Books like 'The Game You Play'
Readers who enjoyed The Game You Play by L.A. Cotton also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult sports new adult bad boys alpha male angst from hate to love high-school grumpy sunshine
-
Fallen Crest Forever by Tijan
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsMason Kade is the dream.He is the promise.He's offering what so many would fantasize about, and it's not that I don't want it/him/us.It's the opposite.There might be ghosts haunting me, but this man who's my soulmate is asking me for forever... -
Unbelievers by AgnesBellex
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsIt’s Louis’ senior year, and he’s dead set on doing it right. However, along with his pair of cleats, a healthy dose of sarcasm and his ridiculous best friend, he’s also got a complicated family, a terrifyingly uncertain future, and a mortal enemy making his life just that much worse. Mortal enemies “with benefits” was not exactly the plan... -
I sold myself to the devil for Vinyls... Pitiful I Know by DarknessAndLight
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsLexi Grayson is a normal teenager, as normal as she can be with her unobserving skills and her overthinking mind. But she might need the overthinking if she wants to unravel the smirking mystery that is Blake Eaton...Categorized as:
high-school from hate to love bad boys sports young adult contemporary friends to lovers humor -
That Promise by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsWhat happens to childhood promises when you grow up?Growing up, Devaney Diamond and Chase Mackenzie promised to go to college together. But it’s been two years since the summer that changed everything between them, and their friendship hasn’t recovered...Categorized as:
sports new adult high-school from hate to love siblings-bff m-f contemporary young adult -
-
That Promise by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsWhat happens to childhood promises when you grow up?Growing up, Devaney Diamond and Chase Mackenzie promised to go to college together. But it’s been three years since the summer that changed everything between them, and their friendship hasn’t recovered... -
ラストゲーム 1 by Shinobu Amano, 天乃 忍
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsHe's rich, he's smart, girls gather around him all the time, and he has always gotten first place on his exams... well, until Kujou transferred in his primary school class... -
Broken Empire by Callie Rose
Truths will be uncovered. Alliances will shift.And nothing will ever be the same.The final book in the Boys of Oak Park Prep series is coming soon.**The release date will be moved forward... -
Fallen Crest Campout: A Fallen Crest/Crew crossover novella by Tijan
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsSam and Mason return to Fallen Crest for a camping trip.They head north, meeting up with a few friends from Roussou and enjoy a night of booze, some leapfrogging, and there’s a small therapy session to air out some tension in the group... -
Last Game 01 by Shinobu Amano
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsHe's rich, he's smart, girls gather around him all the time, and he has always gotten first place on his exams... well, until Kujou transferred in his primary school class... -
Myles by Lisa Helen Gray, Elisia Goodman
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsI’m Kayla Martin... I was once sweet and innocent, saw the world bright with colour, but now all I see is black and white. He not only ripped my innocence away from me, tortured me and made my life a living hell, but he stole the very soul that made me who I am. I’m a shell of the girl I once knew. But it’s all about to change. I’m ready to face my fear... -
The Betrayal You Serve by Tracy Lorraine
You can’t outrun the truth...It changes everything.Her secrets might have been exposed, but mine are still hanging over us.A betrayal that sends her straight into the arms of another.It’s like a knife to my heart.But I was holding the blade.Scarlett gave me an ultimatum, one that I need to take seriously.Walk away from the only life I’ve ever known, everything I’ve worked for... -
Adrenaline by Penelope Douglas
**You ask. You receive!*** Have you read Bully and the rest of the Fall Away series? Would you enjoy having all the bonus content in one place? Adrenaline is approximately 36, 000 words of bonus scenes, deleted scenes, character conversations, and Q&As shared over the past few years and is mostly material not found in the actual books. Here, you'll find.. -
Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 62 ratingsCarlos Fuentes doesn't want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him in Boulder, Colorado. He wants to keep living on the edge, and carve his own path-just like Alex did. Unfortunately, his ties to a Mexican gang aren't easy to break, and he soon finds himself being set up by a drug lord...Categorized as:
high-school new adult bad boys from hate to love young adult contemporary dual-pov length-medium -
That Summer by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDevaney Diamond’s summer break was shaping up to be the best one ever. Her longtime crush was finally interested in her, and by the time school rolled around in the fall, she knew he’d be her boyfriend...Categorized as:
high-school angst sports m-f contemporary young adult friends to lovers length-medium -
-
Paine by Tracy Lorraine
She was my best friend. The person I told my deepest secrets to. But when my world came crashing down, it was all because of her family. From that moment, I realized I’d been wrong to trust her. Her big caring eyes and sweet face were nothing but an act as she’d watched on while I tried to keep my head above water. That was our past... -
Illegal My Ass by Makeandoffer
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsMia Hastings was never one to follow the rules. Her brother knew it, her best friend knew it. Everyone knew it. She lives for the moment, doing whatever she feels and thinking of the consequences later. Her main goal in life is to live it.Mia’s brother’s best friend Drake O’Connell was never big on rules.The judge who sentences him to 2 years in prison knew it...Categorized as:
high-school new adult bad boys siblings-bff contemporary young adult humor length-medium -
Una sfida come te by Katie McGarry
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsOttimi voti, stile impeccabile e una carriera di successo: ecco cosa si aspettano tutti da Rachel Young. Specialmente la sua numerosa e assillante famiglia. Ma nessuno sospetta che dietro quella maschera di perfezione si nasconda una ragazza fragile con una lista interminabile di segreti. Segreti inconfessabili come la passione per la velocità e le auto da corsa...Categorized as:
new adult high-school bad boys sports young adult contemporary dual-pov forbidden love -
Enjoying the Chase by Kirsty Moseley
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsNate Peters is living the playboy life. He has great friends, a great job, no responsibilities, no girlfriend, and he loves it. Nate, being incredibly skilled with a pick-up line, has never failed to get a girl in his life… until one day he meets Rosie York. Rosie is completely uninterested in him. Being unable to stand a dented ego, Nate makes it his mission to win her over... -
Amour Amour by Krista Ritchie, Ava Erickson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsListening time 13 hours 21 minutesLove is a circus"Every day,” he says lowly, “I hold a person’s life in my hands. The circus is based one-hundred percent off trust. I give it all to someone, and they give it all to me.”The best aerial technique won’t land 21-year-old Thora James her dream role in Amour—a sexy new acrobatic show on the Vegas strip... -
Fallen Crest Christmas by Tijan
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsThis is a very very short Fallen Crest High novella consisting of one scene that has three parts, and an additional bonus scene. Happy Holidays from Tijan... -
I Need You To Hate Me by Genicious
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA passionate and enthralling college romance. Two damaged souls on a path to obliteration. When they collide, will they heal each other, or are they damaged beyond repair?What’s worse than losing someone you love? Blaming yourself for their death. Two years after a devastating accident, Calla is still full of guilt. But beyond the blame, other demons are prowling. Post-traumatic stress disorder...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love grumpy sunshine m-f contemporary military humor young adult -
Trust Him by Caitlyn Dare
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratings𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗺. 𝗛𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻.Hadley Rexford wasn’t supposed to get under my skin. But I thought she was like me, until I push her too far, and destroy everything we had.I want to hurt her.Consume her. In the end, I’ll make sure she’s only ever mine.Cole Jagger wasn’t to supposed to become everything to me... -
Bittersweet Always by Ella Fields
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom bestselling author Ella Fields comes an all new standalone. An emotional new adult romance that proves love is worth fighting your demons for. Toby Hawthorne was an enigma. One I didn't factor into my college plans. I wasn't looking for love. I wasn't not looking for it either. And in that state of in-between, he found me. Unaware of the battle he fought everyday, I fell fast... -
Falling for Hadie by Komal Kant
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 27 ratings“Sometimes there is a single moment that changes your life forever.” Hadie Swinton is giving up on boys. After a disastrous relationship, she is convinced that all males are the same—arrogant, self-assured, and complete jerks. Lincoln Bracks is giving up on his old life. After moving to a new town to escape the problems plaguing him, he is set against ever getting close to anyone again...Categorized as:
bad boys new adult angst high-school young adult contemporary tearjerkers length-medium -
-
Fumbled Hearts by Meagan Brandy
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 47 ratingsAfter months of refusing, I finally agreed to make the move to Alrick Falls. My family thought it was best - that a new scene would be good for me - and I was sick of having the same conversation. So here I am, and the plan is simple. Smile through each day and avoid her at all costs. It’s perfect. Until the cocky quarterback comes into play... -
Pieces of You by Jay McLean
They could’ve been perfect.In another time. Another world.Where his wasn’t falling apart.And hers wasn’t already in pieces.-High school senior Holden Eastwood only has one fear in life: growing up.He spends his days unmotivated, moving from one game to the next, searching for his next challenge... -
Eden High: Book 4 by Jordan Silver
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNow that he has staked his claim Jace and Sian are the new 'It' couple and there's love in the air , not only for these two lovebirds, but their friends seem to have been bitten by the bug...Categorized as:
alpha male new adult high-school young adult contemporary virgin heroine length-novella -
Shattered Love by Stacey Marie Brown
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEveryone has a story about a broken heart, but Jaymerson’s heart wasn’t just broken. It was completely shattered… Along with her body and mind. Jaymerson Holloway had it all—until one moment. One bad decision. A split second and her life was altered forever. Faced with unimaginable grief and guilt, while learning to simply walk again, Jaymerson realizes she will never be the same...Categorized as:
sports new adult m-f cold hero from hate to love young adult contemporary independent heroine -
Low Over High by J.A. DeRouen
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsI fancy myself a purveyor of truth, a sifter of lies, a cutter of bullshit. It’s not a gift, but rather, all skill, honed to a razor’s edge after one too many trips down the rabbit hole. Some may dismiss my talent as misplaced and misguided cynicism, but they’d be wrong. Cliches about hope and faith in mankind are concocted unicorn farts, an effort to keep the dreamers dreaming... -
Tame Him by Caitlyn Dare
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 ratings𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺. 𝗛𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗼.Remi Tanner was only supposed to be a pawn in my game. But I screwed up. I broke her. And now I have to find a way to fix it. I want her.I need her. In the end, I’ll prove she’s the only thing that matters.Ace Jagger wasn’t supposed to imprint himself on my heart...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love bad boys alpha male high-school m-f contemporary young adult -
Broken Hill Hearts by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsI have never been at such a low. School work? Stuff it. Manners? Get screwed.Being a decent human being? Over my dead body.And it’s all because of him. Nate was supposed to be the reason I wake up in the morning until he took that reason away. Now, I’m left feeling like an empty shell of the girl I used to be.He’s the love of my life. Always has been and always will be...Categorized as:
from hate to love bad boys new adult young adult cruel hero contemporary length-short -
Fumbled Futures: A Sports Romance Collection by Meagan Brandy
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe cocky quarterback and his friends have come together in a boxset! This collections includes Fumbled Hearts, Defenseless Hearts, and the exclusive short story no longer available anywhere else, Fourth Down! Follow new girl, Kalani Embers, and friends on their journeys to forever ... One big book, three addictive love stories! Fumbled HeartsHe’s the persistent playboy who refuses to walk away... -
The Crash Trilogy: Includes Crash, Clash and Crush by Nicole Williams
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLucy Larson lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, and has her sights firmly set on a place at Juilliard. She's on her way to the top and has so far been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Well, up until now…Jude Ryder is the quintessential bad boy and everything a girl like Lucy needs to stay away from, especially if she wants to hold onto her dream future... -
All That's Been Said by Emma Doherty
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIzzy Kavanagh hates her new life in the US; that much she’s made obvious. She’s done everything she can to alienate her twin, Ethan, and to prove she doesn’t want to be there.She’s certainly succeeded.Perhaps a little too much.Suddenly the idea of having her brother hate her isn’t what she wants...Categorized as:
high-school sports siblings-bff new adult football young adult contemporary found-family -
-
Meant To Be by Monica Murphy
Ava Callahan.Love of my life.Wrecker of my soul.I would have sworn on anything that what we shared was real.But she broke my trust. And then my heart. I don't think I can piece it back together without her, but I'm sure gonna try.I’m better off on my own, anyways, right? Who needs girls when you have football?If only I believed that... -
If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsLena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year. She's ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications and to maybe let her childhood best friend Sebastian know how she really feels about him. For Lena, the upcoming year is going to be epic—one of opportunities and chances...Categorized as:
sports angst new adult high-school contemporary young adult friends to lovers length-medium -
Dare to Dream by S.B. Alexander
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe'll do anything to protect his love, even if it means trading his life for hers... Bad boy Kade Maxwell knows the pain of loss. His sister's death tore his family apart. His life seemed destined down a nightmarish path until he met Lacey Robinson, a light that cuts though his darkness. Despite her own tragedy, her beauty, determination, and dedication makes him believe he can dream again... -
Home Game by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFootball has been my life. Not that I ever had a choice in the matter. When your dad is a retired, future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, the gridiron tends to weave its way into your DNA.I always loved the game, but I could do without the spotlight that comes with being Peyton Johnson, the great Reed Johnson’s daughter...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love high-school football young adult athletes contemporary length-medium -
Forever Golden by Rachel Jonas, Nikki Thorne
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsWest Golden—Fierce protector. The one.The cocky jock I once wanted to kill with my bare hands is now the only one I trust with my heart.In a city full of corruption and dark secrets, knowing who’s on your side gets harder to determine every day. Especially now that Vin’s on the warpath, passing out threats he fully intends to see through to the end...Categorized as:
new adult sports from hate to love angst cold hero young adult suspense contemporary -
The Midseason Fakeout by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe star quarterback of the Bulldogs was supposed to be my ticket to a normal life, but now I’ve fallen for him…again.He’s my brother’s best friend. The perfect person to fake a relationship with. No feelings involved. Just pretend.He helps me. I help him.We both agreed.Except, things get real…and quick...Categorized as:
sports football siblings-bff new adult from hate to love contemporary friends to lovers college -
The Bad Boy, Cupid & Me by Slim_Shady
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsReece smirked, "Trust me Chloe, the Good Girl always falls for the Bad Boy."Chloe Armel is a Good Girl.She never gets in trouble, gets excellent grades and is loved by everyone.Enter Reece.Wild, badass and has an ego that honestly couldn't get any bigger.He gets into fights, breaks every single rule and couldn't care less about the consequences that come with it...Categorized as:
high-school bad boys new adult from hate to love sports young adult contemporary humor -
Defenseless Hearts by Meagan Brandy
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAfter months of silence, here she stands on my front porch, waiting to be let in again. But it's the same play every time, and I know how this ends - I give her all I have and she carries it with her on the way back to him. I should turn her away, but I won't. Couldn't do it if I tried. Because no matter how many times she pops back up, pulls me in and drags me under, it will never be enough... -
Brave by Natalie Gayle
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBrave A moment in time, that’s all it took. Beauty, pain and tragedy. Xander “Pretty Boy” Todd was a demon in the ring. A professional MMA fighter with a career that had the world a buzz—but now it’s gone. Or is it? Eden Sommers had her dreams of an international modelling career within her grasp—and lost it. Gone within a few seconds, leaving nothing but pain... -
Ruined Hopes by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAshleigh Chase has always had big dreams.But when she wakes up in hospital with no memory of how she got there, her bright future dissolves around her.Ezra Bennet has always felt like the odd one out.But this time, he really screwed up and he has no choice but to face the consequences...Categorized as:
high-school sports new adult cold hero football contemporary virgin hero friends to lovers -
-
Shift by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBlurb to...Categorized as:
new adult sports siblings-bff young adult contemporary friends to lovers length-short -
A Thousand Words by Treblehearts
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsReece Bremer goes through life with a scowl and cold personality. Jessica Andrews goes through life with a glowing smile and positive outlook. Reece looks at life with dull, judgmental eyes that make him hate the world and the people living in it. Jessica, well . . . She looks at life through a camera. Literally... -
Habits by Anna B. Doe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHow can something so wrong feel so good? A brand new standalone in Greyford High series is coming March 27th! Senior year. Three girls. Three guys. Secrets and lies. Demons of past and present. Old insecurities and new fears. One more year left to pretend. One more year to wreck it all. The countdown begins... -
Perfect Someday by Lauren Runow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI knew, someday, I’d have the life of my dreams.I just wasn’t prepared to lose him in return.Growing up in small-town Mason Creek, it's hard for a girl to dream big. Since my mom was barely making ends meet, I knew moving away for college wasn’t in the cards. What I didn’t know was how singing a Miranda Lambert song while unpacking a box would change my life forever .. -
Dirty Boy by Sapphire Knight
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBlow's always been known as the party boy, looking for a good time while running everything illegal you can think of. The moment he looked at me and asked if I wanted to have some fun, I was in. Until Angel, his brother, decided otherwise. Next thing I knew, I had the most dangerous biker in the club hell bent on hunting me down. There was only one man who could help save me. Blow... -
Love Me Sweet by Kate J. Blake
Kendall"Your eyes are so blue, I'm gonna call you Sapphire," he said, smiling at me. It was my tenth birthday."What's that?" I asked, smiling in response."It's a jewel. My mom has a necklace with it. She says it's important to her and very expensive. I'm gonna call you that because you're important to me."Those memories burst into my head like a tornado, without asking for permission...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love bad boys alpha male m-f young adult contemporary virgin heroine
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.