Book picks similar to
The Troublemaker by Claire Contreras
sports
second-chance
college
arc
The End Game
Kate McCarthy - 2015
They are heroes in the eyes of boys and girls and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that positively represents their community.”The public loves a good scandal. Seeing someone fall from the pinnacle of success makes a great headline. No one knows that better than I do. What started out as a promising career in college football, spiraled into scandal and shame. But being a hero is easier said then done. Especially when there are those who expected to see the great Brody Madden fail. I craved nothing except being the best—willing to do anything to prove them wrong. But I went too far, and I tried too hard, and it broke me.“At the time of going to print, Jordan Elliott was unavailable for comment.” I met Brody Madden in my senior year of college. An Australian native on an international scholarship, I was the female soccer sensation with stars in her eyes and no room for a hotshot wide receiver with a chip on his shoulder.But a heart bursting with ambition and a driving fire to succeed isn’t made of stone. I became his strength, his obsession, and the greatest love of his life. Only I wasn’t there when he needed me most.This is a story about love and a game that takes everything. Where the path to glory is paved with sacrifice. Where pressure makes you, or breaks you, and triumph is born in the ashes of failure. Where two people’s end game will change everything.
Beautiful Legend
Waverly Alexander - 2021
Brooding, mysterious, and barely talks to anyone—Joshua Travin is allegedly as skilled in the bedroom as he is on the rugby field. He’s everywhere I go, always watching. Despite his obvious distaste for me, I find a familiar comfort in his green eyes. I’ve spent every day since I was seven hiding my past, trying to forget the attack that killed my mother and my sister. The attack I barely survived. Now, I never let anyone in. Even the people who would consider me a friend? They don't know the real me. But this time, Joshua won't let me hide.
Jax (The Heights Saga, #2)
E.M. Moore - 2021
The all-consuming, toe-curling kind of love.Fate had other plans for the two of us though.Ruled by a world of dangerous men, I did something reprehensible. I did what I needed to survive. I betrayed Jax—the only man who ever truly cared whether I lived or died.Years later, I remain a brokenhearted plaything. A puppet to maneuver around a chess board. Psycho uses my body, my face, my skills to get him exactly what he wants.I’m the predator no one sees coming.And my next job is to come face-to-face with him again. My Jax. Once Psycho gets something in his head, he won’t let up. What he wants next is what Jax has, and he’ll do anything to get it.Including using me in any way he can.Now, I have to make a choice between my safety and my conscience. My life…and my heart.But there’s one thing I know for sure: my second chance is the most treacherous game I’ve played.JAX is a full-length m/f dark romance standalone in the Heights Crew world.
One More Shot
Victoria Denault - 2015
He was crazy in love with her, and had finally told her so. They shared an amazing night . . . and then everything fell apart. Jessie tries not to think about the night she gave herself to Jordan—or how he broke her heart. She tries not to think about it, but she does. Especially now, when she's staring into his sky-blue eyes for the first time in six years. After so much time and torment, she can't tell if she loves him or hates him. But Jordan has learned enough to know a connection like theirs is rare. He was lucky to find Jessie once. No way will he lose her again.
Drew
Amanda Shelley - 2020
He’s made me a firm believer in chemistry existing outside a textbook. Until his ego shows up. Nope – No thank you. Moving on. I mean… who has an entourage in college?When our professor announces we’ll be stuck as lab partners, I nearly lose my mind – I’m certain my dreams of becoming a doctor will go up in smoke with a distraction like him around.DrewI don’t date during the season.The number of trolls who venture into the arena simply to chase jerseys is unbelievable.In fact, I typically distance myself from the social side of being a college athlete because I have my eye on something bigger than our next D-1 championship.I’ve taken painstaking measures to avoid distractions – at all costs. This plan has worked perfectly until Abby shows up at my door.Gone is the plain studious girl I left in lab the day before. Left in her place is the intriguing woman I want to know better. Here I thought she wouldn’t be a distraction – yeah right… I am so screwed. Abby’s gorgeous and there’s nothing plain about her.I am this close to having it all. If I let Abby in, will my perfectly laid out plans disappear?
Deal Breakers
Laura Lee - 2015
But she was also the hottest chick I had ever known. I thought it would be simple. I thought we'd have a good time, then pretend like it never happened. It turns out, I was an idiot. Now, she wants nothing to do with me, but I'm determined. I've spent the last five years without her and I refuse to waste another day. I have a solid plan. All of my figurative ducks are in a row. I'm going balls to the wall, and I'm not stopping until I win back the only girl I've ever loved. Too bad for me, Devyn Summers has been sitting on a secret that nothing could've prepared me for. *Deal Breakers is filled with lots of laughs, a sexy romance, and an overflowing swear jar. It's the first installment in the Dealing With Love series, but each one can be read as a standalone.
Rebel Heart
L.K. Farlow - 2018
When AJ Adams is coerced into tutoring Brock Larson, she can’t help but wonder what she’s done to deserve such an epic punishment. He’s the very definition of an All-American good boy—and a total kiss ass. He’s the perfect son, the perfect student, and according to rumor, by far the best golfer the university has ever seen. Puh-lease. If he’s so perfect, why does he need tutoring? With his British Literature grade circling the drain, Brock knows he needs help. But when he meets his tutor, he can’t believe his friggin’ luck. Abby Jane no longer resembles the childhood best friend he used to play hide and seek with. No, she’s all attitude and pink hair and tattoos. Oh, and she hates him, so that’s a plus. Brock and AJ couldn’t clash more and antagonizing one another is just too easy. But, as they spend more time together, the lines begin to blur, leading them to realize they have more in common than what meets the eye. Hate. Lust. Love. They all look the same when you’re in denial, and everyone knows you can’t control your rebel heart.