Book picks similar to
Echoes by Emma Cole


reverse-harem
rh
contemporary
college

Best Friend With Benefits


B.B. Hamel - 2017
    Henry broke my heart years ago. I never forgave him for what he did. But now I have my dream job, and it turns out we’ll be working together. He’s even hotter than I remembered. And he still wants me. I need to resist that delicious jerk’s charm. What a huge mess. Back in high school, we were inseparable. Henry was my best friend and a little bit more. But he broke my heart. One day we were close, and the next he was ignoring me in the halls. Fast forward ten years. I just landed my dream job working for an online news organization. It’s my chance to report on serious issues. Except I’ll be working very closely with Henry. He’s the producer on my first story. I never thought I’d see him again. But he’s back, and he’s all grown up: cocky grin, muscular body, hands that have a ton of experience. I can’t stop picturing all those nights we used to undress each other in the dark. I need to keep it professional. But Henry isn’t making that easy. He wants me again. And he’s not being subtle about it. If I give in to him, I know I’m going to need more than just one night. I’m in for the best mistake of my life. Best Friend With Benefits is a steamy romance with hot scenes and bad language. It’s only recommended for readers 18+. Best Friend With Benefits is a STANDALONE, full-length novel. No cliffhanger. Guaranteed HEA. Includes bonus content!

Ignite


Kate Benson - 2015
    Over the last decade, they’d seen each other through every obstacle adolescence had thrown their way. When Zeke returned home for the summer after his first year away at college, their time apart forced them to see each other in a new light. Once temptation became too much to resist, lines were crossed and the relationship they fought so hard to protect paid the ultimate price. When fate brought them back together two years later, would it mean a second chance? Or would the summer that irrevocably changed them be the one thing their friendship couldn’t survive?

Pretty Lies


R.E. Bond - 2020
    Plain and simple.He’s made it obvious that I can only ever rely on myself.Until I meet them.Caden, Tyler, Jensen, and Lukas. My new stepbrother and his best friends have suddenly become my everything.Until they aren’t.They think they can break me, but they’re dead wrong.They wouldn’t have bet on me having someone else on my side, or in my bed. These rich boys haven’t seen anything yet.Their pretty lies are nothing compared to what’s coming though, and I’m going to need them to anchor me when I finally break.Death is coming to those who deserve it, and I don’t care if I lose myself in the process. Did I mention the local street crew being on my side? No one will ever see me coming.My name’s Rory Donovan, and I’m about to paint the walls red.*Pretty Lies is a 75k word dark romance reverse harem novel. This is the first book in the series and it must be read in order. The first four books are Rory's, and the harem grows over those books, so other guys will be added as the story goes. It contain abuse and rape content, and the series will have m/m. If you are triggered by sensitive content, this series is not for you.

The Better Bully


Roxanne Tully - 2021
    I never bullied anyone. I’m not that guy. I was a star quarterback in high school with more friends than I could keep track of. With it being my senior year and college scouts already taking interest, I had a bright future. Then this crazy redhead shows up ranting at me like I’m the filth of the earth…what right does she have? So naturally I had to defend myself. I may have gone a little overboard – but it was only to ensure she’d stay out of my way for good.That was four years ago. Now she shows up at Whitman U and I find myself going beyond my norm to keep her from dodging me at every turn.Violet The fresh start I was supposed to have by transferring to Whitman is starting to feel more like a big bag of dirt. And when things couldn’t get worse, I come face to face with an enemy of the past. But it seems I’d fallen into some sort of alternate universe. Because instead of making my life hell, Reed Hayes had become my unforeseen protector in the havoc that has become my life.Author’s note: This is an enemies to lovers sports romance.

Fighting Fate (Fate, #1)


Anastasia Austin - 2019
    And she isn't going to let anything get in her way. Until she repeatedly crosses paths with poster-child frat boy, Isaac Johnson. She hesitates when all he wants is a hook up. She pushes him away when he shows signs of wanting more. Then she's torn, when she finds him all alone and sick as a dog after his frat brothers abandon him for spring break. Katie should leave. Stick to her plan. Finish the project that could make or break her college career. But she can't leave him like this--to fend for himself when he can barely breathe--or ignore the connection building between them. The one she's not sure she can fight anymore.Fun and fluffy standalone with a happily ever after.Tropes you have to look forward to:*Injury (Our boy has the flu, poor thing)*Afraid to commit*FlingThis is a sweet and spicy novella intended for an adult audience.

Loser


Candace Wondrak - 2019
    A girl, some boys, a bit of mystery…a noose. Actually, it all begins with the noose. A noose, a note, and a corpse. And a pretty one at that… I thought coming to HU would help me move on from my past, help me get a good start on my future. A school for rich boys? Please. I’ve dealt with worse than them before. If they want to use me for whatever games they’re playing, they’ll have to try a lot harder than they’re used to. They think I’ll willingly walk into their feud, choose sides. Declan is the tortured soul, the cute, depressed roommate who I’m supposed to watch over. Sawyer is the king of the school; everyone follows his command—and his money. Travis is…my kind of trouble: sexy, tattooed, a bit mysterious. Sawyer blames Declan for his sister’s death, but me? I know sometimes the ones pointing their fingers are the worst of all. Did someone kill his sister? I know better than to assume their innocence. In a place like Hillcrest, you can’t trust anyone. Declan, Sawyer, and Travis? They all wear masks. The better question is: if someone killed her, are they going to come after me next? These rich, entitled brats have no idea who they’re messing with. **Loser is a darker romance, meaning there are topics that might offend you. Self-harm, suicide, stalking, and more to come in future books. Be warned.**

The Redemption of Nixon Thorne


T. Steele - 2020
    Shy. Awkward. I used to be that bright, fun girl everyone wanted to be friends with, before I had to carry this dark secret inside. The secret that no one knows. Now, I'm ruined. Nothing but ashes of the bubbly, young girl I used to be. I've been running from the past for the last four years, but college will be the perfect, fresh start that I need. Like pushing the reset button on my life. Or so I thought until I met Nixon Thorne.Nixon ThorneEx-con. Streetfighter. Monster. I thought starting at The University of Oregon would be a new beginning for me. Getting a chance at freedom, a taste of the real world again instead of the four cement walls of my prison cell. That is until Ella Black stumbled back into my life. She doesn’t remember the boy from high school, the one from the wrong side of the tracks—but I remember her, and I know what she’s hiding. My head tells me to stay away from her. She is the reason I went to prison, after all. But it still doesn’t stop me from wanting to protect her. From wanting to save her. From wanting her. Especially since I’m the only one who knows of the dark past she’s running from.

Blurred Lines (An FU College Basketball Romance) (FU Series Book 1)


Mackenzie Lane - 2022
    My dad has anger issues, and my mom drinks too much. When I’m at home, I spend most of my time locked in my room, trying to avoid the toxic environment.I have two things that help me escape. My art, and Colt— our college basketball teams best shooting guard and my best friend with the emotional depth of a tree. He cares for nothing but basketball, his dad…and me.We’ve been best friends for years. If he’s not climbing through my bedroom window at night, I’m climbing through his. It’s a habit that started the day his mom died, and we haven’t spent a night apart since.But we’re just friends. Nothing more.Our dating relationships are equally disastrous. Colt’s tendency to say inappropriate things, and my inability to trust makes dating other people hard and exhausting.The truth is there’s only one person I trust, one person I’m comfortable with. And that’s Colt. No one else. He’s been my first everything.My first friend. My first hug. My first date. My first kiss.But then the lines blur and we become more than friends. Will I find my happily ever after…or will I lose my best friend?

Her Hollywood Heroes


Roma James - 2019
     As an actress, I have fans that can get a little…obsessed. So, my producer hires bodyguards. Enter Gray, Jace, and Landon, three ripped Marines. Hiring them was strictly business, but just one night of weakness sets off a powder keg of sexual attraction. Their gruff protectiveness makes me yearn for more. Gray, with his slow, sultry smile, likes to take his time. Jace is the quiet one. His eyes promise wicked nights. Landon is the sweet talker. His mouth sets my body on fire. Three powerful men…one incredible woman. No jealousy and no limits, as they vow to protect and claim her in the midst of a crazed fan hellbent on destroying her. ***Her Hollywood Heroes is a steamy reverse harem contemporary romance for readers who love suspense, protective males ready to do whatever it takes to protect their woman, and a headstrong heroine fighting for her life and the men she loves. This is a full length standalone with a Happy Ever After.***

Learning to Trust


Cynthia P. O'Neill - 2013
    The first woman to arouse his heart could be the one person who helps him to finally open up and feel again. Laurel Hart was a swimming champion until a frightful event and unknown health issues derailed her career. With a recent degree from MIT in Bio-Medical Engineering and an offer to join one of the leading innovators of medical equipment in the world, she plans on making a new life for herself; letting nightmares from her past stay in the past, or so she thinks. Neither of them wants to date, but she finds herself drawn to him and Garrett uses every excuse to be near her. Laurel’s afraid to let anyone get close, but finds solace in his arms. Garrett is finally able to be himself around someone. Together, they discover a connection that manages to soothe both their souls and starts opening them up to new possibilities.Once Garrett finds out about Laurel’s past, all rules in regards to "relationships" are changed, because one false move could drive her away. He attempts to calm her nightmares and gain her trust so he can show her who he really is and the relationship he desires from her.Will they be able to overcome the damage their hearts have encountered? Can they find happiness? Can they trust their minds or will life throw each of them another curveball? Only time will tell if they can learn to trust.***This is a contemporary/erotic romance suitable for mature audiences only, ages 18+.***

For the Love of Gracie


Amy K. McClung - 2013
    She's reached a point where it's easier to forget about romance and focus on what's important: college, clubbing, and her friends. But the best-laid plans don't always pan out as hoped.Caught up in a web of relationships that threaten nothing but pain, Gracie has to decide who she can trust and who can help keep her safe. What lengths will the man of her dreams go to… for the Love of Gracie?

The Angels


Ruby Vincent - 2020
    Nothing could unite the two factions until I set foot on campus.For the first time in our history, they all agree on one thing:I must pay for my father’s sins.But why should I care?The joke is on them because I have nothing left inside. No part of me that isn’t already broken. I invite them to do their worst.Until The Angels enter the game.The most dangerous gang in town has a score to settle with my family, and Cassius, Clay, Hiro, and Royal are here to collect.Raven River soon becomes a battleground of lies, deceit, and violence, and I stand at the heart of it.The gorgeous otherworldly Angels will remind me that there is one thing left that I care about… and they’ll destroy it in heavenly fire.

Your Gravity 1


L.G. Castillo - 2015
    Like any determined college student, nothing is going to stop Nicole from following her dreams and achieving the goals she set. But when she meets sexy and brooding Professor Cooper, her world is tilted off its axis. Despite his sullen and distant demeanor, Nicole can't deny the pull she feels toward him, almost as if nature itself has plans for them. Refusing to give in to her intrigue, Nicole tries to keep Cooper out of her head. But she can't fight the desire and draw she has toward him, especially when that pull takes her breath away.

Born of Embers


Quinn Arthurs - 2018
    I’d thought it had to be hidden - to stay a secret. I didn’t know my secret would become the key to my survival. Turning eighteen and getting accepted into college brings me everything I need to escape from the nightmares of my past but I never could have imagined my nightmares - and dreams - were just beginning. Finding myself thrown into a world of fantasy, politics, friendships, and rules that are nearly impossible to understand, I feel like I’m drowning in a world of shifters I never knew existed. As I struggle to find my place and prevent my nightmares from tearing me apart, I find myself surrounded by an unusual group of sexy men. With Hiro, Killian, Theo, Damien, and Ryder I’m trying to become the woman I’ve always wanted to be, if my past, and my future, will let me. *Warning this book contains scenes and references of abuse that some readers may find triggering. This book also contains some m/m themes.*

Show


Joy Blood - 2020
    Every part of the club is embedded deep in his roots, but he will go against them and his President for the woman he loves. When Cammy is banished from the club she is forced to go back to where she came from, with Show as her escort. Only when they get there, things aren't as they seem. Even with his orders Show knows he can't leave her there so he comes up with an idea. The only way for Cammy to be accepted back into the club.Marriage.A happily ever after couldn't be too far off, right?If only things worked that way.