Book picks similar to
Courting The Nerd by R.H. Tucker


romance
young-adult
short-story
romance-popular-girl-and-the-nerd

Happenstance


Jamie McGuire - 2014
    Erin Easter, raised by a neglectful single mom, keeps to herself and admires Weston Gates from afar. The other Erins, Erin A. and Erin M. are the darlings of the community: daughters of the two wealthiest families in town, best friends, cheerleaders, and everything Erin Easter isn't--and they never let her forget it. Erin A. has even claimed Weston since the 8th grade.Weston is a well-liked star athlete, and the son of two prominent attorneys. He struggles daily with the pressures of living up to his family name and secretly empathizes with Erin Easter's feeling that she belongs somewhere else; in a different life. Not until he begins sneaking nights out with Erin does he gain the courage to buck expectations and acknowledge his feelings ... both for his future, and for her.But when a shocking tragedy rocks the tiny town, Erin's life is turned upside down in the best way possible. But when the truth is revealed and everything Erin thinks she wanted falls into her lap, life only becomes more complicated.

Dating My Best Friend


Michelle MacQueen - 2021
    The accident that followed was tragic.Eighteen months have passed and I haven’t seen Cameron since that night. My best friend kissed me and then ghosted me.Fifty pounds later and I’m the F word. No, not that F word. This one has three letters that have haunted me my entire life. Now, Cameron Tucker is back. But who am I kidding? Peyton Callahan doesn’t get the guy. Cameron:The kiss was a huge mistake. The accident ruined my life.I kissed my best friend and then abandoned her. Now I’m back. I don’t regret loving her. I only wish she’d forgotten me and that incredible kiss. Because I know her. Peyton pushes buttons and pries into secrets. And this secret I’ve returned with? Let’s just say my label has a lot more than three letters.Book 1 in the Redefining Me series, Dating My Best Friend is a YA romance with all the feels.

Quarterbacks Don’t Fall For Invisible Girls


Emma Dalton - 2021
    No one at school knows I exist, least of all star quarterback Brayden Barrington. What sucks is that I have a major crush on him. What sucks even more? He only has eyes for my dad, a college sports recruiter. When Brayden concocts a plan for us to fake date so he could get close to my dad, of course I say yes. Massive crush, remember?With the help of the new friends I make at my school’s book club, I can navigate this confusing path of pretend. Sort of. Not really. I’m not the one pretending, but I’ll end up with the broken heart. Because Brayden and I live in two different worlds and he’d never in a million years choose a girl like me.Or would he?Quarterbacks Don’t Fall For Invisible Girls is the first book in the Invisible Girls Club, a sweet YA contemporary romance series. If you like invisible girls who snag the boys of their dreams, this book is for you!

The Trouble with Flying


Rochelle Morgan - 2014
    Aiden won’t shut up. When they find themselves next to each other on a plane, unexpected sparks begin to fly …- - -Sarah doesn’t talk to strangers. It’s awkward, stressful, and there’s the uncontrollable blushing to worry about. When she boards a plane to fly home after an overseas holiday, she plans to stick her nose in a book and ignore everyone around her.Aiden’s terrified of flying, and it’s his first time on a plane. If he can distract himself by talking non-stop for the entire flight, he will. Too bad for Sarah he’s sitting right next to her.Against all Sarah’s expectations, she ends up enjoying Aiden’s company. They laugh, argue, concoct stories about other passengers, and accidentally hold hands during the turbulence. When the time comes to say goodbye, Sarah can’t help the crazy thought that she shouldn’t let Aiden go. Then he kisses her.And then he’s gone.With her world turning upside down in more ways than one, Sarah has to make a decision: stick with the safe, predictable life that’s been mapped out for her, or find the courage to go after what she truly wants.- - -Nominated as an InD’tale RONE Award Finalist in 2015, The Trouble with Flying is a sweet, clean contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone novel.

Taming the Rebel


Dawn Klehr - 2017
    He’s had his heart broken beyond repair, and the way she sees it, there’s only one person to blame—the boyfriend’s son. So when that infuriatingly gorgeous quarterback turns up at the same camp, she plans to make him pay. Justice Brody isn't happy about trading training camp for actual summer camp. But if he wants to stay on the football team, he has to show that he can be drama-free. He welcomes the anonymity that comes with summer camp…until he realizes the one girl who knows him better than anyone is there, too. Rebel is off-limits, impossibly beautiful…and trouble with a capital T. Still, he can’t stay away. And even as Rebel exacts her revenge, in several very embarrassing and painful ways, neither can she. Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains pranks, adult language, and kisses that will make you wish for a summer romance of your own.

Game Over


Cheryl Douglas - 2019
    Women came to him, he didn’t have to hunt down the action. And it was a good thing, with a nephew at home depending on him, a tattoo business that fed his soul, and a real estate business that made him filthy rich, he didn’t have much down time. He loved what he did and called his own shots. Life was good. Damn good. Until the girl of his dreams walked back into his life and reminded him... it could get so much better. Harper had been used, abused and tattooed. Literally. Her first love, Deke, dumped her. Her ex-fiancée cheated on her, and she’d been reduced to sharing a shoebox apartment with her bestie. Not that she was complaining. A shoebox beat a park bench any day. But she needed a job. Money. Hell, she needed a new life. What she didn’t need was her ex-boyfriend to ride in on his white horse, make that Harley, with the answers to her prayers. But it was hard to kick a gift horse in the teeth, especially when he was ripped, inked, and rich. Oh, and claiming to be in love with her…

Just One Night


Gayle Forman - 2014
    Just One Day followed Allyson’s quest to reunite with Willem; Just One Year chronicled the pair’s year apart from Willem’s perspective. Now, back together at last, this delectable e-novella reveals the couple’s final chapter.

Secret Santa


Juliana Haygert - 2012
    The easiest girl on campus has all guys at her feet and more than a few in her bed.…until he came into the game…Having entered the academic world by chance, Professor Jason Stone is surprised to find one of his young students a huge temptation. The infamous Natasha has caught his attention. But is there more to her than meets the eye?…and changed the rules.As their unexpected friendship grows, so does their attraction to each other. When Jason’s Christmas plans are canceled and he ends up at the same party as Natasha, sparks flare, destroying the safe zone around them. Will they figure out how to break through their self-imposed barriers to be together, or lose one another forever?New Adult contemporary romance novella (15k words).<?i>

Raising the Dead


Mara Purnhagen - 2011
    But when coffins start floating down her street during a flood, life turns extra strange. And wonderful, when her friend and crush Noah signs on to help Charlotte and her folks in the aftermath. Cemetery cleanup might not sound exciting, but as shocking discoveries and a lurking stranger come to light, Charlotte learns that sometimes, raising the dead can bring unexpected rewards.

His Kiss


Melanie Marks - 2011
    But then she kisses the school “bad boy.” And now nothing is right. Nothing! Because all she can think about is … His Kiss.

The Ghost of You and Me


Kelly Oram - 2017
     The tragic death of Spencer Schott unravels the lives of the two people he loved most—his girlfriend, Bailey, and his best friend, Wes. Secrets and guilt from that fateful night keep both Bailey and Wes from overcoming Spencer’s loss and moving on with their lives. Now, nearly a year later, both Bailey and Wes are still so broken over what happened that Spencer can’t find peace in the afterlife. In order to put his soul to rest, he’s given one chance to come back and set things right...even if that means setting up his girlfriend with his best friend. With the emotional resonance of Jellicoe Road and the magical realism of The Lovely Bones, The Ghost of You and Me is a story about overcoming grief, finding redemption for past mistakes, and the healing power of friendship and love. Fans of John Green, Sarah Dessen, and Nicholas Sparks are sure to love this haunting new tale from Kelly Oram. This is a clean young adult romance stand alone novel that reads like contemporary drama romance and has just a touch of magical realism.

Hearts Over Bellham


Danita Cahill - 2014
    Both are sweet, "clean" romances, and are prequels to the first full-length novel in the series - LOVE AT FIRST CLICK. HEARTS OVER BELLHAM - Hillary Johnson secretly admired handsome fellow firefighter, Tim Jacobs, for years. When the fire chief asks for volunteers to hang Valentine’s decorations over Main Street, Hillary’s hand shoots up immediately after Tim’s. Why pass up a golden opportunity to spend time with the guy she’s crushing on, just because she’s afraid of heights? Hillary battles her fear to prove to Tim, and to herself, that she can conquer it. After observing Hillary’s courage, Tim notices her – really notices her – for the first time. VALENTINE'S MAGIC After a dozen years of marriage, financial woes, and the possibility of losing their alpaca ranch, the honeymoon is over for Carol and Christopher Ridge. But the couple reconnects on Valentine’s Day, rediscovering their love for one another under the magical glow of the lighted hearts strung over Bellham’s Main Street. Could this be the launch of a new honeymoon phase for Carol and Christopher?

The Slope Rules


Melanie Hooyenga - 2017
    But their romance can only last as long as vacation.Or so she thinks.A twist of fate--well, her Dad opening another brewery in a new town--lands her in Blake's school, but the charismatic boy she fell for wants nothing to do with her, and worse, the Snow Bunnies, the popular clique, claim her as their newest recruit.Cally must learn to be true to herself--all while landing a spot on the ski team and figuring out who she is without her old friends. And when she finds out what Blake is hiding, she learns the rules on the slopes apply to more than just skiing.*****Gold Winner (YA Fiction General) 2017 -- Moonbeam Children's Book AwardsSilver Winner (High School Romance) 2017 -- Children's Literary ClassicsBronze Winner (YA Romance) 2017 -- Readers' Favorite"There aren't enough books like The Slope Rules out there in the world of romance. Final Verdict: First love at it's finest. This is a can't miss for anyone who wants more sweet than spicy and needs their hearts thawed on cold winter nights. No one will regret spending time on this book." --YA Books Central"A fun, romantic story with a likeable protagonist and a familiar, yet enjoyable dramatic storyline that will appeal to teen readers." --IndieReader"Author Melanie Hooyenga tells it like it is in this remarkably honest coming of age story. Written in the vernacular of today's teens, this highly relatable book is sure to resonate with young audiences. The Slope Rules offers drama, action and age-appropriate romance all wrapped up in an inspiring, page-turning read." --Children's Literary Classics"Both sporting fans and readers who love emotionally charged novels will adore The Slope Rules,... a great romance for young adult readers... that explores love, coming of age, and personal growth." --Reader's Favorite"The prose is tight and enjoyable from the first paragraph until the very end. The author's descriptions are vivid and beautiful. Cally has a strong, self confident voice and is a fully developed character." --The BookLife Prize

Cooper


Kate Tilney - 2020
    A curvy first aid instructor having a bad day. When their paths collide, could it be true love or a fluke?LucyToday isn’t off to a great start. I broke my favorite mug, spilled coffee all over my shirt, and I’m late for work. I figure things can’t get worse until I’m in a fender bender. The other driver is so good looking, I can barely think straight. It takes all my focus just to exchange information with him.And as if my day couldn’t get any better, who do you think I find sitting in the front row of my training class? It’s Mr. Sexy Driver himself, looking smug and way too appealing.Cooper I’m already running late to my first day of training when I get rear-ended.I’m ready to tell off the other driver until I get a look at her. She’s the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen. When Lucy ends up being one of my instructors, it seems like a sign. This wasn’t just a coincidence.She’s my destiny and I’m hers. But what will it take to make her see that?The new class of firefighters at Sunset Canyon Fire & Rescue are hotter than ever. The Sunset Canyon Fire & Rescue: Rookies is a series of short, sweet, and steamy standalone instalove romances. Check out the Rookies if you love heroic firefighters, confident and curvy women, and a guaranteed happily ever after. No cliffhangers. No cheating.

Breaking Rules


Tracie Puckett - 2014
    For Mandy, that meant finishing her last year of high school, going to college, and then returning to small-town Sugar Creek to live a solitary life as a writer. That was the plan, and her main rule for avoiding complications and staying on track was to never, ever, EVER let someone get too close. That was before she met Gabe. And when Gabe starts to awaken emotions she’s never experienced, Mandy suddenly begins to question every belief she’s ever had. She can’t be falling in love, can she? That would be the biggest mistake of her life, wouldn’t it? Could she break one of her most important rules—for Gabe?