Book picks similar to
Don't Bet on Love by Victorine E. Lieske


romance
young-adult
contemporary
high-school

Curveball


Jordan Ford - 2017
    He’s driving her crazy. Will they go down swinging or knock it out of the park?Maddie Barlow thought she had everything figured out. But just six months from high school graduation, her dad moves the family to the crummy small town of Armitage. Just when she’s trying to settle in, her dad pressures the all-boy baseball team to make room for her and her two younger sisters. Between her new classmates and the team’s smooth-talking captain, Maddie has made more enemies than friends…Holden Carter just watched his playoff dreams go up in smoke. He’ll stop at nothing to make sure the trio of daddy’s girls ride the bench all season. Even if that means toying with their emotions. When the fiery Maddie comes to her little sister’s defense, Holden wonders if he’s finally found a worthy opponent.Maddie is determined to squash her instant attraction to the handsome, arrogant team captain… and his advances toward her sister. But just as she’s starting to find out that things aren’t what they seem in Armitage, she falls hard for the dashing Holden. When she’s faced with hurting her sister or abandoning a shot at love, Maddie must decide whose team she’s really on…Curveball is the first standalone book in The Barlow Sisters Trilogy, a series of simmering YA contemporary romances. If you like high-spirited sweet romance, relatable characters, and a dash of mystery, then you’ll love Jordan Ford’s sports romance series.

Falling for Ben & Other Impossible Things


Yesenia Vargas - 2020
    the one brother who does not date.The second Scarlett (literally) runs into Ben, she knows she’s in big trouble. Between those serious green eyes and a body made for the football uniform he rocks on Friday nights, she can’t help but fall hard for Ben.But why would Ben ever look twice at her, the new girl? She’s nothing special, and he may as well be on the cover of a teen magazine.Little does Scarlett know… she and Ben are about to get a lot closer than she ever could’ve dreamed… for the most mortifying reason.Get ready to fall hard for this sweet, funny young adult romance. Grab your copy now!

The Perfect Play


Britney M. Mills - 2020
    But as he starts hanging out with Penny, his former best friend from next door, he realizes what he’s missed in the three years since they stopped talking. And when they kiss after a party, he starts to see a whole new future for his life. Penny Davis has her sights set on a softball scholarship, hoping to get out of Rosemont as soon as she graduates. Straight A’s, working at the local diner, and practicing her softball skills are the routine. Until she bumps into Jake White in the hall. When he starts paying more attention to her again, after nearly three years of next-door radio silence, she allows herself to hope that what they once had might be there again. But falling in love is easier said than done.

Misunderstanding the Billionaire's Heir


Anne-Marie Meyer - 2019
    This changes everything. Charlotte Robinson has one goal: survive her senior year. Well, if she's truthful, it's actually to survive her new life without her mom. Which would be a lot easier to do if her dad was actually dealing with the death. Instead, he’s buried himself in so many abandoned vehicles that their yard has turned into a suburban junkyard and it's just a matter of time before the city intervenes. When Lucas Addington, the obnoxious rich kid who's been banished to the small town of Sweet Water, douses her in his carmel macchiato, she's pretty sure she's reached her lowest low. But that's only the beginning. He's conceited and spoiled—everything she expected from a billionaire's heir—until things begin to change. Suddenly, she finds herself drawn to him for reasons she can't explain. He makes her feel safe and wanted, something she'd forgotten how to feel. Just when she allows herself to open up to him, her life comes crashing down around her. Now Charlotte must decide if she can fix her crumbling life and keep Lucas, or fail and lose everything she holds dear...again. 1 town. 1 high school. 12 sweet romances.Read Misunderstanding the Billionaire's Heir from Anne-Marie Meyer. It is the first installment of the Sweet Water High Multi-Author Series. Each book is a stand-alone but follows the school year chronologically.

The New Girl


Jillian Adams - 2019
    A football player with nothing but fun on his mind. Can two teenagers from opposite worlds find love? Sophie Blake is used to change. She's used to being the new kid at school. But she's never had the privilege of attending a school like Oak Brook Academy. She's certainly never pictured herself at a boarding school with kids who have more money than what she could even imagine spending. Wes Carter's life is pretty easy. He's popular, he's on the football team and there's no shortage of girls who are willing to spend time with him. Most girls don't seem to challenge him the way that new girl, Fifi does. Something about the new girl is definitely intriguing. When Sophie stands up to Wes during a playful first encounter and then marches out of the popular kids' secret hideout, she puts her entire high school reputation on the line. She's happy with her decision to be true to herself, but why can't she get his dreamy green eyes out of her mind?The New Girl is the first standalone book in the Oak Brook Academy teen sweet romance series. If you like charming mismatches, high school antics, and flirtatious twists of fate, then you'll love Jillian Adams’ idyllic tale of love and romance for young adults. Buy The New Girl to get swept away by a boarding school romance today! Read all the books in the Oak Brook Academy series! The New Girl (Sophie and Wes) Falling for Him (Alana and Mick) No More Hiding (Apple and Ty) Worth the Wait (Maby and Oliver) A Fresh Start (Jennifer and Gabriel)

Finley and the Foster Brother


Anna Catherine Field - 2019
    When her case manager tells her she's being placed in foster care, Finley never expected her new  home to be in the exclusive gated community and she certainly never thought she'd attend The Academy, a school for the privileged and elite. But the biggest surprise comes from down the hall.Her new foster brother, Chase Powell.Chase Powell grew up in the shadow of his famous model mother, living a life of fame and excess. After a dangerous accident Chase is sent to live with his grandmother in Ocean Grove, where he settles into a life of normalcy and routine.Until Finley moves in.Late night talks, a game of truth, and revelations about their fears bring these two closer together, but it’s not like they can ever be more than friends and even if they could, does Finely worries that her whole life can be taken from her once again. What’s the point of falling in love?Finley and the Foster Brother is a standalone novel from Love in Ocean Grove, a series of books about swoony, first-time love and toe-curling kisses for readers of all ages.

The Practice Boyfriend


Christina Benjamin - 2017
    And why should they? He got his high school girlfriend pregnant and then almost killed them both while driving drunk. That’s why he’s perfect for Hannah. She’d never fall for someone like him.Hannah Stark is a high school senior with a resume of straight A’s. She’s never stepped a toe out of line. But that’s also why she’s never had a boyfriend. While all her classmates are counting down the days until graduation, Hannah is dragging her feet. She can’t believe she’ll be leaving her adolescence behind without ever taking a chance to be wild and free. That’s why she’s set her sights on Harrison. Harrison Cohl is everything Hannah wants to be. Gorgeous, wealthy, popular and wild. He’s also notorious for the legendary masquerade ball he throws every year. And this year Hannah is determined to be invited. And have Harrison as her date. Her plan is crazy. But she’s convinced she just needs a little practice to make her high school résumé perfect.A Fun, Fast, YA Romance Read. Perfect for fans of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars.(Note: Suggested reading age 16+ for mature language and content.)

The Songs We Sing


Kylie Key - 2019
    He's olderHe's takenHe's off limitsHe's my best friend's brotherBut when Damon asks me to help him with his songwriting I'm happy to give him a hand.It might just be what I need to find my passion for music again.I know he only sees me as his little sister's friend.But something happens...the music and lyrics connect usCould we share more than just a song?

Hate Notes


Gracie Graham - 2021
    Disgustingly rich. Blond-haired. Eyes the color of a clear, blue sky. And muscles for days.He also happens to be enemy #1, the bane of my existence.Only, now my scholarship is in jeopardy and, like the peasant I am, I must tutor the king himself if I want to graduate.Still, if I have to be around him, I might as well make it worth my while. So I send him a scathing text, telling him exactly what I think about him. But he mistakes me for someone else. That’s when I hatch a plan: get dirt on the king, and watch his reign crumble.It’s about time someone made the king come tumbling down.

Dare You to Kiss the Quarterback


Lacy Andersen - 2019
    So what if my parents are recently divorced, the captain of the cheerleading team hates me more than tan lines, or that I’ve been forced to wear the school’s smelly mascot costume? Those things I can handle. (Maybe) But if I get to sing my original song at the town’s big centennial event, I’ll be on my way to living the life I’ve always dreamed.But there’s only one problem:Collin thinks-he’s-God’s-gift-to-women Preston.Foster kid. Bad boy. And star quarterback of the Rock Valley High football team.It’s bad enough that the whole school thinks we made out at a party (Nothing happened. Seriously.), but now I’ve been partnered with Collin to perform at the centennial event. If I get it my way, he’ll drop out and we’ll both forget our near-kiss ever happened.But Collin and his cocky half-grin aren’t easy to forget.Neither is the shiver-inducing way he looks at me.I’ve got to keep my eyes on the prize, but being around Collin might just be the distraction that I need. This is a sweet young adult romance in the Rock Valley High series of stand-alone novels.

Playing the Enemy


Maggie Dallen - 2019
    What could possibly go wrong?Hannah's ex has some nerve. First he breaks up with her in a text, and now he thinks he can take soccer away from her? Think again. As the captain of their intramural team, her ex might be able to kick her off his team, but he can't stop her from playing for their rivals.The enemy of my enemy is my ... fake boyfriend?The fact that her new team captain is her ex's arch nemesis? Even better. Playing for River's team on the other side of town is the perfect payback. When her ex sees them together and gets the wrong idea ... well, what's the harm in playing along? Hannah has already learned her lesson about falling for a teammate, and it's not a mistake she'll ever make again. Besides, her relationship with River is just for show--a way for them both to get vengeance on her ex. His kisses might muddle her mind, but he'll never steal her heart ... right?

Courtside Crush


Kayla Tirrell - 2019
    Of course, it didn’t stop there. Thanks to a condemning video, I also got eight weeks of community service and athletic probation right before basketball season is supposed to start. (There goes my spot as captain!) Thankfully, there’s a guy at Marlowe Junction’s Helping Hands who makes passing the time more enjoyable. He’s gorgeous, funny, and a huge basketball fan. Too bad he’s also my brother’s biggest enemy… Courtside Crush is a modern-day retelling of Romeo and Juliet, perfect for anyone who likes their sweet romance with a dash of drama. It is the first book in the Varsity Girlfriends series.

Confessions of a Queen B*


Crista McHugh - 2015
    After years of being the subject of ridicule, she revels in her ability to make the in-crowd cower via the exposés on her blog, The Eastline Spy. Now that she's carved out her place in the high school hierarchy, she uses her position to help the unpopular kids walking the hallways. Saving a freshman from bullies? Check. Swapping insults with the head cheerleader? Check. Falling for the star quarterback? So not a part of her plan. But when Brett offers to help her solve the mystery of who’s posting X-rated videos from the girls’ locker room, she’ll have to swallow her pride and learn to see past the high school stereotypes she’s never questioned—until now.

It Had to be Mason


Emily Lowry - 2020
    He might even teach you how to kiss…Zoe Walsh is the most awkward girl in Beachbreak High. For years, she’s admired her crush from afar, but she’s NEVER talked to him. What would she even say? She doesn’t know the first thing about boys, or dating. The only thing she really knows is dancing.Mason McClellan is the charming, all-star quarterback who gets all the girls. He’s also Zoe’s brother’s best friend. This year, he plans to take the hottest girl in school to Homecoming. But she refuses to be his date unless he can dance. Sadly, Mason has two left feet.When Zoe approaches Mason for dating advice, he cuts her a deal: if she teaches him how to dance, he’ll teach her how to date. Lessons include how to get your crush to notice you, how to get asked on a date, and how to kiss.The last thing they expect is to fall for each other. But as Homecoming draws near, Zoe wonders – if dating Mason is just practice, how come it feels so much like the real thing?It Had to be Mason is the first book in the Beachbreak High YA sweet romance series. If you like adorable dates, laugh-out-loud moments, and all of the feels, you’ll love Emily Lowry’s sweet romances.

The Best Friend


Kat Bellemore - 2019
    He’s the best friend. But it wasn’t enough. Alexa Parker’s only goal is to get into the best pre-med program in the country. No big deal. Except that nothing in her life ever goes as planned. If an ice cream machine is going to explode, it will be her pulling the handle.If a cactus is going to be sat on, it will be her butt that will be full of needles.The only thing going right is the fact that her lifelong—and only—friend, Charlie, has stuck by her side through it all. Until Alex realizes she likes him more than a friend, and she manages to mess that up too.