Books like 'Playing for Keeps'
Readers who enjoyed Playing for Keeps by Kate Donovan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary athletes sports sassy heroine football m-f career professional alpha male
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Power Play by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsPosey Adler is coming home. After a devastating journey for what she mistakenly thought was true love, she is saying to hell with men and love forever. As the Nashville Assassins’s new assistant coach for special teams, Posey is ready to focus on her job and have the attention on her for a change... -
![Hart to Heart by M.E. Carter, Jacob Morgan]()
Hart to Heart by M.E. Carter, Jacob Morgan
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsListening Length: 5 hours, 6 minutes. We’re the Harts. Between an engagement, a wedding and an adoption, we’ve had the best year of our lives. Things have never looked better for any of us. But just because you say “I do” doesn’t mean you get a happily ever after. And sometimes, you get tackled more in life than you ever did on the football field... -
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![Hell Bent by Rosalind James]()
Hell Bent by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEven princesses have problems. Alix: That line doesn’t exactly invite sympathy, does it? I was a fairly ersatz princess anyway, although you should try convincing my mother of that. And when I ran away from my family, my tech-bro groom, my almost-Stanford degree, and our fabulous future and right back to my trailer-living, hard-hatted life? Even I couldn’t explain it to anybody’s satisfaction... -
![Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic]()
Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWolfe Emerson is notorious for two things: being an absolute beast in a boxing ring and being a voluntary mute. His story remains unspoken and he prefers to live his life in silence. That is, until, his world is turned upside down when he meets someone who is louder than life... -
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![Lucky Bastard by Kaylee Ryan]()
Lucky Bastard by Kaylee Ryan
Emma. When my best friend Aubrey asked me to tag along to an event with her, I never could have imagined that it would be the day that my life changed forever. He’s arrogant and demanding and doesn’t take a hint. Landon Barker, the quarterback for the Hermosa Beach Trojans, is a player on and off of the field. He’s got his sights set on me as his next play, but I see right through him...Categorized as:
sports alpha male athletes contemporary slow burn explicit-open-door length-medium audiobook -
![Finding Infinity by Layne Harper]()
Finding Infinity by Layne Harper
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 29 ratings"Finding Infinity" as described by Colin. .. "Fine Charlie. ” Colin says dropping his hands in defeat. “Here's what I want. I want everybody to back off and let me play football. I want you to go back to practicing medicine because I’m ready for you to be happy again - not this forced shit that you keep trying to sell me... -
![The Legend by Shey Stahl]()
The Legend by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIn a lifestyle of speed, adrenaline and desire, one racer has sacrificed everything for the sport he loved. In turn, he will fight for his name, his family and now his life to be the legend he’s been portrayed to be. You can be everything you set out to be if you want it bad enough. You can be that record breaker you said you’d be. You can be that hero you always thought you would be... -
![Kade by Tijan]()
Kade by Tijan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI have fought. I have bled. I have wreaked havoc for my family. Anyone who threatened us, tried to break us, I broke them instead. Then, there was peace. Marriage. Children. Life was good. Life was great. Until my phone rang one night. Retired, I was no longer in the NFL. We'd recently moved back to Fallen Crest. So I should’ve known. I should’ve remembered. There is no peace in Fallen Crest... -
![Just One Look by Rosalind James]()
Just One Look by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLuka Darkovic has some tackling skills. He hadn’t planned on using them to bring down a runaway dog the size of a Shetland pony, though, especially not when his neck is already buggered. At 33, a rugby forward protects his vertebrae. . He’s even less happy when the dog’s incompetent owner turns up in his hospital cubicle the next day with a plan to fix those vertebrae... -
![Full Contact by Fiona Davenport]()
Full Contact by Fiona Davenport
Micah Daughtry knew he was done for after one smile from the tired, stubborn waitress at The Tight Line. And the linebacker wasn’t subtle about what he wanted. He just started showing up for Rylin Curtis like she already belonged to him. Except Rylin has strict dating rules: no customers, no bosses…and definitely not a pro football player with a panty-melting smile... -
![Captive by Brenda Rothert]()
Captive by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsTwo years ago, Jason and Kate Ryker were brought together by grief and bound to one another by love. Now married, they’re confronting their fears together. But heartbreak finds them again, and the ties that bind Kate and Ryke are tested as she struggles against fear and sadness. As a grief counselor, Kate understands all too well the pain of her clients... -
![Mason by Tijan]()
Mason by Tijan
Mason Kade is not known to be nice. He is ruthless, manipulative, and unforgiving. Most will say that he is an a**hole and he is to those that cross him or cross his loved ones. However, he does not want to be who he is. He does not enjoy hurting others, but there is no limit to the lengths he will go to protect himself and his brother... -
![Infinity. by Layne Harper]()
Infinity. by Layne Harper
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsColin McKinney has wanted three things since he met Caroline “Charlie” Collins when he was a junior at Texas A&M University: to make her his wife, play professional football, and have a family. In the first three books of the Infinity Series, Colin and Charlie met, fell in love, broke apart, reunited eight years later, and got married... -
![Hart to Heart by ME Carter, Murphy Rae]()
Hart to Heart by ME Carter, Murphy Rae
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWe’re the Harts. Between an engagement, a wedding and an adoption, we’ve had the best year of our lives. Things have never looked better for Jaxon, Addison and myself. But just because you say “I do” doesn’t mean you get a happily ever after. And sometimes, you get tackled more in life than you ever did on the football field... -
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![Overtime by Toni Aleo]()
Overtime by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsDown and out with an injury keeping him away from the game, Assassins’ defenseman Jordie Thomas lives for the blades of his skates on the ice and the feeling of oblivion off it. With no choice but to heal, he’s forced away from the sport that runs through his veins. With everything at stake and darkness setting in, he quickly finds himself spiraling even further out of control...Categorized as:
athletes sports alpha male m-f contemporary new adult second chances heroine athlete -
![Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper]()
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance. Wanted. A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
![From Now Until Infinity by Layne Harper]()
From Now Until Infinity by Layne Harper
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsEight years have passed since Colin and Caroline “Charlie” ended their college romance. A chance meeting reunited them confirming that time had not diminished their love for each other. Now, they have to turn their passionate reunion into a legitimate and sustainable relationship. Charlie’s medical practice is in Houston. Colin is the starting quarterback for Dallas... -
![Just Say Yes by Rosalind James]()
Just Say Yes by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsSome fires warm you up. And some burn you down. Kevin McNicholl may be a brutal force on the rugby field, but off the field, the star New Zealand All Black is a famously nice guy. His new tenant, though, arouses more than his protective side. She sets him on fire. Pity he’s evicting her. Every woman deserves her dreams. Chloe Donaldson can’t afford dreams, so she's given them up... -
![A Callahan Wedding by Monica Murphy]()
A Callahan Wedding by Monica Murphy
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe sweet and sexy conclusion to New York Times bestselling author, Monica Murphy’s standalone Callahan series, bringing readers along for the ride as fan favorites, Jake and Hannah get married! Hannah Walsh. Gorgeous. Intelligent. My first love. My high school sweetheart. My everything. And now my fiancée...Categorized as:
alpha male athletes sports m-f contemporary friends to lovers new adult found-family -
![Let Me Be the One by Bella Andre]()
Let Me Be the One by Bella Andre
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 50 ratingsHow far would you go for a friend? Back in San Francisco preparing for her big art show, Vicki Bennett needs help protecting herself and her career from the unwelcome advances of one of the judges. She knows that her longtime friend and baseball star, Ryan Sullivan, will know just how to handle things, and he's the only person she can imagine asking for help...Categorized as:
alpha male athletes sports m-f contemporary second chances friends to lovers fake relationship -
![Delayed Call by Toni Aleo]()
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Vaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins' star player. He's brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn't afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self. Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders...Categorized as:
sports athletes m-f contemporary from hate to love independent heroine explicit-plentiful audiobook -
![Grow with Me by Kristen Proby]()
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![The Game by H.J. Bellus]()
The Game by H.J. Bellus
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsBorn to shine. Groomed to dominate. Levi Wilks is destined only to be a champion…. Number one on the field, in the record books, and in every fans’ heart. This star QB is perfection from head to toe. Only his looks rival his talent on the field. Not one flaw to be found…that is, until he looks in the mirror…. Levi sees his dad’s dreams, his mother’s demands, and lost dreams of his own...Categorized as:
sports alpha male sassy heroine football new adult contemporary length-medium standalone -
![The Story of Us by Brittney Sahin]()
The Story of Us by Brittney Sahin
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA football fanatic sports columnist. A sexy Italian soccer player. When in Rome . . . Maggie Lane, a sports columnist and diehard football fan, is not exactly enthused when her editor-in-chief sends her to Rome, Italy, to write a feature story on Italian soccer star Marco Valenti. The last thing she wants to do is spend three weeks covering soccer right before the American football season begins... -
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![Hot Shot by Kat Mizera]()
Hot Shot by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to Fort Lauderdale—where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter. Wolf:. I’ve been in love with the same girl since we were seventeen. Back before our careers took off and pulled us away from one another. No amount of fame, money, or puck bunnies could ever replace Scarlett. But she has a mind of her own, and dreams that don’t include me...Categorized as:
sports alpha male athletes contemporary friends to lovers pregnancy hockey length-medium -
![Game Day by Piper Lawson]()
Game Day by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIn the heat of victory, I asked her to be mine forever. We’d both triumphed in our own way:. Nova broke free from her past. I led my team to a championship and discovered life beyond the court. Our journey to "I do" was supposed to be easy. Except…. The hottest resort in Aspen is only available is on short notice. A new season with the Denver Kodiaks looms on the horizon... -
![Until You Loved Me by Brenda Novak]()
Until You Loved Me by Brenda Novak
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsSometimes starting over means finding everything you’ve been missing…. After catching her fiancé cheating—with another man–usually straight-laced, workaholic scientist Ellie Fisher liberates her wild side just long enough to indulge in a passionate one-night-stand with a tall, dark stranger she meets at a trendy Miami bar...Categorized as:
sports career professional athletes football contemporary pregnancy length-long audiobook -
![Unexpectedly Hers by Jamie Beck]()
Unexpectedly Hers by Jamie Beck
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBy day, bashful wallflower Emma Duffy works at her family’s bed-and-breakfast. By night, she secretly pens erotic romance hot enough to melt the snow in their cozy Rockies town. But Emma’s real life is about to heat up when her mother books the entire inn to a professional snowboarder, hoping the publicity will put them on the map...Categorized as:
sports m-f athletes contemporary length-medium small town third-person-pov audiobook -
![If You Were Mine by Bella Andre]()
If You Were Mine by Bella Andre
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 50 ratingsCan two people who have both sworn off love find forever in each other's arms? Find out in IF YOU WERE MINE, the fifth book in Bella Andre’s bestselling Sullivan family contemporary romance series. The last thing Zach Sullivan wants is to take care of his brother's new puppy for two weeks. Until he meets the dog trainer, that is. Heather is bright, beautiful, and he can't stop thinking about her...Categorized as:
alpha male sports m-f contemporary tortured heroine anthologies length-medium audiobook -
![Ghost Dance by Catherine Gayle]()
Ghost Dance by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the sexy Tulsa Thunderbirds hockey romance series. He had it all. And lost it in an instant. The night Dmitri Nazarenko won hockey’s Holy Grail, he lost more than he ever bargained for. With a world of guilt weighing him down, Dima can never forgive himself for his tragic misjudgment... -
![Zariah: Sacrificed (Angels Halo MC Next Gen) by Terri Anne Browning, Sara Eirew]()
Zariah: Sacrificed (Angels Halo MC Next Gen) by Terri Anne Browning, Sara Eirew
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWe had plans. Until we didn’t. His entire life revolved around baseball, and even the part he wanted me to play in it was to help him succeed. Crap happens. Plans change, and life goes on. Sure, I’m bored out of my mind at times—boring job, boring dates…boring life. But I’m over Nolan Krenshaw. At least…I’ve tried to move on and get over him... -
![Love To Love You: A Love/Hate Novella by Isabelle Richards]()
Love To Love You: A Love/Hate Novella by Isabelle Richards
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter a long year of heartache and loss, Chase and Arianna pulled together the shattered pieces of their hearts and rebuilt a relationship that is stronger and more secure than ever before. Letting go of the mistakes of their past, their focus is on the future—their happily ever after. Happily ever after…... -
![All To Pieces by Susan Henshaw]()
All To Pieces by Susan Henshaw
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA closed-door, high school sweethearts, second chance, football romance from Amazon bestselling author Susan Henshaw. Millions watch him play. Except the one who matters most. Blue. I made the worst mistake of my life when I let my dad move me across the country after my sophomore year of high school. Had my football career taken off? Yes... -
![Falling For His Fake Fiancè by J.B. Heller]()
Falling For His Fake Fiancè by J.B. Heller
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat’s a guy to do to save his MLB career after one too many of his exploits hit the tabloids? Marry his housekeeper, apparently…. I’m a pretty laid back guy who doesn’t take much outside my job seriously, preferring to party my way through life. But my poor decisions have landed me with The Bad Boy of Baseball, title. I’m totally cool with it, management however, is not... -
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![Sugar and Spice by Kat Baxter]()
Sugar and Spice by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAll she wants is a weekend rendezvous…. I love the small town I’m from. I love having so much extended family close by and I love my mail order chocolate company. But what what I don’t love is being everyone’s favorite aunt. It’s like being cock-blocked by the entire town... -
![Defending Hayden by L.P. Dover]()
Defending Hayden by L.P. Dover
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe Carolina Cougars keep fighting for love as the Second Chances series from bestselling author L. P. Dover continues! In Defending Hayden, a damaged football star teams up with the only woman who can take the pain away. No one’s tougher than Carolina Cougars linebacker Derek McLaughlin... -
![A Twist of Fate by T. Gephart]()
A Twist of Fate by T. Gephart
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsLexi is a successful PR manager for a multinational firm, based in Melbourne, Australia. She is an energetic and impulsive soul whose passions sometimes control her life. Through a twist of fate she is chosen to represent a famous client, catapulting her into a new life in New York – fulfilling her in a way that she had never imagined. When Lexi meets Alex, sparks fly...Categorized as:
alpha male sassy heroine m-f contemporary length-medium audiobook first-in-series standalone-first -
![Waiting Game by Lisa Suzanne]()
Waiting Game by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsComing April 1! My wedding to Prince Charming is interrupted with accusations that it’s a sham. It is, but we both hold tight to the story that we’re marrying for love. I don’t have to fake it, but I’m not so sure about my husband. As I play the waiting game for him to return home from training camp, I start to find my niche with the wives of his pro football teammates... -
![Believe by Natalie Gayle]()
Believe by Natalie Gayle
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat Reviewers are Saying:. "a wonderful slow burning love story of trifling ordeals and the power of the human spirit" Kawehi Reviews. "I fell even more in love with Natalie Gayle's stories, characters, and writing style. She knows how to knock you out with inspiration, heat, and heart. " Rochelle's Reviews. "Dane. .. -
![The Art of Falling in Love with Your Fake Fiancé by Anne Kemp]()
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Fake Fiancé by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAll’s fair in love and war…until you agree to be your best friend’s fake fiancé. Levi: Life as an NFL player has always been fast-paced, but nothing prepared me for becoming the guardian of my godson, Duncan. With his grandmother contesting custody, I need to prove that I’m a steadfast influence who’s not going anywhere and there’s one sure-fire way to show that: get engaged... -
![Hannah by Faleena Hopkins]()
Hannah by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsEvery boyfriend I've ever had either bored me. .. . .. or hurt me. I'm tired of what the world thinks they know. The gossip. Retaliation. So after another 'date' betrays my trust,. when Sofia Sol, my rebellious cousin, says,. “Hey. .. let's get out of here. A vacation from EVERYTHING. ”. My answer? A big fat YES. I mean, why not? Life can be an adventure. With true love where you least expect it…... -
![No More Mr. Chai Guy (The Coffee Loft: Fall Collection) by J.P. Sterling]()
No More Mr. Chai Guy (The Coffee Loft: Fall Collection) by J.P. Sterling
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWelcome back to The Coffee Loft, where a new round of stories has been brewed especially for you. Those of you stopping by to visit again, we’ve missed you. The feeling of home is the same that you loved before. If it’s your first time, prepare to be swept off your feet. While our menu hasn’t changed, we think you’ll be pleased with the fall favorites we’ve added... -
![Night Shift: Dirty Things Happen in the Dark by Kindle Alexander, Toni Aleo]()
Night Shift: Dirty Things Happen in the Dark by Kindle Alexander, Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSummer in the Big Easy is hot. Inside Tulane Medical Center the temperature is on the rise. Six never before released stories that will leave you breathless. Dirty things happen in the dark. Off Duty. Sawyer Bennett. A member of the New York Fire Department, single father Tim Davis is about as tough as they come... -
![Curveball by Kate Angell]()
Curveball by Kate Angell
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThe bad boys of baseball, they are the top power hitters of the Richmond Rogues, and the team's best hope for a shot at the World Series. But when all three have to be benched for brawling, it's the beginning of a whole new ball game, and the opposing team could win something more than a trophy--these ladies are after their hearts... -
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![Whiplash: A Sports Romance by Tabatha Kiss]()
Whiplash: A Sports Romance by Tabatha Kiss
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIf I’m a player…. Then she’s the coach. ELIZA. My dad doesn’t want me socializing with the team. But I’ve never been much of a daddy’s girl. Junior Morgan thinks he can flash a wink and get me in his bed. I won’t make it so easy for him. Sorry, quarterback. You want me? You’re gonna have to earn it. Let’s play. JUNIOR. The new coach doesn’t want the team involved with his daughter... -
![Man Flu by S.J. Ryan, Lisa Brown]()
Man Flu by S.J. Ryan, Lisa Brown
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI was trying to live every woman's dream, except my reality has been nothing but a nightmare job and a divorce at the age of thirty-two. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, my ex-husband, Rick, moved in next door with his life-size Barbie doll. So, that's been fun. Then, life pitched me a curve-ball in the form of a retired major-league baseball player, Logan Grier...Categorized as:
sports career professional m-f contemporary humor super rich hero baseball length-medium -
![The Chase by Erin McCarthy]()
The Chase by Erin McCarthy
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsKendall Holbrook is determined to make it to the top, even with the challenge of being a woman on the male-dominated racing circuit. She doesn't have time for romance-especially not with racing rival Evan Monroe, the man who nearly crushed her dream years ago... -
![Strike Zone by Kate Angell]()
Strike Zone by Kate Angell
Faced with the love of her life waiting at the altar, thrill-seeking adventure guide Taylor Hannah lost her nerve and ran. Three years later, the gutsy blonde is back in Richmond to reclaim handsome Rogues pitcher Brek Stryker before he makes another trip down the aisle. From dressing as a giant baseball to pummeling the other team's mouthy mascot, this former fiancee is pulling out all the stops... -
![Catching Hell by Mindy Klasky]()
Catching Hell by Mindy Klasky
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAnna Benson is an eager "May" to Zach Ormond's downright sexy "December. " At age thirty-seven, Zach is a veteran catcher in the last years of his contract, grateful for a no-trade clause that will let him retire a star in Raleigh. Twenty-five-year-old Anna has grown up in the Rockets' front office; her grandfather has long groomed her to take over the team... -
![Playing the Field by Meghan Quinn]()
Playing the Field by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe gang is back and this time there is a wedding to celebrate, except that is the last thing on Molly Meyers’ mind. After losing her fiancé, Luke, two years ago, the last thing on her mind is helping her best friend, Jane Bradley, plan her wedding and celebrate the annoyingly, obnoxious, lovey-dovey relationship Jane has with Braves first baseman, Brady Matthews...
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