Books like 'Ground & Pound'
Readers who enjoyed Ground & Pound by Emily Minton, Alexis Noelle & Kendra Gaither also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary athletes alpha male fighters sports independent heroine mma-boxing
-
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
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 28 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
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... -
Fighting for Honor by J.B. Salsbury
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author JB Salsbury brings her Fighting series to Harper Sloan’s Hope Town in Fighting for Honor. UFL fighter Caleb hasn’t been to Hope Town since he was eighteen. His next big fight takes place in Atlanta and the serene lakefront home from his childhood is the perfect place to train without distractions... -
-
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... -
Hard To Handle by Lori Foster
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsSometimes Fate delivers a left hook. After Fate deals Supreme Battle Challenge (SBC) fighter Harley Handleman a sucker punch, his uncle secretly hires a pretty lifecoach to get Harley back in the ring of life. Anastasia Kelley has actually known Harley for years, but never as well as she's going to now... -
Edge by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsOne bad hit has left the career of young NHL Center Luke Hudson in question. When he arrives for rehab with a minor league team, his injury has robbed him of the edge that made him great. Team trainer Adella Price’s job is to help Luke get back in peak condition. But their one on one sessions shake her resolve to remain unattached... -
From Now Until Infinity by Layne Harper
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 28 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... -
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 independent heroine contemporary from hate to love m-f explicit-plentiful audiobook -
Back in Black by Lori Foster
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsNever before published from the New York Times bestselling author Gillian is a PR expert hired to smooth out the rough edges on hot- headed sports club president Drew Black. He's rough, raw and ready for any challenge Gillian throws his way... -
Fighting for Control by Melynda Price
For Nikko “the Bull” Del Toro, an ex-marine turned MMA fighter, only two things quiet the demons raging inside him—facing an opponent in the cage…and the memory of his hottest one-night stand. But when his PTSD resurfaces, causing him to lose control at a CFA press party, it’s his career that may be KO’d. Dr... -
Fast Burn by Lori Foster
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFor the woman who’s his perfect match, he’s willing to break the rules… The moment Brand Berry meets beautiful, driven Sahara Silver, the connection between them is electric. It’s also something he can’t pursue. Sahara wants him, sure—to join Body Armor, where his MMA skills, size and cocky attitude make him perfect for her elite crew of bodyguards... -
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 -
Close Contact by Lori Foster
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThere’s no resisting a desire like this…MMA fighter Miles Dartman’s casual arrangement with personal shopper Maxi Nevar would be many men’s fantasy. She seeks him out, they have mindblowing sex, she leaves. Rinse, repeat. Yet lately, Miles wants more... -
-
Causing Havoc by Lori Foster
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsOrphaned and torn from his sisters as a boy, sexy extreme wrestler Dean "Havoc" Conor gets a letter revealing how much his siblings want him back in Harmony, Kentucky. To stop his sister from marrying a sleazeball, Dean finds himself teaming up with her pretty-but-smart-mouthed friend Eve-who's heard of Havoc's reputation and doesn't need some hunk trampling on her heart... -
Cruz by H.J. Bellus
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsShe hates fighting. He lives for it.Layla’s vicious past drove her away from her hometown. She couldn’t live with all the reminders surrounding her, so she ran.Cruz Felix found a new home. A place where he could get his head on straight, train, and fight match after match toward the end goal: the championship in Las Vegas...Categorized as:
fighters sports mma-boxing athletes forbidden love contemporary strong heroine suspense -
Unbreak This Heart by Betty Shreffler
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEver since that horrific night, I’d shut men completely out of my life. I’d gone from the spunky, fun, Alex DeMarco to a broken woman terrified of intimacy. Easing me back into dating, my best friend sets me up with kickboxing lessons from my charming and perfectly sculpted instructor—Carter Maxwell... -
Tapout by J.C. Valentine
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsHistory brought them together. Circumstances may keep them apart. Alyson Blake’s past left her with scars. Scars that she tried to fix the only way she knew how—by helping others. But actions have consequences, and Alyson is about to find out that being naïve is no excuse. Fighting is Jamison Weston’s passion. Alyson is his obsession...Categorized as:
alpha male athletes fighters sports contemporary friends to lovers bad boys cruel hero -
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
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... -
Undisputed by Aimee Nicole Walker, Nicholas Bella
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThere was once a time in my life where the only thing that mattered to me was fighting and winning. I’d step into that octagon with all the confidence in the world that I’d leave the victor. There was no challenge too great that I couldn’t handle. That was until I met a sassy and sexy reporter by the name of Aiden James and he flipped my world upside down... -
Fighting For Grace by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFighting For Grace Evan I’m down on my luck and out of patience. If I can’t fight, who am I? I still go to the gym every day to train and get better. When I get talked into teaching self-defense lessons, I never expected to meet her. She’s sweet, innocent... and in trouble. Injured or not, I’m fighting for Grace... -
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... -
Doomsday Love by Shanora Williams
**LIMITED TIME SALE OF $0.99! Regular Price $3.99** If you're thinking this is the typical MMA romance...you're wrong. When we were ten, he treated me like a friend. When we were eighteen, he wanted nothing to do with me. And now that we are twenty-two, he longs to claim every single inch of me. He was wild--untamed. And I, a reckless girl, who loved too hard...Categorized as:
athletes alpha male fighters sports mma-boxing new adult contemporary friends to lovers -
-
Crazy Maybe by A.D. Justice
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAndi Stone is a strong, smart and independent woman, thanks to the help of a famous boxing trainer, Mack, and his protégé, Shane, who have respectively been like a father and brother to her. But that wasn't always the case. Andi never knew what a “normal” life was like... -
Naked Choke by Vanessa Dare
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsTrapped at the bar during her best friend's engagement party, Emory finds herself with Mr. Dud and his obnoxious pick-up lines. That is, until sexy Grayson Green steps in to rescue her. She's been out of the game so long that she's practically a dating virgin. With her son off to college and her husband now an ex, Emory is learning how to be not a wife, not a mom, but a single woman... -
Redemption by Tia Lewis
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI won't stop until I have my title back and Hannah Collin's is mine. Owning Chicago's best MMA gym, the Warrior Zone, doesn't compare to the high I got from being inside the octagon—the lights, the screaming fans, the women. I used to be the top MMA fighter until a near fatal injury forced me to retire and stripped me of that title... -
Fighting for Honor by Dani Wyatt
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBOOK FIVE IN THE WORTH THE FIGHT SERIES OF STANDALONES! . Five minutes was all it took. Five minutes with the beast off its leash and three guys were sprawled and bloody on the floor of my parents’ bar. Next thing I know, I’m a viral sensation with a professional fighting contract. But even as I landed each punch, all I could see was her face. All I could think about was her kiss...Categorized as:
alpha male fighters sports mma-boxing virgin heroine insta-love contemporary age difference -
Stacked Up by Sidney Halston
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOpposites attract in this seductive novel from the author of Against the Cage (“Funny, steamy, scorching.”—Toni Aleo), with a chiseled MMA fighter falling for a single mom who could use a real man in her corner...Categorized as:
athletes fighters alpha male sports independent heroine mma-boxing contemporary friends to lovers -
Paradise Fought: Abel by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI'm not a fighter. I was born into a fighting family. As the middle child, I was overlooked in favor of my older brother. He took the negative attention, too. In comparison, there's nothing special about me. I’m not as big as Cobra. I’m not as strong as Cobra. He's the alpha. I'm a beta. The second son. The lesser one... -
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... -
Fighting Love by Abby Niles
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFighting Love by Abby Niles Talk about kicking a fighter while he’s down. Former Middleweight champion and confirmed bachelor Tommy "Lightning" Sparks has lost it all: his belt, his career, and now his home. After the devastating fire, he moves in with his drama-free best friend, Julie...Categorized as:
athletes alpha male fighters sports mma-boxing contemporary bad boys friends to lovers -
Going Hard: Boys of Fall by Cari Quinn
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe lives on the straight and narrow, but she’s determined to take the curves way too fast… Librarian Hollie Bennett is used to being overshadowed by her older brothers. One’s a country star, one’s a former football star…and she’s just a sedate librarian with a secret thing for high-end lingerie and fast sports cars...Categorized as:
athletes sports independent heroine multicultural anthologies contemporary length-novella -
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…If you just say yes... -
-
Owned By My Roommate by Imani Jay
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsOne curvy girl, one hot roommate... things are about to get steamy!Asher Lee is a retired professional rugby player, on his way to Europe to discuss a coaching opportunity.Anta Konan is a Silicon Valley working girl, flying to London for a much needed getaway...Categorized as:
alpha male athletes sports contemporary multicultural forced proximity length-novella -
Uncaged Love, Volume 1 by J.J. Knight
Colt McClure is a rising MMA fighter out to prove that he has what it takes to be a champion. Jo is on the run from her one terrible mistake. When Colt drags Jo from a brawl with street thugs, he recognizes her potential as a female fighter. But as they begin her training, their desire for each other sparks a love affair that could jeopardize them both. Uncaged Love is a five-part series... -
Full Contact by Sidney Halston
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsSidney Halston returns to steamy Tarpon Springs, Florida, where a hell-raising bad boy prepares to get down and dirty for the woman he loves. How could she have been so stupid? When Jessica Cross decides to give her violently jealous boyfriend—the otherwise influential and charming Dennis Stavros—a second chance, she very nearly becomes a statistic... -
Broken Lion by Devon Hartford
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBestselling author Devon Hartford brings you another scorching hot and scandalous standalone romance. BROKEN MEN BREAK HEARTS The night the EMTs wheeled Lion Maxwell into my Emergency Room turned my life upside down. Although he was bloody and battered from defending his title as the reigning cruiserweight champion of Mixed Martial Arts, his cocky grin lit up the room... -
City of Champions by Chloe T. Barlow
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHow do you find the will to try, when you've spent all your life playing on a field strewn with shattered lives and broken rules? Tragedy and betrayal taught Jenna Sutherland early on that her safest bet was to fiercely avoid any risk, whether it is in work, life, or love... -
Forward Passes by Jami Davenport
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsQuarterback Tyler Harris is about to find the woman who can get past his defensive line and reach his heart. With two championships in as many years, superstar Tyler Harris is the best quarterback in the league. Gorgeous and rich, he’s at the top of his game. But everyone’s looking to take him down... -
Memphis by Ginger Scott
My mom always said it was just something about the way he moved. The same swagger Archie Valentine wore in the ring when he took his opponents down followed him like a halo everywhere he went. But make no mistake about it—he was no angel. He was like a drug. My mother was his addict. I never understood it…how love could make you blind and convince you to drink the poison... -
Winning Love by Abby Niles
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMac “The Snake” Hannon has spent years throwing himself into cage fighting as a way to lash back at the natural disaster that destroyed his future. A call for help has Mac returning to the one place he swore never to return: Kansas—in the height of tornado season. There he meets free-spirited Gayle Andrews... -
Take Your Time by Julie Johnson
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDelilah Sinclair has a certain reputation. Maybe it's the way she walks (in skyscraper designer heels) or the way she talks (in total absence of a filter) or simply the shade of her hair (strawberry blonde). Maybe it's the string of broken hearts she's left across the city of Boston. (Sorry, boys.) For Lila, catching a man's attention is never a struggle... -
Fighting for Dylan by Abby Knox
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKickboxing instructor Grizz has been hiding his new hobby from his best friend Dylan because he knows she won't approve. After getting pummeled one night, he's forced to fess up the truth to her. When she comes over to patch him up, more emotional confessions tumble out and pretty soon these two are tangled up together in a spontaneous mattress-style wresting match...Categorized as:
alpha male sports fighters mma-boxing friends to lovers insta-love curvy heroine dual-pov -
-
Fighting Blind by C.M. Seabrook
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMackenzie Brooks is everything I've ever wanted. Three years ago, she walked out of my life. No explanation. Just gone. With the biggest fight of my career only weeks away, she walked back in. I'll do anything to protect her. Destroy anyone who tries to hurt her. When it comes to Mac, there isn't a line I won't cross... -
Saving a Legend by Sarah Robinson
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsPraised by Penelope Ward as “a unique story line with multiple layers to it,” Sarah Robinson’s Saving a Legend goes another round with the brooding Kavanagh brothers: MMA fighters who won’t call it quits in the ring, or in romance. His family’s gym has produced a roster of mixed martial arts legends, but so far Kieran Kavanagh hasn’t followed in their footsteps... -
Saving a Legend by Sarah Robinson
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsPraised by Penelope Ward as “a unique story line with multiple layers to it,” Sarah Robinson’s Saving a Legend goes another round with the brooding Kavanagh brothers: MMA fighters who won’t call it quits in the ring, or in romance. His family’s gym has produced a roster of mixed martial arts legends, but so far Kieran Kavanagh hasn’t followed in their footsteps... -
Totaled by Stacey Grice
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTotaled is a full length (112,000 words) new adult, contemporary romance novel. It is not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to sexual situations, mature content, and explicit language. Bree Murphy is stuck. Forced to grow up too fast after the tragic death of her mother, she has little time for any sort of life for herself... -
Killian by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsKillian Bosch knows he’s his own worst enemy – he just doesn’t give a damn. The star forward of a minor league hockey team, he’s unstoppable on the ice. His reckless behavior, devil-may-care attitude and complete disregard for consequences have made him a major source of headaches for the Fenway Flyers’ brass. But the new Flyers owner is more steel than brass... -
Lady Killer by Misti Murphy, T Lund
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey called him the Lady Killer. Able to get into a woman’s panties in 3.6 seconds flat. I know where he’s been. I know he keeps a list of all the women he’s f*cked. And there are so many reasons I’m not interested in being another number. I’m the reason his boxing career is over. The reason he almost died. I can never stop running...
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.

