Books like 'Hard Knocks'
Readers who enjoyed Hard Knocks by Ruby Lang also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny athletes sports from hate to love east-asian-mc hockey fated-mates found-family
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Made For You by Natasha Madison
From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comesA brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance.A spin-off from the Only One seriesVivienneI did the last thing I ever expected to do. I bought a boat. A beautiful boat that was all mine to spend the summer on.Only thing I was looking forward to was the calm being on the water brought me...Categorized as:
sports athletes from hate to love hockey contemporary forced proximity dual-pov grumpy sunshine -
![When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor]()
When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor
Evie told herself not to fall for her pro-hockey crush. But when she sees him holding her baby girl, all bets are off.When Evie moves South to the same mountain town where her childhood crush plays pro-hockey, she arms herself with all the reasons why she can’t fall for him again.Number Alec is her best friend’s much older brother... -
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![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... -
![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... -
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![Arrogant Playboy by Alex Wolf, Sloane Howell]()
Arrogant Playboy by Alex Wolf, Sloane Howell
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThere’s a hot new hire. Too bad she’s Donavan’s ex. Oh, and there’s one other problem—they hate each other. The last thing he expected to see when he walked into the office was Paisley Williams. She was the only person to graduate ahead of him at Columbia. The one woman who could give it back better than he could dish it out. She was also the biggest regret of his life... -
![Delayed Call by Toni Aleo]()
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsVaughn 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... -
![A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo]()
A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne chalet in the Smokies. Four loving families. While all the grandbabies are on Santa’s Nice List, a few of the adults are getting coal in their stockings. But no matter their status with the man in the red suit, Elli Adler will spoil each and every one of her favorite people with love and holiday cheer... -
![Puck Performance by Alley Ciz]()
Puck Performance by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAll's fair in love and potatoes. Melody Brightly Broadway Star. Pink hair. A smile that hits me harder than a slap shot. Terrible taste in hockey teams. Full of secrets. The one woman I fail to defend my heart against. Jase Donnelly Defenseman.Charming. Sexy as puck. Makes my hormones give a standing ovation. The one guy I can never be with, but can't stay away from... -
![Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins]()
Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsBRAND NEW IN THE HIT SERIES WITH OVER 250,000 SOLD I told her I hope he knows how lucky he is. ERIC: The waitress with the bird tattoo up her middle finger has gotten my attention by not caring if she does. My team thinks it’s hilarious that she’s not into me. I think it’s almost as fascinating as she is. Trouble is she likes musician types... And has one for a boyfriend... -
![Pucks & Penalties: Pucked Series Outtakes and Deleted Scenes by Helena Hunting]()
Pucks & Penalties: Pucked Series Outtakes and Deleted Scenes by Helena Hunting
An extensive compilation of outtakes, deleted scenes and a crossover novella from The Pucked Series, which now includes:ENDORSE THIS: An Area 51 invasion outtake in which Alex once again tries to persuade Violet that he should go where no man has gone before. And likely never will... -
![Blades of Glory by Toni Aleo]()
Blades of Glory by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsOld vs. YoungExperience vs. AttitudeNo Teeth vs. Also No Teeth…It’s the game some of these players have been waiting a lifetime for. The veterans of the Nashville Assassins versus the new generation of players—their sons.As part of their prewedding festivities, Aiden Brooks and Shelli Adler have invited the retired Assassins to play a friendly game against the Stanley Cup-winning current team... -
![The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo]()
The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNow all four novels and the companion novella are together in one can’t-miss eBook bundle: TAKING SHOTSTRYING TO SCOREEMPTY NETFALLING FOR THE BACKUPBLUE LINES The Assassins may be the hottest things on two legs and ice skates, but when the gloves come off, the chiseled men of this Nashville NHL team will do anything for the women they love: A reformed bad boy helps a charming, willful beauty... -
![The Tenacious Act by Marion De Ré]()
The Tenacious Act by Marion De Ré
Our contractor declared bankruptcy and we now have to leave our bookstore opening into the hands of a professional hockey team.Thankfully, the guys are also skilled off the ice and dedicated to help us make our dream come true.Particularly, Maxime, my friend’s brother who’s a relentless flirt with a goofy personality.And as hot as he might be, I don’t do boyfriends... -
![Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin]()
Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt is a truth universally acknowledged that a hockey player in possession of a bad reputation must be in want of a fake girlfriend.Rosie Forrester is in desperate need of cash after an embarrassing run-in with the law. Enter Dylan Savage, a disgraced hockey player who needs a place to hide out for a few months while he figures out how to get back on his team... -
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![Love Is In the Air Volume 1 by Susan Stoker, A.M. Kusi]()
Love Is In the Air Volume 1 by Susan Stoker, A.M. Kusi
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratings30 of your favorite authors come together to celebrate love and romance in this anthology featuring brand new, original short stories.All proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.Featured authors include:A.M. Kusi, Abbie Zanders, Alley Ciz, Anna Blakely, Anna Brooks, Becca Steele, Cora Kenborn, Darcy Burke, Elizabeth SaFleur, Emery Rose, Greer Bailey, Ivy Layne, J. Kenner, Jeana E... -
![Light 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson, Bang Brothers]()
Light 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson, Bang Brothers
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLight 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson is book 5 in the Bang Brothers Hockey seriesAnnie BangI’m thrilled to be working in professional hockey, since my five brothers are all hockey players. My new role as skating coach to the New York Bears is the perfect fit and I can’t wait to whip all these guys into shape so we can win more games... -
![The Wild Card by Cassie-Ann L. Miller]()
The Wild Card by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be harmless. One fake date with a football player.Except Harry Westbrook is the exact opposite of harmless. My first mistake? Underestimating that boyish smile, those playful eyes, the charming words on those perfect lips. He claims to have a crush on me. But, as hot as he is, I'd bet he's scheduling booty calls like a dentist booking teeth cleanings... -
![Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray, Sylvie Stewart]()
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray, Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn the cutthroat world of professional sports, I’m the agent who always calls the shots. Until a decade-old feud with hockey superstar Banks Bennet resurfaces, and I’m forced to play nice. When his agent drops him and rumors of a trade swirl through the league faster than a puck on a breakaway, I find myself in the dreaded role of Banks’s new agent...Categorized as:
hockey sports from hate to love contemporary office forced proximity mature couple humor -
![Only One Chance by Natasha Madison]()
Only One Chance by Natasha Madison
Miller They called me the pretty boy on and off the ice. Hockey’s most eligible bachelor.When my teammate asked me to donate one date to his charity, I figured why not. Worst case, I’d spend the night with a fan. Best-case scenario, she would be hot. What I wasn’t expecting was for my dream girl to be the highest bidder...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes hockey humor contemporary explicit-open-door length-medium -
![Breakaway (The Rule Book Collection) by A.M. Johnson]()
Breakaway (The Rule Book Collection) by A.M. Johnson
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs Tampa Bay's star center, Mark Carmelo's life was hockey, and after a bitter and public break up, all he wanted to do was focus on the game. Until he saw her. The one that got away. The one he thought he'd never see again. For thirteen years, Stevie West drowned in her lackluster life. Recently divorced from her “roommate” with passionless benefits, she was ready to start over... -
![Power Play by C.J. Cartwright]()
Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat if the one who got away… comes back? They say you never forget your first love. But does time truly heal all wounds?Levi Fawkes knows hockey, and not much else. As the captain of the Astoria Bay Thunder, his eyes are always locked on the goal... -
![Ice Ice Maybe by Rich Amooi]()
Ice Ice Maybe by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“I want you to date my daughter.”Those seven words hit Nolan Reid like a puck to the head.Once destined for NHL stardom, a skiing accident left Nolan driving the Zamboni for the San Diego Sea Lions. But his humble life of maintaining the ice is about to get complicated.The billionaire owner’s insane plan? Nolan fake-dates his daughter Zena to ignite her ex’s jealousy... -
![Iced by Colleen Charles]()
Iced by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI’ve heard it all before. I need to grow up. Take things more seriously. Stop making headlines for anything other than my game.Even though it wasn’t my fault that I recently got into a fight at a bar over a woman…yeah yeah, no one wants anymore excuses. My agent just wants me to overhaul my public image before I lose my contract... -
![The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington]()
The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington
Getting involved with your brother’s best friend is risky enough. But when he's a hockey player? It's a whole new level of bad idea.As a ravenous reader, I’ve got a I’m obsessed with hockey romances.But let me tell you, real life hockey players are nothing like my book boyfriends.So I threw down the gauntlet on BookTok. I challenged any single guy out there to prove me wrong... -
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![The Christmas You Crash by Piper Hale]()
The Christmas You Crash by Piper Hale
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOne blizzard. One cabin. One uninvited hockey player. Ho, ho, humbug. Normally I love Christmas. The lights, the snow, the cozy traditions. Then my parents divorced. Intent to avoid awkward holiday drama, I head to our family’s secluded cabin for a nice, relaxing week alone.At least that’s the plan until Ryder Hanson shows up uninvited and dressed like a serial killer... -
![Puck Love by Carmen Jenner]()
Puck Love by Carmen Jenner
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsStella Hart is the hottest thing in country music. For ten years, she’s been Nashville’s darling. She’s pure, sweet, and a positive role model in an industry rife with scandals, sex, and sequins. Men want to own her, women want to be her—everyone wants a piece of her, and Stella? Well, she wants out... -
![Wheeler by Colleen Charles]()
Wheeler by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThroughout my time as an elite hockey player, I’ve had a few hookups.But there's only one I can’t get out of my mind.Stella left me high and dry in Costa Rica with a bruised ego and a broken heart after a single perfect day.I wish I’d ignored all the rules with her. I wish I’d made her mine in every way that mattered... -
![Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis]()
Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLandon Holder is exactly the kind of man Livy Adams should stay far away from. The flashy, flirty star defenseman for the Chicago Buffaloes is known for hooking up with women all over Chicago. Livy finds herself attracted to Landy, but his sexy good looks and charm are irrelevant... -
![Grinder by Colleen Charles]()
Grinder by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsScarlett Stone hates me. Every time she takes the mic during her popular sports podcast, she rips me a new one.Some would call us enemies but I make it a rule not to make a rival of a smart, sexy woman like her. If I make one single error on the ice, she calls it out in a way that both frustrates me and turns me on... -
![12 Days of Mistletoe: An Enemies to Lovers, Fake Dating, Holiday RomCom by Jen Atkinson]()
12 Days of Mistletoe: An Enemies to Lovers, Fake Dating, Holiday RomCom by Jen Atkinson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHow to end up in Christmas kissing lessons with your downstairs enemy… Break apartment rules? Guilty.Send holiday cards to the downstairs neighbor's grandma? Done. Accidentally become said neighbor's fake girlfriend for a family Christmas photo? Wait, what?I, Bonnie Miller, am no troublemaker. I’m just an anxious girl trying to keep my emotional support pup in a no-pets apartment building... -
![The Winning Score by G.K. Brady]()
The Winning Score by G.K. Brady
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe can’t stand him. The feeling is mutual. Can they make it through quarantine together?Quinn Hadley only does one thing as well as he plays hockey—wheeling the ladies. He’s the envy of his teammates. With puck bunnies on speed dial in every city, he never spends a night alone unless it’s by choice. He has a certain type—hot, blond, and easy...Categorized as:
from hate to love hockey sports athletes contemporary forced proximity dual-pov secret-relationship -
![Pretty Ever After by Tabatha Kiss]()
Pretty Ever After by Tabatha Kiss
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRobbie Wheeler. My muse.The classic bad boy with a leather jacket and a heart of gold.But I'm not making that mistake again. A girl can't keep banging her ex-husband. That would be naughty.I left him, but he never left me.He signed the papers with a smile and promised to win be back someday.I didn't believe he could change.Then, he showed up when I needed him the most... -
![Cap by Elise Faber]()
Cap by Elise Faber
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s the one he wants.And he’s not going to give her up without a fight.As the newly named captain of the San Francisco Gold, Josh is used to pressure and hard work.What he’s not used to?Women despising him.Jess, however, has taken an instant dislike to him, and no matter what he tries to do, he can’t seem to get beyond her prickly exterior... -
![Want You to Want Me by Lorelei James]()
Want You to Want Me by Lorelei James
The new sexy contemporary romance in New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James's Want You series, set in Minneapolis-St. Paul.Hockey player Gabriella "Gabi" Welk spent her life in pursuit of championships, but she has little to show for it besides dusty trophies and second-place medals. Now her career consists of several part-time jobs to make ends meet...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love hockey humor contemporary open-door length-medium audiobook -
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![Changing Lanes by Katie Graykowski]()
Changing Lanes by Katie Graykowski
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsProfessional Football Player, Devon Harding found his soul mate at the age of seventeen. Trouble is, he can’t remember her last name. For the last fourteen years, he’s been waiting for The Universe to send her back to him. When that day comes, he nearly falls all over himself to get to her. But he plays it cool and waits for her to come to him. And she walks right past him... -
![The Wedding Winger by Delancey Stewart]()
The Wedding Winger by Delancey Stewart
Sly Remington has a plan. And it does not involve falling in love with his high school crush, the literal girl next door. But sometimes, fate makes plans of its own...Pro hockey has always been my destiny. And now that I’m right wing for the Wilcox Wombats? It’s my past and present… but I’m not so sure if it’s my future...Categorized as:
sports athletes found-family hockey contemporary humor single-mother forced proximity -
![Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins]()
Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThis series is 18+ERIC do you capture a girl's heart? Make her laugh. The waitress with the bird tattoo drawn up her middle finger got my attention by not caring if she has it. My team thinks it's hilarious she's not into me. Trouble is she likes musician types.... But hey, I'm a star quarterback and a Cocker which means I don't drop the ball...Categorized as:
sports athletes from hate to love contemporary new adult dual-pov humor length-medium -
![Ice Contact by Ellie K. Drake]()
Ice Contact by Ellie K. Drake
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOlivia Brooks, the talented national anthem singer for the Milwaukee Steel Riders hockey team, feels like she's nothing more than background music in her own life. Stuck in a miserable relationship, she craves something more. One night, after being abandoned at a bar by her neglectful boyfriend, Olivia shares an unforgettable moment with a striking stranger, convinced she'll never see him again... -
![Bender by Colleen Charles]()
Bender by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMy second chance is the biggest gamble of my life. I am Marco Rossi, once an Italian nobody, now living the dream as a Vegas Venom player. I thought I was swapping my lonely orphan past for a team-family. But I was wrong. I am on thin ice with everyone, but especially when it comes to Madison McKay...Categorized as:
hockey sports athletes friends to lovers curvy heroine contemporary humor length-medium -
![One Vegas Night by Mickey Miller]()
One Vegas Night by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAmazon Bestselling Author Mickey Miller brings you a sexy over-the-top marriage of convenience romance. What do you say when you wake up next to hockey’s biggest playboy…with a ring on your finger? The first time I met Dustin LeBlanc, I wanted to slap that cocky smirk off his face... -
![Overtime Obsession by London Casey]()
Overtime Obsession by London Casey
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI finally land my dream apartment so I can write my next book. There’s just one problem. A tall, muscular hockey player shows up and says the apartment is actually his. I tell him to leave. He tells me to leave... -
![Love at First Skate by Ellie Hall]()
Love at First Skate by Ellie Hall
They say love is messy. Turns out friendship is too, especially when you’re stranded in a cabin with your best friend and hearts are on thin ice.TeddyI’ve heard that men and women can’t be friends without it becoming something more. Harlow and I put that theory in the penalty box, thank you very much... -
![Breakout by Aven Ellis]()
Breakout by Aven Ellis
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhile Texas is known for loving football, Lexi Stewart has always been drawn to the ice. Hockey is her passion, and she wants nothing more than to pursue a career in video editing for the home network of the Dallas Demons hockey team. Lexi has an editing job for a corporate account, but it’s not fulfilling... -
![Cage's Misconduct by Nikki Worrell]()
Cage's Misconduct by Nikki Worrell
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDalton ‘Cage’ Booker is the number one goalie for the San Diego Scorpions. Most people describe him as willful and stubborn—sometimes even difficult to control. More often than not, words fly out of his mouth without the benefit of passing through his brain first. And women love him... -
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![The Art of Falling in Love with Your Brother's Best Friend by Anne Kemp]()
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Brother's Best Friend by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAll’s fair in love and war…until your brother brings his bad boy, ice hockey playing best friend into your life. I’m pouring all my savings into launching my own catering business, so the last thing I need is distraction. Even if he is six feet five inches tall, plays ice hockey, and is probably one of the most intriguing, and also maddening, people I’ve met. Ever...Categorized as:
hockey sports from hate to love contemporary siblings-bff humor length-short audiobook -
![Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin]()
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPlaying hockey in Maple Falls was meant to be just a charity gig, but then my new publicist showed up, melting the ice—and my heart. Cooper I never anticipated being roped into a charity hockey game during the off-season. But here I am, heading to Maple Falls, all because my publicist decided to retire. Change was inevitable, but I didn't foresee it coming so soon... -
![Stick To Me by Marion De Ré]()
Stick To Me by Marion De Ré
Ever heard of a guy who’s nice, funny, cooks like a chef, boasts a six-pack, and is the best player in the NHL?Well, let me introduce you to Aaron Miles—AKA the biggest test of my self-control.Aaron and I have been friends since sixth grade, sharing everything from school and vacation to helping me start my business. But one thing I did on my own: falling in love with him.It’s hopeless...Categorized as:
hockey sports found-family friends to lovers contemporary humor length-medium glimpses-kisses -
![Powerplay by Laura Marquez Diamond]()
Powerplay by Laura Marquez Diamond
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMAEVESergei Petrov is sex on legs; thick, muscular, hockey player legs.He’s also a wealthy Russian flirt who can make women swoon in multiple languages.The man strolled into my life the way he walks into every room he enters.Like he belongs there. Like he owns it.When I find myself in trouble, he uses his influence to save me from disaster... -
![P.S. Not If You Were The Last Man On Earth by J. S. Cooper]()
P.S. Not If You Were The Last Man On Earth by J. S. Cooper
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTo my tent mate,I am only going to say this once. I am not interested in you. I will not be sharing a sleeping bag with you. I will not be asking you tokeep me warm with your 'hot body'. Who calls their own bodyhot by the way? I will not be doing a belly dance for you in the middle of the night and I definitely won’t be making you hot chocolate...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes contemporary humor super rich hero forced proximity length-short -
![Fake Dating the Grumpy Bigshot: A Sweet Rom Com by Leah Busboom]()
Fake Dating the Grumpy Bigshot: A Sweet Rom Com by Leah Busboom
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s my brother’s grumpy best friend, my enemy, and now we’re fake dating. How did this happen?Brent Masterson has been my enemy ever since “the debacle” that we don’t speak about. In a moment of weakness, because I can’t seem to land a job in my degreed profession, I agreed to be his assistant...
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