Books like 'When I Need You'
Readers who enjoyed When I Need You by Lorelei James also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary sports athletes friends to lovers single-mother
-
Nora Roberts Bridal Quartet Boxed Set by Nora Roberts
This boxed gift set from the New York Times bestselling author of more than 190 novels features four books that follow the love lives of four childhood friends who have teamed up to form one of Connecticut's premiere wedding planning companies... -
Fumble. Pass. Repeat. by T'Lyn
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsKyce Jefferson understood change. His life had been a continuous reminder that nothing last for ever. However, his one constant had always been football. Women come and go but the Chicago Bears was his team, his home and his life. Being traded was the last thing he expected or wanted.Iyoni Nixon lived and breathed for her son. He was her reason... -
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... -
Hearts at Play by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBrianna Heart has a six-year old daughter and a twelve-year plan to keep her life as simple as possible until Layla turns eighteen. That means swearing off relationships and the drama that goes along with them, working two jobs, and being the best damn mother she can be... -
-
A Cranberry Inn Christmas by Beth Ehemann
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsChristmas at the Murphy household has always been a big deal, but with her daughters getting older, Kacie Murphy is feeling a bit sentimental, so she decides to give her family the perfect Christmas. Plans of cookie baking, sleigh ride taking, and snowman making are quickly put in jeopardy when Kacie receives devastating news—her mom has sold the beloved Cranberry Inn... -
Path To Restoration by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsNate Hunter; aspiring boxer, brother to five younger sisters, and...stripper. Yeah, you read that right. After his twin sister went through an abusive relationship, Nate fought to restore her honor by starting a chain of nightclubs that hire and help victimized women get back on their feet... -
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
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... -
Can't Help Falling In Love by Erika Kelly
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsWhat happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas…The moment Beckett O’Neill retires from professional sports, he swears off schedules and commitments. His new gig has him hopping from one exotic location to the next. No strings, no responsibilities. Nothing that will tie him down.Until he runs into her, the woman who stole his heart for a night in Vegas.. -
Tacker by Sawyer Bennett
I am not okay. Fifteen months ago, my life was turned upside down when the plane I was piloting went down. Injured and trapped in the wreckage, I had to watch my fiancée die a painfully slow death, which is something that can really mess with your head. Since that day, I’ve had little desire to do much of anything. Except play hockey, that is... -
Path To Realization by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAsher Pryce hides behind a wall of secrets he's spent most of his life building up. How else is the adopted child whose birth parents run a drug cartel supposed to fit in? He's notorious for his overconfident swagger and total lack of patience for bullshit - a master of masks. The one thing in his life he can't fake? His feelings for his best friend's twin sister... -
Roman by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsI’m one of the fastest running backs in the NFL, but I can’t outrun my feelings for my best friend.I’ve wanted Teagan Hall for over a decade, but I’ve never been willing to risk our friendship.Then she shows up at my doorstep, fleeing her abusive ex, and everything changes.Now she’s not just my best friend—she’s my roommate.She's also the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.Every innocent touch crackles... -
The Perfect Game Box Set by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat's better than one sexy friends-to-lovers sports romance? Three of them!Alluring heroes. Painful truths. Enduring love.Which Nighthawk will be your favorite?Book One - Catching CadenIf all they see are her scars - they aren't looking hard enough.It was my home run ball that shattered her face.Right along with her modeling career.Now it's my mission to help her rebuild her life... -
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... -
-
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... -
Cole by Nyssa Kathryn
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsShe’s a single mom with a secret. He’s a former Delta who doesn’t let people too close.Aria Callas understands struggle and sacrifice. Getting pregnant at sixteen, she’s spent more than a decade and a half ensuring her and her son’s safety the only way she knows how—by staying on the move...Categorized as:
sports single-mother friends to lovers suspense military contemporary fighters tortured heroine -
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... -
Losing an Edge by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn any other family, Levi “501” Babcock would have been the golden boy. Instead, he’s lived his entire life in the shadow of his almost-perfect older brother. They both play for the NHL’s Portland Storm, but Levi is tired of being the second-best Babcock brother. He’s determined to find at least one thing he can do better... -
Southern Seducer by Jessica Peterson
I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff in my life. But sleeping with my best friend tops the list. Annabel and I have been close since college. When I left school to play pro football, she was there. While I collected Super Bowl rings and cars worth more than the house I grew up in—she was there. I always assumed we’d end up together. Everyone did... -
Play to Win by Ja'Nese Dixon
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsKamal’s an ex-football player. Jayda’s a single mother uninterested in another relationship until she sees Kamal with her daughter.Every rejection will only make his victory sweeter. He plans to lick, taste, and devour her like the delicacy she is until the world, her ex, and Jayda recognizes his name tatted on every inch of her curvy body... -
With This Fling by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLaura Bennett has spent her life taking care of other people and running the Dip and Twist. Happily spending her time being single and carefree, she has no intention of settling down or falling in love. With an ever-growing family, she’s a mother to them all, and she loves every minute of it. But her baby is getting married, and her oldest has her own life changes she’s dealing with... -
Finding Chase by Lacey Weatherford
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsLife hasn’t been easy for Chase Walker. He’s experienced tragedy, and at times he’s not sure he wants to continue living. But he made a vow to go on with his life, and he intends to keep it. After getting a college scholarship to play football, Chase heads off to school, hoping his time on the field will help to bury the intense emotions that still linger in his heart... -
Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 19 ratings“Hawks fans still in shock after centerfielder, Shepherd Oliver, sustained season-ending injury last night in the 5th inning of the playoffs against Chicago.”Two years ago, I was a pretty big deal. I thought I had it all, until a blast from my past popped up on my social media feed, keeping my ego in check and reminding me how basic I am. Except sassy Wren Bennett isn’t just a blast from my past... -
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... -
-
One More Song by C.M. Seabrook
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAmazon Bestselling Author C.M. Seabrook brings you a sexy new full-length standalone romance. My band, Absinthe, is sent to the middle of nowhere to get our shit together. It's time to keep my cock in my pants, my head on straight, and to stay out of trouble. Hard to do when the landlord is Ember Skye. Long brown hair, eyes flecked with gold. One look and she has me, heart and soul... -
I Want to Hold Your Hand by Marie Force
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFor the Abbott siblings, the Green Mountain state has always been an idyllic place to call home... -
Portland Storm: The Second Period by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDelay of Game With her father’s health in question, Sara Thomas is focused on reducing his anxiety. That’s no small feat considering his high-stress job. Everyone knows Sara’s single; no one knows she’s pregnant. There’s never a good time to unexpectedly get knocked up, but now is not it... -
Power Forward by Nicole Falls
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"It’s your world, baby. Whatever you want, whatever you need, I got you."Starting Center for the Nashville Trojans Zebediah Kennedy has always been known as the guy everyone turns to for a good time. As a free agent going into the next season his future is unknown, but he’s determined to make the best of it, now matter how the cards may fall... -
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... -
Tame The Player by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHolden is a professional baseball player on the injured list. His only goal is getting back on the field… until he meets me.Everyone knows about Holden Gray's reputation.He goes through women faster than most baseball players go through sunflower seeds.When he becomes my next physical therapy patient, I'm determined to keep things professional... -
Only One Forever by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsFrom The Something So Series and the This Is series comes Only One Forever.DylanMy dreams came true when I was adopted at ten.I was the best on the ice. Living the life of what every kid dreams of.We’ve been best friends since then. Even when she was the annoying little sister following us around.I would do anything for her.It is another family vacation; except this time it feels different...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes contemporary new adult forced proximity forbidden love hockey -
Second Chance by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsAnother romance for the over 40. Can one sexy silver fox face the woman he once left behind but never let go? Her. A widow at forty-four, her husband left her a letter. Contact Denton. Once upon a time, the three of them had been best friends. Mati Rath isn’t sure she should look back. Her heart isn’t ready, or so she thinks. Him. A pleading phone call forces him to make a decision... -
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
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:
athletes friends to lovers sports alpha male contemporary new adult found-family m-f -
-
After All by Heidi McLaughlin
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin comes a heartfelt story about overcoming great loss and forgiving past sins to find happiness again. Brooklyn Hewett hasn’t set foot in Cape Harbor for fifteen years—not since an accident claimed the love of her life, Austin Woods. Desperate to move forward, Brooklyn has focused on raising her daughter for the past fourteen years... -
Beyond the Bases - Special Edition by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsWhat happens when you want more in life than just running the bases? You hang out at home plate and stop playing the field.LarissaHe's sexy and irresistible. I've done my best to ignore the magnetism that flows between us. I don't need complications in my life. I can't get wrapped up in his world. The last thing I need is to get attached to a professional athlete. I don’t have time for heartbreak...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers single-mother contemporary new adult dual-pov insta-love -
Bangshift by Winter Travers
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 11 ratings*Skid Row Kings Series, Book 3 Kurt Jensen has had enough. Tired of being under his brother's thumb and having the one person he wanted push him away, Kurt knew it was time to leave. California was supposed to be the new start he craved and needed, but one wrong turn brought everything crashing down around him, literally... -
Holding On by Pamela Clare
A hero barely holding on… Harrison Conrad returned to Scarlet Springs from Nepal, the sole survivor of a freak accident on Mt. Everest. Shattered and grieving for his friends, he vows never to climb again and retreats into a bottle of whiskey—until Kenzie Morgan shows up at his door with a tiny puppy asking for his help... -
Waiting for Willa by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWaiting for Willa From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes the newest installment in her beloved Big Sky Series… Max Hull left Cunningham Falls a long time ago. Thanks to his killer instincts and business smarts, he’s come back to town richer than anyone’s wildest imagination... -
Somebody Like You by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s rich, talented and way out of her league. Now he’s making her an offer she can’t refuse…Football has always been Cam Hartson’s life. When he's forced to retire following an injury, he slinks back to his small home town, planning to lie low and lick his wounds. Until he meets Mia Devlin. The beautiful single mom of two tearaway boys has no interest in love... -
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... -
When Our Worlds Stand Still by Lindsey Iler, Pink Ink Design
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTime is said to heal all wounds. Kennedy Conrad embraces survival. Group therapy, friends, and dance are helping her find the person she was. Overcoming the darkest period of her past is getting easier every day. Still, the ache in her chest tells her something is missing. Him. The more precious something is, the harder you fight for it. Graham Black embraces change... -
Love In the Red Zone by Love Belvin
Can you tell the difference between a distraction and a blessing? It should be simple, but sometimes what we think is a distraction can actually be a turning of the tide required to bring life full circle, to a place of blessing. Meet Trent Bailey, who is fighting for the right to continue his stellar professional football career after enduring striking legal woes in the recent past... -
Trading Paint by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA must have companion to Happy Hour that give you an inside look into the characters of the Racing on the Edge series. Step into the magic where the clay met rubber and desire defined greatness. Trading Paint takes you inside the hasty driver’s mind to what led him to a decision that changed the path of two souls... -
-
Code Name: Ghost by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI knew the risks of this job when I signed on with Jameson Force Security. Knew my time as a marine would prepare me for the danger I would face. But no amount of training could have ever prepared me for the helplessness of watching my teammates die, the agonizing mental and physical pain of torture, or the despair of captivity... -
Reunited in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe remembers the heat. She remembers the heartbreak. Twenty years later do they still have a shot at love? When an injury puts NFL star Krew Slattery’s future in question, he returns to his hometown of Good Hope. He plans to lay low, until he runs into Cassie Lohmeier. Krew has never forgotten the one amazing night they shared, and unfortunately for him, Cassie hasn’t either.. -
Seeking Shadows by K.E. Osborn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat if the woman I fell for was in love with someone else? The man who claimed her heart is my VP, the same man I need to respect and follow his orders. But now that I'm no longer a prospect, it's difficult to find my place... -
Foul Play by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Phantoms are back with a vengeance… and the City of Angels will never be the same. When the world's top supermodel’s friend zones you, what's a determined hockey player supposed to do? Change her mind. But it’ll take more than a trick play to convince her. Cheyenne is more than a stunning beauty; she's a part of my life, my bed, and now my heart... -
Two For Holding by Kay Gordon
Savannah I didn’t think I was missing anything. I had my son, a great career, and a home that I’d made for both of us. One puck over the glass at a hockey game made me realize I wanted more. The larger-than-life hockey player inserted himself into our world and I never wanted to let him go. The thing is, I don’t know if I’m strong enough to keep him... -
Where Forever Ends by K. Street
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings𝑴𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔—𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒘. Then: I was a wife. Married to a man who was my world and the father of my child. Then, one day, half of my heart was ripped out of my chest. Now: I’m a widow. A single mom who has spent the last nine months trying like hell not to drown in an ocean of grief...
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
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.