Bolden]()
Wheels Down by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more. Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year. But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival... -
![Forbidden Ink by Ali Lyda]()
Forbidden Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’m not a deadbeat.I didn’t know my kid existed before Milo showed up, but now that I do, I’m determined to keep my beautiful little Sofie in my life. Even if it means I need to spend time around her irritable uncle, Milo. The man pushes all of my buttons.He riles me up until I can’t think of anything except kissing him. Definitely not the reaction he expects... -
![All The White Lies We Tell by Garry Michael]()
All The White Lies We Tell by Garry Michael
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter missing out on the chance to represent the United States in the last winter games, Isaac McAllister’s focus was second to none. He spent the past few years away from his family training for this moment. He had a dream, a dream that only came every four years and he would do anything he could to make it happen. Even if it meant breaking hearts along the way... -
![Home Game by Raleigh Ruebins]()
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... -
![BLAZE: Enemies to Lovers College Hockey Romance by Eddie Cleveland]()
BLAZE: Enemies to Lovers College Hockey Romance by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis enemies to lovers romance is impossible to put down! Full of fiery friction. Funny oil-and-water banter. And enough steamy tension that you’ll feel the fire! Blaze is a book boyfriend you won’t soon forget.I have a new job. My official title, Public Relations Manager for the Westbury Warriors hockey team, is a mouthful. It’s also a complete lie...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity sports university adult book contemporary fiction -
![The Freshman Year by Adam Van Dyck]()
The Freshman Year by Adam Van Dyck
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsHey guys! It’s Tyler here, and this is the newest chapter of my life. Y’all are not going to believe this, but…I just joined the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee’s Men’s Soccer team! No, seriously, I actually did! I’m officially a Panther now! I did well on my youth soccer team, and I destroyed the opposing team in high school lacrosse, so I should be ready for college soccer, right?I wish... -
![The Red Zone by Beth Bolden]()
The Red Zone by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSpencer’s deep in the Red Zone and it’s time to even the score. Nine years ago Spencer Evans became the first player out of the closet to be drafted into the NFL. Everyone believed he had aspirations to change the world but all Spencer ever wanted to do was play football for a team that accepted him wholeheartedly... -
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![A Little Christmas: Morrie by B. Ripley]()
A Little Christmas: Morrie by B. Ripley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve never made a Christmas wish, but if I could, I’d ask Santa for a Daddy who understands me.I learned early on in life that gentle hands and friendly smiles can hide darkness underneath. I shy away from cuddles and hugs and refuse to let anyone get too close to me. It’s safer if they stay away and I don’t mind putting up as many barriers as I can to keep everyone out of my space... -
![When the Storm Comes by M.A. Innes]()
When the Storm Comes by M.A. Innes
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDonovan’s day just keeps getting worse. It might not have been the zombie apocalypse, but a tsunami and hurricane hitting the East Coast at the same time was definitely the start to a bad B-movie. Alone and doing his best to run from the impending wall of water that was only hours away, Donovan thought his day couldn’t get any worse. It could...Categorized as:
mlm forced-proximity lgbtq slow-burn contemporary new-adult friends-to-lovers fiction -
![And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick]()
And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDavid Chapman has achieved almost everything he's ever wanted. He may not have been anyone's first pick, and he may not have the respect he knows he deserves, but he also knows he has no shortage of chances to prove himself. And he has Jake. So it doesn't make sense for him to feel so dissatisfied. And it really doesn't make sense for him to feel so afraid... -
![Best Supporting Actor by Joanna Chambers, Sally Malcolm]()
Best Supporting Actor by Joanna Chambers, Sally Malcolm
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLights, camera…attraction! When Tag O’Rourke, struggling actor-slash-barista, meets Jay Warren, son of acting royalty, it’s loathing at first sight. Loathing…and lust. Tag’s dream is to act, but it’s a dream that’s crumbling beneath the weight of student debt and his family’s financial problems. If his career doesn’t take off soon, he’s going to have to get a real job...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq enemies-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity romance contemporary celebrity -
![Shaken & Stirred by A.W. Scott]()
Shaken & Stirred by A.W. Scott
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Of course I had to get stranded with the one man who hates me…”RobWorking for Mateo Rojas had its perks. I was always paid well and on time. I had my pick of any man or woman I wanted. And I gained a group of friends that were quickly turning out to be some of the best I’d ever had.The only downside to this place is the lack of an experienced bartender... -
![Final Boy at Randy's by Loren Leigh]()
Final Boy at Randy's by Loren Leigh
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI don’t like him. Reed Chambers reminds me of every guy who was ever a jerk to me. With his drop dead good looks and overly confident stroll. His quiet, cold eyes that send shivers across my shoulders... -
![Fight for You by Jaclyn Quinn]()
Fight for You by Jaclyn Quinn
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs this a love worth fighting for?One man is haunted by a past he can’t outrun.One man is branded by a legacy he can’t hide.One man is burdened by a guilt he can’t deny.The usually peaceful town of Riverside Falls has had its very core shaken by traumatic events. Three men find themselves at the center of it all, thrown together by circumstances beyond their control... -
![My Only Regret by Leigh Lennon]()
My Only Regret by Leigh Lennon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when you let go of the best person in your life.My Only Regret follows Banks and Dallas... -
![Can't Fight Love by K.C. Luck]()
Can't Fight Love by K.C. Luck
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe hardest thing to protect is your heart…Can’t Fight Love is an enemies-to-lovers romance intertwined with the thrill of sports, the importance of family, and the power of falling in love.Alexa Knight has one more battle before she retires as an undefeated mixed martial arts champion. When ESPN wants to film her preparation for the final match, she reluctantly agrees... -
![Illegal Motion: An MM Enemies To Lovers Sports Romance by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett]()
Illegal Motion: An MM Enemies To Lovers Sports Romance by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCallum KennedyI should have known behind that deep sexy southern drawl, and beautiful face lived the world’s biggest asshole.I’ve tried my damnedest to put him behind me. But it was hard to do when I saw his face every night in my dreams and couldn’t forget how he worked my body over.It was okay. I had my work as a vet, my equine rescue to manage, and my friends... -
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![The Puckable Playbook by E.M. Moore]()
The Puckable Playbook by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen college journalist, Lenore, finds herself trapped rooming with a hockey player, she’s anything but thrilled. After all, Len despises athletes; too cocky, too entitled, and definitely not included in her long-term goals. With a lengthy list of ex roommates, however, she doesn’t exactly have a choice...Categorized as:
sports university forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance contemporary new-adult -
![Marc Jillson & The Gazebo by Anyta Sunday]()
Marc Jillson & The Gazebo by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWant true, heart-throbbing romance? Put down the Cheetos, and stop being a jackass.The question is, can I do it?I’ve been an epic dick to my friends, my uncle. Him.Travis Hunter. Photographer, econ-student, paraplegic. Can I redeem myself? Apologize? Make a fresh start?Hunter seems to think so. Even roped me into saving his favorite gazebo from the bulldozers.The confidence of this man amazes me... -
![Loathed: Lagan by Nora Phoenix]()
Loathed: Lagan by Nora Phoenix
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen mutual hate turns into something else entirely... Lagan absolutely despises his law professor, Killian Evans. He’s an arrogant, snobby know-it-all who looks down on anyone who’s not up to his standards. If only he wasn’t so damn hot. If only he didn’t make Lagan want an entirely different lesson from him… Killian absolutely despises his student, Lagan Foster... -
![Verismo by E.M. Lindsey]()
Verismo by E.M. Lindsey
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTwo men, shaped by the demons of their past, find their lives inexplicably intertwined. Nicolas Michaud, the prodigy composer and pianist, grew up apart from the world. A mother who neglected him, and a father who never met him. But when he's suddenly orphaned, Nicolas is taken from his comfortable home and thrown into a life where no one understands him... -
![Illegal Contact by Neve Wilder, Riley Hart]()
Illegal Contact by Neve Wilder, Riley Hart
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI've hated spoiled, cocky Patrick Whitt since the first time I saw him at football camp when we were kids.Once we made it to the NFL, of course, he landed on the LA Royals, the biggest rivals of my team, the Denver Rush. Everything about him rubs me the wrong way...until one unexpected night, we happen to rub each other the right way, and suddenly I can't get enough of him... -
![By the Numbers by K.M. Neuhold]()
By the Numbers by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTwo hot roommates, minus clothes, plus a drawer full of debauchery, and a WHOLE lot of tension. You don’t have to be a math genius to figure out the sum of that equation... -
![Breakaway Goals by Beth Bolden]()
Breakaway Goals by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTampa Sentinels Captain Hayes Montgomery has hero-worshipped Morgan Reynolds his entire career, watching as the larger-than-life hockey star has racked up stats that always seemed unreal. Unattainable. Unreachable.Until Hayes himself is labeled “the next one” and to his surprise, he and Morgan end up on the same team together, playing for Team USA in a nation versus nation tournament... -
![Control Freak by D.J. Jamison]()
Control Freak by D.J. Jamison
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI'm the bossy brother ...Controlling the world around me is the only way I feel safe. Childhood abuse has left me scarred inside and out. But control makes me feel strong.Unfortunately, I can’t control everything I want--including my body's panic response to touch. It’s hard to share affection with my brothers, much less anyone else. I’ve all but given up on a romantic relationship... -
![Like a Power Play by Elle Sprinkle]()
Like a Power Play by Elle Sprinkle
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom Elle Sprinkle, author of bestselling lesbian romance "Puppy Love", comes "Like a Power Play", a sapphic college hockey rom-com about a team captain who butts heads with her new student coach, until she begins to fall for her.The student coach. The team captain. They’re skating on thin ice— until one of them falls. Peyton Clarke has everything to prove... -
![Archer & Declan: A M/m Humiliation Play Romance by M.A. Innes]()
Archer & Declan: A M/m Humiliation Play Romance by M.A. Innes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLooking innocent and the picture of vanilla has allowed Archer to keep his personal life private from his nosy but well-meaning coworkers, but it’s also made finding Mr. Right almost impossible. When the outside is sweet and shy and the inside is full of curious needs, Archer doesn’t know how he’ll ever find the right man…because Mr. Tall, Dark, and Dominant just doesn’t show up out of the blue... -
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![Royal Lines by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Royal Lines by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey’re setting fire to the sheets, but a romance between an out and proud hockey star and a closeted playboy prince could end up burning them both.Marquis Miller might be one of the NHL’s best players, single, wealthy, and open about his sexuality, but he knows his future lies in taking over the reins of the family’s multimillion-dollar company after retirement... -
![The No Strings Theory by Hayden Hall]()
The No Strings Theory by Hayden Hall
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDallas: Kai's nothing like I expected. The scrawny kid I once knew is gone, replaced by a nerdy, curious young man who crawls deep under my skin. The moment he enters my life, he disrupts everything. I shouldn't want my best friend's little brother. But I've never been great at resisting temptation. What starts as messing around in secret, soon becomes a lot more serious... -
![The Bitter Rivals Fiasco by Hayden Hall]()
The Bitter Rivals Fiasco by Hayden Hall
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI fell in love with the enemy. Twice.HudsonFor my twenty-first, I threw a masquerade party and met the most exciting guy on the planet, dressed as a fallen angel. Then, I never saw him again.And just when I think my life is perfect, in walks my nemesis, Tate Anderson.The guy’s got no finesse. He looks down on everyone, especially me... -
![Heart Unbroken by Casey Cox]()
Heart Unbroken by Casey Cox
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsROVEFive years ago, we had a fleeting connection. Instant attraction, sizzling chemistry, and scorching-hot sex.It was only brief, but it was…everything.Then my career takes off. I become one of the biggest openly out Hollywood A-listers. I'm on top of the world—rich, famous, and successful.Until a cruel red carpet gotcha stunt blows my life apart... -
![The Director by August Jones]()
The Director by August Jones
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSpring training is only a month away, and I’m supposed to be on vacation. The last place I want to be is snowed in with my arrogant teammate and the complete stranger he’s crushing on.Vince Rossi is everything I hate. Too good looking, too talented, and totally unwilling to give me a pass for making one mistake. He treats me like every other cocky jock did growing up... -
![Buttons: A Daddy for Christmas by Victoria Sue]()
Buttons: A Daddy for Christmas by Victoria Sue
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEdward wasn’t a fixer. He wasn’t someone’s white knight, maybe beige in a good light, and no one with any sense would give him a sharp implement to wield.He liked his numbers and had been known to get occasionally creative with a tax return, could cook a respectable shepherd’s pie and was kind, or tried to be... -
![The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak]()
The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Way To Score With My Best Friend Meet Jonny and Devon in the second book in the Lincoln Knights series, featuring a fly-half who's been in love with his best friend for fifteen years, a number eight dealing with new feelings of jealousy, "I want you to be mine" vibes, chaotic teammates and friends, and plenty of low-angst steam and sweetness.Coming February 2025... -
![Ice Rivals by Christie Gordon]()
Ice Rivals by Christie Gordon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI should hate him. But after learning the truth, how could I not fall for him?MasonMy rookie season in the NHL started with a gut punch.There he was, standing in my locker room. Jett Jarvis, a player hated by his former teammates.He has an arrogant smirk, intense eyes, and a birthmark that looks…too familiar. I’m sure I saw it on the dude who dumped me in my hookup app... -
![A Matcha Made in Hell by F.A. Ray]()
A Matcha Made in Hell by F.A. Ray
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWho would have guessed my high school bully could be such a good boy?RhettThe worst day of my life was my first day of high school – the day I met him. Spencer Marsh. The guy who would shove me into lockers for the next four years.I never expected to reunite with him in college. I definitely didn’t predict that sparks would fly... -
![Tamed by Kora Knight]()
Tamed by Kora Knight
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen aspirations and passion collide, Breck’s thrown onto a playing field he never anticipated.Unrivaled in college basketball as a point-guard prodigy, Breck Harland has definitely earned his title as King of the Court. All around town, he’s a bona fide celebrity, his reputation with the ladies reinforcing a facade he's determined to protect. No one, not even his best friend, knows he's bi... -
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![A Place to Go by Kit Oliver]()
A Place to Go by Kit Oliver
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFalling in love was a long, bumpy, wonderful ride.Now, they just have to figure out the rest of it: family, holidays...and what to get each other for Christmas... -
![Facts, Smacts! by Becca Seymour]()
Facts, Smacts! by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt’s not my agility that catches basketball player Tyron Channing's attention. It can’t be when he found me grazed and hurt after an embarrassing slip. But my oh my, his breath-catching growls and him hauling me off my ass with a question that makes my head spin: Who did this to you? — make me dizzy with want... -
![Melting the Ice by Beth Bolden]()
Melting the Ice by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBrody’s got enough on his plate.Recovering from a knee injury he hopes won’t keep him off the ice. His team, the Portland University Evergreens, have a brand new coach, and he’s hoping to impress the legendary leader. Plus, he's got to make a decision once and for all about playing professional hockey or using his love of science to go a totally different direction... -
![Wrecked But Not Ruined by Nicole Dykes]()
Wrecked But Not Ruined by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEthan I had everything. I was going to college and having a blast. Enjoying myself and not taking much seriously. But then, two years ago, everything changed. A car wreck destroyed my life. It sent me into a total tailspin. I walked away, even when everyone said I wouldn’t be able to. But I haven’t recovered from it... -
![Slick by E. Davies]()
Slick by E. Davies
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLife's a party, and Roman White is determined to have a good time. As the youngest captain at his airline, he has to endure a little good-natured ribbing, but at least he has the perks of being a pilot: constant travel and four gold bars on his shoulder that help him find men in every town. When he tries commitment, he always overcommits and scares off boyfriends... -
![Ryker by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Ryker by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis New Adult book is the first in the Owatonna U Series, a spin off from the best selling Harrisburg Railers Hockey Series. Ryker is hockey royalty, Jacob is a poor country boy. Can two vastly different people find common ground and become the men they want to be? Ryker comes from a long line of championship-winning hockey players...
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