Books like 'The Play'
Readers who enjoyed The Play by J.H. Croix & Clarise Tan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary sports new adult athletes strong heroine curvy heroine soccer dual-pov first-person-pov
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Hart to Heart by M.E. Carter, Jacob Morgan
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsListening Length: 5 hours, 6 minutesWe’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... -
Power Play by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 22 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... -
Free Agent by Christina C. Jones
For Rori Mitchell, delulu is decidedly not the solulu.Getting her lick back is.What starts as chance encounter at a sporting event ends up being a perfect distraction from the chaos of a broken heart. Instead of throwing herself into work, she throws herself - for good or bad - into Tatum Wilder.An offensive tackle for the Connecticut Kings, Tatum is used to high-stakes games and intense scrutiny... -
Kickin' It by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsLove breaks the offside rule in New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s irresistibly sexy Red Card romance. Successful, high-profile sports agent Matt Kingston thinks he can handle anything. Then soccer player Parker Speedman shows up at his door. She is young and gorgeous, has natural talent, and is looking for a team...Categorized as:
sports new adult athletes soccer contemporary forbidden love from hate to love siblings-bff -
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Dump and Chase by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsShelli Adler has known what she wanted since she was eleven years old. Aiden Brooks. But Aiden has always had other ideas. After spending the early years of his life without his dad, hockey legend Lucas Brooks, Aiden is determined not to settle for anything less than true love. When he’s ready. Now he’s living the fast life of an NHL bachelor... -
Made to Love You by Megan Smith
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsJaylinn McCormick had finally found the man who makes her life complete. After putting the most terrifying night of her life behind her, she’s moving on. Suddenly, unexpected life altering events have Jaylinn spiraling in an unknown direction. Will she be able to survive? Cooper Cahill finally found a balance in his life... -
Griz by E. Cleveland
This fake relationship romance has it all! Funny, awkward moments. The “will they or won’t they”? And so much tension and steam it'll make you sweat! One thousand dollars.I wasn’t supposed to bid at Westbury’s Bachelor Auction. In fact, I was hosting the event when I decided to lean into the microphone and yell out that ridiculous amount.I blame Bridezilla's stupid text (oops, I mean my sister)... -
Ignite by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThere were two things Emmit Lewis loved. Racing cars and Adaline Morgan. Time was stolen from the two young lovers and Emmit vowed never again would he allow anything to come between the two of them. Blurred lines both on and off the track have Emmit being tested beyond his limits... -
Britches Get Stitches by Elicia Hyder
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBe brave. Be strong. Be badass. After a two-year struggle to conceive ends with her husband getting another woman pregnant, Grace “Britches Get Stitches” Evans is taking out her frustrations on the roller derby track. Full-contact violence and absolutely no cheating men? Best divorce-support group ever... -
Brazen Girl by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIt only takes a second for her world to come crashing down.Jordan’s crash is a wake-up call for everyone. Recovering from a head injury brings new challenges no one is expecting or prepared to handle. Jordan begins to doubt that she has what it takes to make it as a pro skateboarder... -
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... -
Trouble with the Guy Next Door by Holly Renee
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsFrom the moment I met him, I knew he was trouble. He was reckless, cocky, and everything I shouldn't want. I had a life all figured out, and Tucker Moore was not a part of the plan. But somehow I slipped. One moment I had it all under control. The next I was spiraling around him, begging him for whatever he would give me. But as quickly as I fell for him, it all crumbled around us...Categorized as:
new adult curvy heroine first-person-pov contemporary friends to lovers m-f length-short -
Falling For Ruben by Tracy Lorraine
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsCan you begin falling in love from just a photograph?I’ve experienced the pain love can cause and I have no interest in it. Easy relationships and easier women are all I need. Until a shy brunette stops me in my tracks and makes me feel everything I told myself I never would... -
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In Your Pucking Dreams by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsCASSIEI made the worst decision of my life when I left Denver three years ago.I broke his heart. I broke my family’s hearts. And then I broke my own.It’s taken three long years, but here I am staring my past in the face.Only everything has changed.He isn’t the boy I once knew. He’s the Captain of the Denver Dragons... -
Brazen Steele by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBeckett Steele knows what he wants and he’s finally going after it. But there’s one thing that might complicate his mission. It was easy to sign the legally-binding contract prohibiting a public relationship when he had no intention of falling in love... -
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... -
Forever Pucked by Helena Hunting
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsBeing engaged to Alex Waters, team captain and the highest paid NHL player in the league, is awesome. How could it not be?In addition to being an amazing hockey player, he’s an incurable romantic with an XL heart, and an XXL hockey stick in his pants. And he knows how to use it. Incredibly, orgasmically well. Alex is the whole package and more. Literally. Like his package is insane... -
Brazen Tricks by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer new path is all about split second decisions. One of them will change her life forever.Jordan’s ready to embrace her identity as a pro skateboarder but wants to do it on her own terms.With her boyfriend the most popular skateboarder in the world, it’s not easy being seen and treated as just the girlfriend... -
Matters of the Hart by M.E. Carter
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIn an instant he became her hero. Then he became her lover and friend. My name is Jaxon Hart. You watched me grow up. You watched me fight for my life. Now, I’m fighting for hers. From the second I laid eyes on Annika, I wanted to help her. Protect her. Vindicate her. But she’s got baggage to get through. Hell, we both do... -
Play Dead by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe popular Scottish gay-romance series returns with this must-read novella! Colin’s wounds have finally healed. He’s ready for his big comeback on the football pitch and can’t wait to return to a normal life—especially the rampaging sex he and his boyfriend, Lord Andrew, once indulged in. But Andrew has his own invisible wounds... -
Everything with You by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsEvery road, even the broken ones, will eventually lead us to our destination. We hope to find our place in the world, sometimes getting lost and straddled with the fear of never being found. Ultimately it’s that broken road that leads us to the meaning of life, love and happiness. You watched as Allison and Liam fell head over heels... -
Nixon by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsI’m the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL because I know how to read the field.I control the plays—and my life—with absolute precision.Until Liberty Jones delivers the ultimate hit to my blind side with a story about two pink lines.The beautiful, free-spirited brunette has starred in my dreams since she disappeared after our wild weekend in Vegas, but I’ve been burned before... -
Heart Starter by Michelle Hercules
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMy plans were simple. Graduate from college, get a job, and not worry anymore if I can make next month's rent. It turns out I might have a shot at getting drafted to play in the NFL, and nothing will distract me from that goal.I didn't count on Sadie Clarkson wrecking my plans. Our first meeting was explosive, to say the least. Now I can't stop thinking about her sassy attitude or sexy mouth... -
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The Roommate Route by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Mariah Dietz Delivers a delicious and page-turning, forced-proximity, found family, standalone sports romance you don't want to miss!Nolan Payne, wide receiver for the Camden Knights is equal parts impulsive and reckless, and utterly addictive.He’s also my new roommate.My orderly existence implodes when Nolan proposes…. a situation... -
Just Playin' by Shandi Boyes
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsPresley “Elvis” Carlton was at the top of his game. Number one draft pick, engaged to an up-and-coming model, and voted best player of the decade his first year on the field. Things were golden. . . until an accident saw everything important torn from his grasp...Categorized as:
sports new adult athletes curvy heroine humor contemporary secret-relationship length-medium -
Tantalizing Kings by Alisha Williams
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy first year of college is already off to a bad start.My boyfriend of three years betrayed me at the end of summer party. He said I wasn't enough anymore, along with some other things that hurt to hear.I might be socially shy at times, but I’m not stupid, II know now what was really happening... -
Shut Up and Kiss Me (Midnight Kisses) by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis soccer star has one night to win it all…or risk losing everything.Ben PrescottBy most people’s standards, I’ve got it pretty good. I have a lucrative job playing my favorite game in the world: soccer. I get to live in my favorite city: Austin, Texas. I basically have it all. Except the woman I love. Why, you ask? Because she's my baby sister's best friend... -
Salvation by Terri Anne Browning, Sara Eirew
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLexa These feelings I have for Ben can’t go anywhere. I’m the Angels Halo MC president’s daughter. And he is the sheriff. For both our sakes, I have to keep him away. Ben Lexa calms the rage that I’ve struggled with my entire life. I couldn’t care less who her father is. Nothing matters but making her mine. Because my broken beauty is where my salvation begins... -
Heart Keeper by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBook 3 in the Manchester Athletic Series...Categorized as:
new adult sports athletes strong heroine soccer contemporary super rich hero forced proximity -
Game Day by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
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... -
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... -
Going All In by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing the nice guy leaves me open to being a rebound romance.Which I’m not interested in. I’ve got better things to do.Like taking my spot on the NBA draft picks. It’s all that matters to me.Love has never been on the radar. I’m too focused for all that fluff.Then life slows me down. Way down.An injury at the end of the spring semester has me working my way back to full health all summer long... -
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Cocky Striker: A Hero Club Novel by Evan Grace
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsYou've met Chance Bateman...Are you ready to meet his son??Some say I’m cocky — I say I’m confident. Things have always come easy for me; sports, academics…girls. And I’ve used all of that to my advantage the past three years of college.I’ve got it all, or at least I thought I did until Laken walks into my life... -
Zariah: Sacrificed (Angels Halo MC Next Gen) by Terri Anne Browning, Sara Eirew
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
Ice Queen by A.J. Wynter
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Ice Queen has a SecretEvery hockey player knows that the coach's daughter is off-limits.But, what about the owner's daughter?Is she off-limits too?Asking for a friend...To make things even more complicated, she's the general manager of the team.AKA my BOSS.So, yeah. If I want to see the playoffs, we need to keep this relationship a secret... -
Finding Tomorrow, A sexy, angsty, suspense filled, all-the-feels protector romance with a hot alpha hero HEA.: A Trading Yesterday Novel by Kahlen Aymes
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Kahlen Aymes comes a new, sexy standalone novel. A complete STAND-ALONE follow-up to Kahlen’s smash hit, Trading Yesterday! Outwardly, my life was rocking. As a sportscaster at ESPN, I’ve traveled the world, attending the most prestigious sporting events, and meeting all sorts of famous people... -
Reckless Goals by Katie Rae
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsRhysDespite being in my mid thirties and one of the world’s best soccer players, I had never reached my main goals in life—to be a husband and a father.But after being left heartbroken and alone on the night I planned to propose to my girlfriend, I realized how reckless that goal was. Love, in general, was reckless…...Categorized as:
sports dual-pov new adult athletes soccer age difference forced proximity contemporary -
Let You Leave by Caisey Quinn
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsNovella included in special edition of Keep Me Still New Adult Romance contains MA 17+ content Layla Flaherty had the perfect life, or close to it. Until a stranger gunned her parents down right in front of her, leaving her with seizure inducing PTSD. After years of trying to pass as normal and failing miserably, she resigns herself to being invisible... -
Three and Out by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPiper was dead to him. The minute she walked out the door on Mason, he was done. D.O.N.E. Now, three months later, he’s still trying to act like he doesn’t care. Like his heart hasn’t been torn into shreds and obliterated beyond recognition. But it’s not working. He’s broken and beyond repair. Then Piper goes missing... -
Love to Hate You by Isabelle Richards
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsSome connections are so powerful they will not be denied. Despite doing everything in their power to fight their feelings, Chase and Arianna decide to give their love a second chance. They hope that the long, painful journey back to each other will have taught them not to make the same mistakes again. This time they’ll get it right. All they need is a little time for the wounds to heal... -
Lucky Number Eleven by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsI’ve always been the person that does whatever someone tells me I can’t. Can’t graduate with a four-point-oh? Check.Can’t win a modeling contract without trying? Did it. Check.Can’t make it in the pro football league? Triple check with an MVP Award on top.When my best friend told me to stay away from his little sister, Layla, it didn’t sound like a challenge. Then again, I’d never seen her before... -
Icing by Jami Davenport
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSteele:I'm a second-year hockey player for the Seattle Sockeyes. Imagine my shock when I return from a trip to find my former roommate has transferred his lease to my nemesis. She's so annoying I can't stand to be in the same room with her. She pushes all my buttons and is my exact opposite. Despite it all, I want to rip off her clothes and make mad passionate love to her... -
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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 new adult dual-pov contemporary from hate to love humor length-medium -
Kiss My Pucking Bass by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsCHARLIMy life has been a mess since the day my father died.I was beaten and abused until I found the courage to run.I ran until I couldn’t take another step, collapsing at the door of Mickey’s bar.I was a broken shell, ready to give in.Until the sexy, broody man decided to save me.XANDERShe’s like nothing I’d ever seen with those blues and dark hair... -
Just For You by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNo shirt, no shoes, no … problems? Hemi Ranapia isn’t looking for love. Fun, yes. Love, not so much. But a summer fishing holiday to laid-back Russell could turn out to be more adventure than this good-time boy ever bargained for. Reka Harata hasn’t forgotten the disastrously hot rugby star she met a year ago, no matter how much she wishes she could... -
Don't You Pucking Dare by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSOPHIEHe’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.Ruggedly handsome, sexy, and dynamite in bed.He’s my husband and NHL God, and now, I'm having his baby.Nothing can change how I feel about him.Nothing could tear him away.TANKShe’s the love of my life and the mother of my unborn child.I’m one hell of a lucky bastard, the world in the palm of my hand.If only she had listened... -
The Playmaker by Dakota Madison
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsKian Kavanagh, Mr. Fire on Ice, has just been called up to play hockey for the NHL's new expansion team in Seattle. Finally playing in the NHL is a dream come true...except for one thing. Kian has to leave Northern Arizona and the love of his life, Taylor Thompson, to pursue his dream. Taylor Thompson thinks she's got life figured out... -
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...
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