Books like 'Playing for Keeps'
Readers who enjoyed Playing for Keeps by R.L. Mathewson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny friends to lovers shy heroine virgin heroine possessive hero sweet-hero from hate to love height-difference office
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Becoming A Vincent by C.M. Owens
When you live in a place where “turbo speed” internet is a slight step above dial-up, men carry on nine-year beard-growing challenges out of stubborn pride, and your brothers do things like nail all your panties to the outside of your cabin just for funsies, you tend to be a little crazy. You can call it a "locational" hazard, if you will. That’s Tomahawk for you...Categorized as:
friends to lovers alpha male small town dual-pov strong heroine m-f independent heroine sweet-hero -
![If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia]()
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear.I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out.Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov forced proximity m-f small town competent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero -
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![Rewriting the Stars by Claire Kingsley]()
Rewriting the Stars by Claire Kingsley
Firefighter Levi Bailey is used to being alone. Not that he’s lonely. How could he be, with a band of unruly brothers, and their wives and growing families. Maybe he’s the odd man out. The one brother who isn’t destined to be with his soulmate.Besides, he has her.She’s his Juliet, the only woman in the world he can’t ever have. To an outsider, it probably seems crazy... -
![That Swoony Feeling by Meghan Quinn]()
That Swoony Feeling by Meghan Quinn
USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn brings more humor and heart with the fourth novel of her Getting Lucky series: a story about breaking curses and finally finding that swoony feeling. I'm single . . . so single it's painful. Yup, ladies, Brig Knightly--that's me--is still a lonely bachelor, stumbling through the streets of Port Snow, looking for the girl he's supposed to end up with... -
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![Chasing Her Fire by Claire Kingsley]()
Chasing Her Fire by Claire Kingsley
Sexy firefighter Logan Bailey is an expert at putting the wet stuff on the hot stuff—on and off duty. But he just did the unthinkable, and it wasn’t trading in his tube socks. He slept with his nemesis. His mortal enemy. The crazy redhead he loves to hate. Cara Goulding.And no matter how much he wants to lie to himself, he has to admit, it was mind-blowing... -
![Talk Nerdy To Me by C.M. Owens]()
Talk Nerdy To Me by C.M. Owens
Despite the fact it seemed like Base Masters was all over Sterling Shore, I'd never really known much about him, aside from random factoids. Things like...he's a semi-estranged cousin of one of my brother's friends, plays guitar in a local band, and he doesn't get mentioned much unless he's on stage. Until.. -
![Identical Disaster by C.M. Owens]()
Identical Disaster by C.M. Owens
JAX My life was simple... until Bo Brendon crashed into my lap. Shy girls aren't my thing, yet somehow, she's under my skin and in my head. It's a f*cking nightmare. Yet it's a nightmare I don't want to give up. BOLIVIA (BO) Jax Marshall was an accident. A really sexy, smart, incredibly smooth, hot... accident...Categorized as:
shy heroine bad boys dual-pov forced proximity sweet heroine rich heroine m-f grovel -
![Flaunt by Adriana Locke]()
Flaunt by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsLooking for a Fake FiancéHave you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it?It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to go there is what counts.Hi. It’s me. I’m that person.The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and I should “lower my expectations... -
![Handle With Care by Helena Hunting]()
Handle With Care by Helena Hunting
HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL. Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin... -
![A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland]()
A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe BRAND NEW uplifting novel from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Jessica Redland Rosie feels like there's something missing in her life.She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District... -
![Heller's Punishment by J.D. Nixon]()
Heller's Punishment by J.D. Nixon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIn her latest adventure, rookie security officer Tilly Chalmers has three new assignments to cope with - chaperoning a devious addict to a rehabilitation clinic; live-in security for a strange and isolated religious cult; and protecting a national TV host in a damaging court case...Categorized as:
friends to lovers strong heroine bad boys alpha male possessive hero slow burn office suspense -
![Scenes from the Hallway by Penny Reid]()
Scenes from the Hallway by Penny Reid
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsYou know who I am. I swear too much, I crack too many jokes, and I got a thing for Kat Tanner; a messy thing, a distracting thing, a getting-in-the-way-of-everything thing; a thing that makes being in the same room with the woman torture. Sometimes it's the good kind. Mostly, it's not. What you don't know is how it all started...Categorized as:
office alpha male working class hero friends to lovers rich heroine m-f humor contemporary -
![Holy Frigging Matrimony by Emma Chase]()
Holy Frigging Matrimony by Emma Chase
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 62 ratingsWhat does Drew Evans have to say next? Find out in this forty page short story, filled with his sexy charm, unique advice and hilarious one-liners. Marriage: the final frontier. Steven went first. He was kind of our test subject. Like those monkeys that NASA sent off into space in the fifties, all the while knowing they’d never make it back. And now another poor rocket is ready to launch... -
![My Choice Is You by Mel Dau]()
My Choice Is You by Mel Dau
Covina Hurley has lived a privileged life as the daughter of a retired major league baseball player. With privilege comes shelter, and with shelter comes ignorance to many life experiences. When she makes the choice to open herself up to new experiences, she never thought that love would be one of them... -
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![Heller's Girlfriend by J.D. Nixon]()
Heller's Girlfriend by J.D. Nixon
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsTilly Chalmers’ life is complicated. Her boyfriend is demanding more attention while her boss, Heller, is always a distracting temptation...Categorized as:
bad boys strong heroine alpha male possessive hero slow burn office love triangle mystery -
![Time by Penny Reid]()
Time by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid A (brokenhearted) physicist. Now an infamous (who is LITERALLY EVERYWHERE!! UGH!) musician. The worst has already happened. Mona has learned that she has nothing figured out and plans are meaningless. After leaving her in Aspen, Abram is now breaking sales-records, rising to rock star fame almost overnight. Mona can’t seem to escape him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers m-f sweet heroine dual-pov from hate to love humor new adult contemporary -
![She Loves Me by Melissa Foster]()
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
friends to lovers independent heroine strong heroine m-f humor contemporary sassy heroine -
![The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown]()
The Sandcastle Hurricane by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFamily, wounded hearts, and a Texas bed-and-breakfast are in need of repair in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s inviting novel about down-home comfort and second chances.Cousins Tabby and Ellie Mae are due for a change... -
![Rushing In by Claire Kingsley]()
Rushing In by Claire Kingsley
She’s the one girl he can’t have. With his dimpled grin and devilish charm, firefighter Gavin Bailey is hot as a five-alarm fire and twice as dangerous. The youngest of five brothers, he’s the daredevil of the family. Until the unexpected strikes and he finds himself sidelined. Skylar Stanley’s life didn’t just fall apart. It exploded. Spectacularly... -
![Never Fall for the Fake Boyfriend by Lauren Landish]()
Never Fall for the Fake Boyfriend by Lauren Landish
What’s a girl to do when a hot stranger appears in her vacation cabin? Run. Probably. Or… I had it all planned out. A perfect getaway, in a perfect forest locale, with my perfect boyfriend. It should’ve been… perfect. Until he breaks up with me, leaving me all alone when a stranger walks in on me post-shower, getting a too-good look at my bare backside... -
![Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas]()
Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers.She's got a lot of baggage...literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real.For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but... -
![Flirt by Adriana Locke]()
Flirt by Adriana Locke
WANTED: A SITUATION-SHIPI’m a single female that’s tired of relationships ruining my life. However, there are times when a date would be helpful. If you’re a single man, preferably mid-twenties to late-thirties, and are in a similar situation, we might be a match.Candidate must be handsome, charming, and willing to pretend to have feelings for me (on a sliding scale, as the event requires)...Categorized as:
friends to lovers office dual-pov competent heroine working class hero sweet-hero m-f contemporary -
![Seatmate by Cara Bastone]()
Seatmate by Cara Bastone
I have exactly 5 hours and 10 minutes to get from Boston to New York City or the professional opportunity of a lifetime disappears. My only travel option? The second to last seat on a discount bus. Across from the bathroom. Wearing last night’s clothes (don’t ask). All worth it if I can make it in time.My nerves almost get the best of me, but then there he is, sitting down in the seat next to me... -
![Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas]()
Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
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![Time to Bounce by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Time to Bounce by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLoneliness is overwhelming in its intensity. There are times you think you can cope, that you can make it despite the hollow feeling in your chest. Then there are the times when you realize you can’t breathe through the pain of loss. When Gable Buchanan Carter walks into Athena’s life, it’s like a light is switched on inside her chest. Suddenly she can breathe... -
![Knockout by Jessica Prince]()
Knockout by Jessica Prince
It wasn’t fair that the man I hated with a passion was so freaking gorgeous.Things in Layla Fox’s life were going great. She had a fantastic job, amazing friends, and a killer apartment. There was just one tiny glitch in all that perfect. Her upstairs neighbor was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome . . . and she hated the man with every cell in her body...Categorized as:
from hate to love alpha male m-f dual-pov small town independent heroine contemporary humor -
![Just a Little Hookup by Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde]()
Just a Little Hookup by Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde
When Jessica Cavanaugh bids on her brother’s business partner in a bachelor auction, it’s supposed to be payback for old time’s sake. Not the weekend of sexy fun she can’t forget.What is Derek Bettencourt supposed to do when he can’t get the self-assured, full-figured, forbidden woman out of his head?A Dare Crossover novel featuring Derek Bettencourt from Carly Phillips’ novel, Just One Taste... -
![Tangled Twosome by Meghan Quinn]()
Tangled Twosome by Meghan Quinn
Racer McKay is a broody bastard. From the moment I met him, he’s been rude, irritable, and unbearable. And worse? He's broke. A contractor working to remodel my parents pool house for extra cash, he stomps around in those clunky construction boots with his tool belt wrapped around his narrow waist, and a chip on his shoulder. Racer McKay is also infuriatingly . . . sexy as hell...Categorized as:
alpha male from hate to love working class hero office m-f forced proximity humor new adult -
![Kiss Me Tonight by Maria Luis]()
Kiss Me Tonight by Maria Luis
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsI had it all.The Super Bowl rings.The hot shot TV gig.Then I got fired.Now I’m living in middle-of-nowhere Maine, playing assistant coach to the woman of my nightmares.Did I mention that she and her son are my new neighbors?If you talk to the locals, they’ll tell you Aspen Levi is the queen of high school football.But if you ask me, my new head coach is a pain in my left nut sac.She’s too blonde...Categorized as:
office from hate to love forced proximity dual-pov friends to lovers alpha male m-f sports -
![Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Tempt Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTwo enemies. One bed. What could possibly go wrong? Our new general manager is the most difficult man on the planet. The night before Drake begins working at my family's hotel, he finds me in the bar, trying to get rid of a boring date. But the guy won’t take even a not-so-subtle hint. Then Drake surprises me and comes to our table, but only to reprimand ME about dating in our workplace...Categorized as:
office rich heroine from hate to love forced proximity m-f contemporary humor super rich hero -
![Flipping Love You by Erin Nicholas]()
Flipping Love You by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s the tattooed bad boy her mama warned her about. She’s his hot mess — but mostly hot — next door neighbor. Until a two-night-stand gives them the surprise of a lifetime... Jillian Morris is a workaholic who forgets to watch the time. And to eat. And to change her shoes. And to keep even a house-plant alive. And to have any kind of a personal life... -
![Zane's Rebel by Loni Nichole]()
Zane's Rebel by Loni Nichole
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFor once in his life, this strait-laced attorney is ready to throw caution to the wind. Too bad his sassy, rebellious soulmate refuses to take the risk.ZaneI take on the sassy-mouthed heiress’s case because she needs a good defense. She’s being sued by her father’s former business partner, who wants to destroy her. The odds in this small-town are stacked against her...Categorized as:
friends to lovers alpha male virgin heroine m-f contemporary humor curvy heroine length-novella -
![Owen North by Nina Levine]()
Owen North by Nina Levine
A steamy forbidden office romance from USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nina Levine.My one-night stand is my new boss.I met him at the society wedding of the year.The man every woman in New York wants.He's rich.Devastatingly good looking.Charming.Mr. I-Could-Blow-Your-Mind.And yes, he did blow my mind.It was just supposed to be one night.I told him I don't date...Categorized as:
office alpha male friends to lovers m-f contemporary humor super rich hero sassy heroine -
![The Price Of Scandal by Lucy Score]()
The Price Of Scandal by Lucy Score
“I’m the fixer your board hired to clean up your mess.” “So you show up here, break into my house, and take a bath?” Emily Stanton’s perfect life just became a disaster. She has a trust fund brother looking for a handout, a father who is more board member than dad, and a mother who thinks she should give up on this whole billionaire CEO thing and meet a man with a pre-nup and a yacht...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity rich heroine office dual-pov m-f humor contemporary -
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![This Is Love by Melissa Foster]()
This Is Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsFall in love in Harmony Pointe, where hearts are lost, found, and sometimes misplaced…and everyone get a happy ever after. If a woman can’t find love in the quaint town of Harmony Pointe, it’s sure to find them—whether they’re looking for it or not. Here, the remaining single Dalton siblings are about to discover that they’re next in line to get swept away by love...Categorized as:
strong heroine alpha male forced proximity office m-f humor contemporary sassy heroine -
![Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese]()
Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese
Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption...Categorized as:
m-f forced proximity office small town competent heroine sweet heroine shy heroine teacher-heroine -
![The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow]()
The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPreorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane seriesLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatAll’s fair in love and…medicine?Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders...Categorized as:
small town forced proximity from hate to love m-f humor suspense contemporary length-medium -
![Neighbor from Hell: Collection Part I by R.L. Mathewson]()
Neighbor from Hell: Collection Part I by R.L. Mathewson
The New York Times Best Selling Series.... The collection of the first four Neighbor from Hell Novels: Playing for Keeps, Perfection, Checkmate and Truce Playing for Keeps: Done with being the world's biggest pushover, Haley decides that things are going to start changing... -
![Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott]()
Are We There Yet? by Savannah Scott
A vintage VW van. Four friends. A cross-country road trip.It will be the best adventure of my life, if only I can shake the feelings I have for Cameron .Cameron Reeves is as gorgeous as his name makes him sound.He’s about six feet tall, which is the height I always wrote in my ideal man list in my journal. Yes. I have a list of qualities I want in a man... -
![A Reclusive Heart by R.L. Mathewson]()
A Reclusive Heart by R.L. Mathewson
From the New York Times best-selling author of the Neighbor from Hell series comes a contemporary romance about a painfully shy pushover with an unhealthy addiction to chocolate, her cranky agent, and the stalker determined to destroy everything. She could do this...Categorized as:
virgin heroine alpha male friends to lovers from hate to love shy heroine m-f bad boys dual-pov -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy... -
![Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison]()
Mine To Cherish by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThings are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day.Aren't they?ClarabellaDid I want to get married today?It's hard to say when he proposed in front of over a hundred people.Everything happened so fast, and I thought it was just nerves.It was not.The knock on the door showed me that what I was feeling was more than just cold feet.I was a runaway bride...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity from hate to love dual-pov alpha male office small town m-f -
![Blurred Lines by Jessica Prince]()
Blurred Lines by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThere was absolutely no way she was falling for her neighbor. No matter how gorgeous he was.Aurora Keller thought she’d lucked out when she decided to put down roots in Redemption, Tennessee. She had a new business, new friends, and a picture-perfect little house...Categorized as:
from hate to love bad boys slow burn alpha male forced proximity m-f dual-pov contemporary -
![Stolen by the Master Chief by Fiona Davenport]()
Stolen by the Master Chief by Fiona Davenport
Arrow Hamlin was being a good samaritan when he stopped to help someone with a flat tire. He never expected his act of kindness would lead him to the woman who was meant to be his. Or that she’d be on the run from a dangerous situation.Sage Elsher was stunned by a violent encounter in her own home. She had no idea who to trust until Arrow came to her rescue... -
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![Dirty Flirty Enemy by Piper Rayne]()
Dirty Flirty Enemy by Piper Rayne
He’s the arrogant Manhattan realtor with billboards advertising his six-pack more than his expertise in negotiations. I’m the competing broker who stupidly moved across the hall from his office. From day one, I’ve been his sworn enemy. Okay, so I might have accidentally stolen one of his clients... -
![Hitched by Pippa Grant, Lili Valente]()
Hitched by Pippa Grant, Lili Valente
She’s the last woman on earth I’d marry….again. Yet here I am. Saying my vows. Again. To save an alpaca. At least, that’s my story. But the truth might be a little more complicated. I didn’t want to let her go the first time. But now I have a second chance to win over my wife. We’re older. Wiser. And hornier. This time, I won’t fail...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends to lovers forced proximity male-pov dual-pov m-f humor contemporary -
![Dating-ish by Penny Reid]()
Dating-ish by Penny Reid
There are three things you need to know about Marie Harris: 1) She’s fed up with online dating, 2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and 3) She knows how to knit. After the most bizarre and irritating first date in the history of human kind, Marie is looking for an alternative to men... -
![Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley]()
Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley
He’ll break all her rulesNora Lakes is sophisticated, successful, and happily single. Career problems aside, her life is fine the way it is, thank you very much. Sure, her best friends are all moving into a new season of life—full of husbands and babies and white picket fences. But that’s not what Nora wants. Neither is the gruff, tattooed guy next door. Tattoo artist Dex St... -
![Falling for My Enemy by Claire Kingsley]()
Falling for My Enemy by Claire Kingsley
“I thought if I could crack the code to falling in love, maybe someday it would work for me.”Corban Nash is a self-proclaimed data nerd with a sexy half smile and a set of abs that leave girls drooling. He developed a theory he claims will make two people fall in love. And after numerous tests on friends and family, it’s been successful for everyone who’s tried it... -
![Sweet Destiny by K.C. Lynn]()
Sweet Destiny by K.C. Lynn
RecipeIngredientsThree cups of a long-standing rivalry between two families and a wedding that will force them all under one roof.Two tablespoons of a bride and a groom whose love is put to the test when they find themselves caught in the middle.A slice of a secret that will change the course of their lives forever.A pinch of fate.A dash of friendship.A sprinkle of seduction...Categorized as:
alpha male m-f sweet heroine competent heroine possessive hero sweet-hero dual-pov humor
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