Books like 'Effortless'
Readers who enjoyed Effortless by S.C. Stephens also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary rockstars new adult forbidden love cheating friends to lovers alpha male bad boys love triangle college
-
The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott, Suanne Laqueur
"Where you are is home..." At age fourteen, Zelda Rossi witnessed the unthinkable, and has spent the last ten years hardening her heart against the guilt and grief. She channels her pain into her art: a dystopian graphic novel where vigilantes travel back in time to stop heinous crimes—like child abduction—before they happen... -
Star by B.B. Easton
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn 1999, I met my Prince Charming. He was the tall, tattooed, wickedly handsome bass player for the up-and-coming rock band, Phantom Limb. But, more importantly, he was mine. I knew it the moment he flashed me that shy, dimpled smile. And he knew it too. Hansel "Hans" Oppenheimer wore his heart on one sleeve and scrawled lyrics about me on the other...Categorized as:
new adult angst friends to lovers rockstars cheating bad boys other-man-woman contemporary -
Where Lightning Strikes by A.L. Jackson
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsDo you know what it feels like right before lightning strikes? How you can feel the current running through your veins? The trembles of warning that ripple through the air? It was a thrill Tamar King chased all her life until it became the very thing she had to escape. For the last four years, Tamar King has hidden herself in an isolated world she created. She was safe. No one could touch her... -
Blasphemous by Pamela Ann
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWill they survive the tsunami of trials heading their way? + Bass Cole + Emma Anderson + Carter Mason + expLosive. scOrching. graVitating. intEnse. Emma was beyond glad to escape back to Aspasia and be with Bass again...Categorized as:
cheating bad boys love triangle possessive hero sports college new adult other-man-woman -
-
Havoc by Jamie Shaw
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhen Hailey Harper left her family farm to enroll in veterinary school, she had a plan: keep her head down, ace her classes, and most importantly… don’t upset the uncle paying her tuition. Translation? Don’t piss off his dramatic, self-absorbed daughter, Danica, even if she’s a nightmare to live with. Falling in love with her cousin’s rock star ex-boyfriend was definitely not part of the plan... -
Hard to Score by K. Bromberg
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI’ve signed numerous players to my family’s agency—I assumed winning over my next client would be just as easy. The last thing I expected was to run into the boy who took my first kiss and broke my heart: only now Drew Bowman is all grown up. Sexy. Scandal-tainted. Second-string. The crush I never got over. I tell myself work is the reason I can’t get him out of my head... -
Something in the Way: A Love Saga by Jessica Hawkins
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratings"A tale of forbidden love in epic proportion...Brilliant"— New York Times Bestselling Author Corinne MichaelsIt was a hot summer day when I met him on the construction site next to my parents' house. Under the sweat and dirt, Manning Sutter was as handsome as the sun was bright. He was older, darker, experienced. I had never even been kissed...Categorized as:
angst cheating love triangle forbidden love new adult other-man-woman age difference contemporary -
Frayed by Pamela Ann
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsTrista Stevens Things went quickly sour with the already married Harry when she found out their affair had a bigger repercussion. Heartbroken, she had to do what was best for everyone. Just as planned, she and Lindsey went to visit Emma in Greece. Trista thought this vacation was going to be a way for her to heal and come to terms with of the gargantuan mistakes she’s made in the past... -
Pull by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsJaded rock star, Demetri Daniels, is in Hell — also known as Seaside, Oregon. Sent to rehab after nearly getting himself killed last year, his record company wants nothing more than for him to lay low, away from the limelight... -
The Right Side of Forever by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIn sickness and in health, to love and to cherish . . .It sounds so simple, to love someone unconditionally. To give them your heart.So why is she slowly eating away at my soul with every unanswered phone call, every unread text, and every door left unopened?She said yes, and yet, in order for her to be with me . . . I need to let her go...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers love triangle new adult alpha male other-man-woman military contemporary -
Ambrosia by Erin Noelle
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsAfter coming to terms with the tragedy that rocked her world, Scarlett MacGregor has returned to try to pick up the pieces of the broken relationships that she left behind. Ash and Mason were left devastated and heartbroken following Scarlett’s sudden, unannounced departure. They are both ready and willing to forgive her and welcome her back into their lives with open arms... -
Amplify by Anne Mercier
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSERA: He’s my protector, my confidante. Then one night he became more. I want him, I need him, and, if I’m honest with myself, I love him. I just don’t know if he’ll ever see me as more than what we’ve always been: friends. I don’t want to lose him but it’s getting harder and harder to keep my feelings to myself. Should I risk it all or play it safe? CAGE: She’s my light, my saving grace... -
Defining the Rules: A Friends-to-Lovers Sports Romance by Mariah Dietz
It started with friendship. The best stories always do. Our story sounds unlikely. Bizarre. A fable. Like wine and cheese and my favorite pair of jeans, Things got better over time— Too good, it seemed. Arlo Kostas was the starting running back for Brighton University. His quick smile and sharp wit Was enough to disarm even the biggest cynic... -
Dirty Like Zane by Jaine Diamond
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsA secret marriage romance, featuring a bad boy hero who’s trying to be good, and a kick-ass heroine whose only weakness is the man she can’t resist.Zane and Maggie have a secret;one that could cost them everything.A crazy night in Vegas almost two years ago, and Zane Traynor and Maggie Omura are still dealing with the hangover.Because now they’re husband and wife. Sort of…It’s complicated... -
-
Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe way she looks, smells, laughs is killing me.I fell in love with my sister’s best friend. To top it all off, she’s brilliant. And I’m failing Chemistry.Of course, when I get her help, she’s laidback about it. Charming and helpful as always, like she doesn’t know how much I want her. I’ve got to play it cool and let her see a different side of me... -
Fall to You by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTorn between two men… When I woke up after the accident, I couldn’t remember anything from the last year—including my relationship with Max Hallowell or anything about Nate Crane. Now my memories are returning, but instead of answering my questions, they’re leaving me with more. The man who broke my heart and wants to be my future… Max is all I ever wanted, and now he wants to marry me...Categorized as:
bad boys alpha male rockstars love triangle other-man-woman contemporary curvy heroine -
Craving Lucy by Terri Anne Browning
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Terri Anne Browning’s New Adult series. One kiss can change everything… I wished I’d known that before I’d kissed my best friend. Things are different now. We can’t go back. I’m not even sure I want to go back. I guess the question is…...Categorized as:
new adult alpha male friends to lovers cheating other-man-woman contemporary virgin heroine -
The Left Side of Perfect by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe Perfect Duet is a FRIENDS to LOVERS contemporary romance with one epic twist that will leave you breathless and emotionally SATISFIED! Bestselling author, Meghan Quinn will have you on the edge of your seat, saying OH MY GOD what just happened in this epic, heart-felt and beautifully written romance. For better or for worse,'til death do us part . .Categorized as:
love triangle angst friends to lovers new adult other-man-woman military contemporary -
Somebody Else's Sky by Jessica Hawkins
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIf I closed my eyes, I could still see them—all blonde sunshine, ocean-blue eyes, and long limbs. The glint of Lake’s gold bracelet. Pink cotton candy on Tiffany’s tongue. My scenery may have changed from heaven to hell, but some things never would: my struggle to do right by both sisters. To let Lake soar. To lift Tiffany up. The sacrifices I made for them, I made willingly...Categorized as:
new adult love triangle angst alpha male forbidden love other-man-woman m-f contemporary -
Metamorphosis by Erin Noelle
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsScarlett MacGregor has lived a very sheltered life courtesy of her over-the-top controlling parents. Having never been to a co-ed party, much less on a date, Scarlett has relied on her books, her music, and living vicariously through her best friend Evie to keep her sanity as she's patiently awaited her freedom from their rule... -
Butterfly : A Public Enemy Standalone by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDrunken brawls. One-night stands. No-show interviews. Toilet-papering my hoity-toity neighbor's house. Insulting my fans. Trashing hotel rooms. What's it take to become public enemy number one? I just told you. I've done all that and more. My poor conduct got me on the Celebs Behaving Badly list and ultimately ruined my career. From the world's number-one popstar to world's most hated... -
Jersey Girl: by Rhonda James
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsBrantley Cage is a standout D-man on Great Lakes University hockey team. Now that his dream of signing with the Detroit Red Wings has come true, his goals for senior year are simple: Work hard. Score big. Stay away from love. And then he meets her. There's just one problem... -
Closer by Mary Elizabeth
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsGabriella Mason is damaged. Teller Reddy is wrecked. Misery loves company, and that’s exactly what Ella gets the afternoon her path crosses with Teller’s: the misunderstood premed student who instantly becomes her lifeline when she moves to Los Angeles, an attempt at escaping her heartbreaking past. In the beginning, Lonely and Defensive complete each other... -
All the Pieces by Angela Richardson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen so much love has been built from lies and manipulation, how much of that love is real? In ALL THE PIECES, the third and final installment in the Pieces of Lies series, we find Norah in a dangerous and heart pounding situation in London with the Lappell. It will be the collision of two worlds that have done nothing but tear Norah down the middle, and love that has torn her apart... -
-
Muscle Memory by Stylo Fantome
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHer lips, the way she feels, how she moves against me. Her voice when she laughs, her eyes when she cries. Her soul connected to mine, for better or for worse, for all eternity. I don't remember. A blank face. Unrecognizable. The darkness and impenetrable fog, day after day after day. Who am I? And for that matter, who is she? I can't remember... -
Hotshot by Ahren Sanders
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI don’t remember a time I didn’t love Crenshaw Bennett. I tried to deny it, but my feelings grew deeper. I thought he could never love me the way I love him. I was wrong—outrageously, deliriously, and beautifully wrong. One innocent kiss changes my life forever. Suddenly, Shaw is mine. Loyal, devoted, and the most loving man on this Earth... -
Strings of the Heart by Katie Ashley
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsTwenty year old, Allison Slater has been in love with her brother’s bandmate, Rhys McGowan, since she was fifteen years old. But to him, she’ll always be Jake’s little sister and off limits. Now a college sophomore and licking her wounds from a bad breakup, she sets her sights on making Rhys see her as someone he could date…maybe even love...Categorized as:
forbidden love friends to lovers bad boys alpha male rockstars college m-f contemporary -
Fixated on You by Pamela Ann
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsEmma Anderson’s career was thriving. Her personal life too—but she knew—it was all a ticking time bomb until everything blows up. What happens then? Even if he’s relationship with Emma was going great, Bass Cole still had a long way to go to make amends after the grief he’d caused Emma last year. No matter what the future held for them, he knew one thing—Emma owned his heart... -
Feverish by Jade C. Jamison
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsClayton “Jet” Smith has enjoyed acting the part of rock star god bad boy since his breakup with rock goddess Valerie Quinn. He’s racking up quite a score playing the field, and he has no plans to settle down anytime soon. His biggest problem these days is meeting his obligations, because he’s so busy having fun, he forgets the important things...Categorized as:
bad boys rockstars love triangle cheating alpha male other-man-woman contemporary boss & employee -
The Fake by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI've made a lot of dumb mistakes but none dumber than losing her.Senior year. I should be partying and living it up with my friends before graduation, but one more mistake and I'm off the team.Enter Chloe. She comes into my life at a low point, but she becomes the bright spot I reach for every day. She's the kind of girl who makes a guy want to be a better man... -
A FILTHY Rock Star by Jaxson Kidman
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe offer of a lifetime. Or maybe a nightmare... I’ve always wanted to be a writer and here’s my chance. My job is to spin every story about Nash into something good. If I do my job I’ll get a book deal. It should be easy... Yeah, Nash is nothing but d*ckhead lust with a pulse. Yeah, I may have had a couple dreams of him before I met him... -
Hold the Forevers by K.A. Linde
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA new angsty stand alone love triangle romance from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde that will keep you guessing which man is her groom and which one objects…I’m in love with two men.But I can only marry one.And today is my wedding day.The bridesmaids button my wedding dress. They titter excitedly as the music begins. My groom is waiting for me. I walk down the aisle prepared to say I do... -
If by Randi Cooley Wilson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIf you knew love would hurt you, would you fall? If you knew love would leave you, would you let it go? If you knew love could never be, would you try? From bestselling author Randi Cooley Wilson comes a gut-wrenching love story about heartbreak, second chances, and letting go. The ifs that linger between the pages of this novel will break your heart and stay with you long after the final chapter... -
Into the Deep by Samantha Young
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsLive young. Live hard. Love deep. Charley Redford was just an ordinary girl until Jake Caplin moved to her small town in Indiana and convinced her she was extraordinary. Almost from day one Jake pulled Charley into the deep and promised he was right there with her. But when a tragic incident darkened Jake’s life he waded out into the shallows and left Charley behind...Categorized as:
alpha male bad boys love triangle tortured heroine possessive hero college angst sweet heroine -
-
A Love so Tragic by Stevie J. Cole
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPromises. We all make them. Sometimes we break them. But what happens when the promise you break haunts your dreams, when that moment of betrayal echoes within every last beat of your heart? Love. Love is passionate, painful, and all consuming in the most brutal yet beautiful way... -
Broken Boys Can't Love by Micalea Smeltzer
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOff-limits. That’s what Jude is to me. My older brother doesn’t trust me with his player of a best friend. Which is totally fine, because I’m not interested. As Jude and I reluctantly become friends, I start to see that there’s more to him than others notice. But I still won’t go there, not when I have a crush on someone else...Categorized as:
friends to lovers college forbidden love new adult sports bad boys alpha male contemporary -
Awakening by Ashley Suzanne
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsMira’s broken and battered. She’s fighting to put herself back together while her heart is trying to forget. Can she continue moving forward with one man while in love with another? Skylar’s wrestling demons he never imagined in his wildest dreams. The girl he’s been in love with for years finally has feelings for him. There’s only one problem: her heart might lie somewhere else...Categorized as:
friends to lovers love triangle bad boys college other-man-woman contemporary bikers -
Where the Little Birds Go by B. Celeste
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHigh school heartbreak turned Hollywood affair. Read the exclusive here: When bestselling author Kinley Thomas gets the deal of a lifetime to see her book turned into a movie, the last person she expects to be cast as the leading role is Corbin Callum. After years of living the dreams that tore them apart, Hollywood will soon force them back together... -
Picture Perfect by Ella Fox
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsFlynn Rand spent the last decade as the lead singer of one of the world’s most famous bands. Although he's got a reputation as a player, he’s decided that it’s time to find something real. One look at a photo of Tessa Hamilton had him hooked. Tessa’s teenage celebrity crush was Flynn Rand... -
Euphoria by Erin Noelle
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAfter a series of catastrophic misunderstandings and impulsively poor decision-making, Scarlett MacGregor finds herself once again torn between two loves, as different as they may be. Lacking proper closure with their relationship, accompanied by the overwhelming guilt for her role in his devastating downfall, Scarlett resolves to help Mason recover and reclaim his life as a budding rock star... -
Pieces of Truth by Angela Richardson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the sequel to Pieces of Lies, we follow Norah and Clint to New York, the playground for the Lappell and Big Joe. From the outside, everything looks great for Norah and Clint. They have a new apartment, new jobs, a new life. Everything looks perfect.. -
How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie DeBartolo
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWritten in her wonderfully honest, edgy, passionate and often hilarious voice, Tiffanie DeBartolo tells the story of Eliza Caelum, a young music journalist, and Paul Hudson, a talented songwriter and lead singer of the band Bananafish. Eliza's reverence for rock is equaled only by Paul's, and the two fall wildly in love... -
Love Me Back by Michelle Lynn
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGrowing up in small-town Belcrest, Maddy Jennings always thought she was destined to be with her childhood sweetheart, Trent Basso. Throughout the complicated road she has traveled with Trent, someone else has had a strong presence in Maddy's life...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers love triangle college other-man-woman contemporary athletes -
Songs for Cricket by Terri E. Laine
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsShe’s his best friend’s little sister and off limits.College freshman, Finley Farrow, has two fairly ambitious goals this school year: make the football team and get over Shepard Connelly. The gorgeous football player with the magnificent voice would one day be a star on or off the field. But he’ll never see her as more than his best friend’s sister. Now her eye is on the end zone... -
-
Pure Abandon by Jeannine Colette
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsKathryn Grayson has it all—a beautiful husband, new baby, and a life most women would dream of. But after putting her career on hold for her family, Kathryn sets out to reclaim the woman she once was... -
The Wrong Prince Charming by Holly Renee
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsEvery little girl dreams of being swept off her feet by a charming Prince. But my life was no fairy tale. And in this kingdom called college, the rules went out the window. I’d known golden boy, Theo Hunt, was the one for me since we were kids. My heart was his for the taking, but I had become nothing more than the MVP of the campus king’s friend-zone... -
Relentless by Cassia Leo
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsSometimes, letting someone into your heart is the bravest risk to take. Claire Nixon is a twenty-year-old college dropout with a secret she'll never tell. Then she meets sexy Adam Parker. Claire knows the flirting is harmless, but guys like Adam mean trouble...Categorized as:
friends to lovers rockstars bad boys love triangle new adult sports tortured heroine college -
Steal You Away by Victoria Ashley
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsShe belongs to my brother…I’ve stood back for years watching Dax repeatedly screw things up with Kennedy, as if he doesn’t think anyone could ever swoop in and steal her away. Breakup after breakup, they always end up back together, even though I’ve always had a thing for her. I’m tired of waiting. He had his chance. I want mine...Categorized as:
new adult love triangle sports friends to lovers angst other-man-woman m-f contemporary -
Rock and Roll Never Forgets by Barbara S. Stewart
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBeth Morgan is a young woman who’s just been given the ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to meet her favorite band, Traveler. That meeting leads to a chance encounter with her idol, the band’s lead singer, Andy Stevens. What follows is a love story... -
The Temptation of Dirty Secrets by Holly Renee
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsCaptivating. Vulnerable. Agonizing. Seductive. Frankie Clermont was supposed to be like a sister to me for as long as I’d known her. But no one knew the depths of our lies. I had been in love with her before… before everything changed what we could be. Undeniably connected and effortlessly infatuated, the two of us had remained each other’s weaknesses through everything...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult forbidden love college angst cheating sports other-man-woman
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.